Cercle Comics asbl

Vision and Founding Phase (1998–1999)

It all began with a clear vision and a great deal of passion for the medium. On August 8, 1998, Ronald Mordiconi started the initial, intensive planning to create a community for comic enthusiasts in Luxembourg. His ambition was to establish an environment dedicated to the full breadth of the ninth art, ranging from classic comics and graphic novels to manga. Over the following months, he invested a significant amount of time and energy into developing a robust concept. On November 11, 1998, he presented his well-thought-out plans to his colleagues Georges Lellinger and Luke Haas. The idea of forming an association to preserve and promote comic culture was met with immediate, enthusiastic approval from both. This shared vision and mutual encouragement became the decisive starting point for the project. Working closely together, the three developed the first steps toward implementation, which finally led to the official inaugural meeting of the Cercle Comics asbl on January 3, 1999. The legal foundation was solidified shortly thereafter when the association was registered on January 13, and officially entered into the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register under the number F2530 on February 2, 1999.

Publications and Editorial Work (1999–2004)

A core component of the association's activities was always its publishing work. The Luxembourgish comic magazine "LCM" served as the primary mouthpiece. Its first issue was published on May 1, 2000, followed by a second issue on November 2, 2000. The series continued successfully with a third issue on June 16, 2001, and a fourth on November 20, 2001. However, the association aimed for more and, starting in 2004, launched a fanzine series titled "Comicline." This was primarily conceived by comic artist and member Fern Weirich, who also took charge of the editorial compilation. These works served as an essential platform for showcasing local and international talent and were defined by their significant creative freedom. The association’s strong local roots were evident as early as December 10, 1999, when it organized a major comic collection drive together with students from the Niederkorn primary school—a great success that highlighted the association’s commitment to fostering art among the younger generation.

International Networking and Media Presence (2000–2001)

From the year 2000 onwards, the Cercle Comics opened up significantly and intensified its international networking. A pivotal event was the first international small meeting on April 17, 2000, when the association welcomed representatives from the Hansrudi Wäscher Fanclub Bayern, Eckhard Walter and Gotthard Zappe, to Luxembourg for a two-day professional exchange. The association was also highly active at major industry events, participating in renowned gatherings such as the collector's market in Steinfort, the Festival de la Bande Dessinée in Contern, and the Intercomic in Cologne-Mülheim. Furthermore, participation in the Esch Culture Festival in 2001 marked a significant step toward integrating the association into the broader Luxembourgish cultural landscape. Regular visits by members to international comic shops, such as "X-Comics" in Saarlouis, continuously deepened these exchanges, cementing the association's reputation as a dynamic and well-connected player in the world of the ninth art.

Digital Innovation and Technological Infrastructure (2001–2002)

The association demonstrated an early aptitude for technological developments. On September 5, 2001, the Cercle Comics asbl secured exclusive distribution rights for the management software "ComicKeeper" by Tooligan Software Solution in Luxembourg. This was a remarkable move, as it provided collectors with their first professional digital tools for efficient inventory management. But that was not all; on March 7, 2002, the "Comicportal" went online. As one of the first websites of its kind in the region, it served as a digital magazine and a central information hub for exchange within the community. This push into the digital world underscored the association’s innovative ambition to effectively use the internet to promote comic culture, showcase artists, and facilitate networking far beyond national borders.

Festival Organization and Historical Turning Point (2002–2006)

The most significant organizational undertaking was undoubtedly the establishment of its own international comic festival at the "Maacher Kulturhuef" in Grevenmacher. The first edition took place on November 23, 2002, and offered a unique program of exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks that brought together both local and international figures. Following this success, further editions were held in 2003 and 2005. Despite these achievements, internal and organizational challenges began to mount from 2005 onwards, taxing the strength of the board after years of intensive activity. Consequently, in 2006, the board made the difficult but strategic decision to place the Cercle Comics asbl on an indefinite hiatus. Even though this marked the end of an era, this period of rest allowed for necessary reflection and laid the groundwork for the later realignment under the name "Comicline asbl." A lasting achievement of the association is also its significant contribution to the research for Luke Haas's standard reference work, "Comics in, aus und über Luxemburg." This book, which featured active contributions from Ronald Mordiconi and other members, documents the history and significance of the ninth art in the Grand Duchy more thoroughly than any other work.