A significant movement has emerged among comic book authors, as approximately 400 have signed a petition calling for a boycott of the upcoming Angoulême International Comics Festival scheduled for early 2026.

The petition emphasizes that without the participation of these creators, the 2026 festival would be 'an empty shell,' highlighting their essential role in the event's success.

Local governments, which contribute nearly half of the festival's €6.3 million budget, support a competitive selection process for festival organizers and are wary of international bids that could threaten the festival's location.

In a recent board meeting on April 17, 2025, the festival's governing body voted to terminate its contract with 9eArt+, which was originally set to expire in 2027, marking a pivotal shift in festival management.

The authors express concerns about the negative impact of 9eArt+'s management, citing a toxic work environment that has led to high turnover and burnout among festival staff.

This unprecedented boycott stems from ongoing governance issues that have plagued the festival since its last edition in January 2025, reflecting deep-rooted frustrations within the comic book industry.

The petition, published in L'Humanité, includes notable signatories such as Luz, Fabcaro, and 2025 Grand Prix winner Anouk Ricard, urging the festival's organizing association to terminate its contract with the controversial company 9eArt+.

Authors are demanding a complete overhaul of the festival's governance and are particularly opposed to a proposed merger between the festival's founding association and 9eArt+, which they believe would further entrench problematic management practices.

9eArt+, which has managed the festival since 2008, has faced scrutiny for its commercial practices and transparency issues, particularly following a scandal involving the dismissal of an employee who reported a sexual assault.

The Charente department's vice-president, Patrick Mardikian, has emphasized the importance of local government involvement in the selection of the festival's organizer, echoing concerns from the Ministry of Culture about private control over the festival's brand.

The widespread discontent within the comic community is further illustrated by the inclusion of other prominent figures in the petition, such as Marguerite Abouet and Joe Sacco.

As the festival faces pressure from both authors and public funders for a more competitive organization, the situation remains tense and uncertain leading up to the 2026 event.