The Contern International Comics Festival: A Comics Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss!
Every July, the village of Contern transforms into Luxembourg’s comic book capital with its International Comic Book Festival. This event is a must-see for fans of the 9th art and attracts more than 8,000 visitors each year from all over Luxembourg and neighboring regions. Visitors are drawn by the unique opportunity to add rare finds to their collections and to meet renowned comic book authors.
In 2027, the festival will celebrate its 33rd edition. The dates are still to be confirmed, but it is expected to take place on the third weekend of July. The festival’s festive and friendly atmosphere is what makes this event so renowned.
More than a hundred vendor booths are set up at the Contern International Comic Book Festival, much to the delight of comic book lovers.
Collectors can find their favorite comics there or discover others in a variety of styles and from different origins: American comics, manga, fantasy comics, and more. Of course, the great classics of Belgian, French, English, and German comics are also on display. The selection is vast for collectors, who may also stumble upon figurines of their favorite characters at a booth.
Visitors can also meet comic book authors from various countries—including Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the UK, and Germany—for a signing of their latest book. More than fifty internationally renowned authors will be on hand to present their works. During the signing sessions, fans can chat directly with their favorite creators.
During the Comic Book Festival, the streets of the village of Contern will come alive with musical shows and street performances. Children can also participate in workshops, such as making Spirou hats or bracelets.
A stamp hunt using a Kidspass is also planned for the youngest visitors.
For more information, visit the festival’s official website at www.bdcontern.lu.
The art of the Luxembourgish comic book is not as developed as it is in Belgium or France. However, over the past few decades, Luxembourgish comics have experienced a real surge in popularity, driven by a generation of artists and publishers determined to promote their cultural identity.
In a multilingual country where Luxembourgish, French, and German coexist, comics have often been influenced by the works of their neighbors. But today, local artists are developing their own style, in tune with the realities of Luxembourg.
Luxembourgish comics address universal themes while remaining rooted in local characteristics. Luxembourg’s history—with its strategic role during the world wars and its evolution as a European financial hub—is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Humorous stories, social commentary, and fantasy adventures are also popular genres.
A few Luxembourgish authors stand out on the local and international scene:
Superjhemp is a zany superhero, dressed in a jersey in the colors of the Luxembourg flag and who gorges himself on Kachkéis, a Luxembourg specialty. He embodies both national clichés and sources of national pride. With his biting humor and references to the country’s political and cultural realities, he has become a cult figure in Luxembourg. Created in 1988, this character, drawn by Roger Leiner, is on a mission to save “Luxusbuerg.” Nearly 30 comic books and the 2018 film *Superjhemp Retörns* are dedicated to him.
Are you a comic book enthusiast? Here are a few specialized conventions to explore outside of Luxembourg.
Strasbulles in Strasbourg, France, is an excellent option for comic book fans in eastern France. You’ll get to explore a beautiful city, just a 2.5-hour drive from Luxembourg. You can visit for the Strasbulles festival in September or October, or for the particularly famous Christmas markets.
Comic Con Brussels in Belgium offers a mix of comics, pop culture, and cosplay. It’s ideal for fans of all kinds. Don’t forget that Brussels is also famous for its Comic Strip Museum. A great day trip just 2 hours and 40 minutes by car from Luxembourg.
Although it’s a few hours away, the Angoulême International Comics Festival in France remains a global benchmark. There, you can discover the latest releases and meet renowned artists in the world of comics.
These events enrich the cultural offerings for comic book enthusiasts in the region and beyond. An excellent opportunity to discover the diversity and richness of this art form!
Website: https://www.bdcontern.lu/
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