Max and Moritz

“Max and Moritz” was the “first prank” in the long history of German comics. Even if, when it comes to this art form which is now recognised as such, many people initially think of French and Belgian “bandes dessinées”, the super hero strips from the United States, or Japanese Manga comics. The works by the German poet and illustrator Wilhelm Busch are regarded as the precursor of the modern comic. He completed “Max and Moritz” in 1864 – as many as 150 years ago. A free spirit, he portrayed his view of society in seven pranks. The work has since been translated into more than 280 languages and dialects the world over.

Whereas satirical and political contents were typical of early forms of German comics, since the mid-20^th century entertainment has been dominant. For this reason, in the German literary scene the stories with speech bubbles were to some extent disdained as “kids’ stuff”. It was not until the 1980s that this slowly began to change. Comic publishers were founded, and a German comic scene emerged. The arts sections also (re-) discovered graphic literature for an adult audience. And young German illustrators enjoyed great success, including Ralf König and Anke Feuchtenberger.

Where the comic scene meets: Erlangen International Comic Salon

Founded in 1984, the Erlangen International Comic Salon has played a considerable role in making comic art socially acceptable in Germany today. The key graphic literature festival in German-speaking countries today, it was the main driver behind this trend. In 2014, to mark the 30^th anniversary of the Comic Salon, an exhibition in Erlangen entitled “150 Years of German Comic History” will be on display. And the most important award for graphic literature in German-speaking countries recalls the tradition of Wilhelm Busch’s two mischievous rascals: In Erlangen the Max and Moritz Award is bestowed.

16^th Erlangen International Comic Salon from 19 to 22 June 2014 in Erlangen

www.comic-salon.de

www.erlangen.de/stadtmuseum

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