From AVANT-GARDE to HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

Sometimes they are autobiographically inspired, sometimes completely invented. Sometimes novels are adapted or historical events are staged. More and more often there are avant-garde comics that experiment with the means of the medium. German-language graphic novels of the past two years are very heterogeneous in their choice of topics and their implementation. Often there is a personal connection behind the stories, sometimes years of research have gone into the books.

The selection presented here gives a small overview of a lively area of German book culture. Comics have long since ceased to be just entertainment for children. And they are not always funny either. On the contrary: among the 27 books shown here, serious topics predominate.

The collection of comics and graphic novels is compiled on an annual basis by recognised experts in the genre, in consultation with the International Projects team of the Frankfurt Book Fair. The current selection (2025) is the work of Alex Jakubowski.
 

Accompanying Programme

Panel Discussion - Fr., 14.08.2026 | 19:30 - 21:00
From German Graphic Novels to Hong Kong Comics - What's Next?

Special Exhibition - 31.07. - 30.08.2026 | Comix Home Base, 2F, Hong Kong Arts Centre
The Myths of Berlin - A Taxi Journey through the History of Berlin (illustrated by Reinhard Kleist)