Joy, disgust and sorrow are on the move at the Leipzig Book Fair and are constantly being asked for photos on Saturday. The three are characters from the Disney film “Everything is upside down” – portrayed by the cosplayers Yuri (33), Isabel (25) and Julia (32) from Berlin. Like thousands of others, they came to Manga-Comic-Con, the fair for manga, comics and cosplay within the Leipzig Book Fair. The area has been growing for years and this year is bigger than ever.
In 2014, the Manga Comic Con was held as a separate fair for the first time. At that time there were 167 exhibitors. According to the fair, there are 400 this year. They invite you to around 100 events, most of which are crowded around, from readings to book signings to art performances. There was also a big cosplay contest on Saturday afternoon.
Manga, comics and cosplay as an integral part of the book fair
“If you had to describe it in one word: colourful,” said Animoon publishing’s Kimberly Weigang of Manga Comic-Con. For them, manga, comics and cosplay are an integral part of the Leipzig Book Fair. It’s just part of the culture, says Weigang.
Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth, who also made a detour to the Manga Comic Con during her visit to Leipzig, is of the same opinion: “It’s definitely youth culture, and a global youth culture at that”. “I think it’s good that this is also part of a large Leipzig book fair and that it has its place and its value.”
Exhibitors include publishers, but also artists and merchandising suppliers. Roxino (35) from Munich offers “Queer Art and Yaoi” for sale at her stand. “It has its market,” she said. Her customers are mostly connoisseurs who are familiar with the characters she draws, for example from games. Roxino’s main job is a doctor. The artwork is a hobby, “but it’s a serious hobby,” she said.
The exhibitors at Manga Comic Con are happy to be back in the halls after a three-year Corona break. According to Alp Kacik, Junior Webshop Manager at manga publisher altraverse, the manga industry thrives on direct contact. “Accordingly, it’s a really great feeling to be standing here again and chatting with people,” said Kacik.
