Erlangen Comic Salon 2026: What's so funny about that?
June 19, 2026The International Comic Salon in Erlangen is the most important comic festival in Europe. Since 2016, I have had the privilege of serving on the jury for the Max and Moritz Prizes – a great honor and always a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the comic scene.
By Dr. Christine Vogt
Flags in the city center and a queue of people in front of exhibition hall A (Schlossplatz) © International Comic Salon Erlangen – Photo: Erich Malter, 2026
Germany's most important comic festival
Every two years, Erlangen becomes the center of the comics world. The festival combines a large trade fair, exhibitions, award ceremonies, and more than 50 events daily.
From Oberhausen's perspective, it was particularly gratifying this year that the Walter Moers exhibition from the LUDWIGGALERIE was on display at the Erlangen City Museum. The response – as was the case at the LUDWIGGALERIE – was overwhelmingly positive.
Numerous visitors took advantage of the opportunity for guided tours and discussions. Together with Amely Deiss, director of the Kunstpalais and curator of the Christoph Niemann exhibition, I also participated in a panel discussion moderated by Christoph Haas.
A good opportunity to visit the very nice presentation in Erlangen will be during the Poets' Festival from August 28th to 30th, 2026, when further guided tours will take place.
What's so funny about that? The comic art of Walter Moers © International Comic Salon Erlangen – Photo: Erich Malter, 2026
The Max and Moritz Gala
The highlight of the Salon is traditionally the Max and Moritz Gala on Friday evening. Here, awards are presented for individual works, special artistic achievements, and even a lifetime achievement award. The evening was hosted by Swiss comics specialist Christian Gasser with charm, expertise, and humor.
The 2026 award winners © International Comic Salon Erlangen – Photo: Erich Malter, 2026
Unique festival atmosphere
What makes Erlangen so special is its unique flair. For several years now, the festival has taken place right in the heart of the city, utilizing numerous venues. Artists, publishers, and the public mingle between these locations. And in the palace gardens, to quote the younger generation, you can wonderfully "chill out."
The atmosphere is unique: open, curious, and spanning generations. Even those who don't usually engage much with comics (which is, of course, a mistake) quickly discover the cultural diversity of the medium and a wonderful place to spend time.
Palace Gardens, DATEV Stage + Lounge © International Comic Salon Erlangen – Photo: Erich Malter, 2026
Encounters with the greats of the scene
Erlangen is a meeting place for the biggest names in the international comic and graphic novel scene. Discussions, readings, and book signings offer the opportunity to meet artists and authors in person – from Flix to Katharina Greve, from Ulli Lust to Ulf K.
The Grimm Brothers – a Lucky Luke tribute by Flix and Reinhard Kleist: Reading and live drawing © International Comic Salon Erlangen – Photo: Erich Malter, 2026
Exhibitions accompany the Salon
Numerous exhibitions enriched the festival. That the Walter Moers show was among the biggest crowd-pullers almost goes without saying. But there were also major presentations of the distinctive work of Christoph Niemann, who regularly designs covers for The New Yorker , and of Isabel Kreitz, who translates historical material as virtuously as she does literary adaptations.
A particular discovery for me was the exhibition "Fleischeslust" (Carnal Desire) by the Swiss artist Martin Oesch. The installation, centered around the master butcher Erwin, evoked the atmosphere of a traditional butcher shop and impressively demonstrated how creative and surprising comic exhibitions can be.
Edition Moderne presents: Martin Oesch – Carnal Desire © International Comic Salon Erlangen – Photo: Erich Malter, 2026
The best salon ever?
After every comic convention, you think: It couldn't be better! But in 2026, everything was truly perfect. The weather was pleasant, the distances short, the exhibitions top-notch, and the conversations inspiring. Between events, exhibition visits, and encounters, there was plenty of time for discussion. It was stimulating and simply wonderful!
We are already looking forward to the next Comic Salon in 2028.
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