ALGIERS - The 18th edition of Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA 2026) concluded Monday in Algiers with an awards ceremony for the winners of its various competitions.

Held at Riadh El Feth esplanade, the closing day featured awards for youth, children, and the students of Algiers Higher School of Fine Arts (ENSBA) who participated in comics and manga workshops to encourage and boost creativity across all age groups in comics and manga.

In this regard, Japanese Ambassador to Algeria Kotaro Suzuki presented the prizes in a special competition organized by the Japanese embassy for manga fans in Algeria.

The winners were Ziad Adlane (first prize), Fella Maya (second prize) and Meziane Mohamed (third prize).

Kotaro congratulated the young winners of the 6th Japanese manga contest, organized by the embassy as part of the festival, and described FIBDA as a "cultural and artistic bridge linking Japan and Algeria."

The festival's cosplay competition, judged by a panel led by U.S. artist Alitha Martinez, awarded Abdelwadoud Kerkar (best individual performance), Sami Rebbache (best costume), Taghourt Djaafar (best duo), and Laamamra Okba (best show)."

The Festival's commissioner, Salim Brahimi, said that this edition drew massive crowds of all ages reflecting the Algerian public's growing passion for manga and comics."