Lucca transforms into a vibrant hub of pop culture from October 29 to November 2, welcoming visitors to an unforgettable experience. This year, the festival celebrates France as the honored country, delving into the rich world of French comics and creativity. The event promises a spectacular lineup, from the finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things to interactive gaming experiences and dedicated pavilions for beloved franchises like Pokémon.
Exploring Creative Realms in Lucca
The heart of creativity beats strong in Lucca as the city prepares to host one of the largest pop culture events in Europe. This year’s festival is set to be a landmark celebration, blending international talent with local passion. France is the spotlighted country, bringing its unique artistic heritage and celebrated cultural contributions to the forefront. Expect a deep dive into the world of bande dessinée, alongside major entertainment events that draw global attention.
A French Flair for Creativity
France’s influence on comics, animation, and film is undeniable, and Lucca Comics & Games 2025 proudly places it center stage. The festival theme, “French Kiss,” explores the profound impact of this gesture on storytelling and relationships, beautifully captured in the official poster by Rébecca Dautremer. Her exhibition at Palazzo Guinigi will also feature her new graphic novel, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of French visual narratives. You can marvel at her unique artistic style, a blend of the fantastical and the theatrical.
The Palais de France is set to host “HEXAGONES,” a significant exhibition showcasing twelve pioneering French comic artists. This is a fantastic opportunity to see works by legendary figures like Moebius, Claire Bretécher, and Jacques Tardi. Special guest appearances by Edmond Baudoin and Florence Cestac will offer insights into the evolution and social relevance of French comics, known collectively as bande dessinée. Hearing them speak directly about their craft will be a highlight for any fan of the medium.
For those who enjoy historical mysteries with a twist, Éric Fouassier, author of the popular Valentin Verne series, will be present. His work exemplifies the French tradition of blending historical settings with supernatural or mystical elements, promising intriguing discussions and a unique literary exploration.
France is celebrated as the honored country, highlighting its significant contributions to comics, animation, and filmmaking.
Streaming’s Biggest Hits on Display
Netflix is returning in a big way to celebrate the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Lucca will host a special event on October 31, offering fans an early glimpse into the final chapter of this beloved series. The streaming giant is releasing the final season in three parts, with Volume 1 premiering on November 27, Volume 2 on December 26, and the climactic finale on January 1, 2026. Experiencing this anticipation alongside fellow fans will be electric.
Beyond Stranger Things, Cartoon Network is bringing “The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball” to life with an immersive pavilion. Fans can step into the chaotic charm of the Watterson family’s world. Crunchyroll will also offer an anime haven with sneak peeks, exclusive screenings, and unique merchandise, making it a must-visit for anime enthusiasts. It’s wonderful how these platforms create such engaging physical spaces for their digital content.
A Pokémon Paradise
Pokémon is making a significant return to Lucca Comics & Games with an expanded and even richer dedicated space. Located in Piazza Colonna Mozza, this pavilion is designed as a complete immersion into the Pokémon universe. You’ll have the chance to explore various aspects of this iconic franchise, making it an unmissable experience for fans of all ages. Lily absolutely loved the Pokémon activities last year, and I can tell this new space will be even more exciting for her.
Gaming’s Leading Lights
The video game sector is a major focus this year, with legendary figures and groundbreaking titles taking the spotlight. Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding World Strand Tour 2 will make its final stop in Lucca, showcasing the highly anticipated Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with Kojima’s visionary approach to narrative-driven gaming. His work consistently blurs the lines between games and cinema.
Keiichiro Toyama, the mastermind behind Silent Hill and the upcoming Slitterhead, will also be a special guest. Known for defining psychological horror, Toyama’s presence offers a rare chance to hear about his creative journey and his new studio, Bokeh Game Studio. It’s always fascinating to hear from creators who can craft such atmospheric and thought-provoking experiences.
Adding to the gaming excitement is indie developer Luca Galante, the creator of the incredibly successful Vampire Survivors. His journey from a passion project to a global phenomenon perfectly aligns with Lucca’s community-first values. Expect opportunities to try demos and participate in panels that celebrate the independent spirit of game development. It’s inspiring to see how a single developer’s vision can captivate millions.
⚡ Quick Tips
- Plan your visit to the gaming zones early, as popular panels and demo sessions can fill up quickly.
- Consider purchasing multi-day passes if you want to fully explore all the gaming offerings without rush.
- Keep an eye on the official schedule for specific timings of creator talks and game showcases.
Masters of the Comic Artistry
The art of comics is celebrated with icons from both East and West. Lucca is thrilled to welcome Sensei Tetsuo Hara, the acclaimed creator of Fist of the North Star, for his first-ever appearance in Italy. An exhibition at the Chiesa dei Servi will display over 100 of his original artworks, alongside exclusive merchandise. His mythological hero, Kenshiro, continues to resonate with audiences for his blend of intense action and underlying humanity. Seeing these original pieces will be an incredible experience.
Japanese creators Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Andou, known for their dynamic graffiti-infused manga style as the duo behind Gachiakuta, will also debut new content and engage with fans through panels and signings. These artists truly push boundaries in visual storytelling.
Turning to Italian talent, familiar faces like Zerocalcare, Milo Manara, Leo Ortolani, and Fumettibrutti are returning with new works and exhibitions. Zuzu, a previous Gran Guinigi award winner, will present new collaborations with Coconino Press, showcasing contemporary Italian graphic novel artistry. Guy Delisle, celebrated for his insightful autobiographical graphic novels, will also be present, further broadening the scope of global comic perspectives available at the event.
Worlds of Fantasy Literature
The festival also embraces the world of fantasy literature, bringing together beloved authors and their imaginative creations. Rick Riordan, the mastermind behind the Percy Jackson series, will be there to promote his latest book, “From the World of Percy Jackson: The Court of the Dead.” It’s always exciting to see authors connect with their readers in person.
Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, the acclaimed creators of the Shadowhunters and The Spiderwick Chronicles, will celebrate a decade of their collaborative Magisterium Series. Their presence signifies a major moment for fans of young adult fantasy. Glenn Cooper will also be on hand to unveil “The Cosmos Keys,” his new epic fantasy novel, promising another grand adventure for readers.
Board Games and Tabletop Adventures
The Games section is expanding to include a wide array of board games, role-playing, and trading card games. Asmodee Italia is presenting a special edition of Dixit, featuring a new card created by Marie Cardouat specifically for Lucca. The Gundam Card Game is launching in Europe, with interactive workshops and demo sessions available at the Gametrade x Bandai Card Games stand. It’s a great way to get into new hobbies.
MS Edizioni is celebrating its 10th anniversary with titles inspired by popular series like Stranger Things and One Piece, showcasing their contribution to the Italian gaming market. For a dose of humor, the satirical Lercio party game, “Pessime Notizie,” will debut with its chaotic and funny gameplay. This sounds like a perfect icebreaker for groups.
The legendary Ruolimpiadi, Lucca’s role-playing tournament, returns for its 30th iteration with new adventures. This includes events like Wildsea and a special Dungeons & Dragons crossover titled “Sì, Oscuro Signore.” Michael always gets excited about these big D&D events, and I know he’s looking forward to seeing what new role-playing challenges the Ruolimpiadi brings this year.
Immersive Experiences and Live Music
LEGO Italia is doubling its presence with a larger space dedicated to immersive play areas and a pop-up store, offering fun for all ages. Red Bull Becomes Unforeseen, transforming Ostello San Frediano into a surreal Tetris playground, culminating in the national final of Red Bull Tetris on November 1. It sounds like a playful and energetic experience.
Musically, Lucca is set to be an open-air stage with a diverse lineup. DJ Étienne de Crécy headlines the French Choc party, with support from Venin Carmin and MC Andrea Rock. The musical offerings extend to symphonic metal from Vision of Atlantis and Nordic mythology-inspired melodies from Eihwar, ensuring a rich auditory experience for festival-goers.
A Celebration for Young and Old
Lucca Junior marks its 20th anniversary with a dedicated program of family-friendly exhibitions and workshops, making it an ideal destination for families. Geronimo Stilton celebrates 25 years with a personal appearance by its creator, Elisabetta Dami, giving younger visitors a chance to meet a beloved children’s author. Edizioni EL is reviving the popular Librogame® series with new sports-themed adventures by Luca Tebaldi, encouraging interactive reading experiences.
The festival also delves into cinematic storytelling with “I Love Lucca Comics & Games,” the first film documenting the community, culture, and values of the event. Launching in theaters and later on IWONDERFULL, this docu-film, produced by Lucca Crea and I Wonder Pictures, aims to capture the festival’s essence through the voices of its community and creators. Additionally, the third issue of “The Decisive Moment,” a graphic novel series commissioned by Italy’s Civil Protection Department, will be unveiled, highlighting Lucca’s role in promoting social awareness through art.
📍 Early Bird tickets are available until July 25 for discounted prices, with the ordinary ticket office reopening on September 2.
Lucca Comics & Games 2025 truly encapsulates a set of core values: community, inclusion, discovery, respect, and gratitude. With France as its guiding cultural influence and pop culture as its universal language, Lucca continues to solidify its standing as a global epicenter for creators, dreamers, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of stories. It’s a place where imagination flourishes and shared passions bring people together.