Villa Erba and the world of comics: the Lake Como Comic Art Festival (LCCAF)

From May 13 to 15, Villa Erba hosted the third edition of the Lake Como Comic Art Festival (LCCAF), an event dedicated to Original art: unique works created in India ink by the greatest international comic book artists, and for this reason coveted by collectors all over the world.

It was a weekend dedicated to comic book connoisseurs, who were able to engage with artists of the highest caliber such as Milo Manara, Federico Fellini's favorite Italian comic book artist; Frank Cho, who signed Avengers and Wolverine for the famous comic book publisher Marvel; or, still on the subject of superheroes, Adam Kubert: the hand of the Hulk, the X-Men and Superman.

The creators of the event are some of the founders of Big Wow! ComicFest, in California, and Paris Comic Expo, in France, two other occasions dedicated to the comic book world-and they tell, "Unlike other comic conventions, at the Lake Como Comic Art Festival we have chosen to focus on original boards and the best creators from around the world in the comic book industry: there are no cosplayers or trinket sellers only peripherally related to the comic art world, who are regular guests at other conventions. Another regrettable trend is the continued expansion of other events to the point that shows are so crowded that very few get access to panels and creators. At our place, the number of tickets is limited, only 1,000 people are allowed in. We hope in this way to return to those days when a fan could really interact with his or her favorite creator, buy original boards or commissions directly from him or her, and get favorite albums signed."

A small and select audience that was welcomed by the setting of Lake Como, in the evocative location of Villa Erba, a vibrant cultural hub always ready to host and curate prestigious events. Thus President Piero Bonasegale: "We are proud to have been confirmed as the location for such an important international event."

During the event there was a small auction at Pulp's - the festival store - with works by some guests; there were freehand drawing and storytelling sessions by great artists: from concept to execution, what it takes to draw a classic cover, how to draw the human figure.

An event full of exchanges and testimonies "that consolidates a new economic and cultural niche for Villa Erba and the area. A further opportunity for visibility and promotion for the lake," closes Villa Erba President Piero Bonasegale.

Photo: Lake Como Comic Art Festival on Facebook