The 14th Krakow Comics Festival 2025 - Your Comics World Centre! Get ready for an Unforgettable Experience!

Krakow, 27-29 June 2025. Klub Studio, 4 Budryka Street. If these words make your heart beat faster, it means you're ready for the biggest comics festival in Małopolska! The 14th Krakow Comics Festival is an event that attracts thousands of fans of cartoon stories, anime, games and broadly defined pop culture every year. This year we are in for a real treat, full of anniversaries, inspiring meetings and unforgettable experiences.

Get ready for a weekend filled to the brim with creativity, passion and plenty of knowledge. Whether you are a long-time fan of comics, just starting your adventure with the medium, or simply looking for an interesting way to spend your time in Krakow - this article is for you. You will learn everything you need to know about the Festival, find out about its programme, guests, and discover how to make the most of your time in the capital of Malopolska by taking advantage of the additional attractions that await you at the House of Attractions!

Neon Genesis Evangelion and Other Holidays - Festival Theme and Unique Anniversaries!

This year's edition of the Krakow Comics Festival is a real celebration of anniversaries, with the cult anime that changed the face of Japanese animation forever taking centre stage as the theme. "Neon Genesis Evangelion" by Hideaki Anno. It passes precisely 30 years since the premiere of this groundbreaking series, which revolutionised the mecha and science fiction genre by weaving in deep psychological, philosophical and religious themes. The story of the world after a global catastrophe, the Evangelion pilots and their battle with the Angels inspired this year's festival poster and will be the focus of many panel discussions and exhibitions. Get ready for a journey into the world of Shinji, Rei and Asuka, where questions about the meaning of existence, trauma and human nature are still relevant.

But that's not all! The 14th Krakow Comics Festival is also a great opportunity to celebrate other important anniversaries in the world of Polish comics and children's literature:

• Guido's 30th birthday - this charming and witty character, created by Slawomir Kiełbus for the weekly magazine 'Angorka', has entertained and moved readers for years. His jubilee is a tribute to Polish humour and satire in comics.
• 80th anniversary of "Świerszczyk" magazine - Who among us has not grown up with 'Świerszczyk'? It is the icon of the Polish children's press, which for generations has introduced the youngest to the world of literature, including comics. To celebrate this anniversary is to highlight the role of comics in children's education and entertainment.

These three special anniversaries guarantee that the festival programme will be extremely diverse and rich in content that will satisfy both fans of deep analysis and those who appreciate the light and fun side of comics.

A Schedule Full of Surprises - Exhibitions, Speeches, Fairs and Meetings!

The programme of the 14th Krakow Comics Festival is a veritable mosaic of attractions, ensuring that there is something for everyone. From moving exhibitions to intriguing lectures and fair fever - you will never be bored!

Exhibitions - Artistic Beginning of the Festival Adventure

The festival will begin with two exhibition openings that will open the door to the world of drawing stories:

• Exhibition at the Comics Museum - "Evangelion and their pilots" (opening 27.06): This is a must-see for any fan of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'. It will be a multi-layered story about the phenomenon, showing its impact on pop culture, analysing characters, symbolism and historical background. This is a great opportunity to delve into the complex world of Anno and see how comics and anime can touch the deepest aspects of the human psyche.
• Exhibition at UKEN Institute of Art and Design's Podbrzezie Gallery - "Alternative ways of experiencing comics based on diversity and exclusions" (opening 27.06): This exhibition promises to be an important event that will shed new light on comics as a medium. With its focus on diversity and exclusion, it proves that comics is not only entertainment, but also a powerful tool for addressing socially relevant topics and giving voice to marginalised groups. It is worth seeing how artists use comics to create inclusive narratives.

Lectures and Discussion Panels - 12 Hours of Knowledge from the Experts!

This is the heart of every festival - a space for learning, discussion and broadening horizons. This year, we are looking forward to as many 12 hours fascinating lectures given by distinguished experts, science popularisers and lecturers. These will include:

• Mikołaj Kołyszko
• Unka Odya
• Dawid Głownia
• Wojciech Nelec

Expect topics covering a wide spectrum: from an analysis of the influence of manga and anime on Western comics, to workshops on comic script development, to panel discussions on the future of the digital medium. This is an ideal opportunity to deepen your knowledge, get inspired and find out what's happening in the world of comics. Don't forget the panels dedicated to the anniversaries of 'Evangelion', Gwidon and 'Swierszczyk' - a unique chance to look at these phenomena from a new perspective.

Market Zone - Comic Book Hunting for News and Gems

For many fans, this is where the heart of the festival beats! The fair zone is where you will find:

• Comics news: Premieres of the hottest titles, straight from the publishers.
• Niche publishers: Often hard-to-find gems, independent publications and works by alternative artists.
• Gadgets and memorabilia: Figurines, posters, T-shirts and everything related to your favourite characters.
• Autograph sessions: A chance to get a signature from your favourite author or illustrator.

Be prepared to find it hard to leave empty-handed! This is the perfect place to add to your collection, find a gift for a fan or just chat with publishers and vendors.

Stars of Comics in the Heart of Malopolska - Who will you meet in Krakow?

One of the greatest assets of any festival is the guests, and the 14th Krakow Comics Festival boasts a truly impressive list of creators from Poland and abroad. This is a unique opportunity to meet your idols, talk about their work and get an autograph!

Foreign Artists - International Taste of the Festival

The festival will feature excellent artists from all over Europe, which is testament to the growing international standing of the Krakow event:

• Miguel Vila (Spain): Known for his unique style and often moving, psychological narratives.
• Silvio Camboni (Italy): A veteran of Italian comics, a creator with an extensive body of work, known for his diverse genres.
• Katharina Greve (Germany): An artist who is sure to surprise with her view of comics and its possibilities.
• Donald Soffritti: A figure whose work is sure to inspire many.

Meeting them is a rare opportunity to learn about different perspectives on comics creation and to immerse yourself in international trends.

Polish Representation - The Power of Native Comics

There will also be a strong representation of Polish authors, which is doubly gratifying! This is proof of the dynamic development of the Polish comics scene and the growing quality of Polish creators. You will have the opportunity to meet with:

• Anna Poszepczyńska
• Piotr Nowacki
• Pavel Dybala
• Paweł Majka
• Marta Krajewska
• Karolina Margiel
• Nikola Kucharska
• Tomasz Spell
• Julia Pecio

Each of these names is a guarantee of an interesting conversation and an opportunity to find out more about the behind-the-scenes work on Polish comics. It is worth making time for the meetings, panels and autograph sessions - a real added value of the festival.

Plan Your Arrival - Dates, Venue, Tickets and Getting There

In order to fully enjoy the festival, it is advisable to prepare accordingly. Here is all the key practical information:

• Dates and Times: The 14th Krakow Comics Festival will be held on Friday, 27 June 2025 to Sunday, 29 June 2025. You can find the exact opening times of the Studio Club and the individual zones on the festival's official website (link below).
• Location: The event takes place in Klub Studio, ul. Budryka 4 in Krakow. Klub Studio is a well-known venue on the cultural map of Krakow, perfectly suited to the organisation of this type of event. It is located in a convenient location, with easy access by public transport.
  • Access: You can easily reach the Studio Club by tram or bus. There are public transport stops nearby. If you plan to arrive by car, check the available car parks in the area (please note the paid parking zones in Krakow).
• Tickets: Admission to the festival is payable. The following will be available pass price 6/2025which means 20 PLN for a normal ticket i PLN 10 for a concession ticket. You will find information about who is entitled to a discount (e.g. students, pensioners) on the organiser's website. Tickets can usually be purchased both online before the event (which is often recommended to avoid queues) and on site at ticket offices.

Comics Are Not Everything! Experience Krakow with House of Attractions!

After an intense day full of comic excitement, lectures and meetings with your favourite creators, you'll definitely be looking for more! Krakow is a vibrant city, and we know how to make your stay even more interesting. If you're a fan of immersive experiences, puzzles, games and modern entertainment, then House of Attractions is the place you can't miss! Two fantastic attractions await you under one roof to perfectly complement your festival adventure.

Escaperoom Wawel - Solve the riddle before time runs out!

After spending hours unraveling the complex plots of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion', do you fancy a real intellectual challenge? Escaperoom Wawel is the perfect place for you! Unleash your inner Shinji, Asuka or Rei and put your deduction, logical thinking and teamwork skills to the test.

In our puzzle rooms you will be transported to completely different worlds, where every clue, every puzzle and every symbol has a meaning. Like the pilots of Evangelion, you must operate under time pressure to unravel the mystery and reach your goal. Can you rise to the challenge and escape the room before the clock strikes the last second?

This is the perfect option to spend an afternoon or evening with friends after the festival experience. Excitement guaranteed!

Don't wait! Visit our website and book your room today: escaperoomwawel.co.uk

Pixel Planet - Your Paradise for Games and Virtual Reality!

If comics are for you a gateway to worlds full of fantasy and adventure, then Pixel Planet is its virtual equivalent! It's a place where all your favourite characters and stories come to life and you become part of them.

Pixel Planet is a state-of-the-art entertainment centre, ideal for fans of video games, virtual reality and interactive experiences. After hours spent admiring the graphic masterpieces of comics, come and unload your energy by immersing yourself in:

• Arcade games: Classics that will take you back to the glory days of retro gaming.
• Latest generation consoles: Play the latest titles on PS5, Xbox Series X/S or Nintendo Switch.
• Virtual Reality (VR): Travel to other dimensions, come face to face with monsters, explore fantastic lands and even feel like a real anime character!
• Board and card games: Relax with your favourite board games with friends.

Pixel Planet is the perfect place to continue your pop culture adventure in an even more immersive way.

Take a look at our website and plan your visit: pixelplanet.co.uk

Discover the Whole House of Attractions!

Escaperoom Wawel and Pixel Planet are only part of the offer. Check out our entire range of attractions that will ensure you have an unforgettable time in Krakow!

More information can be found at: houseofattractions.co.uk

Why is it worth coming to Krakow for the 2025 Comics Festival?

14. The Krakow Comics Festival is not just an event for die-hard fans. It is a space where everyone, regardless of their age and level of sophistication in the world of comics, will find something for themselves. It is a unique opportunity to:

• Immersing yourself in the world of "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and the celebration of its 30th anniversary.
• Meetings with leading artists from Poland and abroad.
• Discoveries of comics news and niche releases at the fair.
• Improving knowledge through fascinating lectures.
• Feel the extraordinary atmosphere a community of fans and enthusiasts.
• Spend an unforgettable weekend in Krakowcombining the festival experience with additional attractions!

This is an event that inspires, entertains and teaches. It's a celebration of creativity and imagination that will live long in your memory.

Keep up to date with the Festival! Useful Links and Contact

Don't miss out on any important information! Visit the official festival and organisers' websites to keep up to date with the latest announcements, detailed programme and changes.

• Official website of the Festival: comics.org.pl
• Organiser: krakowskiestsociationofcomics (check Facebook profile or other social media platform if available)
• Contact Email: info@komiks.org.pl

Discover more entertainment in Krakow with us:

• House of Attractions: houseofattractions.co.uk
• Escaperoom Wawel: escaperoomwawel.co.uk
• Pixel Planet: pixelplanet.co.uk

See you in Krakow!

14. The Krakow Comics Festival is an event that simply has to be experienced. Get ready for a weekend full of emotions, inspiration and fantastic fun. We are waiting for you in Krakow to celebrate comics at its best!

Do you have any questions about the Festival or our attractions? Let us know in the comments!