International comics conference to explore cultural taste in graphic novels in 2025
The excitement surrounding the world of comics is set to crescendo with the announcement of the 2025 Joint Conference of the International Bande Dessinée Society and the International Graphic Novel and Comics Conference. Scheduled for 24–25 June 2025 as an online event, followed by an in-person gathering in Brussels from 30 June to 4 July, the conference aims to attract academics, artists, and enthusiasts alike. This year’s theme, "The Taste of Comics," promises to delve into the cultural and aesthetic nuances that inform reader preferences and interpretation within the medium.
Highlighting the conference will be keynote addresses from prominent figures in the comics field, including Irène Le Roy Ladurie on 25 June, Eric Dubois on 30 June, and Eszter Szép on 4 July. The organisers have stated that the conference is free to attend, a welcome initiative supported by several institutions, such as Ghent University, Hoek 38, and The Comic Art Museum. This funding underscores the commitment to accessibility in the study and appreciation of comics, as noted previously in various discussions surrounding similar events.
The conference also invites submissions for papers, workshops, and panels, with a deadline for proposals set for 31 January 2025. This aspect of the conference encourages diverse contributions, aiming to facilitate a wider discourse around the nuances of comics as a medium. According to the Malmö University Comics Hub, which helps coordinate the joint initiative, the theme not only seeks to explore the aesthetics but also aims to interrogate how taste manifests in different cultural contexts—a timely exploration as the global comics community continues to evolve.
In recent years, the landscape of comics scholarship has broadened significantly, evident in various conferences that have emerged globally. For example, the Comics 2023 Conference held at the University of Cambridge encompassed a range of topics from literacy enhancement to community building through comics. Such diverse explorations serve to elevate the medium beyond mere entertainment, positioning it as a valuable tool for education and social discourse.
The International Bande Dessinée Society has championed the study of comics since its inception, with significant contributions to the field documented in Laurence Grove's reflective piece, "Twenty Years of IBDS." This article outlines the society's pivotal role in formalising comics studies as a legitimate area of academic inquiry, thus framing the 2025 conference as part of a larger narrative of growth and recognition for the medium.
The significant buzz surrounding the event has already led to a high demand for in-person tickets, with only a few remaining due to limited room capacities. However, increased availability for the online participation option ensures that a broader audience can engage with the esteemed panel of speakers and the array of discussions that will unfold.
In essence, this joint conference represents not just an academic gathering but a celebration of the rich tapestry of comics and graphic novels. By inviting a multitude of perspectives and voices, from both established scholars to emerging creators, it stands to reinforce the significance of taste in comics and its role in shaping future narratives within the discipline. Attendees from across the globe are encouraged to register early to secure their places at what promises to be a landmark event in the comics calendar.