El Valencia Comic Book Fair 2026 It will once again transform Hall 7 of Feria Valencia into one of the major meeting points for the ninth art in Spain. For three days, from February 27 to March 1, the city will bring together thousands of attendees, hundreds of authors, and dozens of publishers in an event that blends culture, leisure, industry, and education around comics and pop culture.
Far from being just a fan convention, the event is establishing itself as international FestivalFeaturing key figures from European, American, African, and Asian comics, a robust exhibition program, a professional area for buying and selling rights, and a clear commitment to Valencian comics and young adult literature. All of this with the direct involvement of institutions such as the Generalitat, the Ministry of Culture, the AECID, and the AEPV.
A great intergenerational meeting at Feria Valencia
This year, the Salon will once again transform the Fair into a intergenerational space where comics, manga, anime, cosplay, illustration, board and role-playing games, K-pop, and content creators all come together. From early Friday morning, the aisles and stands are expected to be filled with schoolchildren from schools throughout the Valencian Community, families, veteran fans, and young people.
The organization emphasizes that pavilion 7 will function as a genuine crossroads of culturesIt's a space where established authors and emerging voices, independent publishers and major labels, commercial offerings and more experimental perspectives come together. The result is a continuous fair atmosphere, with book signings, cosplay contests, and talks following one another almost without pause.
The director of the Salon, Mario Soler, highlighted the importance of institutional support in making the event possible. “raising the stakes on culture” and to establish itself as an annual benchmark. This collaboration translates into more exhibition space, more professional activities, and an educational program that goes far beyond a single weekend of entertainment.
Alongside the playful dimension, the encounter also reinforces its role as platform for the sectorA specific area will be set up where authors, publishers, agents and distributors can hold meetings, review portfolios and negotiate publishing rights, with the support of IVACE and the Ministry of Culture.
International authors and a strong European presence
This year's lineup of international guests focuses on the latest European comics, while also showcasing the English-speaking world and emerging scenes. From France, prominent names such as David B., who will attend with his work Mr. Owl and the Land of the Dead, and Pierre Alary, known for Don VegaBoth represent that line of European graphic novels that combines artistic ambition and reach a wide audience.
Among the German voices, the German one stands out. Ulli Lust, which will present Woman as humanity. At the beginning of history, the first comic to win the German Non-Fiction Book Award, an accolade that confirms how Comics are becoming established as a tool for reflection also in the essay and documentary fields. Alongside this, the Italian presence will be felt with Lelio Bonaccorso, Author of The other story of football, and the tandem Teresa Radice and Stefano Turconi, Responsable of The storyteller.
The collaboration with the Valencian publishing house Andana Gràfica will also allow readers to enjoy the work of Czech authors. Tereza Drahonovská and Štěpánka Jislová, responsible for the graphic novel Bald spotIts presence at the Salon reinforces the European character of the event, which acts as showcase of new voices from all over the continent, beyond the usual hotspots.
Representatives from the United States will be present Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, who has adapted the classic gothic novel into a comic book Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu for the publisher Astiberri. The participation of Fernando Blanco, a prominent author in the North American market, whose original pages of the series w0rldtr33 They will occupy one of the most striking monographic exhibitions.
Africa and Palestine take center stage at the Salon
One of the defining features of this edition will be the a look towards Africa, made possible through an agreement with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The Egyptian artist Mai Koraiem will attend the Salon with the exhibition Between visual art and reportage, which explores the ability of comics to address social, economic and cultural realities from a critical and accessible perspective.
Another of the African pillars will be the project Zebra Comics, a platform of Cameroonian origin that adapts the format webtone to the culture of the continent. Its director, Ejob Nathaniel Ejob, will present in Valencia the application and the exhibition linked to Zebra Comics: African comics conquer mobile, where it is shown how these digital narratives allow empower creators and readers and to make contemporary African stories visible.
Completing this overview, the Ivorian author Marguerite Abouet It will have its own exhibition space entitled The power of the everydayHis works, among which the saga stands out AyaThey delve into the daily life of working-class neighborhoods in Ivory Coast, with a keen eye on gender relations, inequality, and the weight of tradition, always from a close and deeply human perspective.
From Palestine will come Mohammad SabaanehOne of the key figures in contemporary political comics, whose work combines illustration, newspaper cartoons, and graphic novels. A version of his well-known work will be on display at Feria Valencia. “Palestinian Guernica” and fragments of works focused on the prison experience and human rights violations in the region. Her pieces, marked by a powerful line, aspire to be a memory tool and report.
Sabaaneh and Mai Koraiem will also participate in the talk “Current state and challenges of Arab comics”, scheduled in Room 2 of the venue, where they will analyze the challenges of comics in contexts of conflict, censorship or precariousness, as well as the possibilities of new digital platforms to reach international audiences.
Asia Zone: manga, anime, manhwa, webtoon and K-pop
La Asia Zone It will be another of the major attractions of the Valencia Comic Fair 2026. The organization has prepared what they describe as their most ambitious program to date, with 345 square meters dedicated to manga, anime, manhwa, webtoons and musical scenes linked to Asian pop culture.
This space will be divided into three main areasA large stage for competitions, concerts, and exhibitions; a talk area featuring authors and specialists; and a section focused on screenings, workshops, and activities related to traditions and customs. The aim is for visitors to be able to jump from a panel discussion on Korean graphic novels to a K-pop competition or a signing session with a national manga author.
Among the guests linked to this bloc are names such as Toni Caballero, Inthegras, Carles Esquembre, Judit Mallol, Luis Montes, Ricardo Vílbor y Estela Ramírezwho will present a work focused on Japanese society. They will be joined by the Korean group. Yudori, with his work Children of the Empire, and the Andalusian author of Chinese roots Quan Zhou Wu, who has portrayed in his bibliography the experience of the Chinese communities in Spain.
In the musical field, the K-pop contests They will once again be one of the most spectacular moments, with formats like Arenal Kpop Revolution and the Kpop Season 3 Grand Final, which will bring together groups and solo artists from different parts of the country. Performances by artists such as Digit and boyband Risin' Stars They will contribute to strengthening the festival atmosphere, consolidating Valencia as one of the leading national centers for activities related to Asian culture.
The organization emphasizes that this Asian approach is not simply about following a passing trend, but to reflect a reading phenomenon This trend is shaping new generations, who are increasingly familiar with manga, manhwa, and webtoons as gateways to comics. The convention aims to capitalize on this momentum to connect these readers with other formats, authors, and traditions within the medium.
Major names in Spanish and American comics
On the national front, the Valencia Comic Fair 2026 will rely on a strong representation of the Spanish graphic novelTop-tier creators such as Paco Roca, Cristina Durán, Miguel Ángel Giner Bou, Keko, Kim, Miguel Brieva, Ana Miralles, Candela Sierra, Jaime Martín or the brothers Gallego who will participate in signing sessions, meetings with the public and panel discussions.
Valencian publishers will have a prominent space under the slogan “Comics Valencians”The event, which will occupy approximately 345 square meters, will feature booths, book signings, and a networking area. The Valencian Country Publishers Association (AEPV) explains that the sector is experiencing a period of prestige and internationalization, driven by awards such as the Ciutat de València and the Alfons el Magnànim, as well as the presence of its titles at fairs of the caliber of Bologna, Frankfurt, Guadalajara, and Angoulême.
Meanwhile, the so-called “US comics” It will have its own presence with creators accustomed to the North American market. Among them are David Aja, Guillem March, Jorge Fornés, Daniel Acuña and the already mentioned Fernando BlancoThe sample Fernando Blanco. Algorithm of terror will allow you to explore the visual universe of w0rldtr33 through original works that demonstrate the importance of Spanish illustration in superhero comics and contemporary thrillers.
From a professional perspective, this year the business area is strengthened thanks to the collaboration of IVACE and the Ministry of Culture. A program of meetings has been designed with internationally renowned publishing houses, who will come to Valencia with the aim of acquire rights and discover new authorsThe program will include professional workshops, portfolio reviews, and bilateral meetings with agents and publishers.
This industrial approach is complemented by the AEPV's vision, which considers the Show not only a leisure space, but also a strategic platform for the publishing sectorAccording to its president, Pedro F. Medina, the Valencia event allows for the consolidation of institutional relationships, gives visibility to local production, and opens doors to foreign markets.
AU-K!: a children's and youth space with international stars
One of the most dynamic areas of the Show will be the AU-K!Designed specifically for children and young people, this space aims to introduce comics to new generations of readers through participatory activities, meetings with authors, dramatized readings, and talks aimed at both young people and their families.
AU-K!'s special international guest will be Raina Telgemeier, considered one of the leading authors of young adult comics in the English-speaking world. Winner of several Eisner Awards and with titles that have topped the bestseller lists of New York Times, will attend the Salon to present The cartoonists' club, his new graphic novel published in Spanish, written together with comics theorist Scott McCloud.
The New Zealander will be by her side. Kay O'Neill, known for The Tea Dragon Societyand French Vincent Caut, illustrator and author specializing in children's comics and responsible for the series AVNIWith them, the Salon intends to emphasize that comics for children and teenagers He is experiencing a moment of special vitalitywith proposals that combine entertainment and profound themes.
The national representation in AU-K! will include, among others, Pau Clua, cartoonist of the series Xorigat 1. Gatàstrofe to Doctor Croqueta's laboratory; Arkaitz González, Author of Astrid and her familythe collective Bad lifewith XCAR Malavida at the helm and titles such as A turd on a bicycle o Beatuco and the magic bison, and Luis Orús, creator of series such as Onion you, onion me o Egg, who will take advantage of the event to present his children's comic. I love dinosaurs.
In addition to the signing sessions, AU-K! will offer activities designed for familiesActivities include read-aloud sessions, illustration demonstrations, and talks on how to integrate comics into young children's reading habits. The aim is to foster an early relationship with visual reading, where image and text reinforce each other.
Exhibitions: history, experimentation and social commitment
The exhibition program of the Valencia Comic Fair 2026 will bring together eleven samples which approach graphic storytelling from very diverse angles. One of the central pieces will be Valencia Comic KM0, produced by the Culture Department of the Provincial Council of Valencia, which traces the origin and evolution of Valencian comics in dialogue with authors from other countries and eras.
The exhibition traces a kind of “relational map” of the comicIt showcases how works by contemporary female artists connect with Japanese manga or American comics, creating a kind of visual CSI of the medium from the late 18th century to the present day. All of this is presented through panels and original materials designed to be highly accessible to the general public.
Along with the aforementioned exhibition dedicated to Fernando Blanco, the exhibition tour will include Voices from Italian Comics: Between Graphic Novel and Autobiography, carried out with the support of the Italian Cultural Institute of Barcelona, and Webcomics are the present: 25 years of webcomics in Spanish, which reviews the evolution of this format in the language of Cervantes, from the first self-published pages to current platforms.
Another proposal will be Reprisals against graphic humor. Stained by censorship, an exhibition that focuses on the pressures and limitations faced by cartoonists and graphic humorists in different political contexts. This exhibition is organized in collaboration with Feria Valencia, the AEPV and the Ministry of Culture, and aims to open a debate on freedom of expression in the field of comics.
On a more local level, the Valencia City Council will promote Counts and Valencian arrivals, curated by Jordi Peidro and Pablo HerranzBased on the comic book series published in the magazine XiulitThe exhibition explores legends of the Valencian Community and allows for comparison. original plates and printed pages, bringing the public closer to the working process of screenwriters and illustrators.
The international chapter will be completed with the return of the Japan International Manga AwardThe exhibition, promoted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will arrive in Valencia with works by Spanish authors who have won awards at this prestigious competition. Thus, the Salon also positions itself as a platform for local talent recognized abroad.
Joc&Rol: board games, role-playing and education
One of the spaces that has grown the most in recent years within the Salon is Joc&RolThis area, promoted by the Valencian Youth Institute (IVAJ) and linked to the Carnet Jove initiative, has become an established intergenerational meeting point for creative leisure activities, using board games and role-playing games as a way to connect. socialization and learning tools.
The approach involves inviting young people to “put the screens away for a while” and rediscover face-to-face interaction, teamwork, and shared strategy. According to the CEO of IVAJ, Vicent Ripoll, these games not only entertain but also help develop social skills, critical thinking, and negotiation abilities—values that align with the program's philosophy.
At Joc&Rol there will be a large free-to-use game library, with a varied selection of titles, as well as guided games of Blood on the Clocktower and game demonstrations such as Fluff, Rebel Princess, Exploding Kittens, Coup, Junk Art, Color Brain, Wavelength, It's a Wonderful World, Azul, Sagrada, Sushi Go, Calicó, That's not a Hat o Kabuto SumoA La Fallera Calavera tournament, a locally themed card game that already has a loyal following.
The space will be completed with about ten tables dedicated to prototypes of future releasesThese events allow authors and publishers to test their games with the public, gather feedback, and make adjustments before publication. This dynamic transforms visitors into active participants in the creative process, moving beyond their usual role as end consumers.
The Joc&Rol program also relies on the collaboration of gaming associations such as Dreadnought, Roach Room, Valentia Ludika, Ars, and Dracs i Espases, which will be responsible for organizing activities and games. Furthermore, the project extends beyond the convention itself with several annual stops in different municipalities and training sessions for teachers, aimed at introducing board games into the classroom as a teaching resource.
Content creators and influencers: a new scenario
Aware of the importance of digital channels in the dissemination of comics, the Valencia Comic Fair 2026 will incorporate a specific scenario for content creators and influencersThis space will seek to be more than just a signing point: it is conceived as a place for debate, exchange of experiences and analysis of the sector from the perspective of those who talk about it daily on social media.
The guest list includes Paco Hernandez, known for the channel Paco's a real character; specialized profiles such as Vivaermanga or the medium It's time for cake, With the presence of Gem Over; Kovacs' diary, with David Monturiol; the project All4freak; popularizers such as José Miguel Navarro e Irina Sánchez; the cultural association Hanani Dango; and the podcast and channel team Volumes and staples.
The stage programming will be energized by the collective Ink sandwichesWhile Cocoa and Cinnamon It will feature interviews, roundtables, and content focused on the world of dubbing and audiovisual adaptation. The goal is for the public to be able to interact directly with these creators, ask questions and learn firsthand how content about comics, manga or pop culture is generated on platforms like YouTube, Twitch or TikTok.
This new area reinforces the idea that the Salon wants to accompany the transformation of cultural consumption habits, integrating those who act as bridge between publishers, authors and readers within the event ecosystem. It's not just about giving them visibility, but about listening to their insights on trends, communities, and ways to reach new audiences.
Institutional support: Generalitat, Ministry of Culture and AEPV
The Valencian Regional Ministry of Education, Culture and Universities will play a prominent role in the 2026 edition, with an active presence focused on to promote reading and creativity among children and young people. According to the Director General of Culture, Miquel Nadal, participation in the Comic Book Fair helps consolidate comics as a first-rate educational and cultural tool.
The following events will take place over the three days specific workshops for schoolchildren and familiesThe workshops focus on character creation, illustration techniques, and the use of graphic storytelling in the classroom. The aim is for participants not only to consume comics but also to be encouraged to experiment with the language of the comic strip, whether on paper or in digital format.
The Ministry will also install a photocall with comic book covers Books donated by Valencian publishers, as well as a superhero-themed photo booth in the entrance area of the Book Fair. These kinds of initiatives aim to create a more immersive experience, allowing visitors to take home a photographic souvenir while discovering the catalog of local publishers.
The Generalitat will also support the activities of AU-K! Children's Stage and will strengthen its institutional collaboration in events on the main stage. Within this framework is support for VI School Competition of the Salon, which encourages the use of comics in educational centers as a way to work on positive values and creative skills.
Another important moment will be the Antifaz Awards ceremonyThese awards recognize the quality of national and international comics, the work of translators, and the careers of Valencian authors. The Generalitat's participation in this ceremony underscores its commitment to considering comics on equal footing with other art forms within public cultural policies.
Comic Book Day and the rise of Valencian comics
Within the framework of the Valencia Comic Fair 2026, the Ministry of Culture and the AEPV will present the poster for the 4th Comic Book DayA state holiday celebrated every March 17th to recognize the value of the medium. This year's honor has been bestowed upon... Candela Sierra, National Comic Award winner and Valencia Graphic Novel Award winner, who will attend the event accompanied by Ministry officials and representatives of the sector.
The Director General of Books, Comics and Reading, María José Gálvez, he pointed out that the Valencia Motor Show is a ideal setting to showcase the diversity of contemporary comicsFrom manga and traditional comics to contemporary graphic novels, the event showcases a wide range of genres. According to Gálvez, comics continue to grow in Spain and this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with other countries.
Meanwhile, the AEPV insists that Valencian comics are experiencing a “magnificent moment”This growth is evident both in the number of titles published and in the quality of the works. In addition to the established awards, the Salon itself continues to expand, growing in size and international reach each year, and enjoys a positive institutional relationship with the government and other stakeholders in the publishing industry.
Space Valencian comicsWith its 345 m² dedicated specifically to publishers and bookstores from the Valencian Community, the event will reflect this boom through stands, presentations, signings, and professional meetings. Medina, president of the AEPV, also emphasizes the importance of the sale of rightsThe presence of nine international publishers and imprints invited by IVACE will allow progress in agreements that strengthen the external projection of comics made in Valencia.
With this set of initiatives, the Valencia Comic Fair 2026 is shaping up to be a an event that connects entertainment, culture, industry and education in the same physical and temporal space. The combination of renowned authors, thematic exhibitions, specialized areas, institutional support, and programs aimed at schools and families makes Feria Valencia a true epicenter of the ninth art, capable of attracting veteran readers as well as those approaching comics for the first time.
