La Laguna Hosts Third Annual International Manga and Comic Fair
The third annual International Manga and Comic Fair returns to La Laguna from May 7 to 10, showcasing local talent and global pop culture through a series of free exhibitions, workshops, and professional development events.
La Laguna is once again cementing its status as a hub for visual culture in the Canary Islands with the third annual International Manga and Comic Fair. Organized by the Cine+Cómics Foundation, the event will take over the city’s historic center from May 7 to 10. Supported by the local council and the University of La Laguna’s Moebius Cultural Chair, the fair aims to go beyond a typical convention, serving as a platform for over sixty local creators from across the archipelago.
The event will be held in iconic locations, including the Plaza del Adelantado, the Casa de los Capitanes, and the Casa Anchieta. All activities are free and open to the public, focusing on a wide range of genres. The program blends Japanese pop culture with local work, featuring special segments dedicated to global icons like the 30th anniversary of Pokémon and the legacy of Godzilla. The Casa Anchieta will act as the main hub for exhibitions and competitions, hosting everything from displays on giant monsters to collectible card game tournaments.
Professional development is a key focus at the Casa de los Capitanes, which will host presentations and portfolio reviews. The attendance of publishing expert Cels Piñol highlights the fair’s commitment to helping emerging authors advance their careers. He will be joined by a talented group of artists—including Luis Suárez, who designed this year’s promotional poster, as well as Álex de la Fuente, Eduardo González, and Patricia Martín—showcasing the vibrant state of design in the islands today.
The fair’s educational program is equally ambitious, featuring over twenty exhibitions that cover topics ranging from superhero comics to boys' love (BL) and Chinese danmei. By including these themes alongside K-pop contests and cosplay parades in the Plaza del Adelantado, the organizers hope to attract a diverse audience. Ultimately, the event seeks to celebrate the history of comics while providing a space where local talent can connect with global trends, bridging the gap between commercial success and artistic growth.