Montreal Comic Arts Festival had a memorable 15th edition

From May 15 to 17, more than 340 comic book creators and 190 exhibitors saw a crowd of 120,000 people stroll by along Saint-Denis Street to celebrate their work. Under a blazing sun, the 15th edition of the Montreal Comic Arts Festival (MCAF), presented in collaboration with SDC Rue Saint-Denis and Télé-Québec, even set a new attendance record.

“We’ve just wrapped up our best edition ever,” said MCAF Executive Director Mélanie La Roche in a statement. “The smiles were infectious among the audience, the comic artists and the exhibitors at this 15th anniversary event; everyone had a brilliant time. It’s incredibly moving to see our celebration of comic arts continue to grow. I’m proud to be ending my term on such a high note, and I’m confident about the future of MCAF.”

This success caps off a challenging year marked by the loss of a major 2025 grant, announced in September, schedule changes due to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, last-minute security requirements, and other surprises. “I won’t lie to you; it’s been a real test for our small team this year,” added La Roche. “But what gave us the strength to get through it was our incredible, inspiring and close-knit comic arts community.”

A special auction raised $11,126, thanks to the support of comic artists, publishers, and partners. “Organising a free festival involves significant costs. Despite tremendous support from public and private partners, the past year has reminded us that the long-term viability of our event is not guaranteed simply by its success, and that we must remain cautious going forward.”

— A. Bonaparte