Did you know that Sarajevo once became a global hub for comic books? Hidden within the city’s rich cultural history is the remarkable story of Strip Art—a publishing vision that placed Sarajevo at the center of the comic book world.
The story begins in 1971, when a seventeen-year-old from Sarajevo, driven by passion for comics, reached out to some of the world’s greatest artists. That young visionary was Ervin Rustemagić.
From Yugoslavia, he wrote letters asking for trust and opportunity. What followed was extraordinary—artists from around the world responded by sending original drawings, collections, and exclusive publishing rights. They recognized not just enthusiasm, but a serious vision. From that moment, Strip Art was born.
Strip Art: Sarajevo’s Global Publishing Breakthrough
By 1979, Strip Art had developed into an independent publishing house and production center. Under Rustemagić’s leadership, Sarajevo became a meeting point for comic creators, collectors, and publishers from across Europe and the United States.
Through distribution, promotion, and collaboration, Strip Art helped introduce some of the most important comic book artists to new audiences, strengthening Sarajevo’s role in global cultural exchange.
International Recognition and the Yellow Kid Award
The early 1980s marked a turning point. In 1983, one of the highest honors in the comic book industry—the Yellow Kid Award—arrived in Sarajevo. Often described as the ‘Oscar of comics’, this recognition confirmed the city’s importance in the world of the Ninth Art.
Just a year later, in 1984, Strip Art and Ervin Rustemagić were named the world’s best comic book publisher, securing Sarajevo’s place in global comic book history.
Education and Influence Beyond Publishing
Rustemagić’s contribution extended beyond publishing. As early as 1974, he authored Professional Secrets of Comics, a book that became an essential guide for aspiring artists and professionals. With tens of thousands of copies printed, it served as a foundational text for comic book education for decades.
Discover Sarajevo’s Comic Book Story at Planet Sarajevo
Today, this fascinating chapter of Sarajevo’s cultural history is preserved at Planet Sarajevo, one of the most unique museums in Sarajevo and a must-visit destination for culture and art lovers.
Through immersive storytelling and carefully curated exhibitions, visitors can explore how Sarajevo became part of the global comic book scene—an unexpected but powerful story of creativity, vision, and international collaboration.
A Hidden Cultural Legacy
The story of Strip Art is not just about comics—it is about belief, persistence, and the power of ideas. It shows how one vision, born in Sarajevo, connected a city to the world.
Because this is not a myth. This is Sarajevo—and this is its global comic story.