Author: Nicholas Burman Photo Credit: Andrew Benge Thanks to the pandemic, all but the earliest occurring of last year’s European comics festivals were forced to take a break or move online. Recently, as restrictions are gradually lifted and vaccine programmes gain pace, some events have tentatively announced plans for 2021. While some European festivals include related cultural activity such as films and games in their programmes, others dedicate themselves solely to print publishing. In both cases, talks and signings by headline names are matched with international small- and self-published authors selling work directly to attendees. Malta Comic Con’s Chris Le Galle says that “conventions offer an important platform for creators and publishers to thrive.” According to Eva Cardon, artistic director of Antwerp’s Grafixx, “shows [especially through lectures and panels] give that necessary in-depth look into an artist’s work which you won’t experience from posts on Instagram.” Comixology Originals Hall © Andrew Benge In the Franco-Belgium sphere, the comics medium is highly regarded. France boasts one of the world’s biggest comics economies and its festivals are celebrations of this fact. While in the UK, comics are often sidelined as something for children, and so its festivals have an educational function, introducing
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