Dean Simons
@deansimons.bsky.social
He/Him. UK-based freelance culture writer/journalist [news & features]. Interests: world comics, comics history, digital comics + tech/gaming
Portfolio | https://linktr.ee/dean.simons
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Portfolio | https://linktr.ee/dean.simons
Support my work | https://ko-fi.com/deansimons
Follow ≠ endorsement
Reposted by Dean Simons
Check out the finalists for France Info’s 2026 Graphic Journalism and Current Affairs Prize
The Prix France Info has announced its ten finalists. Running since 1994, the award is a fascinating glimpse at documentary, non-fiction, and news-based fiction comics produced in France
The Prix France Info has announced its ten finalists. Running since 1994, the award is a fascinating glimpse at documentary, non-fiction, and news-based fiction comics produced in France
Check out the finalists for France Info’s 2026 Graphic Journalism and Current Affairs Prize
The Prix France Info has announced its ten finalists. Running since 1994, the award is a fascinating glimpse at documentary, non-fiction, and news-based fiction comics produced in France
www.comicsbeat.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Check out the finalists for France Info’s 2026 Graphic Journalism and Current Affairs Prize
The Prix France Info has announced its ten finalists. Running since 1994, the award is a fascinating glimpse at documentary, non-fiction, and news-based fiction comics produced in France
The Prix France Info has announced its ten finalists. Running since 1994, the award is a fascinating glimpse at documentary, non-fiction, and news-based fiction comics produced in France
Idly comparing release dates of manga. In this case, One Piece vol. 111
Note: original Japanese release of vol 111 was March 2025
(btw vol 113 is the most recent release there, November 2025)
Release of vol 111 by language:
Italian: Sep 2025
Spanish Oct 2025
French: Dec 2025
English: Apr 2026
Note: original Japanese release of vol 111 was March 2025
(btw vol 113 is the most recent release there, November 2025)
Release of vol 111 by language:
Italian: Sep 2025
Spanish Oct 2025
French: Dec 2025
English: Apr 2026
December 2, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Idly comparing release dates of manga. In this case, One Piece vol. 111
Note: original Japanese release of vol 111 was March 2025
(btw vol 113 is the most recent release there, November 2025)
Release of vol 111 by language:
Italian: Sep 2025
Spanish Oct 2025
French: Dec 2025
English: Apr 2026
Note: original Japanese release of vol 111 was March 2025
(btw vol 113 is the most recent release there, November 2025)
Release of vol 111 by language:
Italian: Sep 2025
Spanish Oct 2025
French: Dec 2025
English: Apr 2026
Bit of international award coverage.
Love me some Chabouté. “Alone” is one of my all time favourite graphic novels.
Love me some Chabouté. “Alone” is one of my all time favourite graphic novels.
CHABOUTÉ wins 2025 Landernau Prize
French graphic novelist and auteur Christophe Chabouté has been awarded the 2025 Landernau Prize for his latest book
French graphic novelist and auteur Christophe Chabouté has been awarded the 2025 Landernau Prize for his latest book
CHABOUTÉ wins 2025 Landernau Prize
French graphic novelist and auteur Christophe Chabouté has been awarded the 2025 Landernau Prize for his latest book
www.comicsbeat.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:25 AM
Bit of international award coverage.
Love me some Chabouté. “Alone” is one of my all time favourite graphic novels.
Love me some Chabouté. “Alone” is one of my all time favourite graphic novels.
Fleshed out the breaking story from earlier in the day so if you saw it before a couple hours ago, it is muuuuuch longer now
www.comicsbeat.com/angouleme-20...
www.comicsbeat.com/angouleme-20...
ANGOULÊME 2026 cancelled, Bondoux defiant [UPDATED]
ANGOULÊME 2026 cancelled, Bondoux defiant [UPDATED]
www.comicsbeat.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Fleshed out the breaking story from earlier in the day so if you saw it before a couple hours ago, it is muuuuuch longer now
www.comicsbeat.com/angouleme-20...
www.comicsbeat.com/angouleme-20...
A somewhat expanded version of the news piece from today (I kept adding things as they developed)
UPDATED: Organiser 9e Art+ puts ANGOULÊME FESTIVAL 2026 on hold
UPDATED: Organiser 9e Art+ puts ANGOULÊME FESTIVAL 2026 on hold
UPDATED: Organiser 9e Art+ puts ANGOULÊME FESTIVAL 2026 on hold
www.comicsbeat.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:22 AM
A somewhat expanded version of the news piece from today (I kept adding things as they developed)
Always another twist.
This one is just a news bit as this was breaking, but I will hopefully have a fuller update on the wider situation soon.
This one is just a news bit as this was breaking, but I will hopefully have a fuller update on the wider situation soon.
BREAKING: Organiser 9e Art+ puts ANGOULÊME FESTIVAL 2026 on hold
Embattled Angoulême Festival organiser 9e Art+ has officially put production of the 2026 event on indefinite hold. This news was broken this afternoon in an email circulated to publishers. While not an official cancellation, it is a…
Embattled Angoulême Festival organiser 9e Art+ has officially put production of the 2026 event on indefinite hold. This news was broken this afternoon in an email circulated to publishers. While not an official cancellation, it is a…
BREAKING: Organiser 9e Art+ puts ANGOULÊME FESTIVAL 2026 on hold
Embattled Angoulême Festival organiser 9e Art+ has officially put production of the 2026 event on indefinite hold. This news was broken this afternoon in an email circulated to publishers. While not an official cancellation, it is a further sign that the event, scheduled for January 29 to February 1, 2026, will not go ahead. In the email, which was shared with most French news outlets, …
www.comicsbeat.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Always another twist.
This one is just a news bit as this was breaking, but I will hopefully have a fuller update on the wider situation soon.
This one is just a news bit as this was breaking, but I will hopefully have a fuller update on the wider situation soon.
A little bit of international award coverage
French critics association ACBD announces 2025 Kids Prize Winner and Grand Prize Finalists
In France, the Association of French Comics Critics and Journalists (ACBD) announced wordless 3D graphic novel Jean Jambe et le mystère des profondeurs, by Matthias Picard, the winner of their annual Prix…
In France, the Association of French Comics Critics and Journalists (ACBD) announced wordless 3D graphic novel Jean Jambe et le mystère des profondeurs, by Matthias Picard, the winner of their annual Prix…
French critics association ACBD announces 2025 Kids Prize Winner and Grand Prize Finalists
In France, the Association of French Comics Critics and Journalists (ACBD) announced wordless 3D graphic novel Jean Jambe et le mystère des profondeurs, by Matthias Picard, the winner of their annual Prix Jeunesse kids prize. The ACBD also narrowed down its contenders for their signature award, the Grand Prix de la Crtitique
www.comicsbeat.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:58 PM
A little bit of international award coverage
And in lighter news: STAMPS!
No international shipping though - BOO!
(Anyone able to sneak copies of the 2024 and 2025 stamp booklets from Canada over to the UK...?)
I wonder if Royal Mail would do the same - and who could make the spotlight list of 10 British graphic novelists 🤔
No international shipping though - BOO!
(Anyone able to sneak copies of the 2024 and 2025 stamp booklets from Canada over to the UK...?)
I wonder if Royal Mail would do the same - and who could make the spotlight list of 10 British graphic novelists 🤔
Canada Post releases stamps to celebrate country’s Graphic Novelists
Canada Post has just launched its second set of limited edition stamps celebrating the country's contribution to the world of graphic novels
Canada Post has just launched its second set of limited edition stamps celebrating the country's contribution to the world of graphic novels
Canada Post releases stamps to celebrate country’s Graphic Novelists
Canada Post has just launched its second set of limited edition stamps celebrating the country's contribution to the world of graphic novels
www.comicsbeat.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
And in lighter news: STAMPS!
No international shipping though - BOO!
(Anyone able to sneak copies of the 2024 and 2025 stamp booklets from Canada over to the UK...?)
I wonder if Royal Mail would do the same - and who could make the spotlight list of 10 British graphic novelists 🤔
No international shipping though - BOO!
(Anyone able to sneak copies of the 2024 and 2025 stamp booklets from Canada over to the UK...?)
I wonder if Royal Mail would do the same - and who could make the spotlight list of 10 British graphic novelists 🤔
My latest piece on the Angoulême Crisis is less an update but explaining/covering a key detail that acted as the spark for the wave of protests against the Festival organiser 9e Art+ that began in January, and the human story behind it.
ANGOULÊME: Her name is Élise. Former employee dismissed by 9e Art+ after reporting sexual assault comes forward
ANGOULÊME: Her name is Élise. Former employee dismissed by 9e Art+ after reporting sexual assault comes forward
The person whose allegations against Angoulême Festival operator 9e Art+ shook the French comics industry this year has waived her anonymity and spoken out
www.comicsbeat.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
My latest piece on the Angoulême Crisis is less an update but explaining/covering a key detail that acted as the spark for the wave of protests against the Festival organiser 9e Art+ that began in January, and the human story behind it.
Rounding up the news and hopefully cutting through the confusion of this ongoing story.
ANGOULÊME CRISIS: Game over? Creators, publishers and even the mayor are calling for the 2026 Angoulême comics festival to be cancelled in a dramatic week
ANGOULÊME CRISIS: Game over? Stakeholders call for ’26 Festival to be cancelled
Angoulême International Comics Festival's 2026 should be cancelled. That seems to be the resounding message from publishers, authors...and as of today public partners - including the town mayor.
www.comicsbeat.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Rounding up the news and hopefully cutting through the confusion of this ongoing story.
Rounding up and explaining the latest events in this ongoing story. Covers a very busy Thursday through to Friday morning.
Embattled Angoulême International Comics Festival owner Association FIBD and controversial operator 9e Art+ made dramatic concessions on Thursday. Not good enough, say authors and publishers
ANGOULÊME: Bondoux “retires” as publishers and authors demand radical change
Embattled Angoulême International Comics Festival owner Association FIBD and controversial operator 9e Art+ made dramatic concessions on Thursday. Not good enough, say authors and publishers
www.comicsbeat.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Rounding up and explaining the latest events in this ongoing story. Covers a very busy Thursday through to Friday morning.
“To be honest, it’s not exactly what I had in mind…”
November 13, 2025 at 5:44 PM
“To be honest, it’s not exactly what I had in mind…”
Bringing you up to date on everything that happened since…//checks notes//…Monday.
ANGOULÊME: Enraged publishers seek removal of Bondoux, Mayor gets involved: With a growing boycott, Assocation FIBD has until November 17 to come up with an acceptable alternative to Franck Bondoux
ANGOULÊME: Enraged publishers seek removal of Bondoux, Mayor gets involved
The list of exits grows. Festival owner Assocation FIBD has been given a November 17 deadline to come up with an acceptable alternative - including the immediate removal of Bondoux - or all major publishers walk. It was also being indicated that the local government may take over
www.comicsbeat.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Bringing you up to date on everything that happened since…//checks notes//…Monday.
Angoulême Festival Update: A lot happened over the past few days, a heckovalot today, and probably a lot more to come. But can/will it still take place in January 2026? Or ever again?
ANGOULÊME 2026 in serious doubt as publishers and authors cancel to protest Bondoux's involvement
ANGOULÊME 2026 in serious doubt as publishers and authors cancel to protest Bondoux’s involvement
Creators and publishers are threatening a boycott after controversial organisation 9e Art+ and its owner Franck Bondoux are set to resume their place as organisers of the Angoulême Festival
www.comicsbeat.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Angoulême Festival Update: A lot happened over the past few days, a heckovalot today, and probably a lot more to come. But can/will it still take place in January 2026? Or ever again?
Comics section of a tabac in Brussels Midi station. It as comprehensive as in France but still decent if you like Disney.
Also I highly rate DAD. It’s a single page gag strip about a single father and his 4 daughters. Europe Comics translated first three but so far no rights pickup. It’s hilarious
Also I highly rate DAD. It’s a single page gag strip about a single father and his 4 daughters. Europe Comics translated first three but so far no rights pickup. It’s hilarious
November 5, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Comics section of a tabac in Brussels Midi station. It as comprehensive as in France but still decent if you like Disney.
Also I highly rate DAD. It’s a single page gag strip about a single father and his 4 daughters. Europe Comics translated first three but so far no rights pickup. It’s hilarious
Also I highly rate DAD. It’s a single page gag strip about a single father and his 4 daughters. Europe Comics translated first three but so far no rights pickup. It’s hilarious
Fun research times in the documentation room of the Brussels Comic Art Museum.
Looking up a few things…and getting ideas for other things I would like to look into down the line.
(Not sure how I keep ending up with photos featuring zero people. There were several others there.)
Looking up a few things…and getting ideas for other things I would like to look into down the line.
(Not sure how I keep ending up with photos featuring zero people. There were several others there.)
November 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Fun research times in the documentation room of the Brussels Comic Art Museum.
Looking up a few things…and getting ideas for other things I would like to look into down the line.
(Not sure how I keep ending up with photos featuring zero people. There were several others there.)
Looking up a few things…and getting ideas for other things I would like to look into down the line.
(Not sure how I keep ending up with photos featuring zero people. There were several others there.)
Oh and here is a Smurfy portion of the same graffiti. Plus a wide view of the site
November 1, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Oh and here is a Smurfy portion of the same graffiti. Plus a wide view of the site
Spotted some fun graffiti using classic Belgian comics characters on the enclosure around a building site in Brussels
Brussels has proper “official” commissioned murals on buildings around the city but this is likely rogue agents having a laugh
Brussels has proper “official” commissioned murals on buildings around the city but this is likely rogue agents having a laugh
November 1, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Spotted some fun graffiti using classic Belgian comics characters on the enclosure around a building site in Brussels
Brussels has proper “official” commissioned murals on buildings around the city but this is likely rogue agents having a laugh
Brussels has proper “official” commissioned murals on buildings around the city but this is likely rogue agents having a laugh
Spare few minutes before departure so here is a glance at the comics/bande dessinée section of this newsstand.
The French editions of American material (capes and tights) are squeezed in above the manga/manwha.
Most of the BD seems to be nonfiction or comedy. Kids stuff bottom shelf.
The French editions of American material (capes and tights) are squeezed in above the manga/manwha.
Most of the BD seems to be nonfiction or comedy. Kids stuff bottom shelf.
October 31, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Spare few minutes before departure so here is a glance at the comics/bande dessinée section of this newsstand.
The French editions of American material (capes and tights) are squeezed in above the manga/manwha.
Most of the BD seems to be nonfiction or comedy. Kids stuff bottom shelf.
The French editions of American material (capes and tights) are squeezed in above the manga/manwha.
Most of the BD seems to be nonfiction or comedy. Kids stuff bottom shelf.
Made me laugh (Not enough to buy it)
I wouldn’t mind discovering the random (often invented) English idioms inserted into the French language Belgian series Blake & Mortimer. Maybe I will find it in a library down the line and write them down.
I wouldn’t mind discovering the random (often invented) English idioms inserted into the French language Belgian series Blake & Mortimer. Maybe I will find it in a library down the line and write them down.
October 31, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Made me laugh (Not enough to buy it)
I wouldn’t mind discovering the random (often invented) English idioms inserted into the French language Belgian series Blake & Mortimer. Maybe I will find it in a library down the line and write them down.
I wouldn’t mind discovering the random (often invented) English idioms inserted into the French language Belgian series Blake & Mortimer. Maybe I will find it in a library down the line and write them down.
The Daniel Maghen exhibition for Cosey was also decent. Just…I was a bit spoilt by everything in those folders. It covered bits of Cosey’s Jonathan series and his most recent book Yiyun.
Leave tomorrow and more galleries on my list. Hopefully I have time for one or two in between other duties
Leave tomorrow and more galleries on my list. Hopefully I have time for one or two in between other duties
October 31, 2025 at 12:04 AM
The Daniel Maghen exhibition for Cosey was also decent. Just…I was a bit spoilt by everything in those folders. It covered bits of Cosey’s Jonathan series and his most recent book Yiyun.
Leave tomorrow and more galleries on my list. Hopefully I have time for one or two in between other duties
Leave tomorrow and more galleries on my list. Hopefully I have time for one or two in between other duties
Also in the folders that I was flabbergasted to see close up - the Brizzi bros pages for their Don Quixote adaptation. All pencils. All amazing.
Ana Mirallès pages from the last Djinn albums.
Some Daria Schmitt (Skull from Sweden), and Olivier Pont.
Some books I definitely want to check out
Ana Mirallès pages from the last Djinn albums.
Some Daria Schmitt (Skull from Sweden), and Olivier Pont.
Some books I definitely want to check out
October 30, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Also in the folders that I was flabbergasted to see close up - the Brizzi bros pages for their Don Quixote adaptation. All pencils. All amazing.
Ana Mirallès pages from the last Djinn albums.
Some Daria Schmitt (Skull from Sweden), and Olivier Pont.
Some books I definitely want to check out
Ana Mirallès pages from the last Djinn albums.
Some Daria Schmitt (Skull from Sweden), and Olivier Pont.
Some books I definitely want to check out
I was kicking myself for being unable to make the trip for the Grzegorz Rosiński exhibition back in April and was so happy to discover most of it in folders in the shop.
Pages ranged in price from around $8,000 to $25,000. Mainly for Thorgal.
I wasn’t allowed to take pictures sadly but W.O.W.
Pages ranged in price from around $8,000 to $25,000. Mainly for Thorgal.
I wasn’t allowed to take pictures sadly but W.O.W.
October 30, 2025 at 11:48 PM
I was kicking myself for being unable to make the trip for the Grzegorz Rosiński exhibition back in April and was so happy to discover most of it in folders in the shop.
Pages ranged in price from around $8,000 to $25,000. Mainly for Thorgal.
I wasn’t allowed to take pictures sadly but W.O.W.
Pages ranged in price from around $8,000 to $25,000. Mainly for Thorgal.
I wasn’t allowed to take pictures sadly but W.O.W.
If you ever go to Paris and you like comics. There are a number of great private galleries selling original pages. Highlight of recent trip might be seeing a huge swathe of Grzegorz Rosiński’s artistic career. Early Thorgal (1st album) to one of the last. Plus his other work.
October 30, 2025 at 11:45 PM
If you ever go to Paris and you like comics. There are a number of great private galleries selling original pages. Highlight of recent trip might be seeing a huge swathe of Grzegorz Rosiński’s artistic career. Early Thorgal (1st album) to one of the last. Plus his other work.
Was in one of my “comic shops of choice” in Paris. Aaapoum Bapoum is a mix of brand new and resale books. Mostly the latter.
The main shop has a very large manga section. I thought to ask what the top books were. After One Piece and Naruto, Blue Lock apparently sells quite well there.
The main shop has a very large manga section. I thought to ask what the top books were. After One Piece and Naruto, Blue Lock apparently sells quite well there.
October 30, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Was in one of my “comic shops of choice” in Paris. Aaapoum Bapoum is a mix of brand new and resale books. Mostly the latter.
The main shop has a very large manga section. I thought to ask what the top books were. After One Piece and Naruto, Blue Lock apparently sells quite well there.
The main shop has a very large manga section. I thought to ask what the top books were. After One Piece and Naruto, Blue Lock apparently sells quite well there.