Lucca Comics & Games Unveils Massive 60th Anniversary Celebration

A pencil passed from one generation to the next has become the defining image of Lucca Comics & Games 2026 as Europe’s largest celebration of comics, gaming and pop culture prepares to mark a milestone anniversary. Sixty years after the festival first opened its doors in 1966, organisers have unveiled an ambitious programme that looks back at its history while placing equal emphasis on the creators, stories and communities that will shape its future.

Running from 28 October to 1 November, this year’s event adopts the theme “Legacy”, reflecting both the heritage of the festival and the idea of creative influence being handed forward. The announcement was made at Florence’s Uffizi Galleries, where organisers outlined plans for what is being billed as Lucca Comics & Games’ diamond anniversary edition.

The official poster has been created by acclaimed comic artist Claudio Castellini, whose career spans work on Dylan Dog, Nathan Never, Marvel and DC Comics. Castellini’s artwork serves as a tribute to the festival’s history, bringing together characters and imagery from previous Lucca posters in a single illustration. During the launch event, the artist symbolically passed his pencil to 10-year-old French comics talent Louise Stéphant, whose variant poster artwork will be unveiled at the festival’s opening ceremony.

Among the headline guests announced for 2026 are manga pioneer Go Nagai, creator of Grendizer and Mazinger Z, legendary comic writer and artist Frank Miller, Fantastic Four and X-Men architect Jonathan Hickman, Japanese Marvel star Peach Momoko and Spanish comics creator Paco Roca.

The video games programme is equally substantial. Final Fantasy VII producer Yoshinori Kitase will attend as Guest of Honour, while Devil May Cry, Bayonetta and ?kami creator Hideki Kamiya is also confirmed. Industry veteran Stephen Bliss, whose artwork helped define the visual identity of the Grand Theft Auto series, joins the line-up alongside concept art pioneer Daniel Dociu and LucasArts veteran Noah Falstein.

Music will once again play a prominent role across the city. Composer Y?ko Kanno will make her first-ever appearance in Italy, while Italian pop-punk favourites Finley and anime soundtrack legends I Cavalieri del Re are also scheduled to perform.

Special exhibitions will celebrate both Lucca’s history and major figures from the comics world. A large retrospective dedicated to Castellini will showcase original artwork from across his career, while another exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of Lucky Luke, featuring material drawn from the archives of creator Morris.

The festival is also embracing interactive experiences. Luke & Clea – A Quest for Legacy, a new retro-inspired pixel-art game created especially for the anniversary edition, launches on 24 September and will culminate with a final level unlocked during the event itself.

Lucca Comics & Games 2026 takes place in Lucca, Italy, from 28 October to 1 November, with Early Bird tickets available now. Just visit: luccacomicsandgames.com/