Major Comic Publishers Threaten Boycott of Angoulême International Comics Festival
Angoulême, France - Leading comic book publishing houses have escalated a dispute over governance issues at the Angoulême International Comics Festival (FIBD), informing local authorities they will boycott the 2026 festival if 9e Art +, the current organizing company, is allowed to rebid for the event’s management. The decision, revealed following a videoconference meeting on November 10 between publishers, the mayor of angoulême, Xavier Bonnefont, and a regional official, marks a notable intensification of a crisis that has gripped the French comics world.
The threat extends beyond a previously announced potential boycott of the 2027 festival, signaling a complete withdrawal of support unless 9e Art + is excluded from the FIBD’s upcoming call for tenders. This action underscores growing concerns within the industry regarding the festival’s direction and the conduct of 9e Art +, and places the future of one of Europe’s most important comics events in jeopardy.
An unprecedented revolt began November 8 after the FIBD announced 9e Art + would be considered for a nine-year contract renewal starting in 2028. The company, led by Franck Bondoux, has faced mounting criticism for alleged accounting irregularities, a “toxic” management style, a decline in the festival’s artistic quality, and accusations of nepotism.These concerns were further compounded by the dismissal of an employee who filed a complaint regarding a rape allegedly occurring during the 2024 festival.
