The medieval walls of Lucca become a vibrant stage for one of Europe’s largest comic festivals, an event that draws hundreds of thousands to this Tuscan city. This year’s edition, from October 28th to November 1st, marked a significant return to full scale following previous pandemic-affected years. The festival’s history stretches back to 1966, with only one prior interruption in its long run.
In 2022, Lucca Comics & Games sold 319,926 tickets, surpassing the 2019 record.
The festival’s massive attendance reshapes the city, famously transforming its narrow streets into rivers of people. Lucca, with a permanent population of under 90,000, experiences an overwhelming influx during the event, turning its historic piazzas and alleys into a temporary exhibit space.
This festival is an overwhelming, yet incredible, experience. It’s a testament to the passion for comics and pop culture, and Lucca truly comes alive with it, but pack your patience.
Navigating the Festival Chaos
Arriving the day before the festival begins is a strategic move to avoid the initial transit chaos. Trains and roads become significantly congested as visitors make their way to the city. This pre-festival calm allows for a quiet walk through the awakening streets, observing pavilions being set up and greeting colleagues before the main event commences.
Sampling local specialties is a key part of the Lucca experience. One particular recommendation involves visiting Polleria Volpi to try schiacciata with biroldo, a unique local blood salami, often paired with pecorino cheese. Schiacciata, the Tuscan version of focaccia, serves as the perfect vehicle for these regional flavors.
Festival Layout and Offerings
The festival sprawls across the city, with publishers setting up most of their booths and stands in temporary pavilions. Key activity hubs include Piazza Napoleone, the main city square, and surrounding areas. While the city’s walls host some pavilions, and a Japan-themed area is located a few miles outside, the core of the event is concentrated within the historic center.
Many activities, particularly those aimed at children, are free and take place in various designated areas. It’s important to note that not all attendees are ticket holders; many people visit simply to enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore Lucca’s streets.
Lucca Comics & Games is not just about comics; it has significantly expanded to include games, media previews, and a wide array of pop culture elements.
The “Games” section is situated just outside the city walls, and a Japan-themed area offers a distinct cultural experience with toys and food related to Japanese pop culture. Major events like anime movie previews and film premieres are also part of the extensive program, though it’s virtually impossible to attend everything.
Meeting the Creators
The festival attracts a significant number of international and Italian guests. Notable foreign visitors have included American comic artists John Romita Jr. and James Tynion IV, alongside Japanese talents like Yoshitaka Amano, Nagabe, Norihiro Yagi, and Atsushi Ōkubo. Spanish-based artist Marcello Quintanilha and filmmaker Tim Burton have also been in attendance.
Prominent Italian figures such as Milo Manara and Tanino Liberatore are regulars, as are contemporary artists like Igort, Gipi, and Zerocalcare, who often present new book releases. Zerocalcare, in particular, has seen his graphic novels consistently hit the top of bestseller lists shortly after their release, especially when coinciding with the festival season.
Publishers like Edizioni BD and Bao Publishing are central to the festival’s commercial aspect, with their stands offering opportunities to meet curated authors and purchase new works. Coconino Press, for example, showcased Manuele Fior’s latest book, “Hypericon,” following his acclaimed “Celestia.”
Italian comic publishers leverage the event to announce upcoming releases and future plans, making it a crucial period for the Italian comics market. This strategic timing for new book launches and industry announcements significantly boosts the autumn season for the sector.
| Guest Type | Notable Names | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Comic Artists (International) | John Romita Jr., James Tynion IV, Yoshitaka Amano, Nagabe | USA, Japan |
| Comic Artists (Italian) | Milo Manara, Tanino Liberatore, Igort, Gipi, Zerocalcare | Italy |
| Filmmakers | Tim Burton | USA |
The “Self Area” and Artistic Homages
A particularly moving part of the festival is the “Self Area,” located in a courtyard adjacent to a church. This space is dedicated to DIY and self-publishing collectives and is generally free to access. This year, the area honored the memory of cartoonist Tuono Pettinato. The newly established Tuono Pettinato Foundation presented an anthology, “Hobby Comics 7,” featuring works from the Super Amici collective, including Pettinato.
A dedicated wall showcased photos, posters, and artwork by Tuono Pettinato, attracting tributes from many artists. This section highlights the importance of independent publishing and the lasting impact of influential Italian cartoonists. Visitors can find a wide range of self-published zines and indie comics here.
Venues and Presentations
While publishers operate from temporary pavilions, panels, conferences, and interviews with artists often take place in more formal settings. These include deconsecrated churches and conference halls affiliated with banks and foundations. Chris Ware was interviewed in a large church, discussing his work with Italian journalist Luca Valtorta and novelist Francesco Pacifico. As part of a recent tradition, Ware impressed his handprint into a concrete plate during the ceremony.
The festival also features dedicated exhibition halls showcasing the work of featured artists. Past exhibitions have included retrospectives on artists like Chris Riddell, Ted Nasmith, and Mirka Andolfo, as well as showcases for Atsushi Ōkubo, Giacomo Nanni, and Alfredo Castelli, a significant figure in Italian comics history.
Festival Awards and Evening Events
The Lucca Comics & Games Awards ceremony takes place on Saturday evening at the Teatro del Giglio. Awards are presented across various categories, including Comic of the Year, Best Artist, Best Writer, and Best Series. Notable recipients from recent years have included “The Hellbound” for Comic of the Year, Gaëlle Geniller for Best Artist, and R. Kikuo Johnson for Best Writer.
Special awards are also given, such as the Special Jury Prize and Author of the Year. The Masters of Comics honor is bestowed upon legendary figures. While the ceremony can be lengthy, it celebrates the achievements within the comics medium.
For a more relaxed evening experience, consider heading to Caffè del Mercato in Piazza San Michele for an aperitif or joining the industry crowd at the bars in Piazza Anfiteatro after dinner.
After the formal events, the atmosphere shifts to social gatherings. The Caffè del Mercato in Piazza San Michele is a popular spot for an aperitif among comic artists, known for its Peschino drink. Later in the evening, Piazza Anfiteatro becomes a gathering point for those in the industry.
Weather and Well-being
October in Italy can bring unpredictable weather. While the festival usually includes at least one rainy day, making it challenging to navigate between pavilions with paper goods, the 2022 event experienced unusually warm temperatures. Regardless of the weather, many attendees report catching colds after the festival, a common side effect of large crowds and indoor exposure.
The prevalence of mask-wearing has decreased significantly in recent years. Despite efforts to navigate the event safely, contracting COVID-19 remains a possibility for attendees. Planning for potential health considerations is advisable.
- Book accommodations and tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
- Prepare for large crowds and be patient, especially at popular artist signing sessions.
- Explore beyond the main squares to discover smaller publishers and the “Self Area.”
Despite the logistical challenges presented by the city’s size and the sheer volume of visitors, Lucca remains intrinsically linked to its comics festival. The event’s deep roots and consistent tradition ensure that it will continue to be a landmark for pop culture enthusiasts for years to come.