From today, May 1, 2025, until May 4, Naples is hosting the XXV edition of Comicon at the Mostra d’Oltremare. This year marks a significant milestone for the festival, which has grown into a vibrant celebration of comics, video games, and pop culture, attracting a record 183,000 visitors.
The official poster for this silver anniversary was created by Jamie Hewlett, the renowned British artist known for co-creating the virtual band Gorillaz. The poster features a young fan immersed in the world of comics and pop culture, embodying the festival's spirit of enthusiasm and creativity.
At the heart of this year’s festivities is Tanino Liberatore, the Magister 2025, a legendary figure in Italian comics. He will be the focus of a personal exhibition titled “Drawing Power. The Art of Liberatore,” showcasing his distinctive style and contributions to the comic arts. Liberatore will also engage in a live drawing duel with Davide Toffolo and participate in a signing session at the COMICON Edizioni stand.
This year's guest list reads like a who's who of the comic world, featuring notable international artists such as Jon J. Muth, Arthur De Pins, Darick Robertson, Boichi, Thomas Taylor, and many others. Among the highlights, Kafka Asagiri and Sango Harukawa, creators of the popular manga Bungo Stray Dogs, will introduce their film Dead Apple during a special screening.
Asia Argento is set to participate in two insightful discussions: one focusing on the representation of "male" in female-directed cinema and another paying tribute to the visionary David Lynch, accompanied by live illustrations from Laura Pérez Granel.
Max Pezzali, a beloved Italian singer-songwriter, will also be making his debut at Comicon, presenting the latest volume of his comic book series, Max Forever, which intertwines narratives from his songs with illustrations by Roberto Recchioni.
The festival promises a plethora of activities, including the eSerie A Goleador playoffs, a K-Pop Crew Battle Festival, and a special Cosplay Challenge Kids event, ensuring that attendees of all ages can participate in the excitement.
For those interested in gaming, the Red Bull Gaming Ground in Pavilion 5 offers an adrenaline-fueled experience with 14 playseat stations featuring The Crew Motorfest. Visitors can also engage in a virtual reality simulation of a Formula 1 pit stop, making it a must-visit for motorsport enthusiasts.
Funko will also be present, showcasing exclusive collectibles from iconic franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. Attendees can look forward to unique Pop! figures, including a special Spider-Man and a Retro Darth Vader.
In addition to the entertainment and activities, Comicon Napoli 2025 is also committed to social causes. The State Police will showcase a graphic novel curated by Poliziamoderna, allowing visitors to interact with professionals from various police departments and learn about their roles through engaging activities.
As the festival unfolds, it will feature numerous exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of comic art, including “In Corpore Veritas: The Art of Shin’ichi Sakamoto” and “Buon Compleanno Pimpa!”, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the beloved character created by Altan.
The event will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM, providing ample time for visitors to immerse themselves in the numerous activities, workshops, and panels. To ensure a smooth experience, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, especially on high-traffic days.
For the 25th anniversary, a limited edition Silver Pass is available, offering exclusive benefits and a commemorative box to enhance the festival experience. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Comicon website.
Comicon Napoli 2025 is easily accessible, located at the Mostra d’Oltremare in Fuorigrotta. Public transport options include the Line 2 metro to Campi Flegrei or Line 6 to Mostra. For those driving, the Tangenziale di Napoli provides convenient access with clear signage directing visitors to the venue.
With its rich lineup of guests, events, and exhibitions, Comicon Napoli 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of pop culture, drawing fans from across Italy and beyond to share in the joy of comics and creativity.
