International Comics Festival in Contern

Comics as far as the eye can see

Do you think comics are only for kids? Think again! Today, comics are an integral part of our culture and they tell stories that appeal to adults and young people alike. This is why, every year in July, the town of Contern hosts a festival celebrating comics in all their various forms.

The focus of the festival each and every year is the artists themselves. Whether familiar faces or up-and-coming talent: Dozens of authors and illustrators travel from Luxembourg and abroad specifically for this event to meet their fans and sign copies of their work. Some artists are already very well known, for example through their work for Marvel, The Three ??? or the Smurfs, while others are meeting their readers for the first time and presenting entirely new comics. The festival is the perfect place for spontaneous conversation and also provides plenty of opportunities for a selfie here and there. 

The stalls also attract many visitors looking for a rare comic for their own collection or just wanting to browse through the numerous comics for sale at the festival. Every year, dealers from Luxembourg and the Greater Region come to Contern bringing new and used classics, collectibles, and novelties as well as action figures, posters, DVDs, and everything else that comic enthusiasts are looking for.

A programme for all the senses

To say that the festival is popular is an understatement: since 1994 it has been an integral part of the summer event calendar here in Luxembourg. In the beginning it was confined to the local sports hall, but over the years it has grown and now fills the streets of the entire town. This growth is primarily due to how the festival targets a very broad audience.

It is an unforgettable family experience, which – in addition to the stands and signing sessions – also includes a special programme for children, complete with a scavenger hunt and workshops in the Kids' Corner. The festival programme also includes entertaining concerts, during which brass bands and other artists take the stage. If you happen to be there at the right time, you might also meet some cosplayers and get the chance to take a few photos.

Comic Craftsmanship in Contern

Comics are regarded as a form of art in Francophone cultures and they are extremely popular in Luxembourg, which is also due to the numerous languages spoken in the country. French-language classics such as Asterix and Lucky Luke are just as well known and popular as Japanese mangas and superhero comics from the U.S.

Luxembourg has also developed its own artistic scene – one which can hold its own on the international stage. Paving the way for this artistic movement in Luxembourg was the artistic duo Roger Leiner and Lucien Czuga, who breathed life into the incomparable Superjhemp – not to be confused with a well-known superhero from the U.S. Today, comics in Luxembourg feature a lively variety of styles: from the manga artist Sabrina Kaufmann to the illustrators Sandra Martins and Andy Genen and authors such as Marc Angel and Lucien Czuga, who all have international fan bases.