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Italy’s Lake Como Comic Art Festival announces its first guests

By John Freeman on February 2, 2023

Following successful early editions in 2018 and 2019, and a triumphant return after the pandemic last year, the much-praised Lake Como Comic Art Festival (LCCAF) is back with its fourth edition from 12th -14th May 2023. But if you want a ticket, you’d better book fast, because place are limited to just one thousand attendees.

Founded by many of the same people who created Big Wow Comic Fest in California and Paris Comic Expo, LCCAF showcases the best of US and international comic talent in a relaxed and intimate setting. The festival boasts one of the most impressive line-ups on any continent, and this coming year is no exception.

The first wave of guests, announced over the holiday period, includes: Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau, Ryan Ottley, Peach Momoko, Dan Brereton, Jenny
Frison, Alexander Lozano, Eric Powell, Sozomaika, Frank Cho, Emanuala Lupacchino, Simon Bisley, Mark Bodé, Cat Staggs, Art Adams, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Lee Bermejo, Travis Charest, Geof Darrow, Arantza Sestayo, Riccardo Federici, Joyce Chin, Olivier Coipel, Simone Bianchi, and Humberto Ramos – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Joining those previously announced visitors in May will be: Tanino Liberatore, Liam Sharp, Esad Ribic, Mark Raats, Enrico Marini, Milo
Manara, and more to be announced over the coming weeks.

“Our goal has always been to place comics front and centre,” say co-founders Arnaud Lapeyre and Steve Morger. “Too many organisers crowd their shows with cosplay and media guests, but we offer a return to those quieter days when fans could access their favourite creators and panels without distraction.”

Tickets are strictly limited and sold on a first-come-first-served basis for this year’s festival. Situated in the idyllic grounds of Villa Erba in Cernobbio, on the banks of Lake Como, Italy, this is a destination event like no other.

Lake Como Comic Art Festival 2023 - Villa Erba in Cernobbio — *Villa Erba in Cernobbio*

For lovers of art collecting, comics, and the people behind it all, it’s a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your favourite creators.

Whether you’re a returning visitor, or first-time attendee, there’s no better place to celebrate and immerse yourself in the power of the Ninth Art.

• Tickets and further information are available now from lccaf.com

• You can stay up-to-date with the festival by following them on Facebook or Twitter, and stay tuned for all the latest announcements on their newly launched Instagram channel @LCCAF

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.