COMICON Naples 2026. Magister, international guests, and tickets. Let's go!

From April to 30 3 May 2026, Mostra d'Oltremare will return to being the nerve center of pop culture with a new edition of COMICON NaplesAs per tradition, the festival will not be limited to the days at the fairgrounds but will be preceded by a wide-ranging calendar of events throughout the city, designed to accompany audiences and enthusiasts along the path to one of Italy's most important cultural events. The twenty-sixth edition presents an ambitious approach, focusing on internationally renowned guests, diverse artistic expressions, and an increasingly strong dialogue between comics, animation, video games, and music.

Leo Ortolani, Master of COMICON Naples 2026

To ideally guide the cultural path of COMICON Naples 2026 will be Leo Ortolani, appointed Master of the twenty-sixth edition. One of the most recognizable authors of contemporary Italian comics, Ortolani has built over the years a unique humorous language, capable of uniting satire, pop parody and social reflection. His career is inextricably linked to Rat-Man, a series published for twenty years and which has become a generational reference, but also extends to scientific popularization, graphic novels and film criticism.

In the role of Magister, Ortolani will be the protagonist of a dedicated exhibition, will take care of a thematic exhibition itinerary and will take part in talks and special meetings, helping to define the cultural identity of the 2026 edition. This choice strengthens the bond between COMICON and authorial comics, placing an ironic and informed perspective on the present at the center.

An ever-growing international audience

Among the first announcements of COMICON Naples 2026 names that have profoundly influenced the history of Japanese manga and video games stand out. For the first time in Italy, Kazuhiko Torishima, a central figure in Japanese publishing and the editorial mind behind cultural phenomena such as Dragon Ball e Dr. Slump. He will be present next to him Koji “IGA” Igarashi, creator who redefined the language of video games with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, giving rise to the genre today known as Metroidvania.

The return of Don Rosa, after a ten-year absence, represents another key moment for the program. A much-loved author among Disney readers, he has built an epic imagination around Scrooge McDuck, achieving international recognition and consolidating a special relationship with the European public.

Videogames, iconic voices and soundtracks

The video game area of COMICON Naples 2026 It will be animated by a group of protagonists who cover every aspect of contemporary production. Troy Baker, one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, will bring his experience gained in titles such as The Last of Us, Death Stranding e Bioshock. On the musical front, the presence of Austin Wintory, an award-winning and Grammy-nominated composer, will offer an in-depth look at the relationship between storytelling and sound in video games.

To complete the picture come Andrea Pessino, a leading technical figure in the development of graphics engines and technologies, and Tomoyuki Tanaka, sound director linked to historical series such as Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania e YakuzaTogether, these guests outline a program oriented towards quality and direct interaction with the public.

From experimental manga to American comics

Japan will also be represented by mangaka Shintaro Kago e Satoshi Shiki, two authors very different in style but united by a strong international recognition. From the Western side, Alex Maleev e David Mack will bring to Naples the experience gained between Marvel, DC Comics and major cross-media productions. Their works have helped redefine the aesthetic of contemporary comics, influencing film, television, and visual design.

Tickets and Jungle Pass: How to Participate

With the announcement of the first guests Tickets for COMICON Napoli 2026 are now officially on sale.All admission tickets, including day tickets, subscriptions and Jungle Pass, are available exclusively online at ticket.comicon.itThe Jungle Pass confirms its role as a premium option, designed for those who want to experience the festival with dedicated services and exclusive benefits.

The ticket office remains exclusively digital, a choice that aims to simplify access and manage public flows more efficiently during the days of the event.