Graphic Passages

Translating Comics / Graphic Novels into South Asian languages 

Über das Projekt

While the comic and graphic novel industries in South Asia and Germany are growing, the genres often differ in perception and reach. In South Asia, comics are still largely seen as children’s media, and there is only a restricted offer of titles addressing mature themes in South Asian languages. Most adult-oriented works are published only in English, and almost no German titles have been translated into South Asian languages.
“Graphic Passages” aims to introduce high-quality German comics and graphic novels for adults to readers across South Asia through translation into regional languages. The project seeks to bridge cultural and artistic exchange between the vibrant comic scenes of Germany and South Asia, while promoting graphic storytelling as a serious and diverse literary form for adult and young audiences.

The project’s goals are:

• Identify and translate selected German graphic novels into five South Asian languages (Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Urdu, and 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.

Timeline
Deadline for application: 15.2.2026
If your application is successful:
Decision for a title and preparation of the licence and translator’s agreements: 15.3.2026
Preparation of all documents for applying for a translation grant: 31.3.2026
Title has to be published between August and December 2026.

Who should apply
Publishing houses who intend to publish one title from the list in 2026 in the framework of the project
It is an advantage if you have already published comics / graphic novels for adults in one of the mentioned languages. If not, you should at least have published other books in the respective language.
Please apply here:

Online Form: Graphic Passages – translating Comics / Graphic Novels into South Asian languages 

 List of proposed titles to be translated