'Not That Into Comics' Leads LICAF 2026 as Full Programme Goes Live
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'Not That Into Comics' headlines the full 2026 programme from the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF), now live online. The interactive, tactile exhibition and outdoor trail runs in Kendal this October. It is designed to charm comic fans and new audiences alike.
French illustrator Serge Bloch and writer-curator Mathieu Diez conceived and designed the exhibition, which playfully challenges the comic medium itself. Bloch, who is world-renowned, created the beloved children's comic series Max Et Lili.
Bloch is known for massive public commissions, including lighting up the famous Pont du Gard in the south of France. He brings his signature ironic, tender and off-the-wall creativity to the streets and venues of Kendal.
Mathieu Diez originally started his career in banking. He fell in love with the world of comic art and became founder and director of the Lyon Comics Festival. Diez wrote the graphic novel 'Tout mais pas Beyrouth' ('Anything but Beirut') with the artist Jibé. The book is an account of his four years in Lebanon as book attaché at the French Embassy.
What to Expect from 'Not That Into Comics'
'Not That Into Comics' includes an interactive trail of 2D, 3D and augmented reality (AR) illustrations taking over the town. Street banners and vibrant window designs in local businesses form part of the trail. Interactive sculptures will also stand in the gardens of the Brewery Arts Centre, the Festival's main hub. They offer hands-on play for families.
Bloch and Diez have designed a free custom-made, humorous newspaper for the exhibition. It explores the paradox of "not liking" a medium they secretly adore. Collectible guest pin badges will also be available for purchase. A special guided tour of the exhibition will take place 11am - 12pm, Saturday 3rd October, led by Serge and Mathieu.
Mathieu Diez, writer, curator and co-creator, said: "'Not That Into Comics' brings together illustrator Serge Bloch and myself to explore the many facets of comics with irony and tenderness.
"It is a medium that Bloch, a versatile drawing globetrotter, playfully pretends to dislike. We hope UK audiences will join us for this witty and thought-provoking artistic journey."
Julie Tait, Founder and Festival Director of LICAF, added: "LICAF is entirely different from other comic events in the UK. We focus on putting the art form in the middle of our community, appealing to dedicated fans and curious non-fans alike.
"'Not That Into Comics' is the perfect embodiment of our playful spirit. By flooding the streets with Serge and Mathieu's brilliant, tactile art, we're showing that comics belong to everyone. With our full 2026 programme online, we can't wait to welcome visitors to Kendal this October for an unforgettable weekend of storytelling, humor, and world-class creativity."
The Full LICAF 2026 Programme
The launch of the full festival programme showcases LICAF's status as a world-class celebration of comics. The line-up offers off-the-wall humour, international prestige and family-friendly creativity. Activities and exhibitions include:
The Clash of the Toon Titans (Asterix vs Tintin Rematch), 8pm Friday 2nd October at the Brewery Arts Centre Theatre. LICAF's most popular opening night event returns for an epic 10-year rematch of the 2016 original. Asterix won that year after a highly convoluted argument that Hergé couldn't draw horses. Two teams of internationally renowned creators will battle it out in live-drawing challenges, MCed by Keli Lark.
US National Cartoonists Society (NCS) 80th Anniversary: The world's largest cartoonist organisation brings a massive delegation to Kendal. The Simpsons' Bill Morrison is among them. Celebrations feature a window trail taking over forty local shops and cafes using the PlayTours app. A limited-edition collector's NCS enamel pin is awarded upon completion. The prestigious Sergio Aragones International Award for Excellence in Comic Art will also be presented on the festival's opening night.
Belgian Comics Now: A major cultural partnership with Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI) and the Brussels Comic Art Museum. Five top Belgian creators will travel to Kendal. The initiative features a world-class "Landscapes of Contemporary Belgian Comics" exhibition at Abbot Hall Gallery and an International Rights Market.
Little LICAF Family Fun: Kendal Town Hall will host free, drop-in creative workshops for children aged 6–12. Highlights include the Giant Phoenix Comic Club, guided by Phoenix Comic superstars James Turner and Robert Deas. Jenny Robins' Collage Comic Extravaganza and Marc Jackson's giant live-draw Room 4 Comics also feature.
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