Ukrainian Creativity at War: UA Comix to Showcase Art Born in the middle of the invasion at the “Comic Con Baltics 2025”

The independent Ukrainian comic book publisher UA Comix Publishing will be featured at the popular culture festival Comic Con Baltics 2025 sponsored by Samsung, taking place from May 23 to 25. Despite the ongoing war, the publisher continues to produce bold and emotionally compelling stories.

Founded in 2017 by writer, editor, and publisher Bohdan Kordoba, UA Comix has grown into one of the leading platforms for Ukraine’s independent comic book scene. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion, the publisher has had to operate under extreme conditions. Many of its authors became volunteers, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces, or supported the country’s defense efforts in other ways. Yet even on the front lines, they never stopped creating—on the contrary, they now use their work as a tool to capture and interpret the reality of war.

“When darkness tries to silence us, we draw louder,” says Ruslana Koropecka, Editor-in-Chief of UA Comix. “For us, comics are more than entertainment—they are a powerful storytelling medium that helps preserve the truth and uphold our humanity, even in the most inhumane circumstances. Every page we publish is a message to the world: Ukrainian voices are alive, creative, and unbreakable.”

First Ukrainian Comics Translated into Lithuanian

For the first time ever, Lithuanian audiences will be introduced to UA Comix titles translated into Lithuanian.

“Symbols of Resilience” is an 80-page anthology of wartime stories blending real events with artistic interpretations. The publication features narratives centered around the Mariupol Drama Theatre, the rooster statue in Borodianka, and the Ukrainian flag—each transformed into powerful symbols of resistance and hope. This comic masterfully balances documentary elements with artistic storytelling, offering a vivid and deeply emotional portrayal of wartime experiences.

The second publication, “3.3.3.”, is a poetic graphic novel titled after the military code for a salvo artillery shot. Compact enough to fit into a uniform pocket, the book delves into the emotional experiences of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians alike.

“The first book has already been translated and sent to print. We are currently finalizing the translation of the second one and hope to have it ready in time for the event,” says Darius Krasauskas, one of the organizers of Comic Con Baltics.

During the event, original UA Comix titles in English will also be available for purchase. All proceeds from the Lithuanian and English editions will go toward supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“These comics are not just stories. They are testimonies of a nation refusing to be broken,” Krasauskas emphasizes. “We are proud to support UA Comix and help bring their work to Lithuanian readers.”

Exhibition and Discussion: Creativity in Times of War

UA Comix will also present a special two-part exhibition titled “Mal’opys”, which explores the development of Ukraine’s comic book culture.

The first part draws from the global project “Ukrainian Mal’opys: The (Untold) Story”, examining Ukraine’s comic book heritage and its connections with other countries. The second part will showcase a modern graphic adaptation of Ivan Franko’s poetic tale “Fox Mykyta.”

In a dedicated panel discussion on the role of creativity during wartime, representatives from UA Comix will share personal stories about the motivation to keep creating despite the brutal realities of war. This inspiring conversation will highlight how art can serve not only as a means of self-expression but also as a form of resistance.

“Comic Con Baltics 2025 sponsored by Samsung” is a next-generation pop culture festival that, for the seventh consecutive year, will bring together film and TV stars, comic book creators, and video game developers in Vilnius.