What happens when young people bring together their faith, imagination, and love of drawing—and then see their work in print?
From August 16 to 22, 2026, Je Bulle en BD returns for its third edition at Le Rimlishof—affectionately known as Le Rimli—in Buhl, Alsace, France. This Christian comics training camp welcomes French-speaking young people ages 11 to 17 for a week of comics, manga, friendship, spiritual growth, and traditional camp life. Located between Colmar and Mulhouse, the Christian retreat center provides a welcoming place where young artists can learn, create, and step away from their usual routines.
From an Idea to a Printed Comic
The camp welcomes beginners as well as young people who already draw regularly. Some arrive with sketchbooks full of characters. Others are discovering visual storytelling for the first time. During the week, professional artists guide them through the process of creating comics: developing an idea, writing a script, designing characters, drawing expressions and movement, arranging panels, and adding color. Participants can explore manga, humor, semi-realistic illustration, and traditional European bandes dessinées.
As one 16-year-old participant said, “I learned even more about drawing, creating characters, and inventing a whole world.”
Their artwork is professionally printed, and every contributor receives copies to keep and share. For a young artist, seeing their name and drawings in a real publication is often one of the proudest moments of the week. It gives them something tangible that says: I made this.
Artists Who Teach and Encourage
The artistic team brings together three French artists and an international speaker and trainer.
Camille Patureau, known as Momoille, is an author, comic artist, and graphic designer. Her work for Tournesol Magazine includes Luc et Lucie, Korban, as well as contributions to the magazine’s visual identity. Émeline Ferron is an illustrator, comic artist, scriptwriter, and animation artist. Her work published in the magazine includes the comic series Toc Toc and a five-page adaptation of the animated short Petit cœur. She helps campers understand how words, images, and movement work together to tell a story. Pascal Gaggelli is a comic author and illustrator whose work for Tournesol includes Les Intrépides and Touzanimo. His humor and lively drawing style are especially helpful when teaching action, personality, rhythm, and comic timing. They are joined by José Carlos Gutiérrez, director of Comix35 Next Gen. A Mexican illustrator and comic artist with more than 20 years of experience, José’s work has taken him to be published and train across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. “It has been a joy for me to watch returning campers grow—not only in their drawing skills, but also in their understanding of storytelling and their confidence in expressing their ideas,” says José.
Returning counselors Elliott and Justine are part of that community, along with Annie, an experienced Alsatian counselor known for her love of God’s Word, her care for children, and her willingness to lead the group on an adventurous walk. “Close-knit teams, enthusiastic young artists, and God’s Word shared with care—the 2025 Comics Camp was a true joy!” says Annie.
More Than Drawing
Art is at the heart of Je Bulle en BD, but no one spends the entire week sitting at a drawing table.
There are games, campfire, walks, evening activities, shared meals, laughter, and time to make new friends. The program also includes an outing to a nearby location for outdoor drawing and a picnic. Previous groups have visited Guebwiller’s medieval-inspired monastic garden and the ruins of Château du Hugstein, a 13th-century fortress that once protected Murbach Abbey and the Florival valley. One 12-year-old participant, who appreciated learning the steps involved in creating a comic page, also named the evening gatherings and large group games among their favorite memories.
Biblical teaching, prayer, honest questions, and spiritual reflection are woven naturally into the week. Campers are encouraged to consider how their creativity and abilities might serve God and encourage others. Phones are limited to certain times. Once the screens are put away, there is more room for conversation, creativity, outdoor fun, and simply being together. Meals have become memorable too. The chef and volunteers serve a healthy and varied menu featuring local favorites such as hachis Parmentier (a classic French comfort dish made with seasoned minced meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden—similar to shepherd’s pie) along with an assortment of French cheeses. They have even tried Mexican cooking to make José feel at home. He brings something from Mexico in return: traditional games and sweets for the campers. The entire program—from the art workshops and games to everyday conversations—takes place in French.
A Partnership with a Wider Vision
Je Bulle en BD is made possible through a partnership among various organizations.
Séjours de la Ligue and Le Rimli team provide the setting, counselors, practical care, and organization. Tournesol magazine contributes decades of experience publishing Christian comics for young French-speaking readers. Comix35 Next Gen brings its international experience in equipping emerging Christian illustrators and storytellers. Support from donors helps subsidize the camp, making it more accessible to families.
We hope this experience can eventually be replicated in other countries while being adapted to local cultures, languages, and communities. Comics and manga are growing in popularity at an extraordinary pace. This presents both a significant challenge and an important opportunity for Christian publishers and content creators seeking to engage the next generation.
Join the Adventure
A few places are still available. If you know a French-speaking young person who enjoys comics, manga, illustration, or storytelling, share this opportunity with their family, church, school, or creative community.
Learn more and register:
https://www.sejoursllb.org/je-bulle-en-bd
Watch and share the Je Bulle en BD 2026 video:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rfOOtyfZ0j4
For more, contact Jose C. Gutierrez M at comix35nextgen@gmail.com