COMICON 2026: 26th edition unveiled at Madre, COMICON Extra 'zero'

COMICON 2026: 26th edition presented at the Madre

The Madre museum in Naples hosted the presentation of the 26th COMICON Napoli – International Pop Culture Festival, which will take place at the Mostra d’Oltremare from 30 April to 3 May 2026. Organizers report significant figures: around 480 Italian and international guests, more than 650 events and 520 exhibitors, covering comics, Asian culture, film and TV series, videogames, gaming, music, LARP, urban culture and cosplay.

Speakers at the launch included Rosanna Romano (Campania Region), Claudio Curcio (COMICON president), Matteo Stefanelli (artistic director), Francesco Izzo (University of Naples Federico II) and councillor Ninni Cutaia. The edition’s magister is comic author Leo Ortolani, who will give an open lesson for students of the Naples Academy of Fine Arts on 29 April.

The strengthened partnership with the Campania Region supported parts of the cultural programme and promoted initiatives such as the regional stand, the Campania in Cosplay contest and a promotional spot highlighting regional locations. Contest winners can receive tickets to COMICON Napoli 2026 and Artecard passes in collaboration with Scabec.

COMICON Extra: outreach and local engagement

The pilot edition of COMICON Extra took events beyond the Mostra d’Oltremare, turning symbolic provincial sites into creative, narrative spaces and drawing strong public participation. A notable event was hosted at the Museo del Carcere Borbonico in Avellino, where “Le Ombre della Storia” offered an immersive role-playing experience blending memory and collective storytelling.

• Dates: 30 April – 3 May 2026 (main festival)
• Magister: Leo Ortolani (lesson on 29 April)
• Expected figures: ~480 guests, 650 events, 520 exhibitors
• Focus: comics, videogames, film/TV, music, cosplay and territorial activities

COMICON confirms its role as a cultural and creative hub, advancing a model of festival that is more widespread, inclusive and rooted in the Campania region, combining entertainment, outreach and local heritage promotion.