Lucca Comics & Games 2025 has officially wrapped up its latest edition with record-breaking success, confirming its status as the world’s largest pop culture festival. With over 280,000 tickets sold, 17,000 industry professionals, 900+ guests, 730 exhibitors, and 1,500 events, the Tuscan city once again became the beating heart of comics, gaming, and entertainment.
This year’s theme, “French Kiss,” celebrated France’s influence as one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural powerhouses. The official festival poster, designed by acclaimed French illustrator Rébecca Dautremer, placed freedom of expression at its core. Palazzo Guinigi was transformed into a recreation of Dautremer’s Breton home—allowing fans to step directly into her creative world.
Hideo Kojima, Stranger Things, and Global Fandoms Collide
Lucca 2025 became a crossroads for the entertainment world. Legendary game creator Hideo Kojima brought the Death Stranding 2 World Strand Tour to Italy, drawing thousands of fans to Lucca’s medieval streets. Meanwhile, Netflix chose Lucca for the global launch of Stranger Things’ new season—merging the realms of gaming and streaming in an unforgettable cultural handoff.
“Lucca Comics & Games isn’t just a festival—it’s a universe where imagination comes alive,” festival organisers said.
Manga Legends and Literary Icons Take the Stage
Among the standout moments was the arrival of Tetsuo Hara, the iconic creator of Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken). The festival honoured him with its largest-ever exhibition and the prestigious Yellow Kid – Maestro del Fumetto award. In a historic milestone, Hara’s self-portrait will now be displayed in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery—the first time a Japanese mangaka has entered the museum’s collection.
Fantasy fans were equally thrilled by appearances from Critical Role’s Matthew Mercer and Marisha Ray, alongside bestselling authors Rick Riordan, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, and Glenn Cooper—solidifying Lucca’s role as a global nexus for genre storytelling.
From the Festival to the Big Screen
Adding to the excitement, the first feature documentary dedicated to the festival, I Love Lucca Comics & Games, premiered in theatres this year. Produced by All At Once with I Wonder Pictures, and directed by Manlio Castagna and Andrea Romeo, the film dives deep into the emotion and creativity of Lucca—featuring voices such as R.L. Stine, Licia Troisi, Gabriele Mainetti, and Yoshitaka Amano.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The festival’s journey continues, with Lucca Comics & Games 2026 already confirmed for October 28 – November 1, 2026, paving the way to its monumental 60th anniversary.
At Lucca, every story finds its voice, and every dream its form. Imagination never ends—it simply renews itself.
