Skip to main content

Comics in focus at FBM24: Comics Business Centre and colourful weekend programme with Donald Duck, manga and cosplay 

As part of Frankfurter Buchmesse (16 - 20 October 2024), the Comics Business Centre will become a platform for international exchange in the comics industry. Meanwhile, visitors can look forward to a diverse weekend with an exciting programme featuring comics, manga and cosplay.


New: Comics Business Centre at Frankfurter Buchmesse
In 2024, the Comics Business Centre will have a new prominent location in Hall 6.1 with double the table capacity compared to last year. Representatives from ten countries will meet here to discuss the international comics market. Other important players are located in the immediate proximity, including KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency) and the Philippines, the Guest of Honour at Frankfurter Buchmesse in 2025. The Comics Business Centre offers a wide range of genres, from manga to classic comics, focusing on B2B business and licensing rights. The stand is sustainably designed and uses environmentally friendly materials. 


There will be a press tour through Halls 3.0 to 6.1 on Wednesday. The tour starts at 3 p.m.  at Stand H141 in Hall 3.0 and will be offered in both German and English. Headsets will be provided on site. It will be followed by a happy hour in the Comics Business Centre with the Guest of Honour 2025, the Philippines.
Another highlight is the Meet & Greet for Comics to Screen on Friday, which brings together comic publishers and producers. Frankfurter Buchmesse is also partnering with the renowned Festival International de la Bande dessinée in Angoulême for the first time. 


Weekend highlights: COMICS in Hall 3.0 and Hall 3.1
On Saturday, 19 October, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Taschen will be presenting ‘Donald Duck. The Ultimate History’. Since 1934, Donald Duck has been one of the most popular comic characters and has appeared in more films than any other Disney protagonist. This volume features rare drawings, original editions and snapshots from the production, charming collector's items, unfinished film projects and unpublished works by the ‘Duck Man’ Carl Barks. Disney comic illustrator and Donald Duck cartoonist Ulrich Schröder will be signing books on site.
In Hall 3.0, the large and smaller German comic publishers will be presenting their new products. Carlsen, Altraverse, Cross Cult, Reprodukt, Kibitz, Edition Helden, Jacoby & Stuart, Koneko Magazin and children's book publishers with comic programmes such as Loewe, Tessloff and many more will be there. Altraverse is also bringing webtoon artist P-Crush  to the Frankfurter Buchmesse. The popular Korean webtoon artist Yaongi will be signing books at the KOCCA stand (Hall 6.1/ A64) on Saturday and Sunday from 1.00 to 3.00 pm.


Manga, comics and the German Cosplay Championship
Over the weekend, Frankfurter Buchmesse will be the meeting place for everyone who loves manga, comics and cosplay. In Hall 4.1, visitors can look forward to a programme dedicated to manga, comics and games, which will take place in the hall as well as on the ARTS+ Stage. A new feature is the Artist Alley, which is designed by fans for fans. Dōjinshis, fan comics and a large selection of self-produced merchandise can be discovered here. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in workshops and experience live gaming events.


On Sunday, the entire Congress Centre will be dedicated to the German Cosplay Championship. The competition starts at 12.30 pm and ends at 3.00 pm. Workshops for cosplayers will also take place on Sunday. During the break from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm, the ‘Finsterwacht’ panel will take place, where the authors Torsten Weitze and Bernhard Hennen will read from their book. The reading will be accompanied by an acoustic set by the band Saltatio Mortis. The award ceremony will follow at 5.00 pm. The first prize is a sewing and stitching machine from Brother worth €2.000. 


Further information about the events:
Comics Press Tour https://connect.buchmesse.de/newfront/sessions/7597(opens in a new window)
Comics Happy Hour at the Comics Business Centre https://connect.buchmesse.de/newfront/sessions/4582(opens in a new window)
Meet&Greet Comics to Screen https://connect.buchmesse.de/newfront/sessions/4584(opens in a new window)