For 35 years Erlangen has hosted the most important event for comic art and graphic literature in the German-speaking realm.

Publishing houses, agencies, comic retailers, artist collectives, illustrators, independent publishers, cultural institutions as well as universities and colleges with a focus on comics and illustration present their programme on the Comic Fair.

The Comic Exchange with vendors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland has become one of the most popular of its kind in Germany. A real treasure trove for professionals, fans and newcomers alike.

The prestigious Max and Moritz Award is the most significant distinction for comic art in the German-speaking countries. 2016 it was presented amongst others to Claire Bretécher, Barbara Yelin, Birgit Weyhe, Mariko and Jilian Tamaki, Katharina Greve and Luz.

A distinctive feature of the International Comic Salon is the numerous top notch exhibitions spread all over Erlangen's city centre. In 2016 an extensive solo exhibition was dedicated to Japanese artist Jirō Taniguchi.

Comic art from Flanders and the Netherlands could be explored at the "Parade"-Atelier at Erlangen's city hall and the eponymous exhibition at the Kunstmuseum.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Lucky Luke, the International Comic Salon put together "Faster than your Shadow", an exhibition focusing on the world of the infamous comic cowboy.

Brainwashing, film screenings and ingenious experiments under scientific supervision – Flemish artist Nix welcomed visitors to the original „Kinky & Cosy Experience“ on Erlangen's Schlossplatz during the 17th edition of the festival in 2016.

Comic art meets illusion of motion: French illustrators Florent Ruppert and Jérôme Mulot presented their exhibition „Das kleine trunkene Theater“ at the Erlangen Stadtmuseum.

The children's exhibition "Trubel mit dem Kleinen Strubbel" attracted young audiences with a huge comic colouring wall, original artwork from the "Kleiner Strubbel" series, a giant walk-in mermaid, interactive games and activities as well as comic readings and workshops.

Comic fans of all ages got to meet their favourite artists in more than 800 book signing sessions during the last edition of the festival.

The panel programme featuring presentations, discussions and lectures offers professional visitors, scholars and the general public the opportunity to delve into key aspects of the festival and to engage in current topics of the comic market.

The Comic Film Fest presents a diverse line-up of animated films, screen adaptations of comics and documentaries as well as the "Students' Film Night". 2016 the festival welcomed Max Andersson, Joscha Sauer and Schwarwel to talk about their latest film projects.

Comics onstage: A rich selection of illustrated comic readings and various performances complement the programme - the last festival featured amongst others Theater Augsburg with their stage adaptation of Reinhard Kleist's "The Boxer".

Family Sunday offers numerous surprises and attractions for children, teenagers and families, including free workshops, book presentations and a great variety of painting- and crafting activities for all age groups.