Boundless Visions in the “Ninth Art”

Comics are perhaps the best medium for utopias and dystopias. The possibilities of sequential storytelling are endless, because absolutely nothing limits the imagination or the way a story is told. Whether with pen and paper, on a tablet, or directly on a wall—comic artists can and are free to depict anything. They bring visions to life and offer a fascinating, uncensored glimpse of what tomorrow might hold.

The retrospective features an impressive array of national and international leading figures, Grimme Award winners, and prominent voices from the regional scene:

• International Highlights: The renowned artist and art therapist Xu Jingru from Shenzhen, China—known for her monumental, 54-meter-long mural at the city’s airport—as well as the award-winning Istanbul-born artist Hatiye Garip, who lives in Cologne and explores the theme of inclusion through groundbreaking, accessible comics.
• Top National Talent & Pop Culture Highlights: Max-und-Moritz-Award winner Uli Oesterle (Munich), Thomas von Kummant (Munich), creator of the globally acclaimed post-apocalyptic coming-of-age saga “GUNG HO,” as well as Jennifer Daniel (Düsseldorf), whose graphic novel “Das Gutachten” was nominated for the 2025 Sélection Officielle in Angoulême, and Josephine Mark (Leipzig), winner of the German Youth Literature Prize. A real highlight for pop culture fans is the participation of Georg von Westphalen, co-creator of the cult character “Bernd das Brot,” which was awarded the prestigious Grimme Prize. Additional highlights include the internationally exhibited artist and activist Timo Würz, with over 100 published books, as well as the Münster-based illustrator Jörg Hartmann, whose works appear worldwide. This lineup is joined by comic artist and art director Ralf Marczinczik, Berlin-based graphic novel specialist Thilo Krapp (“War of the Worlds”), award-nominated comic author Matthias Lehmann (“Parallel”), the successful science fiction duo Olaf Brill & Michael Vogt (“Der kleine Perry”), and the veteran Mamei (Matthias Kringe).
• Regional & Local Focus: The north is well represented by, among others, the well-known cartoonist Miguel Fernandez, who hails from Hagenburg on Lake Steinhude, as well as by talented students in the Media Design program at Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Visitors won’t find a rigid museum concept here, but rather a vibrant cultural event. The three-week program features a utopian comic exhibition brimming with action and visual madness.

The exhibition is accompanied by hands-on workshops with comic artists, live comic happenings with music, exclusive signing sessions, and a well-stocked book table featuring original sketches, drawings, merchandise, and rare printed materials.

Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the grand opening on Sunday, July 5, at 11:15 a.m. at the historic Wunstorf Abbey. Artists and organizers will be on site for interviews, photo opportunities, and exclusive tours.