The countdown to Lucca Comics & Games 2025 has begun. Set to take place from October 29 to November 2, the city of Lucca will once again transform into a global capital of pop culture, uniting communities through creativity, storytelling, and shared passions. With Netflix’s Stranger Things finale, Pokemon’s immersive mega-pavilion, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach making the final stop on its World Tour, and France as the honoured country, this year’s festival promises to be a record-breaking celebration of comics, games, animation, film, and music.

CELEBRATING FRENCH CULTURE: FRENCH KISS AND BANDE DESSINÉE

2025 pays tribute to France, a country with a profound influence on every art form celebrated at Lucca. Liberté, Créativité, Diversité are the three values of the Institut Français based on the great principles of the French Revolution, which perfectly match the five values of Lucca Comics & Games: Community, Inclusion, Discovery, Respect, Gratitude.

Under the theme “French Kiss”, the festival explores the kiss as a narrative and emotional detonator—transforming stories, relationships, and even genres. French illustrator Rébecca Dautremer captures the theme in this year’s poster, presenting six fantastical characters—a werewolf, a warrior, a vampire countess, a monster, a witch, and the “Lukawa,” a Lucca-inspired manga creature—in suspended moments before transformative kisses.

Dautremer’s work will be on display at the new exhibition space in Palazzo Guinigi. The show will also debut her new graphic novel Ruby Rose, scheduled for release in France in 2026. Her shift from fairytale aesthetics to theatrical tableaux reflects the evolving nature of French comics.

The Palais de France at Fondazione Banca del Monte di Lucca will host HEXAGONES, a curated exhibition of twelve trailblazing French comic artists including Moebius, Claire Bretécher, Jacques Tardi, and Florence Cestac. Special guests Edmond Baudoin and Cestac will discuss the evolution of the bande dessinée and its social relevance.

Éric Fouassier, author of the Valentin Verne series, will appear to talk about his historical-mystical thrillers, continuing a tradition of French fiction that blends mystery with the paranormal.

The director of the Institut français Italy Florence Alibert presented the many French guests and activities. Among the most exclusive names announced was Julien Papelier, general manager of Média-Participations, a multimedia group, active in publishing, printing, audiovisual production, video games, board games and, more recently amusement parks. The bond with Paris is also highlighted by the partnership with the French Embassy in Italy.

STREAMING SENSATIONS: NETFLIX HEADLINES WITH STRANGER THINGS

Lucca’s Movie section will shine brighter than ever with Netflix returning to celebrate the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Curated by QMI, the meeting point for cinema and TV series fans is celebrating its 15th anniversary offering with a series of unmissable events.

This year, Netflix is returning to Lucca Comics & Games to celebrate the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things. On October 31, the festival will host a unique and unmissable event anticipating the final chapter of one of the most beloved series of all time. Stranger Things will arrive on Netflix in three parts: Volume 1 (episode 1-4) of the final season premieres on November 27, Volume 2 (episodes 5-7) on December 26, and the climactic final episode will debut on January 1, 2026.

Also returning is Cartoon Network, following last year’s successful Teen Titans Go! activation. This year, fans will step into The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball in an immersive pavilion designed to capture the chaotic charm of the Wattersons. Crunchyroll will also return with a custom anime pavilion featuring sneak peeks, screenings, and exclusive merchandise.

POKÉMON TAKES OVER LUCCA: AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE FOR FANS

Pokémon will make a grand return to Lucca C&G 2025, in a new totally dedicated space, even larger and richer in events! In the monographic pavilion located in Piazza Colonna Mozza, fans will be able to discover wonders from across the world of Pokémon.

VIDEO GAMES TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT: KOJIMA, TOYAMA, AND VAMPIRE SURVIVORS

Gaming takes center stage at Lucca 2025. The final stop on Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding World Strand Tour 2 will occur in Lucca, showcasing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Hideo Kojima’s vision of narrative-rich, cinematic gaming continues to redefine the medium, and Lucca is honored to be the concluding destination of this global tour.

Joining him is Keiichiro Toyama, the legendary developer behind Silent Hill and Slitterhead. Toyama’s work has defined psychological horror, and fans will get the rare opportunity to hear him speak about his creative journey and new studio, Bokeh Game Studio.

Indie developer Luca Galante, creator of Vampire Survivors, will also be present. From a passion project to a global hit, Galante’s journey resonates with Lucca’s own community-first values. Expect demos, panels, and hands-on experiences across the expanded video game zones.

THE ART OF COMICS: ICONS FROM EAST TO WEST

Lucca 2025 will welcome Sensei Tetsuo Hara, creator of Fist of the North Star, for his first appearance in Italy. A dedicated exhibition at the Chiesa dei Servi will showcase more than 100 original pieces, alongside limited-edition merchandise created just for this historic visit. Hara’s mythological hero, Kenshiro, continues to resonate with fans for his humanity amid brutal action.

Also appearing are Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Andou, creators of Gachiakuta. Known for their dynamic blend of graffiti and manga, the duo will debut new content and participate in panels and signings. These announcements reflect Lucca’s unique position at the intersection of Japanese and Western pop cultures.

On the Italian front, comics legends Zerocalcare, Milo Manara, Leo Ortolani, and Fumettibrutti return with new releases and exhibitions. Zuzu, co-winner of the 2019 Gran Guinigi award, will present new work in collaboration with Coconino Press. Guy Delisle, known for autobiographical graphic novels, will also attend with Rizzoli Lizard.