Comic Barcelona underway with Chris Ware, Pepe Larraz, and Marika Vila as guests

Comic Barcelona, the biggest graphic novel event in Spain, kicked off their 43rd edition on Friday in Fira de Barcelona, lasting until Sunday.

International artists in the comic book scene such as Chris Ware, John Howe, and Marika Vila, who won the 2024 Comic Barcelona Award, are just some of the guests taking part in the event this weekend.  

The fair will also welcome Pepe Larraz, one of the most famous superhero cartoonists, who has worked on the X-Men saga and the House of X series from Marvel Comics. 

During the fair, there are also several fan clubs and comic stores of different publishers. 

The convention brings together fandom of the comic from all ages and different parts of the world. 

Jon Ander Ramirez, another artist participating, told Catalan News that he likes the variety of publishers present.  

"I do different kind of art, and what I like the most is the variety and styles of art in the event," Ramirez said. "This event is one of the biggest in Spain, it helps me personally to get my art out to more audience." 

Comic Barcelona also attracts various fan clubs, such as Star-Wars and Star Trek. 

Leonor Bolsa, a member of the Star Trek club, said the event brings a sense of community and is a spot to make new friends with similar tastes. 

The Star Trek club “gets bigger each year, and it helps me to meet different people," Bolsa said. "Everything is available in this convention for different fans, from books to comics." 

The event also features an exhibition of different art, interactive activities, and even a kid's comic zone.  

Comic Barcelona is open to the public from Friday until Sunday, April 6. 

Tickets, available both online and in-person at the Fira de Barcelona, start at €13 per day. The event also offers a €19 ticket to access any two days.