Lucca Comics & Games returns from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, marking 60 years since the festival was founded in the Tuscan city in 1966. The five-day event will bring comic artists, illustrators, game designers and fans from around the world to Lucca’s historic centre.
This year’s edition is organised around the theme Legacy, reflecting on the festival’s history and the influence of comics, animation and games across generations.
Located approximately 80 kilometres west of Florence, Lucca hosts one of Europe’s largest events dedicated to comics, gaming and popular culture. During the festival, its historic squares, buildings and Renaissance walls become venues for exhibitions, meetings, performances and activities.
Go Nagai Among the International Guests
Japanese manga artist Go Nagai, creator of Mazinger Z, Devilman and UFO Robot Grendizer, is among the main guests announced for the anniversary edition.
Nagai, whose work helped introduce generations of Italian viewers to Japanese animation, is scheduled to attend from 28 to 30 October. A dedicated exhibition will examine his influence on manga and anime, including his interpretations of themes inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Other Japanese creators attending include Yuu Watase, known for Fushigi Yuugi, Paru Itagaki, creator of Beastars, and the illustration duo Gurihiru.
According to the organisers, the comics programme will involve more than 80 Italian and international publishers and over 400 guests. Asian creators will have a particularly strong presence, including 15 artists from Japan, five from Taiwan, three from South Korea and two from China.
The main comics area will be concentrated around Piazza Napoleone and Piazza del Giglio, with additional pavilions distributed across the historic centre and the city’s walls.
Exhibitions Explore Comics History
Several exhibitions will accompany the anniversary celebrations, focusing on artists and characters who have influenced international comics.
One exhibition will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Lucky Luke, the western comic character created by Belgian cartoonist Morris, with original drawings from the artist’s archives.
Another will examine the work of Guido Crepax through Valentina, his influential comic character introduced in 1966. The exhibition will explore how Crepax portrayed Milan and its cultural transformations during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
American cartoonist Tillie Walden will also be featured in an exhibition, while a separate display at Japan Town will explore spokon, the Japanese genre of sports-themed manga and animation.
The latter will include works associated with Captain Tsubasa, Slam Dunk, Haikyu!! and Blue Lock, tracing the development of sports narratives in Japanese popular culture.
A Permanent Exhibition Dedicated to the Festival
One of the main initiatives marking the anniversary is the opening of Lucca Legacy: A Comics and Games Story, an exhibition on the second floor of Palazzo Guinigi.
Developed by festival organiser Lucca Crea in collaboration with academic and cultural institutions, the exhibition will document the event’s evolution from its beginnings in 1966 to its current international role.
Visitors will be able to explore historical posters, award-winning comics and games, and material connected with past editions.
The exhibition will also include interactive installations and activities designed to involve visitors in preserving memories of the festival.
The project is intended to evolve over time and will introduce plans for a future Lucca Comics Museum, which is expected to be housed in the former Manifattura Tabacchi complex.
Anniversary Poster and New Video Game
The official poster for the 2026 edition was created by Italian comic artist Claudio Castellini.
It brings together characters featured in previous festival posters, including figures created by Zerocalcare, Don Maitz, Phil Hale, Ted Nasmith and Ciruelo.
A second version of the poster, created by emerging French artist Louise Stéphant, is scheduled to be unveiled on 28 October at the Teatro del Giglio Giacomo Puccini.
The anniversary programme also includes Luke & Clea – A Quest for Legacy, a free mobile video game inspired by the visual style of 1980s games.
Players follow two characters through a digital version of Lucca, exploring locations including the Guinigi Tower, the Cathedral, the Amphitheatre and the city walls.
The game’s final level is scheduled to become available on the festival’s opening day.
Italian public broadcaster Rai has also produced a documentary, 60 Volte Lucca, tracing the event’s history through archival material and interviews. It is scheduled to air on Rai 5 on 27 October, before becoming available on RaiPlay.
From a Comics Festival to an International Event
Lucca Comics & Games traces its origins to 24 September 1966, when the first edition of the international comics festival was established in the city.
Over the following decades, the event expanded beyond comics to include board games, video games, fantasy literature, animation, cinema and cosplay.
The 2026 anniversary edition will examine that evolution while bringing together established artists and younger creators.
For Lucca, the festival is also a major annual event affecting the use of public spaces throughout the historic centre, with temporary pavilions and activities distributed across several locations.
Practical Information
Event: Lucca Comics & Games 2026 – Legacy
Dates: Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November 2026
Location: Lucca, Tuscany, approximately 80 km west of Florence
Main venues: Historic city centre, Piazza Napoleone, Piazza del Giglio, Palazzo Guinigi and other locations
Programme: Comics, manga, gaming, exhibitions, international guests and anniversary events
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