Flemish comic books festival returns to Turnhout

On the opening night of the festival, the Flemish Culture Prize for Comics, also known as the Bronzen Adhemar (named after the genius son of cartoon character Nero), is handed out. This year, the prize goes to Marc Legendre, the creator of Biebel, a strip that ran from 1983 until 2002 and follows the exploits of the title character as he gets involved in all kinds of absurd adventures, largely with his best friend Reggie (pictured). Besides the bronze statuette, Legendre see a retrospective of his work staged as part of the festival.

A second exhibition is dedicated to another great hero in the history of Flemish comics: Lucky Luke, the singing cowboy who shoots faster than his shadow. The adventures of Lucky Luke and his horse Jolly Jumper are known worldwide. The series, created by Maurice De Bevere, known by  his pen name Morris, was inspired by 1940s westerns, but with a slapstick twist.

The Stripgids festival also hosts workshops where you can test your drawing skills, interviews with artists and, of course, much in the way of comics to discover. At an antiques market, experts are on hand to estimate the value of your old comic books. On Saturday night, cartoonist and musician Theo van den Boogaard presents Bob Dylan Illustrated, which features songs of the legendary American folk singer specially illustrated for the event.

Stripgids Festival’s two exhibitions are open until 19 January