Cortona Comics 2026

From June 5 to 7, 2026, Cortona transforms into a large stage dedicated to comics, gaming, and imagination. The historic city center hosts a new edition of Cortona Comics, the most ambitious yet, built around the theme of “Secret Identities”: a concept that runs throughout the entire event and invites visitors to explore different versions of themselves, even if only for a day.

The 2026 edition is structured around three main pillars. The first is the exhibition “The Origins of the PK – Paperinik New Adventures Project,” curated by Creative Director Max Monteduro, celebrating the 30th anniversary of one of the most innovative publications in Italian Disney comics. Through sketches, color tests, and previously unseen materials, the exhibition reveals the creative process behind an iconic narrative universe.

The second pillar is performance, represented by TonyPitony, an enigmatic artist who appears wearing a mask inspired by Elvis Presley. A singer and performer, he builds his artistic identity around the concept of an alter ego, delivering a show that blends music, stage presence, and provocation.

The third pillar is the audience itself. Visitors, cosplayers, families, and enthusiasts become an integral part of the event, contributing to a participatory atmosphere in which everyone can choose how to express themselves.

Cortona Comics is designed for all ages. Children can take part in creative workshops and activities in dedicated areas, while adults can explore exhibitions, meet artists, and attend talks and panels.

For younger audiences, one of the highlights is the Cortona Battle Arena, an eSports area featuring competitive gaming events with professional commentary. Alongside it, a rich educational program includes workshops in manga, comics, and storytelling, led by instructors from institutions such as the European Manga Academy of Volterra, the Siena School of Comics and Writing, and TheSign Academy in Florence.

An important role is also played by the project “Cortona in Comics,” a three-year educational initiative involving local schools. Students have transformed the history of their city into a comic series. During Cortona Comics 2026, the first volume will be presented, with original artwork exhibited at the MAEC – Museum of Etruscan Art and Culture.

Among the exhibitions, special attention is given to “Il Gran Cacabul” by Massimiliano Frezzato, featuring previously unpublished artwork from a story that blends fairy tale elements with reflections on life. The program is further enriched by panels, talks, masterclasses, and workshops with Italian and international artists.

The Cloister of Sant’Agostino hosts the Artist Alley, where illustrators and comic artists—both established and emerging—work live, meet the public, and take part in signing sessions. Surrounding this area, a large exhibition and market extends through the main squares of the historic center, with stands dedicated to comics, gadgets, games, and independent productions.

One of the most anticipated moments is the cosplay parade, open to participants of all ages. The streets of Cortona become an open-air stage where creativity takes center stage. The final contest rewards the most original costumes, while professional cosplayers offer visitors the opportunity for dedicated photo sessions.

Cortona Comics once again confirms itself as an event that combines entertainment, education, and participation, while enhancing the historical and cultural setting of the city.