From October 28th to November 1st, 2026, Lucca will once again transform into the capital of pop culture with Lucca Comics & Games, but this time the event will have a special meaning: the festival celebrates its 60th anniversary. For five days, the streets, squares, and historic buildings of the Tuscan city will host comics, games, video games, fantasy, cinema, music, cosplay, and some of the most important international figures in the contemporary imagination.
The theme chosen for this edition is "LEGACY." A word that captures the connection between what Lucca Comics & Games has been and what it will become. The "Diamond" anniversary aims to celebrate not only the event's history, but above all the community that has helped it grow over six decades, transforming it into one of the most important international events dedicated to pop culture.
Among the announced guests are names capable of crossing generations and different languages: Frank Miller, legendary author of works such as Sin City e 300; Go Nagai, father of characters who have marked the imagination of millions of fans; Paru Itagaki, author of Beastars; Jonathan Hickman, one of the great names in contemporary American comics. From Japan will also come Hideki Kamiya, a key figure in the world of video games, Yoshinori Kitase, linked to the saga of Final Fantasy VII, and composer Yoko Kanno, famous for her soundtracks Cowboy Bebop e Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone ComplexExhibitions will also play a central role. Palazzo Guinigi will host "LEGACY – The Exhibition," a project dedicated to the sixtieth anniversary of the event, conceived as an interactive experience and destined to evolve thanks to the contributions of visitors. A space will be reserved for "My First Lucca," gathering memories of those who have experienced the festival over the years.
From "a few intimates" to an international demonstration
One of the most fascinating curiosities concerns the event's origins. The first Lucca International Comics Fair was held on September 24, 1966, in the foyer of the Teatro del Giglio. The great cartoonist Alfredo Castelli, creator of Martin Mystère, liked to joke when recalling that distant day: "We were just a few close friends." From that small gathering, a phenomenon was born that today attracts hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts and involves the entire historic center. Over the past five years, approximately one million tickets have been sold, and each edition boasts over 200 international guests.
Another special feature of the 2026 edition is the official poster, designed by Claudio Castellini. It's the first "meta-poster" in the event's history: the image reintroduces some characters from previous editions, creating an imaginary meeting of past, present, and future. And perhaps this is Lucca's secret. For five days, a medieval city transforms without losing its soul. Beneath its walls walk superheroes, princesses, warriors, manga characters, and fantastical creatures; different generations meet, sharing the same passion.
Sixty years after that first small Salone in 1966, Lucca continues to remind us of something simple: we can grow, change, and transcend time, but we are never too old to continue imagining.
