Everyone in Angoulême shows their love of comics and the creators that make them in this annual love fest for BDs around the world (bande dessinées, comics, manga, manhwa, manhua, etc…). Whether you’re an indie artist or a legend, Angoulême is happy to welcome everyone! After having a wonderful time with our kids at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, I’ve put together a list of some of our favorite things. We were truly astonished and impressed with the city’s absolute devotion to comics. Everyone in the entire city participates in the festival and enjoys this unique expression of love for BDs (comics, manga,…! From they City Hall (a former castle). Every shop, government building, school, even museums and churches devote their spaces to comics and their creators. Comics are a respected form of art (what a change!). France loves books and Angoulême is mad about comics! The HUGE highlights for us were two very special exhibits to Osamu Tezuka and Naoki Urasawa. We were totally impressed with the talent in the Indie Arsists pavillion and were even able to meeting legends like Wendy Pini and Richard Pini, the creators of Elfquest.
1. The city of Angoulême
Going to Angoulême for the festival is a thrill, but getting to walk around this beautiful city was the cherry on the top of a big slice of awesome pie. Angoulême is an ancient city situated on a hill. The city center is the original/historic town, which is now the city center.
The entire old/historic part of the city is encircled by ramparts with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside and the Charente river.
A stunning mural by Max Cabanes, “La Fille des Ramparts”. You can see a bit of the city wall at the bottom right of this photo.
At the very top of the hill is a castle, which is now City Hall.
The amazing downtown shopping district, with books, fashion and everything else you can think of…
Lots of great restaurants too for any budget…
2. A city-wide festival
he entire city is part of the festival. Museums, theaters, city hall, shops, churches and cathedrals all take part. It\s an amazing thing to see. It’s definitely one way to up the ante on a mere convention center. Even the trash and recycle bins were decorated and became part of the comic action!
The giant Obelisque Goscinny is dedicated to the beloved creator of Asterix, located right at the entrance of the main train station.
Even the churches and cathedrals had fun spaces for kids, readings, author events and comics for sale.
3. Special Exhibits
We were lucky enough to see incredible exhibits in honor of two of our idols – Osamu Tezuka and Naoki Urasawa. I created separate posts for both of these since there was so much original art and inspiration to share. Click on an image to see more…
4. BDs, Comics, Manga…books!
We were extremely impressed with the indie or alternative press pavilion (the “tent”). It was huge with a wide range of styles, featuring creators from all over the world. Here’s a few compilations of the booths we saw and the fabulous people we met.
5. Shopping!
You can’t have a Comics Festival without being able to buy something, right? Signed BDs, comics, manga, graphic novels, books, toys, collectables, souvenirs, and so much more!
6. Meeting the Creators
One of the BEST parts of the festival was meeting Wendy Pini and Richard Pini, creators of Elfquest! (click here to visit their site). I was surprised to see them there, so I quickly bought my first French volume of Elfquest (good practice!) and waited in line to get their autograph. What a thrill! They\’re the nicest people and a great example of indie creators making a career out of doing what they love.
7. Bumping into old friends
What a surprise! While walking to various exhibits, we literally bumped into Peter Birkemoe from The Beguiling (click here), the best comic shop in Toronto, Canada. Why? The best selection, real alternative and indie comics, and comics and art from all over the world. Peter was also the first to pick up our first graphic novel – Samurai Elf (now free on Webtoon!). If you’re in Toronto, or just want to order some comics, visit this fantastic shop. You’ll be glad that you did!
Read more…
Angoulême: Trains, Hotels & Passes
If you’re looking for information about the Angoulême International Comics Festival, then click here to visit our related blog post. I’ll talk about my own experience booking train tickets, reserving a hotel, and buying the actual festival tickets.
Angoulême Special Exhibits