A great awkward silence suddenly hung over the traditional annual press conference of the Angoulême Comics Festival, Thursday November 21 in Paris. The organizers had just announced their partnership with the fast food chain Quick. Accustomed to controversies, doesn’t the biggest meeting of the 9th art risk triggering a new one?
Because this new partnership, announced as the most important of the festival, was established in the name of reading for all, “ at a time when it has become a social issue », Underlined Frédéric Levacher, president of Quick France who wishes to promote it within his restaurants.
« It’s important to start reading at a very young age, to develop good habits. » A wishful thinking on the part of a brand which does not frankly display the same ambitions in terms of food. It must be said that the Montreuil children’s book fair has hosted a McDonald’s stand since 2017 praising its book distribution activities in its children’s menus…
« You have to know what you wantretorts Franck Bondoux, general delegate of the festival: either we remain in a private space, and we passively witness the slow decline of reading; or we go towards young people, going where they like to go, sticking to their consumption habits. Sorting out the brands is too easy and, anyway, Quick is a respectable brand. »
The boss of the event welcomes this partnership which will also make it possible to offer festival-goers a new virtual reality experience in the world of Lucky Luke to try to “ shoot faster than your shadow ».
Major absentees
The Festival also presented its rich program and in particular its numerous exhibitions. One of the most anticipated is undoubtedly the one devoted to last year’s Angoulême Grand Prix, the British Posy Simmonds, famous for her spicy and finely observed albums (Tamara Drewe, Gemma Bovery), at the crossroads of illustration, literature and cinema.
An exhibition will also be dedicated to Superman, the first of the superheroes. Three courses will highlight mangas which reflect the incessant dialogue between the West and the Far East by authors who appropriate a Western imagination. A focus will be devoted to Spanish comics, which will allow us to take the pulse of a dynamic scene, even if many authors publish more easily on the other side of the Pyrenees.
Finally, the official selection was revealed, which like every year offers a clever mix between big publishers and independent houses, big hits in bookstores (La route, by Manu Larcenet, among others) and titles with a modest audience. However, some major absences are to be regretted this year, such as the second volume of What I like is monstersby Emil Ferris, Fauve d’or for best album in 2019 for the first part, Wormby Edel Rodriguez, or even Ginseng Rootsby Craig Thompson.
**Considering the potential for commercial influence, what ethical considerations should be paramount for comics festivals when entering partnerships with brands, and how can they ensure the integrity of their artistic programming remains intact?**
## Interview: Angoulême Comics Festival Partnership with Quick
**Welcome to World Today News. We’re discussing the recent announcement of a partnership between the Angoulême Comics Festival and the fast food chain Quick. Joining us today are:**
* **[Guest 1 Name and Credentials]:** A renowned comics critic and industry expert.
* **[Guest 2 Name and Credentials]:** A sociologist specializing in advertising and consumer habits, particularly among youth.
**Let’s get started.
I. The Partnership: Controversy and Intent**
* **[To Guest 1]:** The announcement was met with immediate controversy. Do you think this partnership is ultimately detrimental to the image and mission of the Angoulême Comics Festival?
* **[To Guest 2]:** Quick states their aim is to promote reading through this partnership. How justifiable is this claim in the context of a fast food chain’s marketing strategy? Could there be unintended consequences?
* **[To both Guests]:** The festival organizers argue that they need to engage young audiences where they are. Do you agree with this approach? Is there a risk of blurring the lines between commercial interests and artistic integrity?
* **[Open to both Guests]:** Are there alternative strategies the festival could adopt to reach younger readers without partnering with a fast food brand?
**II. Quick & The Children’s Market**
* **[To Guest 2]:** McDonald’s already has a presence at the Montreuil children’s book fair. Does this trend suggest a broader shift in how brands target young readers, and what are the potential implications for literacy and consumerism?
**III. The Festival Program: Highlights and Absences**
* **[To Guest 1]:** The festival program boasts impressive exhibitions, including those dedicated to Posy Simmonds and Superman. What are you most excited about in this year’s selection?
* **[To both Guests]:** Several notable works are missing from the official selection. What message does this send, and does it raise concerns about inclusivity or potential biases within the selection process?
**IV. Concluding Thoughts: The Future of Comics Festivals**
* **[To Guest 1]:** How do you see this partnership impacting the future of the Angoulême Comics Festival and comics festivals in general?
* **[To both Guests]:** What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing comics festivals in the 21st century?
**Thank you both for sharing your insights.**
**We encourage viewers to continue the conversation in the comments below.
** (End Interview)**
