BD & Comics Passion weekend in London in October

(With thanks to Paul Gravett): London's Institut Français in association with Comica Festival will hold the first of its annual BD & Comics Passion weekends in October (7th-9th).

The graphic novel medium has grown over the years to become an increasingly important force in popular culture, dominating the film landscape and coming into its own as an explosive new literary genre. To celebrate this, as well as explore accepted ideas about the genre, the Comica team have invited some of the most celebrated British and French authors to join them in London to discuss their work and share their love of graphic novels.

"Over the course of three days, enthusiasts and beginners alike are invited to participate in this exciting array of events," explains Comica Director Paul Gravett, "with acclaimed authors and artists such as Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), China Miéville (Kraken), Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler’s Wife), Bryan Talbot (Grandville), Yves Sente and André Juillard (Blake & Mortimer).

"Plus there's Jean-Claude Mézières (Valérian & Laureline), Benoît Sokal (Canardo), Catel & Bocquet (Kiki de Montparnasse), Bastien Vivès (The Taste of Chlorine), comics guru Paul Gravett (1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die) and more!

"There's something for everyone here," Paul enthuses. "A drawing duel between Jean-Claude Mézières and Dave Gibbons, talks (Bryan Talbot on the tradition of animals in comic books, me on the history of the medium, China Miéville on his love for comics, Audrey Niffenegger on her passion for Aubrey Beardsley); a masterclass by Alan Moore collaborator Oscar Zárate (A Small Killing) on making a four-page comics about London, and a conversation with Yves Sente and André Juillard about the making of the popular series Blake & Mortimer.

"We'll also host a drawing session starring the rising star of French graphic novels, Bastien Vivès, a translation workshop given by the famous translator of Astérix, Anthea Bell, and live drawing events with Sokal and Catel & Bocquet."

Along with this , visitors will also be invited to celebrate their favourite character during the weekend's costume party!

• For the full programme which runs from 7th - 9th October 2011 and booking see http://www.institut-francais.org.uk/programme/bd-comics-passion. The Institut Français is at 17 Queensberry Place, London. Tel: 0207 073 1350). Early reservations recommended. Tickets for each event £8 (Concessions £5)