Comic fans get ready! From May 1 – 4, 2025, Naples will transform into the epicenter of fandom with the highly anticipated COMICON Napoli! Furthermore, this year is particularly special as it marks the 25th edition of this beloved festival. The event is set to be held at the Mostra d’Oltremare. It’s going to feature a stellar lineup of iconic guests, thrilling competitions, and a vibrant atmosphere for the global fandom.
One of the most exhilarating announcements is the attendance of Yuji Horii! That’s right, the game designer behind the legendary Dragon Quest series. This will be Horii’s first visit to Italy; fans of RPGs won’t want to miss the chance to meet one of the most influential figures in gaming history. Horii’s contributions to the industry are monumental; he pioneered the role-playing game genre, starting with Dragon Quest in 1984. This was the first RPG to captivate a wide audience and that makes it a cultural phenomenon that has influenced countless games since.
Many gamers fondly recall his earlier work, The Portopia Serial Murder Case, which is hailed as the first Japanese adventure game and visual novel. His collaborations with brilliant artists like Akira Toriyama, the mind behind Dragon Ball, further solidified Horii’s status in the pantheon of gaming greats.
A Star Line-up
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Another first-time guest from Japan is Shin’ichi Sakamoto. His most celebrated works include The Climber and Innocent. Sakamoto’s unique storytelling and artistic flair have garnered him numerous awards. Furthermore, fans can expect a chance to delve into his latest manga, #DRCL: Midnight Children; a fresh take on Dracula.
Joining this illustrious group is James Harren, creator of Ultramega. Harren has expertly fused influences from manga and Western comic styles, making a name for himself in the industry. His dynamic art and storytelling will bring another exciting element to the festival.
From Britain, we’re thrilled to welcome Dave McKean, a renowned comic artist, director, and photographer. McKean is famous for his mixed-media approach, having worked on iconic pieces like Batman: Arkham Asylum and teamed up with writers such as Neil Gaiman on Violent Cases and Black Orchid. Fans can look forward to a sneak peek of his latest work, Raptor – A Sokol Graphic Novel, during the event.
Another highlight of COMICON Napoli 2025 will be Mike Mason, the Creative Director of the legendary role-playing game Call of Cthulhu. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Chaosium, the publisher behind such beloved titles as RuneQuest and Pendragon. Mason’s presence at the festival is sure to add depth to one of the most influential RPG experiences. One of which has shaped the landscape of gaming and inspired generations of players!
Exciting Events
As if the guest lineup wasn’t impressive enough, COMICON Napoli will also feature the Cosplay Challenge PRO on May 3. This popular competition is a staple of COMICON and is usually held in collaboration with the Cosplay World Masters and the Tournament of Champions.
You can bet it’s going to draw in talented cosplayers from across Europe. Contestants will showcase their craftsmanship and performance, judged on various categories such as needlework, prop-making, and overall resemblance to the original characters they embody. It’s always a vibrant and exciting part of the event that fans eagerly anticipate.
Taking a step back, it’s important to highlight the stunning poster designed by Jamie Hewlett. He’s the creator of Tank Girl and co-creator of the musical phenomenon Gorillaz. His design adds an artistic flourish, encapsulating the spirit of creativity and fun that defines COMICON.
Adding to the roster are several other celebrated artists, including Tanino Liberatore, who will serve as the Magister 2025; Jon J. Muth, known for his hauntingly beautiful illustrations; Boichi, celebrated for his work on Dr. Stone; and Álvaro Martínez Bueno, co-creator of The Nice House on the Lake, who will also be present alongside Harry Potter cover illustrator Thomas Taylor. The festival’s dedication to showcasing diverse talent and awarding the COMICON 2025 Special Award for Lifetime Achievement to the legendary Altan illustrates its commitment to honoring creators whose work has shaped the industry.
Don’t Miss Out
Whether you’re a die-hard gamer, a cosplay enthusiast, or a comic book lover, COMICON Napoli 2025 is poised to offer something for everyone. With four jam-packed days of panels, signings, and interactive experiences, this festival is a celebration of art, storytelling, and the vibrant cultures that connect us all.
Don’t forget to follow COMICON on comicon.it, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, X, Twitch, Telegram, LinkedIn, YouTube and through the official hashtags #napolicomicon2025 #comiconitalia #comicon2025.
