Reborn Stripgids showcases the latest in Flemish comics
Founded in 1974, the comics guide that covers the industry has recently undergone a makeover
Fit to print
Now, thanks to a new editorial team of four Flemish graphic artists – Judith Vanistendael, Simon Spruyt, Marnix Verduyn and Marc Legendre – and journalists Roel Daenen and Karl Van den Broeck, the guide is back in a fresh format.
The reborn Stripgids is published by non-profit Strip Turnhout and highlights both the latest trends in the industry and the rich comic heritage of Flanders. Instead of a new issue every quarter, it now comes out twice a year and features in-depth essays and articles.
The journal, filled to the brim with strips by both new and established artists, does away with reviews and news stories, but those can still be found online. One of the topics covered in the first issue is the trend that sees old classics readapted to reflect the world today.
Amoras, a modern take on the beloved Suske en Wiske series, is a prominent example. “This trend indicates that many publishers prefer to play it safe during these difficult times for the book industry,” says Roel Daenen, Stripgids co-ordinator. “An updated series can address the nostalgic feelings of older readers, who grew up with these characters, while also tapping into the minds of curious young readers.”
Graphic journalism
The cautious strategy makes it more difficult for unknown artists to make a breakthrough, Daenen continues, but the young talent featured in Stripgids shows they have much to offer. “This generation is very diverse and many of them enjoy experimenting,” he says. “These youngsters are doing their own thing.”
Pulp deLuxe, an online magazine focusing exclusively on emerging Flemish talent, is a proof of that, he adds.
Another topic featured in Stripgids is the emergence of graphic journalism, or creating comics from actual events. A frontrunner in the field is Jeroen Janssen, who has covered a range of topics this way, from the Rwandan genocide to the future of Doel, a town on the Scheldt in East Flanders expected to disappear as a result of the expansion of the port of Antwerp.
Many publishers prefer to play it safe during these difficult times for the book industry
The guide also devotes attention to digital innovations, highlighting the impact of the platform Screendiver. The website brings together a variety of interactive comics, showcasing the possibilities offered by digital applications.
Next year, the editorial team is thinking of organising a Comics Day, with activities across Flanders and Brussels. Another plan is to set up a contest for the best bachelor’s or master’s thesis on comics, in collaboration with the annual Scriptieprijs (Thesis Prize) competition in Flanders.
In the meantime, Stripgids has already launched a contest for writers who’d like to see their story adapted into a comic. The contest ends in August and aims to highlight the role of comics scriptwriters.
Stripgids is published in Dutch, but its rich visual content, says Daenen, makes it accessible to non-native readers. In future editions, the editors hope to go beyond the Flemish borders and cover topics from around the world. They also plan to hire foreign artists and journalists.
