COMICON Naples 2026: An explosion of pop culture, video games, and manga legends

The XXVI International Pop Culture Festival, better known as COMICON Naples, is all set for its 2026 edition. From April 30 to May 3, the Italian city will become the epicenter of global entertainment, bringing together iconic figures from the video game, comic book, and animation industries at the Mostra d’Oltremare. After a historic 2025 that welcomed more than 183,000 attendees, the organization seeks to break its own records with a lineup that balances nostalgia and the cutting edge.

Who are the big international stars visiting the festival?

One of the most exciting announcements is the presence of Makoto Yukimura, the legendary mangaka creator of Vinland Saga, who will visit Italy for the first time to present the final issue of his acclaimed work. He will be joined by Kazuhiko Torishima, the editor who discovered Akira Toriyama and shaped the Dragon Ball phenomenon, as well as Koji “IGA” Igarashi, the mastermind behind the “Metroidvania” genre and the Castlevania saga.

The American talent pool is not far behind. The festival will feature:

• Troy Baker: Voice actor known for The Last of Us and Death Stranding.
• Austin Wintory: Grammy-nominated composer for the game Journey.
• Don Rosa: Disney legend returning to Naples after a decade to celebrate the Scrooge McDuck saga.
• Alex Maleev and David Mack: Two pillars of Marvel famous for their work on Daredevil.

What new developments can we expect in terms of art, music, and experiences?

This year’s visual image, or Key Art, is by Aurélien Predal, artistic director at studios such as Pixar and Sony, who has worked on hits such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. In addition, the festival has named Leo Ortolani, creator of Rat-Man, as Magister 2026, who will be featured in a retrospective exhibition on his career.

In the field of music and lifestyle, rapper Caparezza will present an exclusive exhibition of his graphic novel Orbit Orbit. Anime music will come alive with a concert by Giorgio Vanni, the official voice of the Pokémon and Dragon Ball themes in Italy, while Estonian cosplayer Yugoro will participate as a judge in the costume contests.

How can you attend, and what benefits does the event offer?

For enthusiasts looking for the full experience, tickets are now on sale online. The festival remains committed to accessibility, offering Italian Sign Language (LIS) interpretation and spaces adapted for people with disabilities.

• Prices: A daily ticket costs €20.00, while a four-day pass costs €46.00.
• Jungle Pass: An exclusive €250.00 option for those seeking additional benefits.
• Location and Sustainability: The event takes place in an area of over 800,000 square meters and maintains eco-friendly policies for recycling materials.

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