Valencia Comic Fair 2026: Dates, Highlights & What to Expect

Valencia is buzzing with creativity as the Salón del Cómic de València unfolds at Feria Valencia, running through March 1st, 2026. The event, which officially opened its doors on Friday, February 27th, saw a surge of students from across the Comunidad Valenciana eager to explore the latest in comics, manga, anime, and related pop culture. This year’s edition isn’t just a celebration of the art form, but a significant hub for industry networking and fostering the next generation of creators.

The opening day saw Director Mario Soler acknowledge the crucial support of public institutions, emphasizing their commitment to youth culture and the continued growth of the comic, manga, and anime scenes. The Salón del Cómic de València aims to build on its success, transforming Feria Valencia’s Pabellón 7 into a vibrant meeting point for fans and professionals alike.

A Deep Dive into Valencian Comics: ‘Valencia Cómic, Km0’

One of the key exhibits this year is ‘Valencia Cómic, Km0’, organized by the Diputació de València’s Area of Culture and curated by Jordi Giner, Noelia Ibarra, and Álvaro Pons. This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of comics originating from the Valencia region, placing them in dialogue with global trends. As curator Álvaro Pons explained, the exhibit aims to illustrate the interconnectedness of comic art forms, tracing relationships between Valencian comics, manga, and American comics to reveal a “CSI of the comic world.” The display features original artwork alongside finished pieces, offering a glimpse into the creative process.

Industry Focus: Connecting Creators with Opportunities

Beyond the fan experience, the Salón del Cómic de València is increasingly focused on facilitating business opportunities. Pedro F. Medina, president of the Associació d’Editorials del País Valencià, highlighted the event’s role as a space for authors and industry representatives to connect. This year, the event has expanded its industry focus through collaboration with the IVACE (Instituto Valenciano de la Competitividad Empresarial) and the Ministry of Culture, facilitating meetings between authors and international publishers seeking new talent and rights acquisitions. These meetings, spanning two days, provide a platform for portfolio reviews and the presentation of original works.

This industry push complements a broader program of professional talks and the presence of Valencian publishers at international fairs like Bologna, Frankfurt, Guadalajara, and Angulema. The Salón is actively working to position Valencian creators on the global stage.

Cultivating Young Readers: AU-K! and the Future of Comics

Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of comic enthusiasts, the Salón has introduced AU-K!, a dedicated space for young readers developed in partnership with the Cátedra de Estudios del Cómic Fundación SM – Universitat de València. AU-K! aims to integrate art, play, and learning to encourage creativity and reading among children and young adults. Activities include comic workshops in Valencian, kamishibai storytelling, fanzine creation, cosplay events, and author meet-and-greets. The space will host a visit from Raina Telgemeier, a highly influential author in the children’s and young adult comic world, presenting her new graphic novel, El club de los dibujantes (Maeva), co-written with Scott McCloud.

Beyond the Panels: Games, Cosplay, and K-Pop

The Salón del Cómic de València extends beyond traditional comics, embracing a wider range of pop culture interests. The ‘Joc and Rol’ area, sponsored by the Instituto Valenciano de la Juventud (IVAJ), promotes board games as a social and educational activity, aiming to encourage interaction and mental stimulation. This initiative is part of a year-round program with events across the Comunidad Valenciana and professional development workshops for teachers on integrating board games into the classroom. Vicent Ripoll, director general of IVAJ, emphasized the value of games in fostering teamwork and providing a break from screens.

The event also features dedicated spaces for K-Pop, dance, and cosplay, alongside workshops, original artwork sales, and the presence of over 120 national and international authors, including established names like Rafa Fonteriz and Paco Roca, as well as rising stars like Elva Lombardía (winner of the Premio Ciutat de València Sanchís Grau de Cómic 2024 for ‘Roncas’) and YouTuber Paco Hernández.

Celebrating Valencian Legends: ‘Contes i Llegendes Valencianes’

The Salón also highlights local folklore with the exhibition ‘Contes i Llegendes Valencianes’ (Tales and Legends of Valencia), a collaboration with the València City Council’s Youth and Culture department. This exhibit showcases comics based on traditional Valencian legends published in the Xiulit magazine, featuring artwork by Jordi Peidro and scripts by Pablo Herranz. The exhibition provides an opportunity to compare original artwork with the final published versions, aiming to connect entertainment with education and inspire a new generation to explore the world of comics.

The Inauguration and the 2026 Comic Day Poster

The inauguration culminated with the presentation of the official poster for Comic Day, an initiative supported by the Ministry of Culture, which will be celebrated on March 17th. This year’s poster was created by Candela Sierra, winner of the National Comic Prize and the València Graphic Novel Prize from the Institució Alfons el Magnànim. Sierra’s design depicts a domestic scene with a dog, cat, and mouse shaped like comic book speech bubbles, intended as a tribute to the language of comics itself. She described the concept as a playful and dynamic representation suitable for all ages.

The Salón del Cómic de València continues to evolve, solidifying its position as a key event for both fans and professionals in the comic and pop culture landscape. With a blend of industry networking, educational initiatives, and vibrant entertainment, the event promises a dynamic experience for all attendees. Hello Valencia notes the event transforms Feria Valencia into an intergenerational meeting point.

As the event progresses, it will be interesting to see how the industry meetings translate into concrete opportunities for Valencian creators and what new trends emerge from the diverse range of activities on offer. The Salón’s commitment to fostering both artistic expression and business development positions it as a vital force in the future of the comic world.