Romics 2026 - 36th Edition

From 9 to 12 April, the great international event organised by Fiera Roma and ISI.URB, dedicated to fans of comics, animation, cinema, and games, returns to Fiera Roma.

Launched in autumn 2001, Romics is now in its 36th edition with an extraordinary programme: four days in over 70,000 square metres of space and more than 400 exhibitors, ready to carry you away into the fantasy universe with special events, shows, exhibitions, previews and meetings with prestigious guests and industry operators.

A vibrant hub of creativity, where talents and the public meet: here, artists, professionals and companies have a concrete place to talk about themselves, exchange ideas and build new connections. Beside them is an institutional area, supported by Regione Lazio, Lazio Innova, and the Rome Chamber of Commerce – through its Azienda Speciale Sviluppo e Territorio - dedicated to presentations and discussions, and flanked by an exhibition space that will host thirty-four creative and innovative companies from Lazio.

With its two posters, this year’s edition pays tribute to Miles Morales, the iconic Spider-Man, celebrated through the art of Sara Pichelli, and to ‘Space Jam’, back in the spotlight thirty years after its release, with immersive experiences, an exhibition and dedicated content. The most famous Italian and international figures in the ninth art are the protagonists of the traditional Romics Award for Comics, now in its twenty-fourth edition. This year, the award includes illustrated works, non-fiction, and transmedia projects, with winners to be selected by a prestigious jury. Five Golden Romics are awarded: Lorenzo Mattotti, a brilliant and refined author and illustrator; Victor Perez, a leading figure in cinematic visual effects; Sara Pichelli, a long-standing Marvel artist; Bill Plympton, an icon of independent animation; and Rhianna Pratchett, one of the most influential voices in storytelling.

Among the most eagerly awaited Romics guests are Zerocalcare, who has revolutionised the Italian graphic novel; Cecilia Randall, a leading figure in historical fantasy; Jérémie Almanza, a master of gothic atmospheres; and the authors Liang Azha and JingJiang, two of the most talented artists in contemporary Asian comics. The Romics Special Award shines the spotlight on those who have reinvented the art of storytelling through images, breaking new ground across styles, worlds and languages. This year’s protagonists are Cassandra Calin, Gigi Cavenago, and Alexis Wanneroy, three artists at the centre of exclusive appointments.

On the programme are numerous exhibitions: from major retrospectives dedicated to award-winning artists to ‘collective’ exhibitions exploring the contemporary imagination, ranging from entertainment to comics, from animation to cinema and games. On the schedule are also tributes, talks, previews, screenings and installations to engage audiences of all ages.

Not to be missed is the traditional appointment with the Romics Cosplay Award – the spectacular cosplay costume contest that will select the single representative to represent Italy at the world final of the Cosplay Central Crown Championships 2026 (MCM Comic Con in London) – as well as Cosplay Kids, where little ones can dress up as their favourite characters. Children can also enjoy themed workshops, interactive games and entertainment in the Kids’ Area. Also back is Disegniamo il maggio, the contest combining comics and literature, in which artists can create an illustration selected for the promotional campaign of Il Maggio dei Libri 2026.

Lots of music with the K-pop Contest Italia Special Romics, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the festival, where you can dance to the choreography of the best Korean pop artists. Big screen and TV are the protagonists of the Dubbing Grand Gala, dedicated to the great voices of films, animated films, TV series and national and international cartoons.

Great space for Italian and international artists who promote and sell self-produced works in the Artist Alley: the Self Area Play for producers of card games, board games and role-playing games, and the Self Area Comics for comics, art books and illustrated books self-produced.

For video game lovers, the gaming area offers numerous free-play spots where you can play the classics, highly anticipated new releases and titles from all genres, with the participation of creators such as Cicciogamer89, Yakinop, 151eg, Lorenzo Prattico, Cartonacci and Luca Bellagamba meeting younger fans at meet-and-greets and signing sessions.