Genoa Comics and Games 2026: 'Towards the stars' theme and free entry to Sestri Ponente

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September, Sestri Ponente will host the 13th edition of Genova Comics and Games. Two days dedicated to pop culture in a location spread across the city squares and streets, which will come alive with artists, events, cosplayers, visitors who love comics and games.

The theme and the poster

The 2026 edition of the event has the theme "Towards the stars". On the official website of the event, we read: "A hymn to always looking up, not stopping in front of barriers and flying beyond them, trying to find joy even when it is well hidden in the folds of life!". The poster is designed by the famous Disney cartoonist Fabio Celoni.

The guests

Among the guests of this edition are the cosplayer Yuriko Tiger, who will meet fans and give an interview on the stage in Piazza Tazzoli. The comics section is particularly large with an artist alley of 40 stations which will see the presence of authors such as Alessandro Sisti, Davide Barzi, Davide Costa, Simona Diodovich and illustrators such as Marco Palazzi, Vitale Mangiatordi, Paolo De Lorenzi, Alessio Coppola, Giulia Lomurno. Also expected are the Italian manga artists Chiaretta E. Bon and Pamela Dema, and the Disney Lorcana card illustrators Alice Pisoni and Giulia Riva.

The workshops

Workshops, meetings and a Kids Area will be curated by the International School of Comics of Genoa, also represented by the teacher Davide Costa (who also teaches at the Genoa Comics Academy).

The music

There will be no shortage of music and, of course, K-pop, a genre increasingly present in these events, represented by Chaos-k, a cover band active between Savona and Genoa. The program also includes the concert of the cartoon rock group Marmotte d'Acciaio and the evening Silent Disco. The closing performance is instead entrusted to Cleo Schiappacasse, who will sing songs related to childhood.

The cosplay competition and quizzes

There will be the traditional cosplay competition and a quiz for the public. There will be around thirty commercial stands and there will also be areas dedicated to associations and gaming.

The entrance

Entrance to the event is completely free for the entire duration of the event. Saturday hours are from 10am to midnight (when the Silent Disco in Piazza Tazzoli will close), Sunday hours are from 10am to 9pm (with a concert and cartoon quiz starting from 6pm).