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The Herceg Novi Comics Festival ventured outside the Bay of Kotor for the first time yesterday, reaching its highest point yet—Lovćen. Alongside these new achievements, the 18th edition’s finale featured the traditional “Comics in a Bottle” initiative, while the program concluded with a concert by Vojko V.

Yesterday’s daytime program was one of the festival’s most ambitious. The Comics Caravan set off from Herceg Novi by catamaran to Tivat’s Pine area and then ascended Lovćen by cable car. At the “Monte 1350” bar, located at the cable car station connecting the Bay and the mountain, a drawing session for fans and a nature-based drawing workshop were held. Music for the background program was provided by 2Beat and Groovy Castel Nuovo.

On Lovćen, the artists created single panels for the “Comics in a Bottle” project. Upon returning to Herceg Novi, the Comics Caravan ventured out of the bay, circled Mamula, and, as per tradition, the comics were cast into the Adriatic.

“We had an incredible 2023, with six bottles found in Italy and two on Montenegro’s coast in record time. They exited the Bay of Kotor and traveled a few kilometers further down. We hope for similar success this year,” said Jovan Subotić, one of the organizers. He added, “This project is beautiful—it continues to grow and leads us into next year’s milestone, the 10th Comics Weekend and the 19th edition of the Comics Festival.”

Subotić noted that this year’s organization was particularly challenging due to the large number of participants, substantial budget, and demanding program. Nonetheless, he described the 18th edition as another triumph for the Herceg Novi Comics Festival. He also revealed that work on the 19th edition is already underway, and the team is finalizing preparations for 2025.

“I love this festival; it’s so rich in culture and intimate, giving you the chance to meet people without much pressure. I enjoy American conventions, but they’re so crowded that it’s hard to connect with others and have meaningful conversations,” said Jill Thompson, a superstar in the comics world, who was recently inducted into the Eisner Hall of Fame. This was her first time at the Herceg Novi Comics Festival as one of 12 special guests.

Congratulating the festival on its 18th edition, she wished it continued success, hoping it would grow and serve as an ambassador for comics across Europe.

“I feel like comics are experiencing a renaissance today, with more people reading them than ever before. It’s a fantastic way to tell stories, and more people should create and read comics,” Thompson added.

“The festival is very intense, extremely well-organized, and the organizers are always ready to adapt their plans and respond to our needs. It’s also wonderful to be part of this large, amazing community of people who come together and grow closer as colleagues and friends,” noted Matyáš Namai, a talented Czech comics artist and illustrator.

“I think the Herceg Novi Comics Festival is one of the most unique festivals in the world. It started as a small, almost family-like event and has grown into a major international gathering. People worldwide ask me about it, and many artists want to come here because it’s such a beautiful place,” said Rufus Dayglo, one of the UK’s most renowned comics artists.

“I wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t suggest improvements because the team raises the bar every year. It’s always amazing here,” emphasized Croatian comics artist and writer Krešimir Biuk, congratulating the Herceg Novi Comics Festival on reaching adulthood.

In the evening, the HSF Caravan returned to its home base in Herceg Novi, where this year’s festival edition concluded with a concert by Vojko V, one of the most prominent names in the regional rap scene, held at the “People’s” bar.

The sponsors and partners of the 18th Herceg Novi Comics Festival include the Municipality of Herceg Novi, the Municipality of Tivat, the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro, the Ministry of Tourism of Montenegro, the Ministry of Defense of Montenegro, the Tourism Organization of Herceg Novi, and the embassies of the United States, Italy, Slovenia, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Additionally, over 60 sponsors, including representatives of the tourism industry and companies from Herceg Novi and Montenegro, supported the event.