63rd edition 13- 16 April 2026 | Bologna - Italy
63rd edition 13- 16 April 2026 | Bologna - Italy
The Content Café
HALL 30
In this event, which aims to be the first in a series dedicated to Manga, Comics and Picture Books, we will examine how Japanese manga was initially introduced in Italy and the role the BCBF played in making this possibile.
Moderator
Ayami Moriizumi, researcher, independent curator, Japan
Panel
Keiko Ichiguchi, manga artist, writer, Japan; Andrea Baricordi, editor, writer, Italy.
Organised by
Japan Foundation, JBBY
In the framework of
In the frameworks of Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
What makes a comic series a global phenomenon? Jamie Smart (Bunny vs Monkey), and Diane Le Feyer (Mortelle Adèle) discuss the creation of serial narrative universes. From visual styles to the management of comic rhythm, an international dialogue on the new frontiers of serial comics.
Moderator
Elisabetta Mongardi, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Jamie Smart, cartoonist, UK; Diane Le Feyer, author, France.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
David Flicking Books, Edi8
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Next Chapter Café
HALL 29
Fifty years after the publication of Christian Bruel's revolutionary Histoire de Julie qui avait une ombre de garçon , the discourse on feminism and gender issues in children's publishing has undergone a radical evolution. Starting from his pioneering experience, a dialogue with contemporary artists and publishers will explore the future of representation in picture books and comics.
Moderator
Elena Fierli, Vice-President, Scosse, Italy
Panel
Introduction by Monica Martinelli, Editorial Director, Settenove, Italy; Christian Bruel, author, France; Lina Itagaki, cartoonist, Lithuania; Maddalena Lucarelli, editor, Fatatrac, Italy.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Fatatrac, Éditions Thierry Magnier, Settenove, Scosse
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area
HALL 30
Moderator
Justinas Vancevičius, Co-founder, Vaikų žemė, Lithuania
Panel
Rebecca Valente, illustrator, Italy; Giulia Tudori, illustrator, Italy; Akvilė Magicdustė, illustrator, Lithuania; Kornelija Žalpytė, illustrator, Lithuania.
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
Lithuanian Embassy in Italy; Lithuanian Culture Institute, Vaikų žemė reading promotion program / Children’s World
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
An immersion in the Norwegian comics scene, among the most innovative in Europe. Some of its protagonists recount the evolution of this language, from author graphic novels to comics for children. Amid Nordic atmospheres, humor, and visual experimentation, we discover why Norway is one of the new laboratories of visual storytelling.
Moderator
Hans Ivar Stordal, comics editor, Strand Forlag, Norway
Panel
Nora Dåsnes, cartoonist, Norway; Kjersti Sinneva Moen, cartoonist, Norway; Håkon Strand, Founder, Strand Comics, Norway; Tonje Tornes, editor, TNT, Norway.
Organised by
Norway Guest of Honour 2026, Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
With the support of
NORLA - Norwegian Literature Abroad
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
How do we capture the attention of young readers in an ever-changing media landscape? This panel brings together a diverse group of publishers to explore the strengths and challenges of long-running series and standalone graphic novels. From indie to industry giants, our guests will discuss how narrative formats and distribution strategies are evolving to build a new generation of comic book readers.
Moderator
Nicola Peruzzi, Panini Comics, Italy
Panel
Zachary Clemente, Founder and Publisher, Bulgilhan Press, USA; Tucker Stone, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, Fantagraphics Books, USA; Patrick Crotty, Founder and Publisher, Peow! Studio, USA.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
L’evento approfondirà il lavoro redazionale in una casa editrice di fumetti, includendo attività come editing, traduzione, progettazione grafica e curatela editoriale.
Moderator
Enrico Fornaroli, Direttore, Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna
Panel
Alessandro Gucciardo, Direttore Artistico, Panini Comics, Italia; Marco Amici e Davide Astegiano, consulenti editoriali, Oscar INK Mondadori, Italia; Lorenzo Raggioli, editor, Comicon Edizioni, Italia.
Organised by
Commissione Comics e Graphic Novels di AIE - Associazione Italiana Editori
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
The most successful modern comics for kids start with a unique, independent voice. From Gigaciao’s grassroots revolution to Sabine Lemire & Rasmus Bregnhøi’s authorial charm, this session breaks down the roadmap for bringing sophisticated, creator-owned content to the masses.
Moderator
Alberto Falco, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Lorenzo La Neve, Art Director, Gigaciao, Italy; Sabine Lemire, writer, Denmark; Rasmus Bregnhøi, cartoonist, Denmark.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Sinnos, Gigaciao
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
Beyond the boundaries of traditional manga: a journey to discover the “new wave” of Asian comics. Independent and visionary publishers from Japan, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines discuss experimentation, digital storytelling, and new market models.
Moderator
Kuo-Yu Liang, Founder and President, Ku Worlwide
Panel
Quynh Than, Du Bút Books, Vietnam; Toni Velasco, Black Ink, Filippine; Kunihiro Mishima, Founder, Mishimasha, Japan.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
The 6-10 age group represents a turning point: the moment when reading becomes a solitary and conscious activity. In this panel, publishers and artists with different approaches discuss how comics can support this transition and speak to those who are discovering the pleasure of reading 'like a grown-up’.
Moderator
Elisabetta Mongardi, Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Liliana Cupido, curator, Canicola, Italy; Yolanda Dib Cabello, Head of Marketing, International Rights Sales, Grafito Editorial, Spain; Jeanne Le Mercier, Founder, La Doux, France.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
In anticipation of Poland as Guest of Honor 2027, a panel dedicated to the effervescence of contemporary Polish comics with some of its most representative new artists.
Moderator
Szymon Holcman, Head of PR Department, Kultura Gniewu, Poland
Panel
Przemek Trusciński, cartoonist, Poland; Jacek Świdziński, cartoonist, Poland; Tomasz Kontny, cartoonist, Poland; Krzysztof Gawronkiewicz, cartoonist, Poland.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, The Polish Book Institute
In the framework of
Comics Corner
The Content Café
HALL 30
A portrait of artist Barbara Yelin, one of the most powerful voices in European graphic novels. The German author explores the folds of memory and identity through mature and expressive illustrations. A dialogue to discover her research method and her unique ability to transform history into intimate and universal narratives.
Moderator
Alberto Falco,Hamelin, Italy
Panel
Barbara Yelin, cartoonist, Germany.
Organised by
Bologna Children's Book Fair
In cooperation with
Hamelin, Reprodukt, Istituto Storico Parri, Accademia Tedesca Roma Villa Massimo
With the support of
Goethe-Institut Roma
In the framework of
Comics Corner
