A comics event at Frankfurter Buchmesse 2015. Image: FBM, Alexander Heimann
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
Fresh, Powerful Storytelling
A trio of elements that Frankfurter Buchmesse (October 15 to 19) is touting for its comics division in the autumn includes not only comics and manga, but also the Korean-born tradition of webtoons.Our Publishing Perspectives readers are very familiar with Webtoon Entertainment, the Seoul-based serial comics platform founded in South Korea in 2005. Naver, the parent company of Webtoon, in 2021 acquired Canada’s Wattpad for US$600 million. Webtoon now classifies itself as the Toronto-based Wattpad’s parent company, although Naver appears to have left much of Wattpad’s work in the hands of its Toronto team.
Sébastien Celimon, a co-founder of PLeaSe Comics, a rights and events agency, is quoted by Frankfurt, saying that webtoons— in the generic reference, not as the brand name—originally was “a vertically readable comic format from South Korea, that has been [expanding their following] for 25 years with fresh, powerful storytelling.
“This year, Frankfurter Buchmesse is opening its doors even wider to the scene behind it.”
In addition, this year’s Guest of Honor Philippines program at Frankfurt sees the comics sector as a focal point of its market.
“From mythical creatures to contemporary voices,” says Nida Ramirez of 19th Avenida Publishing House, “Filipino comics are rich in stories that dare to dream and cross boundaries. In Frankfurt, we’ll proudly offer a diverse range of works and authors.”
Comics-Specific Events
Frankfurt’s comics area in the 2009 trade show. Image: FBM Alexander Heimann
During this year’s trade visitor days at Frankfurt, several components are highlighted by fair organizers this week.
- A Comics Business Center in Hall 6.1 will feature international publishers and agencies showcasing comics, manga, and webtoons, with rights trading. A happy hour on Wednesday and Thursday, October 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. each day will extend the opportunity for discussion and new deals.
- Guest of Honor Philippines is to have its own stand in the Comics Business Centre at 6.1 A 38, presenting the broad spectrum of Philippine comics.
- There’s a guided tour of the comics area on October 15, just before happy hour, and there are expected to be events on the International Stage at Frankfurt on rights and licensing in comics, as well. These are to include commentary from Celimon, who is designated a “webtoon ambassador,” on October 15 at 11 a.m. in the Comics Business Center.
- Also in Hall 3.0, trade visitors will find manga publishers with new titles and series to offer. And prior to the trade show’s opening, there’s a fireside chat on comics’ popularity set for October 7 as part of the Frankfurt Masterclass program.
During the weekend’s access to the fair by members of the public, families and comics fans will be invited to a Comics and Manga Drawing Corner in the 6.1 Comics Business Center, and publishers will present some of their newest content in Hall 3.0.
As our readers know, ticket sales for Frankfurt now are underway.
At the 2007 Frankfurter Buchmesse comics focus area. Image: FBM, Peter Hirth
More from Publishing Perspectives on Frankfurter Buchmesse is here, more on comics and related formats is here, and more on the German book publishing industry is here.