Graphic Passages

While the comic and graphic novel industries are expanding across both South Asia and Germany, the two markets differ considerably in terms of public perception and readership. In South Asia, comics are still widely seen as a medium for children, and there is only a limited range of titles for adult readers exploring a broader spectrum of themes in South Asian languages. Most graphic novels aimed at adult audiences are published exclusively in English, while only a small number of German works have so far been translated into regional languages.

Graphic Passages addresses this gap by supporting the translation of selected German graphic novels into Bangla (Bengali), Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Urdu. Through workshops and mentoring, the project provides translators with training and guidance throughout the translation process. Participating publishers also receive support in bringing these editions to market.

The translated works will be published by the end of 2026 and presented, together with publishing partners from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, at book fairs, comics festivals and cultural events across the region. Confirmed publication dates will be added below as soon as they become available.

• Identify and translate selected German graphic novels into six South Asian languages (Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada, Urdu, and Bengali/Bangla).
• Build translation expertise and local capacity through mentored workshops for translators and artists.
• Strengthen cross-cultural publishing partnerships and open long-term exchange between creators and publishers.
• Present translated works at major book fairs, comic festivals, and cultural events in South Asia.

We have prepared a selection of recommended titles of graphic novels from German-speaking authors, and we are looking for publishing houses who are interested in publishing one title from the list in 2026 in one of the mentioned languages.

The Goethe-Institut will support the selected publishing houses in contacting the respective publishing house in Germany regarding obtaining the license, in finding a suitable translator and in applying for translation support. It will also give a subsidy towards lettering and general production costs, while the publishing houses will handle production, marketing, and distribution. The Goethe-Institut will also support promotion via its communication channels and potentially book launches.
 

The publishing houses which have applied will be contacted by end of February.

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach us at priyam.gupta@goethe.de.