Hamburger Graphic Novel Tage

From Comic to Graphic Novel — and Back Again

Since 2013, the Literaturhaus Hamburg has dedicated its own festival to the medium of comics and graphic novels. What began as a small format is now the most important industry meeting between Bremen and Berlin — the 14th edition in 2026 continues this tradition. Curator and moderator since the beginning has been Andreas Platthaus, senior editor of the FAZ feuilletons and one of the best-known German comic connoisseurs.

Format: Four Evenings, Four Duos

The festival's idea is clear: one duo per evening. An international voice meets a German-speaking position, both present their current work, and discuss form, technique, and narrative methods. The audience sees original pages, hears the artists talk about their work, and can get items signed afterward. The format and atmosphere of the Literaturhaus are a perfect fit — focused, friendly, and knowledgeable.

Venues: Literaturhaus and Nachtasyl

The main stage is the Literaturhaus Hamburg on the Außenalster (Schwanenwik 38, Uhlenhorst district, Hamburg-Nord borough). Individual evenings move to the Nachtasyl in the Thalia Theater at Alstertor (Hamburg-Mitte borough) — a different atmosphere, more intimate, more theatrical. Thus, the festival connects two of Hamburg's most important literary addresses.

International Program 2026

The 2026 edition brings together, among others, Alison Bechdel and Paul Karasik (USA), Keum Suk Gendry-Kim (South Korea), David Prudhomme and Isabelle Maroger (France), along with Reinhard Kleist (Berlin) and several North German voices such as Bianca Schaalburg, Lena Winkel, and Joscha Baltes. An exceptional depth in programming that makes the festival internationally visible.