Blek & Asterix – Two Comic Comebacks That Feel Like Childhood

Blek and Asterix are back. Two Greek-translated comics I grew up reading — one borrowed from a cousin, the other discovered by chance during a summer holiday. Different paths, same joy. So glad to read them again.

I’m so glad that these two comics have made a comeback. Blek is published by Μικρός Ήρως and Asterix by Μαμούθ Comix.

I don’t remember which of the two I read first, but Blek and Asterix were two comics I would read occasionally when I was a kid. Both were translated into Greek as ΜΠΛΕΚ and Αστερίξ.


Asterix

The very first time I read Asterix was when I was about 11. My cousin lent me all the issues that had been published up to then.

What a blast. The art was amazing and the stories were such humorous adventures. It was a sad day when my cousin — after repeatedly asking me to give the comics back — finally came over and picked them up herself. She had actually borrowed them from her best friend, who understandably wanted them back.


Blek

Blek was a comic I picked up by chance because I didn’t have anything else to read during my summer holiday at my dad’s village. It was an anthology of comics — I wasn’t that interested in Blek’s adventures, but I was amazed by several other comics featured in it, like Aria and The Leopard from Lime Street.


Why I Read Them Occasionally

The reason I read them only occasionally was simple: my pocket money wasn’t enough to buy all the comics that were coming out. Later, they stopped being published altogether.

So I’m happy that I can read them again now — as an adult who still feels as excited as a kid.

A Visit to the Magic World – Triantafyllos Venetis’ Comic Kiosk in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is one of my favourite places to visit — and Triantafyllos Venetis’ comic kiosk makes it even better. A treasure trove of old and new comics, run by a passionate fan who makes everyone feel welcome. I met friends, made new ones, and found some favourite comics. I’ll definitely be back.

Thessaloniki is one of my favourite places to visit, so I was thrilled when I got the chance to step into Triantafyllos Venetis‘ magic world.

Triantafyllos runs a regular kiosk in Thessaloniki — but this is no ordinary kiosk. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of old and new comic books. Over time, it has become a regular hangout for comic book fans from all over.

What makes it special is Triantafyllos himself. He’s a huge comic book fan, just like us. That passion makes it easy to visit, browse, and chat for as long as we like.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting old friends and making new ones. I also found several of my favourite comics — which was an added bonus.

I will definitely visit the Magic World again.

Konstantinos Sklavenitis Exhibition – A First Comic Book and a Promising Talent

Konstantinos Sklavenitis, a Greek cartoonist and comic book artist, is preparing for his very first exhibition and comic book launch. I had the chance to watch him set up the hall and admire his art — here’s why I’m excited for him.

Isn’t this an amazing picture?

Yes, it is — and it’s one of Konstantinos Sklavenitis‘ creations. This painting is one of several that will be part of his two-day exhibition.

Konstantinos Sklavenitis is a cartoonist and a comic book artist.

Tomorrow, he will have his very first exhibition and presentation of his first comic book. The art in the comic book is similar to the items that will be part of the exhibition.

I really enjoyed watching him set up the exhibition hall with friends. While they were putting up the final details, I had the chance to walk around and admire his art.

I also got the chance to go through his comic book for a second time — and I enjoyed reading it yet again.

Wishing Konstantinos all the best for his exhibition and comic book launch!

Comicdom 2013 – A 3‑Day Event I Truly Enjoyed

Comicdom is an annual comic book event that started in 2007, growing bigger each year with international and Greek guests. I attended in 2013, chatted with favourite Greek artists, bought comics, and connected with fans. Here’s why I can’t wait for the next one.

Comicdom 2013 – a 3‑day event that I truly enjoyed.

Comicdom is a comic book event that started in 2007. Each year it becomes bigger and bigger, with many international guests and local Greek ones.

I enjoyed it the most because I got the chance to chat with several of my favourite Greek comic book artists, buy many comics, and hang out with fellow comic book fans.

Here are some photos of:

  • Chating with comic book artist George Kambadais
  • Sitting in the Artist Alley for the Comic Book Club fanzine (which I also participated in)
  • Getting my comics signed by Kostas Sklavenitis and Othonas Nikolaidis

I had so much fun this year. I can’t wait for the next Comicdom!

 A Visit to Tomek’s Exhibition – Insights on Art, Storytelling, and Covers

Visiting Tomek’s exhibition reminded me why he’s one of my favourite Greek comic artists – and why comic covers matter.

Tomek is one of my favourite comic book artists in Greece. So when I heard there would be an exhibition with original art from his comics, I definitely needed to go.

I was lucky enough to arrive on time and hear Tomek talk about his background — how he started drawing, what influenced him, and how he expresses himself through his art. He also gave us tips on how to draw and how to set up a story.

It was a pleasure visiting the exhibition, and I really like Tomek’s art even more now.

I will keep in mind his suggestion that no matter how cool a comic is, if the cover doesn’t catch your eye, you’ll never approach it. I totally agree


It was a pleasure visiting the exhibition and I really like Tomek’s art, even more so now. 


I will keep in mind his suggestion that no matter how cool a comic is if the cover does not catch your eye you will never approach it, I totally agree.