The ninth art will be taking centre stage from 26 to 28 September in Brussels, at Tour & Taxis’ Gare Maritime.
On the programme for this new edition: exhibitions, meet-and-greets, book signings and activities for all. Comic strips will be showcased in all their forms, to the delight of comic lovers of all ages.
And the cherry on top: this year, a competition to take home your weight in comics,
From early September, comic art enthusiasts will be able to pick up the programme in around thirty bookstores across Brussels.
This is not just any programme: some ten blank spaces are waiting to be completed with stickers featuring well-known comic characters set against Brussels backdrops.
These stickers can be collected by visiting partner bookshops, where they are distributed free of charge.
Once their booklet is completed, the public will not only have the full programme, but will also be able to register on the festival’s website for a competition to win their weight in comics.
This exclusive competition is organised in collaboration with Local Guide Brussels.
Activities Publishing houses will be returning with exclusive signing sessions and activities for all. Visitors will be able to admire the famous giant balloons of comic characters displayed on the festival grounds. Last but not least, the International Pavilion will be back to delight fans of travel and discovery.
The programme is extensive but includes:
- Discovering Digital Drawing Cartoonbase
A new space will be dedicated to digital techniques and digital drawing. In collaboration with Alix Garin and Cartoonbase, facilitators will offer a range of original activities. Telling visual stories with a canvas, animating a character, and even stepping into the shoes of a cartoon character — this is what Cartoonbase will be offering throughout the weekend.
- All Aboard the Spirou Express Dupuis/Journal Spirou Welcome aboard the Spirou Express, the train that is always on time when it comes to humour, adventure and comic strip discoveries. You can meet the editorial team and authors of the magazine, but also – and above all – watch legendary live drawing battles. The Spirou Express is a one-way ticket to the incredible worlds of the Spirou Magazine.
- Instant Drawing and a Frenzied Beat at Drink & Draw Grafik In collaboration with the Grafik bookstore, budding artists can take part in an exclusive Drink & Draw event and indulge their passion to the rhythm of electrifying beats. Every 20 minutes, an illustrator will set you fun little challenges based on wacky objects or crazy ideas. Refreshments, music and good humour will be on hand to stimulate your imagination.
- The Wolf in Underpants takes the stage Adaptation of the children’s series by Mayana Itoïz and Wilfrid Lupano Dargaud. In the forest, all the animals have one thing in common: they are afraid of the wolf. But how will the forest’s inhabitants react when this wolf shows up — wearing underpants and looking more friendly than frightening? A wonderful, humour-filled show for all ages featuring Fabien Masson, Fabien Morin, and Fabien Ratisseau (in rotation).
- Jommeke’s Classroom: Learning is an adventure Standaard Uigeverij In 2025, Standaard Publishing will be marking the 70th anniversary of Jommeke. For seven decades now, this comic strip hero has been bringing fantasy and adventure to audiences of all ages. To mark this occasion, Standaard Publishing is offering an educational programme called De klas van Jommeke (Jommeke’s Classroom), a workshop filled with fun and educational activities inspired by the adventures of Jommeke and his friends. Educational, creative and stimulating all at once.
More information about the various activities and the Atomium Prizes can be found at bdcomicstripfestival.brussels (website regularly updated).
