The 17th edition of International Comics Festival Amadora

The 17th edition of BD Amadora (International Comics Festival Amadora) took place at the newly inaugurated Fórum Luís de Camões in Amadora, reinforcing its position as Portugal’s most important comics festival and one of the leading comic-art events in Europe. The festival occupied approximately 3,500 square meters and brought together around 200 artists from 40 countries. Under the theme “17 Graus Periféricos e o Resto do Mundo” (“17 Peripheral Degrees and the Rest of the World”), the event deliberately shifted attention away from the dominant Franco-Belgian and Anglo-American comic traditions, instead highlighting creators from Latin America, Africa, the Arab world, and Eastern Europe. A major feature of BD Amadora 2006 was its celebration of contemporary Portuguese comic artists alongside international voices from less represented regions. Exhibitions included a showcase of 17 contemporary Portuguese authors, displays of Portuguese artists working for the American comics market, and a special section dedicated to the Nouvelle Manga movement, featuring artists such as Jiro Taniguchi, Frédéric Boilet, and Emmanuel Guibert. The festival also hosted awards, lectures, book launches, and cosplay events, creating a vibrant meeting place for professionals, collectors, and the public. The 2006 edition demonstrated the festival’s commitment to expanding the cultural boundaries of comics and promoting the medium as a truly global art form