König des Comics

Humor, irony, and keen observation as liberating weapons against bigoted prejudices: gay life and gay clichés, male sensitivities, the joys and frustrations of love, big-city neuroses, trips into antiquity, and the social influence of religion(s) – these are the themes of Ralf König, the most famous German comic artist alongside Walter Moers and Brösel. The documentary KING OF COMICS is a tribute to the artist, who is now at the height of his creative powers. His life and art are closely linked to the development of the gay community since the late 1970s. It all began in a village in Westphalia. Drawing became an early aid to coming out. His “adolescent scribbles” (self-criticism) developed into a confident drawing style that is still characterized today by a frivolous, anarchic humor. König's themes and interests have now largely transcended the boundaries of the gay scene. They have become more universal and philosophical, and König continues to explore the depths of social conventions and reduce them to absurdity. Praunheim, himself a pioneer of queer cinema, approaches his protagonist with wit and respect. He refrains from pathos, instead letting König's pointed self-irony and keen powers of observation take effect. Between sketchbooks, stage performances, and personal moments, a vivid portrait emerges of an artist who has shaped entire generations with his pen and his attitude. KING OF COMICS celebrated its premiere at the 2012 Berlinale in the Panorama Dokumente section. There, the film was celebrated as a humorous and touching homage to one of Germany's most important comic artists.