Comics Corner

COMICS AT BCBF 2024

The 2024 Bologna Children's Book Fair renewed its commitment to highlighting the evolving world of comics and graphic novels through the Comics Corner, an exhibition space for specialist publishers supported by ITA (Italian Trade Agency) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Here are the key events from this year’s edition:

Focus on National Publishing Industries

• "Great Stories from a Small Country: Slovenian Comics Today" - A spotlight on Slovenia, the 2024 Guest of Honour, and its innovative independent comics scene.
• "Independent Comics from Southeast Asia" - Insights into the Asian comics market, beyond manga and webtoons, featuring publishers from Singapore and the Philippines.
• "On a Journey through Canadian Comics" - An exploration of the Canadian comics industry with leading figures like Peggy Burns and Frederic Gauthier.

Success Stories and Opportunities

• "The Italian Factor in Comics: Building a Career in the US" - A discussion on career opportunities for Italian illustrators in the US, featuring testimonies from emerging talents.
• "Melancholic, Sarcastic, Brilliant and Tenderly Cruel...Female Protagonists in Comics Dominate the Scene" - An analysis of the impact of female protagonists in modern comics and their dominance in the industry.

New Trends and Young Readers

• "Absolute beginners. Comics conquer young readers" - A focus on the growing trend of comics for very young readers and their influence on global publishing.
• "First Times: Scouting in Contemporary Comics" - A discussion among publishers on the importance of identifying enduring talent in a rapidly evolving market.
• "How to Make Comics for Young Adults" - Insights into crafting graphic novels that resonate with teenagers and attract young audiences.

This edition reinforced Bologna’s role as a hub for innovation in comics and graphic novels, bringing together global voices and fostering new perspectives in the industry..