When it comes to comics, manga or graphic novels, there is nowhere to compare with the Manga Comic Convention for encounters with the stars of the scene. Fans of graphic fiction can meet their idols at book-signing sessions. This year, graphic artists of some of the "classics" - The Smurfs, Simpsons and Peanuts - have announced their participation. Icons from the motherland of manga, Japan, and graphic novel artists from the USA will also be presenting their latest work. Numerous international guests of honour will be in Germany for the first time, and can be met exclusively at the MCC in Leipzig.
Stars up close: Guests of honour at MCC
Vicki and Bob Scott are the creative minds behind the new "Peanuts" adventures. Following in the footsteps of Charles Schulz, they continue the successful comic strip with Charlie Brown, Snoopy & Co and will be in Germany for the first time. Kate Beaton, whose comic strip "Hark! A vagrant" is now out in German, is coming from Canada. Other guests coming to MCC include: from the USA, "Simpsons" graphic artist and art director for all "Simpsons" publications, Serban Cristescu, Miguel Díaz Vizoso from Spain who now lives in Belgium - he continues the adventures of "The Smurfs", and the Italian graphic artist Barbara Canepa ("W.I.T.C.H.", "Monster Allergy", "Skydoll", all in collaboration with Alessandro Barbucci). Also present in Leipzig are the German graphic artist Che Rossié ("Die Zwerge") and Sara Pichelli from Italy ("Guardians of the Galaxy") and the only German Star Wars graphic artist Ingo Römling.
Takeshi Obata, one of the most successful Mangaka artists in the world, will also honour MCC with a visit. It will be the star's first time in Germany. Other highlights for manga fans include a first visit to Germany by Japanese graphic artist Tatsuya Ihara ("How to Draw Manga - Manga-figures in dynamic poses") and flying visits to MCC from Chako Abeno ("Chrome Breaker", "Bibliotheca Mystica", "A+B - Angel and Blood") and Mayu Sakai ("Rockin' Heaven", "Momo - Little Devil"). Marco Albiero - who created the international style guide for the cult manga series "Sailor Moon" - will also be there to answer questions from fans.
Among the star guests in Leipzig is the American Scott McCloud, whose graphic novel "The Sculptor" is being released at the Leipzig book fair. Internationally-successful Berlin graphic artist Reinhard Kleist ("Cash - I see a darkness") will also be there to present his graphic novel "The Dream of Olympia".
Comics in focus - highlight: Comics from Israel
Heroes of childhood and youth: This year MCC is dedicating Hall 1 to classic comics. Comic!-Leseecke (= new name) invites aspiring artists to sound out this colourful world and take time off to browse. Comics and graphic novels are the special focus of a large joint stand in Hall 5.
The main attraction however will be the special exhibition "Streifzüge - Wanderings" with comics from Israel. More than 40 artists will present their work and throw a light on the vibrant comic scene in Israel. The work of Israeli caricaturists is concerned with issues of the future, nationality, what is special / what is universal, religion, tradition, and personal identity. Among others coming to Leipzig is Assaf Gamzou, who is professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Tel Aviv and curator of the Israeli Cartoon Museum, as well as the well-known illustrator Merav Salomon, who is head of Illustration at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. Her illustrations have appeared in such places as the "New York Times", "New York Magazine" and "The Village Voice". Graphic novel author Anat Einhar will also be there. And on March 13th, Marijpol from Hamburg and Naama Benziman from Tel Aviv will be having a discussion on the Israeli and German comic scene as well as the influence of other cultures on their own art. The special exhibition "Streifzüge - Wanderings" at MCC forms part of the fair's focus on "1965 to 2015. Germany - Israel". The Leipzig book fair commemorates the 50th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries with this exhibition.
The beginning of the manga boom - MCC celebrates "Sailor Moon"
The manga boom in Germany was begun by a blond schoolgirl with magical powers: In 1995 the first season of the Japanese TV anime series "Sailor Moon" was broadcast on ZDF - the beginning of the hype. This animated story also attracted girls and young women who until then had rather tended to give classic comics the cold shoulder. Anime conventions grew to become meeting points for circles of fans. "Sailor Moon" is the focus of the exhibition "20 years of Sailor Moon" which is MCC's celebration of the anniversary.
Dazzling eccentricity: Cosplayers in competition
Cosplayers are easily spotted by their striking fantasy-inspired costumes and by their vivid make-up - the word 'cosplayer' is compounded from the words costume und play. The garments often take months of work to make, and are a real eye-catcher at the fair, attracting lots of camera clicks. The most beautiful and imaginative cosplay can be admired at the now almost-traditional Leipzig Cosplay competitions. The German preliminaries for the fifth edition of the "European Cosplay Gathering" will take place on March 14th. In July the winners will take part in the finals of the largest European competition at the Japan Expo in Paris. Cosplayers from eleven countries will compete in individual and group categories. The "Leipziger Cosplay" organised by animexx will follow on March 15th. And also on the programme is the second "Tales of Cosplay" competition. This also involves a trip to the Japan Expo - to choose who will represent the roles in the "Tales of Xillia" series. The "GERONIMO! Doctor Who Cosplay Contest" from Cross Cult is something completely new. It's aimed at all Whovians - fans of the cult English TV series.
MCC will also be hosting several workshops for cosplayers - including the use of thermoplastics to construct armour, designing costumes, wig styling, special effects makeup, and T-shirt printing. And last but not least, trade exhibitions by myCostumes, Tenjikai, Tikocosplay and Yakitori will present their latest wares.
Japanese culture live and the new games room
Japanese culture can be experienced live in one of the fringe events at MCC. Visitors can try out the traditional Japanese art of archery - Kyudo - in Leipzig. Patrons at the Maid Café will be served by staff in cosplay roles. There will be introductions to the Japanese language, country, and people. Play areas for Yu-Gi-Oh and other trading card games will be set out to attract novices.