Clash of the Toon Titans Returns for LICAF 2026 Opening Night
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"Clash of the Toon Titans: Asterix vs. Tintin" returns as Opening Night for the 2026 Lakes International Comic Art Festival. Back by popular demand, the autumn event sees creators and fans of both famous characters compete in good humour. They will argue for one character over the other at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria.
LICAF's most popular opening night event dates back to 2016. That year, Festival guests first entertained audiences with The Clash of the Toon Titans - Asterix vs Tintin. It was a close call, but Asterix won the public vote in the end. Six brave creators had made the case for one or the other. Asterix is the creation of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Asterix's triumph was sealed by Graham Dury of VIZ. In a highly convoluted way, he argued that Tintin's creator, Hergé, couldn't draw horses!
Ten years on, the Festival feels it's time for a re-match!
Two teams of internationally renowned creators will battle it out once more. They jeopardise their health and reputation in the name of their favourite comic character and its creators. Along the way, the audience will be asked to vote for one side or the other. Throughout the evening, some of the fastest cartoonists on the planet will bring this epic battle to life. All MCed by the brilliant and impartial Keli Lark.
This year's Lakes International Comic Art Festival runs from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October 2026. Events take place right across the Cumbrian town of Kendal. The line-up offers comic creator panels, a Comics Marketplace, workshops, exhibitions, an international rights market and more.
The full guest line-up so far features on the LICAF website, and tickets can be bought here.
Tickets for The Clash of the Toon Titans - Asterix vs Tintin: The Rematch are available here. They are sold separately to Festival Passes.
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