Casale Comics and Games 2026

The ninth edition is ready to once again involve the entire capital of Monferrato. The Festival will take place on May 23rd and 24th, but some activities, such as the exhibitions in the historic center opening the week before, will significantly extend the event's timeframe. The 2026 event confirms a formula that distinguishes it from many others in this sector, focusing on major guests, but above all on the highest quality of the proposals and the ability to place them in a unique context. This is also why, from this edition, the Casalese Comics Festival is included in RIFF – Rete Italiana Festival Fumetto, which unites the main events of the peninsula. The names of the first super guests, among the more than 500 artists expected in Casale, already give an idea of the caliber: from England comes Thomas Taylor, the illustrator who created the cover of the first British editions of Harry Potter; from Japan comes Miho Shimogasa, an animator and character designer inextricably linked to anime such as "Powerpuff Girls" and, above all, "Sailor Moon." There will be web stars such as Kenta Suzuki, a true ambassador of Japanese culture in Italy with over 450,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok and more than 10 million monthly views; Adrian Fartade, a legend in popular science; and RichardHTT with his comic book tutorials. As for the shows, Clara Serina, the unforgettable performer of the Lady Oscar theme song, will be coming to Casale for the first time, and the closing concert by Giorgio Vanni is a must. The venues are no less prestigious: Casalecomics will mobilize the entire city under the banner of Giandroid, the mascot reinterpreted this year by Ernesto Anderle, aka Roby the Robin, the leading artist of the Becco Giallo publishing house, placed the robot to guard Piazza Mazzini. The main venues are the Castello dei Paleologi, the Palafiere Riccardo Coppo, and the Teatro Municipale. These are places where we can find cartoonists, cosplayers, voice actors, singers, musicians, writers, gamers, Lego builders, model makers, and any occupation that involves imagination and creativity. Nearly a hundred events will take place: concerts, workshops, dubbing sessions, gaming sessions, and presentations. Exhibitions will be hosted, one of the flagships of the Comics industry. Three exhibitions will be held at the castle: one dedicated to Anderle and his watercolor drawings; one for Thomas Taylor, which will include the covers of the English editions of Harry Potter that made him famous; and one for the visionary art of Giorgio Comolo, an illustrator chosen among the 100 Top Artists of the "Kirby 100." At the Civic Museum, we find The Comics&Science exhibition, a project in collaboration with the CNR (National Research Council) that uses the ninth art to illustrate the achievements of human progress; the Coro delle Monache di Santa Caterina (Christian Nuns of Santa Caterina) will pay homage to the heroines Federica di Meo, a great internationally recognized mangaka who returns to comics. The Seminary Library will feature Franco Brambilla, one of the greatest illustrators of Italian science fiction and the unmistakable author of the covers for Urania; and finally, the Complesso Ebraico will pay homage to Enea Riboldi, a refined artist, creator of incredible Bonelli-esque covers and large-scale seascapes, who passed away a year ago. The partnership between CasaleComics and solidarity will also return for the third year. The charity initiative for the DAIRI department of Santo Spirito Hospital will be repeated: it will feature the sale of traditional Krumiri boxes, "customizable and sketchable" by the artists present at the fair. Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration with the Capitombolo ETS association, Comics will offer services, discounts, and tools dedicated to people with disabilities. and their companions. During the festival, the same association will hold two events at the Children's Library for children and those with disabilities: "Emotions in Comics" (for children aged 5 to 11) and "Reading for 4 Paws" (for children aged 6 to 11). A greeting from the Mayor "Over the years, Casale Comics & Games has established itself as one of the leading events in the national pop culture scene, attracting a broad and diverse audience and drawing visitors from all over Italy," stated Casale Monferrato Mayor Emanuele Capra. "This result confirms the city's ability to host quality events while simultaneously enhancing its spaces and identity. The event, born and developed thanks to the commitment and vision of "mON!", which deserves praise for creating an event of such importance and resonance, represents an important opportunity to promote the area, with concrete benefits for the local economic and commercial fabric, and contributes to strengthening Casale Monferrato's image as a dynamic, open, and welcoming city. The connection between the event and the urban context, made up of squares, streets and cultural venues, makes this experience particularly engaging and distinctive. For these reasons, we believe Casale Comics & Games finds its ideal dimension here: an event capable of growing while maintaining strong roots in the local area, generating value not only in terms of participation, but also in terms of visibility and development for the entire community. And here are all the Comics activities in detail. Comics at the Castle Casale Comics & Games is now renowned nationwide for being a festival particularly focused on the world of comics, offering artists the entire first floor of the Castle and its stands, a considerable space for an equally large number of artists, approximately 120 in an Artist Alley that is rarely found even at larger events. In the hall, we will find special guests, professional authors, collectives, and self-publishers. An informal and highly stimulating environment, a celebration for professionals and enthusiasts who return year after year. At the Palafiere, instead, we will find various publishing houses present with their own stands and their guests for book signings, such as BD/Jpop with Ticcy, Mirage Comics with Umberto Sacchelli, and Cristiano Soldatich, Il Puntino, and Onirica Edizioni, while books from ADD Editore, Bao Publishing, Becco Giallo, Il Castoro, Segni d’Autore, Gallucci Editore, Lavieri, Sillystudio, Edizione Volier, and If/Toshokan are available through a retail outlet affiliated with the fair. There will always be a signing space for their authors present at the fair. For special guests, there will be a dedicated area at the Castle. Thomas Taylor will be available for autographs, commissions, and Harry Potter-themed sketches. In addition to the exhibitions, he will also be the protagonist of some incredible "Malamander's Suitcase" panels for adults and children, retracing his career and his visionary art. Miho Shimogasa will also be available for Shikishi (a special type of limited-edition sketch from Casale Comics) and other Sailor Moon-themed promotions, as well as chatting with fans. We will also be able to meet Richard HTT, a true internet star (over 1.36 million followers on YouTube) with his comic book tutorials. Guests will also include Vincenzo Federici (Red Sonja, Vampirella, Jennifer Blood, and many more), Valeria Favoccia, highly regarded in the UK and US for works such as Doctor Who and Assassin's Creed (Titan Comics), Stranger Things, Star Wars: The High Republic – Adventures, The Bad Batch (Dark Horse Comics), Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Apex Legends, and who has been creating some of the official Formula 1 Grand Prix posters for Scuderia Ferrari since 2021. French Carlomagno BAO Publishing, as well as Dark Horse and DC Comics, and co-creator, with Melissa Flores, of the series The Dead Lucky for Image Comics. Alessandro Miracolo, a Marvel collaborator on famous titles (Spider-Man 2099 Exodus, Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Bounty Hunters, Jabba's Palace, Contest of Chaos: Captain Marvel vs. Cyclops, Marvel Infinity: Spider-Man Miles Morales), and more. In addition to Marco Tabilio, DamiAn Stamich, Rossana Berretta, Alessandro Sidoti, Francesco Barbieri, Sergio Cabella, Andrea Osella, Marco Albiero, Fabio Ruotolo, Paolo Sanna, Christian Sartirana, Andrea Cavaletto, Vitale Mangiatordi, Brian Azzarello – Angelo Stano, and Alessandro Bilotta. Daniele Statella will also be there, along with his large contingent of artists associated with Creative Comics. Cosplay and all the costumes of comics Between the Castle and the Palafiere, there are several events involving this art form, for which Casale Monferrato is becoming an increasingly important center. We'll see cosplay right away around the city thanks to free photoshoots by a constant presence at Comics: the acclaimed photographer Angelica Gardani. In addition to the long sleeve of the Castello dei Paleologi, she will be using locations such as the Teatro, the Lungo Po, and exhibition spaces. The traditional competition, organized by C'mon Cosplay and MoguWork, will kick off on Sunday, May 24th on the stage at the Castle. For this occasion, some of the world's top-level representatives will be coming to Casale: from Indonesia, the beautiful Echow Cosplay, an absolute international protagonist of this art. Equally renowned are Milena Vigo and Miss Flamingo, and we'll also find the couple from Piece of Cake and the charming Mavi Cosplay. But it's not just the competition: Casale Comics will also host the most beloved Italian cosplay associations, ready to engage the public with photoshoots, animation, and pure passion. At the Palafiere, we'll be able to encounter animation and immersive sets to truly immerse ourselves in the most beloved stories: the 16th Legio Italica will take us into the Warhammer 40K universe, The World Avenger will be a tribute to Marvel heroes, and we'll learn lightsabers with the Galaxy Blades. And let's not forget the Sailor Guardians, a must-have for an edition that focuses heavily on Sailor Moon. Furthermore, Castelgard will be present at the Palafiere with a costume display and tailoring demonstrations, and Max V Lab will bring some of its incredible armor and will explain the secrets of their creation. A special mention goes to Raptor Genesis Corp: they're a Jurassic Park-themed association that doesn't just offer cosplayers from the famous Spielberg film, but also organizes real paleontology workshops and activities to explain all the secrets of dinosaurs to both adults and children. If your style of cosplay veers towards something closer to historical reconstruction, you shouldn't miss the fights of the Taurus Medieval Fight Club at the Palafiere: a sports association dedicated to medieval combat as a sport, founded in 2015. It takes training and discipline to hold all those pounds of armor and move in a coordinated manner. If you'd like, they'll teach you how too. If you'd like to build something "lighter," the long wing of the Castle will host the Cosplay Nexus area dedicated to cosplay and gaming, with sets and costumes (as well as four D&D session tables with scenic elements and two artists who sculpt miniatures and busts live). Finally, The city-wide event, the Cosplay Parade, scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, May 23rd. Japan Area As has been the case for the past four years, the Marescalchi Hall at the Castle will be transformed into the Japan Area, continuing a fruitful collaboration between Comics and the Yamato Association of Casale, which also sees the important patronage of the Consulate General of Japan in Milan. Dozens of workshops, courses, and related meetings are scheduled. Every day, you can meet original artisans and find stands related to the many facets of Japanese art. The collaboration with the Chiossone Oriental Art Museum of Genoa will allow for a small exhibition of unique objects and two meetings on the differences and similarities between traditional Japanese art and film stills from the great animation master Myazaki. Furthermore, there will be an exhibition of Japanese butterflies curated by Alessandro Bisi and the Mirtour travel agency of Genoa. Dubbing Area The world of dubbing has been a constant presence at Casale Comics since its inception in 2016. This year, the Teatro Municipale will once again focus on the performances of the most beautiful voices in this art form. On Sunday, May 24th, in particular, "Voices from the Silver Kingdom" is a must-see live dubbing talk show themed around Sailor Moon, featuring two of the anime's leading voices, among the most highly regarded in Italian dubbing: Marco Balzarotti (Marzio/Milord) and Elisabetta Spinelli. This event will also feature live painting by a special guest star: Marco Albiero. An unmissable event for all fans of the beautiful blonde warrior. Top Encounters In addition to meeting the most famous authors participating in the Comics, you can't miss these on-stage encounters. Adrian Fartade A pioneer of scientific dissemination on YouTube, Adrian Fartade returns to Casale Comics. Known for his ability to explain the mysteries of the universe in a captivating and engaging way, Fartade not only mobilizes hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, but has also been a guest on several television and radio programs, including Radio Deejay and Rai. Radio 2, and participated in the program C'è spazio, broadcast on the TV2000 television channel. He has given monologues on space exploration in various Italian schools and theaters. Since 2019, he has collaborated with Luca Perri on a series of podcasts: He was also a guest on the docu-cast titled Infodemic: il virus siamo noi, written and hosted by Luca Perri and Barbascura X. Since June 2022, he has participated in the Rai2 program Drusilla e l'almanacco del giorno dopo, hosted by Drusilla Foer, in the segment L'astronomo del giorno dopo. On December 15, 2022, he won the Giancarlo Dosi National Prize for Scientific Dissemination, together with Leo Ortolani and Luca Perri, with the book Apollo Credici. Un game book spaziale. He currently manages his YouTube channel Link4Universe, where he broadcasts live launches and runs a tour where he disseminates scientific topics focused on space. RichardHTT, Born in 1993 in Palombara Sabina (Rome), Riccardo Accattatis, aka RichardHTT, has cultivated a passion for comics since childhood. In 2008, he opened a YouTube channel where he creates drawing tutorials, entertaining videos, and animated stories, garnering a large following and millions of views. He turned his passion into a profession, starting to exhibit his works at Palazzo Marino (Milan), working as an artistic director and illustrator, and realizing his big dream: creating comics. Let's talk about Dylan Dog Casale is home to a large group of Dylan Dog authors and illustrators. Let's discover with them the secrets of the nightmare investigator, who turns 40 this year. Airsoft experience in the Castle's underground Since Casalecomics adopted Casale Castle and its intricate underground in 2017, one of the exclusive experiences for its audience has always been the ability to immerse themselves in an authentic, dark atmosphere. A dark dungeon where you can test your courage. 2026 will be no exception, with the Arcadi association transforming these dungeons into Fallout-themed dungeons, the popular post-atomic video game and TV series. The airsoft experience it offers will be set in the eerie recesses of a VAULT full of dangers, where you'll encounter unscrupulous Marauders, hostile Protectrons, and maybe even a few out-of-control Feral Ghouls. Quick reflexes and the ability to think clearly, even in difficult situations, will be needed to escape and defeat your enemies. Several sessions are scheduled daily; no advance reservation is necessary; simply show up and immerse yourself freely in this epic adventure, now in its second chapter. And as a bonus, each participant will receive a fantastic Fallout-themed gadget! All Games: Video Games, Board Games, Retro Games, and Games as They Really Are The Palafiere is perfect for hosting the entire gaming section. Whether you're looking for old and new video games or board games. We'll be featuring activities by WLT GAMING, A Veneto eSports team dedicated to promoting the world of competitive video games through events and training activities. All the latest next-gen games, virtual reality simulators, and the opportunity to compete in tournaments are available. To the delight of both adults and children, 50 arcade machines are available to the public free of charge thanks to a partnership with ARCADE STORY. And speaking of video games, don't miss the meeting with Raiden and Midna, better known as Player Inside, among the most followed and appreciated groups in the Italian gaming scene. With over 700,000 subscribers on YouTube, their channel is a true reference point for those who experience video games in all their glory: gameplay, insights, trivia, and pop culture intertwine in consistently fresh and engaging content. At the Palafiere, there are also plenty of board game tables, with demonstrations of the latest releases for playing classic games with dice and miniatures. Moreover, by hosting the Munfrà Game Days every year, Casale has become an Italian board game capital. wargames and role-playing games. The board and role-playing games area is curated by several local associations and beyond: Lega Pokemon ALESSANDRIA, Monfree Style, Monferhammer, Officina Meningi, Tabula Rasa DI ACQUI, GLI Habitanti (in collaboration with the Settimo Chemistry Museum), and the Circolo Scacchistico Conte Cozio. Speaking of games, the Palafiere also features a large Nerf Gun area curated by Blaster Italy. The Castello also hosts an area dedicated to old-fashioned games curated by Ferrari Eventi, offering fun with spinning top competitions, sack throwing, and an analog world that's no less entertaining. Family Area and La Casa dei Nakama At the Palafiere, you'll also find a dozen stands from associations that work with children and families with all kinds of activities, from game programming to board games to drawing. We particularly recommend visiting the space of the La Casa dei Nakama APS – ETS association, founded by voice actor Renato Novara. The aim is to spread and promote nerd, anime, pop, and video game culture as tools for education and personal growth. Education and entertainment come together to address social issues such as bullying, integration, and respect for differences. A lot of bricks An area of approximately 1,500 square meters dedicated to the famous bricks and curated by RisingBricks. Representing the excellence of the national scene, Comics will be pleased to host members of the most prestigious builder groups and LUGs: Orange Team LUG, Liguria Brick, Piemonte Brick, Torino Brick, It LUG, Amici del Modellismo (Grugliasco), The Queen of Winter’s Pumpkins, Franciacorta Bricks, Brickout, Brickpatici, Romagna LUG, Il Club del Mattoncino, Italia LEGOStarWars, and Cremona Bricks. In total, there will be around a hundred magnificent works on display, from talented builders from all over Italy and beyond, immersing us in a universe of colors, shapes, and fantastic worlds to build. But that's not all: the area Bricks will also be the perfect place to unleash your imagination, drawing countless pieces from the large tubs and building whatever you want, with the opportunity to participate in all-day play activities, even for the littlest ones. Tattoo Area For the second year, Casalecomics is opening up to this art that unites the body with the sign. A culture increasingly connected to the world of illustration, comics, and pop culture, capable of expressing itself in diverse styles as recognizable as the great masters who interpret them. The Palafiere will host several studios where you can get tattooed during the Comics, always in complete safety by top professionals in the field. These are Crabbydog Tattoo, Juno Tattoo Studio, Tombstones Tattoo Studio, and Simmy Tattoo. K-Pop KST - Kpop Show Time is an Italian association that has been organizing events dedicated to South Korea, particularly K-pop (Korean pop) music, for years, livening up important areas with performances and activities aimed at entertaining an increasingly large and passionate audience. Also at Casale Comics will bring a healthy and engaging environment to the Palafiere for all ages, through music, entertainment, and Korean products. Many events are planned over the two days: K-pop Jukebox, which offers the chance to choose a song and perform on stage, and the opportunity to bring your own lunch to watch the latest Korean programs together; the Showcase dedicated to dancers and singers! (To register, contact @kst.kpopshowtime); the Random Play Dance, where you can dance to the beat of K-bands. Finally, the opportunity to play together the most popular Korean games like "Kiss, Marry, Kill" and the "Door Game," and even a K-pop flea market. Model Making Since the first year of the Comics, the Palafiere has also hosted a Gunpla area, dedicated to Gundam enthusiasts and the entire world of fantasy model making, with exhibitions, live painting, and short live assembly demos, thanks to the BIST association and Andrea Ferrara. Like last year, the Cosmic Group booth will be present. In addition to the stand with material related to this world, it will have a small display of Infinite Statue dioramas (created for Lucca Comics) with miniatures from famous Italian comic films. There will also be a classic Gunpla school with free models that patrons can build, guided step-by-step by experts who will also build the models purchased at the booth on-site. There will also be tables dedicated to two He-Man and the Masters of the Universe board games, coinciding with the film's theatrical release. Aerial Silks Music and discipline of the body for this discipline, which, thanks to the Free Style Academy, has long been based in Monferrato and has always been a regular guest at Casale Comics. Music Clara Serina at the Municipal Theatre A highly anticipated guest arrives in Casale Monferrato for the first time: Clara Serina. A singer and songwriter born in Brazil but always Italian, Serina achieved fame as the lead singer of the musical group I Cavalieri del Re, who between the 1970s and 1980s performed the theme songs for numerous cartoons broadcast in Italy, such as Lady Oscar, Kimba, the White Lion, The Magic Mirror, and The Ballad of Little Flower. Much-loved by fans, Clara Serina will be at the Teatro Municipale in Casale Monferrato on Saturday, May 23, 2026, singing the songs that accompanied our childhood. She will then meet her audience at the theater for a Meet & Greet. Grimm Grimm is a unique musical project that combines symphonic metal, gothic theatricality, and pop culture. Their show is an immersive and engaging live performance whose originality comes from the arrangements of iconic pieces from the world of animation and nerd culture. The band reinterprets iconic stories from films, TV series, anime, and video games in a dark and symphonic key, transforming them into medleys and Original mashups. The band was founded by Andrea Stocchino, Giuseppe Negri, and Giulia Uda (aka Grimilde). The male duo—vocals and guitar—represents the creators, the Brothers Grimm, while the female presence is the emblem of one of their most beloved creations and fairy tales: "Snow White," which will not be represented in its innocence, but, on the contrary, in its encounter and clash with its dark side, a reflection of the Evil Queen. Not only in its sound but also in its look, the band seeks to bring 19th-century Gothic and Victorian atmospheres to the stage, promising an immersive show and musical storytelling. Ufficio Sinistri Those who have heard them at past editions of CasaleComics know that Ufficio Sinistri have one mission: blasting music to get everyone on stage dancing. Their live shows are a concentration of energy with dozens and dozens of songs played non-stop at a frenetic pace. Giorgio Vanni in concert It wouldn't be Casalecomics without him, so get ready to sing his theme songs on Sunday, May 24th on the Palafiere stage. The super Captain promises a killer concert! He'll take us on a journey through songs that have made history, like Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, My Hero Academia, and many other legendary songs that will have you singing along and dancing nonstop! An unmissable experience for fans of all ages, reminiscing about childhood memories and more! Pre-inauguration Before the Comics Fair opens on May 23rd, here's what you shouldn't miss: Tuesday, May 12th at 6:00 pm: Exhibition opening Comics&Science - Sala Delle Lunette - Casale Monferrato Civic Museum Followed by Bibliosafari at the Civic Library, which will allow you to explore the library's shelves and discover educational materials and unusual readings. The initiative will be managed by Andrea Plazzi, a longtime editor of Italian comics, and made possible by the collaboration with the Casale Monferrato Civic Library. Friday, May 15th, 6:00 PM Exhibition Opening From Celestial Spheres to Spaceships - Franco Brambilla's Science Fiction and the Ancient Volumes of the Seminary Library Sunday, May 17th, 11:00 AM Exhibition Opening The Sign of Enea Riboldi: Memory, Identity, Narration, Jewish Complex in Vicolo Olper Thursday, May 21st, 6:00 PM Exhibition Opening Federica Di Meo: Journey into the Dream - Nuns' Choir of the Church of Santa Caterina, Casale Monferrato Friday, May 22nd: Pictionary at the Mystico Club Casale Comics & Games has always been an extraordinary opportunity for artists to meet, even outside of the event hours. This year, the unmissable reunion for those already in Casale will take place on Friday, May 22nd at the Circolo Mystico in Oltreponte, which, starting at 8:30 pm, will host an evening open to all, where you can meet them and play a special game of Pictionary. And you don't have to be a cartoonist to participate; in fact, the less you know how to draw, the more fun you'll have. USEFUL INFORMATION CasaleComics & Games is an event organized by mON snc with the patronage of the Municipality of Casale Monferrato and the Consulate General of Japan in Milan. When: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm In collaboration with: Uncommon Association, the Santa Caterina Factory, Casale Monferrato Civic Museum, Casale Ebraica, Diocese of Casale Monferrato, Yamato Association, Creative Comics Association, Moguwork Association, Rising Bricks and Maffè Family, Arcadi PMC Association, SOLIDAL for Research Media Partners: Il Piccolo Radio Gold, Super Six, Junior TV, Mobility Partner: Stat Viaggi with free shuttle service from Piazza Castello to the Palafiere and vice versa throughout the Comics Fair period and opening hours. Tickets Online Promotion until May 10th inclusive. (https://casalecomicsandgames.it/acquista-biglietti/) €10 + fees From May 10th to 22nd €12 + fees At the fair DAY TICKET Purchase at the box office – €15 Reduced at the box office – €12 TWO-DAY PASS Purchase at the box office – €24 Reduced at the box office – €20 FREE ENTRY Free admission for people with disabilities with a disability of 75% or greater and for one companion. Free admission for children up to 10 years old. REDUCED Children aged 11 to 18 years old can benefit from the reduced ticket. People over 65 Cosplay attendees Infoline https://casalecomicsandgames.it/ Tel 346 043 0009 / 348 540 8441 info@casalecomicsandgames.it CASALE COMICS OFF - FOUR ARTISTIC EXHIBITIONS IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES OF A CAPITAL CITY Four "side-specific" exhibitions designed specifically for four locations accompanying Casale Comics & Games, forming an ideal itinerary through the historic center of Casale, connecting the Castle and the Palafiere. And they're not just expanding the event's space, but also its duration, as they will all open the week before Comics and will continue for a long time. The locations are now part of a consolidated relationship with the city's cultural institutions: the Seminary Library, the Nuns' Choir of the Church of Santa Caterina, the Casale Jewish Complex, and the Civic Museum, united in an itinerary that allows you to discover their charm through the various facets of comics and illustration, with authors and installations specifically designed to dialogue with these architectures and their history. Each exhibition will be free to enter. FEDERICA DI MEO: JOURNEY INTO A DREAM Choir of the Nuns of the Church of Santa Caterina, Casale Monferrato – Via Trevigi 16 From May 21 to June 2, 2026 Opening Thursday, May 21, at 6:00 PM In collaboration with the Fabbrica di Santa Caterina Onlus Hours: Saturday, May 23, 30, and Sunday, May 24 and May 31, June 2, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM; The Choir of the Nuns of the Church of Santa Caterina is the space that CasaleComics & Games traditionally chooses to dedicate to particularly representative female authors. Female comic book artists capable of telling stories and themes connected to a female vision of comics. This was the case in 2024 with the "Le Moleste" collective and their campaigns for gender equality and against violence, and in 2025 with the portraits of a young generation of women represented by Alice Berti's pop icons. It's a connection that draws directly from the history of this space, built in the mid-16th century by order of Marchioness Anna d'Alençon, regent of Monferrato, and buried in this very choir. In 2026, the choice fell on a renowned author in the international manga world, whose heroines emerged from her lines, with whom she has captured the attention and hearts of thousands of readers: Federica di Meo. A choice that also has the advantage of being on home soil: Di Meo, born in Chieti, Japan, and a regular at comics throughout Europe, continues to RESIDE in Casale together with Gabriele and her inseparable dog, Macchia. As always, the exhibition takes advantage of the extraordinary staging of this baroque space, with 80 linear stalls arranged in a semi-elliptical space. These seats, once occupied by monastic austerity, will host portraits of characters from the Somnia and Oneira series. Somnia was the first series, in the European manga style, that made Di Meo famous. Written by Liza E. Anzen, it was also the first Italian manga produced by hand in black and white. The first series, consisting of four volumes, was published by Panini Comics between 2013 and 2014 and revolves around the protagonist Myra Rever from the moment she enters the Guild of Creators, where special objects called Somnia are constructed. Oneira, created with Cab for Kana and published in Italy by Star Comics, is a fantasy manga released in 2023 and has already become a cult classic. The main character is Arane Heos, who travels with her faithful squire Bastione to a world where nightmares have come to life, posing a threat only the Epeire Caste can combat. A dreamlike, slightly dark universe that perfectly matches the atmosphere of this evocative place. Federica Di Meo Sharp pencils and an international outlook: Federica (born in 1983 in Chieti, but adopted by Casale) has been studying manga for over 20 years, between Italy, France, and Japan. Initially self-taught, she then took a course taught by Maria Vannucchi, which took her to Tokyo at the Yoani Animation Gakuin in 2009. She then continued her training in Italy with the lessons of masters Matsuda and Fujita of the Yokohama Comic School, in collaboration with the Lucca Manga Academy. As an illustrator and comic book artist, she has published for several Italian publishing houses, including DeAgostini (creating several issues of the Disegna Manga e Anime series). From 2013 to 2018, she worked on Somnia, the first all-Italian hand-drawn black-and-white manga, using Japanese graphic and narrative techniques. The work was published by Panini Comics as co-author with Liza E. Anzen. Since 2019, she has been working for the Franco-Belgian manga market on two new manga series: "Oneira," a dark fantasy manga with Editions Kana, written by Cab and now in its second series with 7 volumes (ongoing), and "The Lapins Cretins: Luminys Quest," a fantasy comedy with Glenat in 3 volumes. Federica is the art director of the manga section at Arancia studio, overseeing manga projects for the international market in collaboration with Disney (Twisted Tales, Mandalorian, etc.), Ubisoft, Viz, and national and international publishers. FROM THE CELESTIAL SPHERES TO SPACESHIPS - Franco Brambilla's Science Fiction and the Ancient Volumes of the Seminary Library Casale Monferrato Seminary Library – Piazza Nazari di Calabiana, 1 May 15 to June 7, 2026 Opening, Friday, May 15, 6:00 PM Exhibition in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Office of the Diocese of Casale Monferrato Hours: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, Tuesday, June 2, Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Any fan of Asimov, Clarke, or Philip K. Dick knows that science fiction is much more than a literary genre. It is a way of imagining the future that, through narrative, focuses on the aspirations, dreams, and possibilities that humanity sees before it. Without Lucian of Samosata, Ariosto, or Jules Verne, mankind would hardly have had the same aspirations of reaching the moon. So the game devised for this incredible treasure trove of precious books, the Library of the Seminary of Casale, was both spontaneous and stimulating: comparing the visions of one of the most famous illustrators of Italian science fiction, Franco Brambilla, with the ancient volumes housed here: treatises on astronomy and astrology, scientific descriptions, accounts of real and imaginary voyages. The spaceships exploring interstellar space imagined for so many Urania covers sit alongside Aristotle and Ptolemy's vision of the cosmos, aliens are not so far removed from medieval bestiaries, and the cities Brambilla imagines for other worlds are reflected in engravings of fantastical architecture. The exhibition features a total of around forty large-format works, plus the many sketches created by Brambilla over the course of a 40-year career in this genre. There will also be two big surprises for the public: Brambilla's spaceships will actually plow through the library, and aliens will invade the reading room. This latter operation is possible thanks to an old library postcard and the "Invading The Vintage" project, spearheaded by Brambilla, which now includes this Casale space. Franco Brambilla Born in 1967, he graduated from the European Institute of Design in 1991. From 1998 to 2005, he contributed to the economics supplement of the Corriere della Sera. In 1998, together with longtime friends Pierluigi Longo and Giacomo Spazio, he founded Airstudio, a point of reference for major Italian publishing houses for graphic design and illustration. A lifelong science fiction enthusiast, he has collaborated for over twenty-five years with the most famous Italian publishing series in the field: Urania, Urania Collezione, and Urania Millemondi, creating two or three covers a month. Over the years, he has created numerous covers for children's books, thrillers, horror, and science fiction for the Mondadori bookstore. A purely digital illustrator, he combines 3D modeling with watercolors, pencils, and pastels. Since 2021, he has taught a course on science fiction illustration at the International School of Comics in Milan. In 2007, he launched his artistic project: "Invading The Vintage," in which his grandfather's postcards, as well as old science fiction films and TV series, are invaded, reinterpreted, or distorted by friendly, mysterious aliens. The project is still ongoing and is well-known online, hosted by dozens of blogs (from Boing Boing to Neatorama, Io9) and international art and science magazines, including Wired USA and Italy, Vice, Juxtapoz, Blue Canvas, and the Sunday Telegraph. His personal website is: www.francobrambilla.com. “Invading The Vintage” is the only Italian project to have been included in the “bible” of Geek Art: “geek art - une anthologie” edited and published in France in 2012 by Thomas Olivri and to have participated in the retrofuturist group exhibition “Futur Antérieur” organized in Paris at the Galerie Du Journe Ages B. The project and author were official guests at the Independent Art Festival in Sint Niklaas (Belgium) in April 2014. “Invading the vintage” has created invaded posters and postcards for various events including the Mystfest in Cattolica, the SantArcangelo Theatre Festival, Lucca Comics and Games, Albissola Comics and in 2016 it invaded the ten zones that make up the Municipality of Segrate, creating 10 postcards that were donated by the Proloco to the people of Segrate. Franco Brambilla received the "Best Artist" award at the European Awards, Eurocon Fiuggi 2009. Since 2011, he has won the "Premio Italia" eleven times as an illustrator and for best illustration, and was awarded the Carlo Jacono Prize for "popular illustration" in 2013. "The Sign of Enea Riboldi: Memory, Identity, Narration" Sala Carmi – Casale Monferrato Jewish Complex, Vicolo Salomone Olper From May 17 to June 14, 2026 Inauguration Sunday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m. In collaboration with the Casalebraica ETS Foundation, curated by Giorgio Albertini and Guido Vitale, coordinated by Ada Treves. Exhibition by Alberto Angelino and Guido Costanzo Hours: Sunday, May 17 and every Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm; Monday to Friday, by reservation only, call 0142 71807 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm; closed on Saturdays. The Jewish Community of Casale Monferrato has been an active part of the town's life in every aspect for over 500 years. Today, the Jewish complex on Vicolo Salomone Olper, with its synagogue and museums, is a vibrant cultural hub, the most visited tourist site in the Province of Alessandria, and a great example of coexistence and dialogue between different cultures. This perspective has naturally led the community to also engage with the world of comics and to collaborate with Casale Comics & Games since the fifth edition of the event, hosting an exhibition dedicated to Asaf Hanuka (2022). This was followed by exhibitions dedicated to the authors of the Orecchio Acerbo publishing house (2023), Giorgio Albertini (2024), and Vittorio Giardino (2025). In 2026, the Sala Carmi, right in the heart of the complex, will host a tribute to a great protagonist of Italian comics, one year after his passing: Enea Riboldi. The life of this artist is documented by over 50 large-format panels illustrating all aspects of his artistic career: from his first steps in advertising to his extraordinary work as an illustrator, capable of evoking landscapes and adventures with clear lines and colors that immerse us in the action. All with precise craftsmanship and meticulous research into historical and geographical sources. The exhibition highlights Riboldi's passion for the sea, a sailor and portrait artist passionate about this universe of shades of blue found in so many comics. And we'll also find it in a video curated by Guido Vitale, created specifically for this exhibition. There's also a section dedicated to his long collaboration with the UCEI magazine Pagine Ebraiche, where his pencil commented on major current events. Finally, plenty of adventure: from the covers of Dampyr to the extraordinarily dynamic covers of Indiana Jones, to the now-iconic scenes of a gem like Deadly White. "An artist more interested in consistency than fame," Giorgio Albertini writes of him, "over time, Riboldi has carved a path far removed from fashion, maintaining a strong figurative identity and a constant attention to the narrative dimension of the image. His work stands out for its ability to evoke worlds—from urban horror to historical adventure, to the marine dimension—through a precise yet vibrant style. His passing in 2025 left a significant void in contemporary Italian comics, but his work continues to testify to a vision of drawing as a tool for storytelling, memory, and imagination." Enea Riboldi (Milan, August 3, 1954 – Milan, May 7, 2025) With an exceptional talent for drawing, Enea Riboldi has spanned over fifty years of illustration and comics history with a recognizable, elegant, and deeply narrative style, capable of combining technical rigor and atmospheric sensitivity. Trained in the vibrant Milanese scene of the early 1970s at the Castello School of Art, Riboldi began his career in the studios of Graziano Origa and Leone Cimpellin, initially working in the popular paperback circuit of Renzo Barbieri's Edifumetto. From his earliest days, he demonstrated a remarkable mastery of line and composition, which quickly led him to collaborate with major Italian and international publishers, including Sergio Bonelli Editore, Dargaud, Casterman, and Glénat. In the late 1970s, he became a key member of Comix Studio with Cimpellin, Carlo Ambrosini, Giampiero Casertano, Francesco Santosuosso, Pasquale Del Vecchio, Stefano Tognetti, and others. In the 1980s and 1990s, his work expanded: editorial illustration, advertising graphics, collaborations with RAI, and forays into the world of games and design. At the same time, he established himself in the world of comics with works such as Vol Solitaire, based on scripts by Antonio Tettamanti, and with stories dedicated to mountaineer Walter Bonatti, based on scripts by Alfredo Castelli, which manifest a constant focus on adventure stories and the landscape as the visual protagonist. He also began his career as a cover artist with the series Indian Jones: The New Adventures, published by L’Isola Trovata. 1992 was a watershed year. Enea Riboldi was the victim of a serious accident that left him partially paralyzed. But nothing stopped him. In the following years, with immense tenacity, he returned to drawing and his beloved "sailing," even stronger and more determined. The general Italian public recognizes him above all for his connection to the Bonelli universe: Riboldi drew episodes of Dylan Dog and, above all, created all the covers of the Dampyr series for over twenty years, from its inception in 2000 until issue 300. These images—dense, atmospheric, often dominated by dramatic lighting and a painterly sense of color—condense one of the most mature expressions of his visual language. Alongside his comics output, the sea plays a fundamental role in his poetics. A passionate sailor aboard his "Bettina" (a Vertue, designed by Laurent Giles), Riboldi transferred this firsthand experience to his long collaboration with the magazine Bolina and to his nautical works, including the Cap Horn series, created with Christian Perrissin, where the seascape becomes both epic and interior. Comics & Science Lunette Hall - Casale Monferrato Civic Museum – Via Cavour 16 From May 12 to June 2, 2026 Opening: TUESDAY, May 12, at 6:00 PM Curated by the Uncommon Association and Comics & Science. Published by the "Mauro Picone" Institute for Applications of Computing of the National Research Council (CNR), in collaboration with the Casale Civic Museum and the Casale Monferrato Civic Library. Opening hours: Saturday, May 16, Sunday, May 17, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM; FRIDAY, May 22, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM; SATURDAY, May 23, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM. SUNDAY, May 24, Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31 Populating science through comics is the goal behind Comics & Science, a series founded in 2012. The science is guaranteed by none other than the CNR (National Research Council), while the comics section has been graced over time by the greatest Italian authors of the genre, such as Leo Ortonani, Silver, Tuono Pettinato, and many, many others. These authors differ in style and context, but they share the project's message: comics are a language, rapid, concise, and naturally, the beauty of the drawn images is captivating. A medium particularly suited to metabolizing ideas, concepts, characters, and scientific discoveries to create stories suitable for everyone. And over the years, Comics & Science has collected many stories: humorous, adventurous, mystery, even with a touch of horror. But all with the aim of eliciting an emotional response from the reader. Some of these stories have been collected in an exhibition that coincides with Casale Comics and will be held in the Sala delle Lunette of the Casale Monferrato Civic Museum. This extremely prestigious space within the Santa Croce museum complex houses the collections of the area's major artists. In this room, visitors can also admire the latest acquisitions by sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi, to whom the nearby Gipsoteca (Gypsotheca) is dedicated. The exhibition of around thirty panels also has great educational value for schoolchildren and anyone interested in exploring the scientific themes they explore. Comics&Science was founded in 2012 as a section of the cultural program of Lucca Comics&Games. In 2013, it began to take the initiative seriously and lived up to its name by producing its first comic, in collaboration with Leo Ortolani. For the occasion, the celebrated author of Rat-Man revives Misterius, a comic relief inspired by the pages of his signature comic: Misterius is a parody of the typical para-scientific television format, a true comics show that allows for the exploration of any topic in the (more or less) scientific field. The formula is popular, but how to continue? On July 3, 2014, a "Comics&Science Holiday Group" of cartoonists set off for CERN in Geneva, seeking inspiration: Francesco Artibani, a longtime Disney author, and more; Francesco Cattani, a star of the off-the-wall scene who would soon explode with the award-winning Luna del mattino; Giacomo Gambineri, graphic designer and cover artist for The New York Times, among others; Mabel Morri, a veteran of independent and "reality" comics; and Antonio Serra, co-creator of Bonelli's Nathan Never. And there's also Tuono Pettinato: the most sophisticated and never-too-missed of our cartoonists, the most candid and elegant, he tackles nothing less than the dilemma of the nature of Time, and its meaning. After its "Garibaldian" beginnings, Comics&Science settles down and officially becomes a CNR Edizioni series. And it discovers that Guido Silvestri (Silver) is an avid reader of popular science, extremely knowledgeable, up-to-date, and particularly passionate about chemtrails, urban legends passed off as news, and various pseudoscientific hoaxes, which would soon become fake news. Borrowing a cosmological term, he renames them "dark matter" and, with the help of Francesco Artibani on the text, gives us a story of the quintessential Wolf of Italian comics.