Valencia is gearing up for its biggest event in the ninth art: the Comic Fair will hold its next edition. From 27 from February to March 1 at Feria Valencia, with a poster signed by the Sevillian author Maria Medem and an agenda that combines comics, manga, pop culture and activities for all audiences, as well as other events, such as the Getxo Comic Fair.
The organization has placed emphasis on two key lines: a new space for children and young people, AU-K!, and a specific programming with content creators that bring comics closer to young audiences. Work is also underway to incorporate bestselling authors and strengthen the presence of prominent names in the Valencian comics scene.
Dates, lineup and objectives of the edition
This year's poster is signed by Maria Medem, which transfers its unmistakable aesthetic to the image: Vibrant palette, poetic composition and an atmosphere between the dreamlike and the emotional, as occurs with the Barcelona Motor Show poster. The design highlights two figures reading in an urban environment and the play with vignettes to suggest movement and narration, an invitation to let yourself be carried away by reading.
During the presentation, the Hall team —with Mario Soler in the direction and Daniel Tomás as content manager— highlighted the main lines guiding the project: promote reading through comics, create new audiences and open the event as window to the world for the sector.
The meeting once again has the institutional support of the VAT, the Provincial Council of Valencia, Town Hall and Valencian generalitatThe poster launch was attended by, among others, Vicente Ripoll, Paco Teruel, Pedro F. Medina y Esther Alba, along with representatives from the University of Valencia and the Chair of Comic Studies.
AU-K!: Reading, play, and creativity for the new generations
the new space AU-K! born next to the Chair of Comic Studies SM Foundation – University of Valencia with a clear objective: to promote reading habits and creativity through playful dynamics, as other initiatives have done in classrooms such as III Irun Comic Fair. Habrá comic workshops in valencia, fanzines and self-publishing, as well as creative proposals linked to comics such as cosplay, costumes, ceramics or models.
This area will have its own stage for informal meetings with authors, children's competitions, signing tables, small exhibitions and talks designed for those accompanying the little ones. From the chair, Alvaro Pons y Noelia Ibarra They emphasize the “sweet moment"of children's and youth comics and the need for break down prejudices to integrate it into classrooms as a learning and values tool.
Along with AU-K!, a specific programming is being recovered for disseminators and communicators digital comics and manga. The program includes talks on digital outreach, debates on ethics and objectivity, community building on networks, and recordings and live interviews with the public, as well as meetings between disseminators and editors.
The international perspective will continue to be very present with the continuity of projects dedicated to African comic and new exhibition proposals. In parallel, the return of a Palestinian comic exhibition, with the possibility—if circumstances permit—of inviting an author from Gaza. The area also Asia will reinforce content with associations, workshops and its own programming.
Professionals, cosplay, and games: the classics that are making a strong comeback
In the professional field, the return of International Rights Market, organized by the Associació d'Editors del País Valencià, with meetings between national and international labels for the purchase and sale of licenses, as well as in events such as the Huelva International Comic Fair. In addition, authors will be able to showcase their projects at the Portfolio Review, a space designed to generate new job opportunities.
El cosplay maintains its prominence with the contest Cosmasters —for adults and schoolchildren— and the Cosplay Catwalk, qualifying tests for Cosplay World Masters, the international circuit that selects the best cosplayer in the world.
In collaboration with the Experience Carnet Jove and with support from VAT, the area Joc&Rol will offer tournaments, editorial demonstrations and initiation zones to board games, role-playing games, and miniatures. Before the fair, the days December 13 and 14, the Joc&Rol Training Days will be held, focusing on the educational value of the game.
The program will be completed with signings, meetings and exhibitions, in addition to the presence of best-selling authors and relevant Valencian creators, as in other exhibitions, for example the Cangas Comic FairThe Chair will coordinate, as usual, the selection of the Antifaz Awards, while the Asian zone continues to expand its offering with activities and its own poster.
With a sign of Maria Medem, a new boost to reading among young people and a reinforcement of professional and recreational spaces, the Valencia Comic Fair is consolidated as a plural event where read, play and dream share the stage in Valencia Fair between the end of February and the beginning of March.
