Thanks to fests like San Diego Comic Con, there’s a prevailing sense of just how important comics are in the modern media landscape. But also thanks to the SDCCs of the world, folks tend to see these gatherings as occasionally overcrowded media extravaganzas that, without meaning to, sometimes lose the comics focus in the shuffle. But that’s not at all the entirety of the comics convention scene, and increasingly there are smaller, doubly dedicated events trying to celebrate comics in a more intimate and curated setting.
That includes Lake Como Comic Art Festival. The event, which started in 2018, takes place every May from the Villa Erba in Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy. (Fun fact: that’s where they filmed part of Ocean’s Twelve.) It may be young-ish, but it’s cofounders have a specific pedigree: Arno Lapeyre runs the Pulp Comics chain out of France, and Steve Morger is a long-time art collector, rep, and comics event organizer.
For the duo and their staff, it’s all about stripping away the hustle and bustle of certain cons, allowing fans to meet and purchase original art from established and exciting new artists alike, all while enjoying a villa that’s markedly removed from your usual convention center setting. In that way, Lake Como not only places the emphasis on comics, but elevates the form in such a way that we’re reminded of why many of these cons launched in the first place.
The 2024 edition of the Lake Como Comic Art Festival takes place Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19. This year’s lineup of guests includes Bill Sienkiewicz (who created the Lake Como logo), Elena Casagrande, Frank Quitely, Lee Bermejo, Martin Simmonds, Sara Pichelli, and Simone Di Meo, among many, many others.
To get a better idea of the fest itself, we linked up recently with Morger to talk all about Lake Como. That includes their efforts in getting the con off the ground, the amenities and scenery, what talent works best at Lake Como, and how they view competition and the growing comic convention landscape.
If you’d like to attend Lake Como, head here for more details.
AIPT: What was the genesis for Lake Como specifically? Was there a worry about launching another kind of event in a rather “crowded” market?
Steve Morger: As the promoters of the Lake Como Comic Art Festival, we each had previous experience with running comic book conventions, namely the Big Wow Comic Fest in San Jose, California and the Paris Comic Expo in Paris, France. Both shows ended due to forces unrelated to the shows themselves, but each of us were a bit burned out running such large-scale shows. When the idea of a very focused, limited attendance event came to us, it was in many ways a response to shows getting larger and larger and more difficult to manage as a promoter, but it was also a path for us to hone in on our passions which got us really excited. And we thought, if it’s something we love, others will love it, too.
AIPT: Similarly, does the wording of festival versus convention facilitate a different and specific kind of experience? Like, something akin to a proper music fest (Coachella, Bonnaroo, etc.) and all the intended appeal, curation, cool factor, etc.?
SM: Only tangentially. Festival seemed a better fit due to the focus on art and artists only. Convention, denotes to many, a focus on the full array of pop culture including many of the things which are not available in Como. As such, festival seemed to be a better fit.
AIPT: You’ve both helped organize the Big Wow Comic Fest in California and the Paris Comic Expo. How did putting on those events help you develop and manage Lake Como?
SM: As mentioned above, the previous shows demonstrated to each of us that our main focus was on the art and artists. Additionally, each of the previous shows had grown to the extent that it would have required a larger and larger staff to oversee the shows. We preferred not to go that route.
We chose the luxurious setting of Italy’s Lake Como area because I had been visiting there for years, and when I came across the Villa Erba, I knew it would make a wonderful venue for a new type of event.
A scene from near the festival grounds. Courtesy of the Lake Como Comic Art Festival.
AIPT: The fest does away with cosplaying and “unrelated commercial vendors.” Do these take away from the focus on the art? And has there been any feedback about removing or de-emphasizing those normally popular aspects?
SM: I’m not sure that I would categorize it as taking away from the focus on the art as much as it creates a multitude of different focuses. As an event, our focus is exclusively on art and artists. It’s an intimate experience where attendees can sit and talk with artists one-on-one, they can take their time to peruse portfolios and learn about what went into making the art they may choose to purchase.
AIPT: I think people are more familiar with the U.S. convention scene, but not so much the one in Europe. What’s the demand like? And how does Lake Como meet the needs of that specific fanbase in Italy/Europe in general?
SM: I’m not sure that I understand this question since there are many shows in Europe with a similar model to the shows in the U.S. with possibly the major difference being the creators in attendance – European shows have more European creators and vice versa. Our fanbase for the show is truly worldwide so I wouldn’t focus it only on the U.S. vs. Europe differences. Our goal isn’t to emulate other shows as much as it is to create a new type of show. One that showcases comic art and the artists who make it.
AIPT: What kinds of talent or creators frequent the fest, or those that you’d like to highlight?
SM: The best artists from all around the world. We have had creators from Japan, Singapore, Australia, Argentina, Mexico, almost every country in Europe and, of course, the United States. Interestingly, a number of well-known writers and editors have come to the show as fans. This year, we are so honored to have Stan Sakai, John Romita, Jr., Charles Vess, Tula Lotay, Sara Pichelli, Emanuela Lupacchino, Carla Cohen, David Finch, Glenn Fabry, Rafael Albuquerque, and so many more wonderfully talented artists attending. There will be such an incredible array of art on display and available for purchase—spanning fantasy, romance, horror, superhero, and more, by individuals who work in various mediums, including pencil, watercolor, ink, and oil paint.
AIPT: No con/fest is complete without amenities. What does Lake Como offer in terms of food, programming, and the like to really stand out?
SM: It’s Italy. The best food and wine, not to mention, some of the most magical scenery anywhere in the world along with gorgeous architecture. The Villa Erba was featured in the movie Ocean’s Twelve. Up lake the Villa Balbianello was featured in both Star Wars and Casino Royale. And if you’re into boating, there are opportunities to get out on the lake. There is a lot to do in the Lake Como area in addition to the Festival. It’s just an amazing location for a celebration of art.
AIPT: You’ve got a logo from the iconic Bill Sienkiewicz. Does something like that help with the influence or bankability of the fest at all?
SM: We hope so. Bill has been a long-time attendee and is a fan of the festival. Having him offer to design the logo was an honor for us.
AIPT: It seems like there’s an emphasis on intimacy and an especially luxurious destination (the historic Villa Erba). Why opt for that kind of aesthetic/experience — do comics need more of that kind of high level “elegance” and engagement?
SM: I think this question goes to the heart of the show. Growing up, comics were always treated as a secondary art form. But to us, it is one of the most enduring and exciting art forms in existence. As such, we have tried to elevate both the experience related to the art form and the art form itself. Movies have made comics more accessible to the masses. Our show will hopefully be an opening step on a path to having comic art recognized as one of the great art forms.
AIPT: Is this fest a response at all to the oversized tendencies and commercialization of big, U.S.-events like San Diego Comic Con?
SM: Only somewhat. We’re massive fans of comic art and are collectors ourselves, so out of this passion, a show related only to art and artists was born. Our experience and our enthusiasm to not only showcase art and artists, but to share that affection and hopefully get more people interested in collecting was the main impetus. Creating a more intimate event is much easier to manage and not as overwhelming, thus, more enjoyable for all.
AIPT: Is there a hope that Lake Como is “leading the charge,” as it were, and that more art and comics orgs might follow suit with similar events?
SM: I think that has already happened. I can think of at least four other shows which now focus only on original comic art.
12. Are there any lessons or insights that you’ve learned that you never would have expected while organizing this event?
Every show is a learning experience. This one is no exception. From dealing with foreign business rules, to responding to a pandemic, to assisting fans and guests with travel issues, each has been a learning experience. We are proud of what we’ve created and want attendees to have an enjoyable and memorable experience.
AIPT: What’s the 3-4 most important keys for a successful event like Lake Como?
SM: Availability of hotel rooms and the cost of travel! Starting the show, I would have said language barriers but that really hasn’t been a problem as most people in the Lake Como area speak multiple languages as it is a tourist destination.
AIPT: What’s the future look like for Lake Como in terms of additions, new programming, etc.?
SM: We plan on starting programming this year as well as to expand the exclusive products we will have available. One of the major give aways is our portfolio. This year’s will feature the most images yet in the portfolio. We also have been working on some additional jam pieces to follow on the footsteps of the Paolo Serpieri/Frank Cho creation from last year. I’m quite excited about the potential team ups for this year.
AIPT: In 50 words or less, why should anyone make a trip to attend Lake Como?
SM: The Lake Como Comic Art Festival is an event unlike any other. The best comic art and artists in the world; food and scenery to take your breath away; relatively easy travel; and the best fans anywhere. We encourage anyone curious to make the trip. It’ll be an experience you won’t forget and hopefully you’ll leave with some fabulous art.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.