Bangkok, Thailand – bkk UNZINE Art Magazine is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated BKK Comics Art Festival #3, in partnership with BAAN NOKKAMIN FOUNDATION, a Christian organization that offers assistance to orphans, underprivileged children, the elderly and drug addicts by developing and changing their lives and strengthening them emotionally so that they are ready to face the world in the future.
Bigger and better than before, this year’s festival will unite local and international comic artists for a celebration of the comic medium, offering fans an unparalleled opportunity to engage with their favorite creators at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC).
Other prominent partners include the JAPAN FOUNDATION, which has generously provided a grant to bring our special guest, the esteemed manga artist Mr. ATSUSHI KANEKO from Japan. HUION and CLIP STUDIO PAINT are also joining as sponsors, offering exciting products such as tablets and subscriptions in a special lucky draw. Stay tuned for details on how to participate for a chance to win these prizes, which will be shared on our official channels: @bkkunzine on Instagram and Facebook and at www.bkkunzine.com, our official website.
In addition, we are delighted to continue our collaboration with the Embassy of Belgium for the third year in a row. Belgian lecturer and comics researcher at the Faculty of Communication Arts (Chulalongkorn University, Thailand) and author of “The Art of Thai Comics: A Century of Strips and Stripes”, Nicolas Verstappen will present experimental comics from Belgium and Thailand linked to THAI COMICS UNBOUND, the academic paper in comics form he composed with Thai cartoonist Lychee Chai and which will be part of our exhibition. The opening of our comic convention on Saturday morning at 11:00 am will be enriched by snacks and drinks provided by the Embassy of Belgium.
Event Highlights
Comics Art Exhibition: October 1 – 13, 2024
The festival kicks off with a two-week Comics Art Exhibition running from October 1st to 13th, 2024, on the 5th Floor of BACC. This exhibition will showcase a stunning array of works from renowned comic artists, providing a deep dive into the diverse world of comic art ranging from traditional Thai folklore to contemporary experimental comics.
Special Guest: Atsushi Kaneko – The Punk Rock Mangaka
We are incredibly excited to welcome to Thailand for the first time Atsushi Kaneko! Known for his edgy, genre-defying works, the mangaka has captivated comics fans worldwide with titles like Wet Moon, Deathco, Soil, and Bambi and Her Pink Gun. His highly anticipated series Search and Destroy, an adaptation of the legendary Osamu Tezuka’s work, was released in English in July 2024 by world-renowned publisher Fantagraphics. Additionally, his series EVOL has been successfully adapted into a live-action series in Japan.
During the convention, attendees will have the chance to win copies of Search and Destroy Vol. 1, signed by Kaneko himself! Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Atsushi Kaneko on Saturday, October 12th, where he’ll dive into his creative process. Immediately following will be an engaging Q&A session with the audience.
Expanding the Horizons of Thai Comics
This year’s festival is a milestone in our mission to promote the growth of the comics industry in Thailand, bridging local talent with the global stage. Our exhibition will spotlight an impressive lineup of Thai comic artists across various genres:
- Thai Mythology: Featuring artists such as Adisak Das Pongsampan (Steak Comic), the legendary Om Ratchawej, and the hilarious Jod8riew.
- Thai Horror: Showcasing veterans from the one-baht comic era, including Das Sudsakorn, Apichart Rodwatanakul, and Tode Kosumpisai.
- 90s Generation Creators: Highlighting influential artists like The Duang, Sa-ard, and Suttichart Sarapaiwanich.
- New Wave Thai Artists: Introducing experimental creators such as Tuna Dunn, Lychee Chai, Namsai K, and also Koong, known for their heartwarming Boy Love comics.
- Meet the Artists: Throughout the weekend of October 12th and 13th, comic enthusiasts can interact directly with artists in the 5th-floor hall, where booths will be set up for book signings, merchandise sales, and one-on-one conversations with the creators.
Save the Dates
Exhibition: October 1st to 13th, 2024 – 5th Floor Curved Wall, BACC.
Convention: Saturday, October 12th & Sunday, October 13th, 2024 – 5th Floor Hall and Meeting Room 501, BACC.
Venue: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) – Easily accessible via BTS National Stadium or Siam stations.
Join us for a celebration of comics like no other, where the art form comes to life through the creativity and passion of artists from Thailand and beyond. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience at the BKK Comics Art Festival #3!
Panels and activities at the convention
The following activities will take place on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 on the 5th floor of BACC, in meeting room 501:
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM Opening Ceremony & Exclusive Exhibition Tour
Kick off the day with a thrilling opening ceremony!
Immerse yourself in the world of comics with a guided tour
of our vibrant exhibition.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Create Your Own Diary Comic Zine!
Join Singaporean comic artist Juliette Yu Ming Lizeray for
an interactive workshop where you’ll craft your personal
diary comic zine. Unleash your creativity in this hands-on
Session!
Admission fee: 300 THB (all art supplies provided)
13:30 PM – 14:30 PM Mastering Dynamic Superhero Poses: Drawing Workshop
Elevate your comic art with insights from American comic book artist Mike Van Orden. Learn how to bring energy and movement to your characters in this dynamic drawing workshop! (Recommended for ages 13 and above)
Admission fee: 400 THB for pre-booking and 500 THB for walk-ins (all art supplies provided)
15:00 PM – 15:30 PM Live Auction: Own a Piece of Thai Comic Masterpieces
Bid on original comic art pieces! All proceeds benefit
the Baan Nokkamin Foundation, so you can take home a
treasure while supporting a great cause.
15:45 PM – 16:45 PM In Conversation with Mangaka Atsushi Kaneko
Don’t miss this exclusive interview panel with Atsushi Kaneko, the visionary creator behind Bambi, EVOL, and Search and Destroy Vol. 1. Dive into the mind of a mangaka legend!
Admission fee: 100 THB
17:00 PM – 18:00 PM Unveiling the Asian Comics Industry
Join Du Bút Books, a Vietnamese indie publisher, for
an insightful discussion on the evolving Asian comics
industry covering trends, challenges, and future
opportunities.
18:00 PM – 19:00 PM bkk UNZINE & UNZINE 95: Future events Sneak Peek + Giveaway
Get an exclusive preview of upcoming projects from bkk UNZINE and our new gallery and activity space UNZINE 95. Be sure to stay until the end for exciting giveaways and the grand closing raffle!
Raffle Ticket: 50 THB