Romics 2026 in Rome: comics, exhibitions, cosplay and international guests

Romics 2026: four days of comics and visual culture in Rome

Romics 2026 takes place from April 9 to April 12, 2026, bringing together exhibitions, live shows, author panels, screenings and cosplay competitions. The festival targets both enthusiasts and professionals working in comics, illustration and transmedia storytelling.

Main guests and highlights

The program features international and national creators across comics, games and animation. Key participants include:

• Rhianna Pratchett – screenwriter and narrative designer known for titles such as Tomb Raider and Mirror's Edge;
• Zerocalcare – leading Italian cartoonist with work spanning graphic novels and animated series;
• Cassandra Calin, Gigi Cavenago and Alexis Wanneroy – artists presenting talks on their creative paths and recent projects.
• Additional guests will include contemporary voices from Asian comics, fantasy authors and renowned illustrators.

Exhibitions on display

The exhibition program mixes retrospectives and themed shows. Highlights include:

• Space Jam – 30 Years: an exhibition with student works and special events celebrating the film's anniversary;
• Lorenzo Mattotti: large-format prints tracing important moments of his career, including animation work;
• Sara Pichelli: original pages and illustrations featuring Spider-Man and Miles Morales;
• Solo exhibitions by Gigi Cavenago and Cassandra Calin, showcasing sketches, plates and editorial previews;
• Superheroines – Pop, Cult & Imagination: a survey of iconic female characters with original art and collectible pieces.

Awards, contests and side programs

The festival hosts the 24th edition of the Romics Award for Comics and Visual Narratives, now expanded to include illustration and non-fiction works, plus a newly introduced Audience Award decided by online voting. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The RomicsOFF initiative will promote a touring program of selected works across festivals, schools and libraries, while the illustrators' contest "Disegniamo Il Maggio" presents finalists in a dedicated exhibition and names the campaign image for Il Maggio dei Libri.

Practical information

Opening hours and ticketing details are published on the festival's official channels. Some sessions (meet & greets, limited talks) require prior booking; check availability in advance to secure participation.

Tip: review the full program and reserve seats early for high-demand panels to make the most of your visit.