French Comics Publisher Launches Raffle too Avoid closure Amidst Industry Downturn
Angoulême, France – A wave of economic hardship is hitting the independent comic strip market in France, forcing publishers to seek unconventional solutions to stay afloat. Éditions çà et là, a prominent publisher specializing in foreign comics, launched a public raffle at the end of August in a bid to raise €50,000 and avert closure. The declaration came on January 31, 2025.
Founded in 2005 and transitioning to a cooperative and participative company (SCOP) in January of this year, Éditions çà et là has weathered financial difficulties before. However, founder Serge Ewenczyk notes this situation is unique: “We have already had three imminent death experiences,” he said, “But, this time, we are not the only ones: this is the first time that I have seen so many colleagues in difficulty.” The current economic climate is driving consumers toward cheaper options like used books, impacting sales across the industry.
The raffle offers prizes including a numbered screen print by Martin Panchaud, the Swiss author whose album The Color of Things won the Golden Fauve at the 2023 Angoulême Festival. The initial goal of €10,000 has already been surpassed, but the publisher still faces a significant shortfall, which will be covered by a bank loan. Supporters have until September 30 to purchase raffle tickets.
