Comic relief
Some of the world's most renowned comic illustrators will be in Poland at the start of October for the Łód International Festival of Comics. As the largest event of its kind in the CEE region, the festival offers a unique chance to appreciate the work of top artists and take part in their workshops. Among the big names appearing at the festival are Yves Sente, Jean-Louis Mourier, Marzena Sowa, Max Andersson and Grzegorz Rosiński.
Rosiński will be in the spotlight as this year marks the 30th anniversary of his most famous comic, Thorgal. An exhibition dedicated to his works will be on display. Another artist with an anniversary is Henryk Chmielewski, the creator of the legendary Polish series Tytus Romek
i Atomek - he will be celebrating 50 years as an artist.
In addition to its star attractions, the comic festival's annual drawing contest, open to both amateurs and professionals, will be also held. Every year the contest draws several hundred participants from around the globe.
This year marks the festival's 18th edition. Its entry into "adulthood" will be celebrated with a concert by punk rockers Cool Kids of Death and "Miss Comics," a beauty pageant of cartoons drawn on the spot by professional artists.
The festival organizers' main goal is to promote the art of comics, and Polish comics in particular. Although the industry is quite prosperous, there remains a common perception that comics are art of a lower sort, said Piotr Kasiński, a spokesperson for the festival.
The Łód International Festival of Comics will take place in 5-7 October. For more info visit www.komiksfestiwal.com
