From October 28 to November 1, Lucca Comics & Games returns for another edition of Italy’s major event dedicated to comics, video games, cosplay and pop culture.
YES, IT’S TRUE: Lucca Comics & Games is celebrating its 60th anniversary! Six decades have passed since the first edition of the annual festival dedicated to fans of video games, comics and pop culture. Sixty years of celebrations, unforgettable moments and major achievements have turned the event into a key meeting point for Italy’s nerd community and beyond. For fans, a trip to the Tuscan town of Lucca has become an unmissable annual tradition.
Sixty Years of Lucca Comics & Games
Over the past six decades, Lucca Comics & Games has grown into Italy’s largest event dedicated to pop culture and one of the biggest festivals of its kind in Europe. This success has been made possible by hard work and the determination to make a difference, establishing the festival as an eagerly anticipated and groundbreaking event.
Despite evolving year after year, the festival has managed to preserve its original spirit. This year’s theme, “Legacy,” perfectly captures the organisers’ determination to preserve everything the event has achieved while keeping an eye firmly on the future. The aim is to continue inspiring generations of gamers, readers and cosplayers for years to come.
The theme has also inspired Claudio Castellini, a leading figure in Italian comics, who created the official poster for the 2026 edition. Castellini is also the subject of Tocchi da maestro, an exhibition at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni of the Fondazione Banca del Monte di Lucca, which traces the key stages of the artist’s career.
The poster brings together several iconic characters that have become familiar faces at previous editions of the festival, from Lu, the golden heroine created by Zerocalcare, to Lady Hope by Ted Nasmith.
Must-See Exhibitions at Lucca Comics & Games
As expected, this year the small Tuscan town will host a wide range of events and exhibitions, attracting thousands of visitors from across Italy, as well as internationally renowned guests and industry experts ready to take the stage and share their work and expertise.
At the heart of this year’s celebrations is Lucca Legacy: A Comics and Games Story, an exhibition on the second floor of Palazzo Guinigi dedicated to the history of the festival. Visitors will be able to explore an interactive journey that will evolve over time thanks to contributions from the public.
The exhibition features nine spaces designed to tell the story of the festival through posters, artwork, memorabilia and personal testimonies. It also includes a vault where visitors can leave an object of their own connected to their experiences at Lucca.
The result is a journey through the legacy of a festival that looks set to continue captivating audiences for many years to come. It is one of the major new attractions of the 2026 edition.
However, Lucca Legacy: A Comics and Games Story is far from the only exhibition worth visiting. The town’s historic buildings will open their doors to visitors, offering a wide variety of activities and displays.
Alongside the aforementioned Tocchi da maestro, another highlight is Faster Than His Shadow: 80 Years of Lucky Luke, an exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the legendary cowboy created by Morris. Also hosted at Palazzo Guinigi, it promises to be a must-see for fans of one of the most beloved characters in European comics, whose adventures have entertained generations of readers.
The Most Anticipated Guests of the 2026 Edition
Among this year’s most eagerly awaited guests are two legendary names in the world of comics: Frank Miller, the iconic American comic-book creator, and Go Nagai, the Japanese manga artist behind Mazinger Z, Grendizer and Devilman.
Miller will be in Lucca throughout the festival, taking part in numerous panels and events celebrating his decades-long career.
The programme begins on October 29 with Frank Miller: 40 Years After the Revolution, scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. at the San Romano Auditorium. Another major event is planned for October 31: Marvel Legacy – Frank Miller and Peach Momoko: “They Speak Comics”, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., also at the San Romano Auditorium.
In conversation with Japanese artist Peach Momoko, Miller will explore the evolution of Marvel’s artistic style over the years, offering fans of the Marvel Universe a unique opportunity to hear from two influential figures in contemporary comics.
Go Nagai will also take centre stage with a series of events expected to attract large audiences. His programme begins on October 28 with Go Nagai: Maxishowcase, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Teatro del Giglio Giacomo Puccini.
On October 30, he will appear at Go Nagai: Sun, Heart and Steel, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the San Romano Auditorium. The Japanese master will be joined by three special guests: Claudio Castellini, Gabriele Mainetti and Alessandro Apreda, with Cristina Poccardi moderating the discussion.
But Miller and Nagai are just two of the many stars attending this year’s festival. Other notable guests include Zerocalcare, Joe Manganiello, Max Angioni and Kid Yugi, among many others.
Exhibitors, Collectibles and Other Events
Even for visitors who are not particularly interested in panels or exhibitions, Lucca Comics & Games remains an unmissable opportunity to discover the latest releases from the worlds of comics and video games.
It is also the perfect place to shop for memorabilia, collectibles and merchandise inspired by popular culture. Once again, the Carducci Pavilion will serve as one of the main hubs of the fair, hosting more than 80 exhibitors.
As always, visitors can expect a huge variety of stands run by major brands, including Nintendo, Pokémon, Funko Pop and One Piece. These exhibitors will offer products and exclusive merchandise designed to attract fans and make the experience even more special.
For enthusiasts of Japanese culture, a visit to Japan Town is also essential. Dedicated to East Asian culture, the area offers manga, merchandise, collectible games and action figures inspired by the world of anime.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to sell or trade their own trading cards and comic books, embracing the community spirit that has always been at the heart of the festival.
With its blend of legendary artists, immersive exhibitions, exclusive merchandise and celebrations of six decades of pop culture, Lucca Comics & Games 2026 promises to be a landmark edition, honouring the event’s rich history while looking ahead to its next chapter.
