Akira Pantsu Headlines 3rd International Manga and Comic Fair in La Laguna
The 3rd International Manga and Comic Fair of La Laguna celebrates the global rise of Spanish manga by hosting acclaimed artist Akira Pantsu as its guest of honor.
Spanish manga is gaining international recognition, and the 3rd International Manga and Comic Fair of La Laguna marks a new milestone in this growth. Organizers have announced that Akira Pantsu, a leading figure from Planeta Manga magazine, will be the event's guest of honor. His participation is part of a wider effort to decentralize the comic industry and bring modern creators closer to the Canarian public.
Pantsu’s work has evolved from the sensitive themes of his early career to the raw, existential tone of his recent projects, reflecting the current state of the industry. After studying at Madrid’s Higher School of Professional Drawing, he gained international acclaim in 2025 when the Japanese magazine Morning awarded his work, Nemui Tenshi. This recognition highlights how Spanish artists are successfully blending Japanese manga styles with complex social issues, such as mental health and prostitution, by mixing fantasy with everyday life.
The fair runs through Sunday, with events spread across La Laguna’s historic center. The Plaza del Adelantado hosts the main exhibitions and an "artist alley" featuring over 60 creators. Meanwhile, the Casa de los Capitanes Generales serves as the event's intellectual hub. It is here that Pantsu will hold an open discussion with bookseller Águeda Ruiz de la Fuente this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
The event also highlights how modern artists are finding creative independence. Pantsu’s use of both traditional publishing and crowdfunding platforms like Ko-fi shows how independent manga is changing. For those interested in the full schedule or the free exhibitions at Casa Anchieta and the Casa de los Capitanes, details are available on the Cine+Cómics Foundation website.