Grimmwelt Kassel Unleashes ‘I, the Animal’: A Comic & Fairy Tale Exploration – Urgent Breaking News!
Kassel, Germany – A fascinating new exhibition opened its doors today at the Grimmwelt Kassel, diving deep into the captivating world of animal characters in both classic fairy tales and the vibrant landscape of comic books. “I, the animal. From evil wolf to Donald Duck – animals in the comic” promises a unique look at how these figures shape our stories and reflect our own humanity. This is a major cultural event, and a boon for comic art enthusiasts and fairy tale lovers alike – a story we’re following as a breaking news development.
From Aesop to Entenhausen: A History of Animal Storytelling
The exhibition, running until April 12, 2026, traces the lineage of animal representation in storytelling back to ancient fables by Aesop and the works of Jean de la Fontaine, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Curator Alexander Braun, a leading expert in comic history, notes that the subject has been surprisingly under-explored in academic circles. “It is astonishing how little the history of literature and art has so far dealt with the motif of the sensed animal in the comic,” he stated at the opening. Braun, who received two prestigious Eisner Awards for his work on comic archival projects, sees the modern comic as the “quintessence, a gigantic final fireworks” of this tradition.
An X-ray style image of Garfield is a featured piece in the exhibition. © Jim Davis | ® 2025 PAWS Inc.
What to Expect: A Journey Through Comic History
Visitors can expect a comprehensive journey through the history of comics, starting with 130-year-old illustrated sheets and early comic strips from US newspapers, all the way to contemporary comic art. The exhibition boasts around 200 original pieces, including rare sketches and drawings by Carl Barks, the creative force behind Donald Duck and Duckburg (Entenhausen). Highlights include pages from George Herriman’s “Krazy Kat” (1920) and the more recent “Fables” series by Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham. The exhibition isn’t just about looking; it’s about thinking. As the exhibition materials state, these animal characters are often “a projection surface of human properties, feelings and thoughts.”
Animal Archetypes: Heroes, Villains, and Everything In Between
The exhibition delves into the multifaceted roles animals play in comics. Are they heroes, anti-heroes, loyal companions, or something else entirely? The show encourages visitors to consider the complex relationship between humans and animals, and how that relationship is reflected in our stories. Beyond simply viewing the art, the Grimmwelt offers opportunities for creative engagement, including workshops to design your own comics and explore the world of fairytale animal figures through a free publication called “puzzle lane.”
More Than Just an Exhibition: A Celebration of Comic Art
The exhibition is accompanied by a 280-page catalog published by Panini-Verlag (€39), and the Grimmwelt offers guided tours for school classes. Alexander Braun’s expertise extends beyond this exhibition; he’s curated numerous acclaimed shows, including “The Century of Comics,” “Winsor McCay,” and “Pioneers of Comics.” His dedication to preserving and celebrating comic art has earned him international recognition, including two Eisner Awards – the highest honor in the US comic industry. This exhibition is a testament to his passion and a valuable contribution to the field of comic studies. For those interested in learning more, visit www.grimmwelt.de.
The enduring appeal of animal characters in storytelling speaks to a fundamental human need to understand ourselves and our place in the world. “I, the animal” at the Grimmwelt Kassel isn’t just a look back at the history of comics and fairy tales; it’s an invitation to reflect on our own relationship with the animal kingdom and the stories we tell about it. This exhibition is poised to become a landmark event for comic fans and anyone interested in the power of narrative, and we at archyde.com will continue to follow its impact.
