It’s almost time Cartoon Clubthe International Festival of animated filmof comics and games, which this year celebrates 40 years with an edition even richer in guests and content. Starting with the exhibition-market Riminicomixnow a regular event for thousands of cosplayers from all over the country. From 15 to 21 July, Rimini will become the center of Italian pop culture: from Piazza Malatesta to Piazzale Fellini, passing through the Gambalunga Library, the Corte degli Agostiniani and even arriving at the beach. To celebrate this important anniversary, the poster for the 2024 edition was created by one of the most important masters of Italian comics, Victor Garden.
And it is to him that the exhibition ‘Vittorio Giardino, the elegance of comics’ is dedicated, scheduled from 15 July to 18 August in the Augeo Art Space gallery, where a vast selection of original tables will be exhibited that tell the exceptional career of one of the pillars of Italian noir comics. 2024 is a year full of important anniversaries, including the Mafalda’s 60ththe most beloved little girl comics created by the Argentine artist Quino. For the occasion, until September 15, over 200 panels will be exhibited in one of the most suggestive locations in Rimini, the beach. The bathing establishments from 101 to 151 will host the exhibition ‘Mafalda – a little girl on the side of women’, becoming for the first time an open-air exhibition gallery.
Continuing with the numerous anniversaries celebrated at Cartoon Club and Riminicomix, it is the turn of the 40 years of the animated series Fist of the North Starwhich will be celebrated together with the Japanese animator Junichi Hayama, known for having collaborated on the famous anime. In an exclusive panel, he will tell fans all the secrets of the unforgettable Kenshiro. And then a tribute for the 90th anniversary of Donald Duck and the 50th birthday of three iconic characters for generations of fans: Hello Kitty, Mazinger and our very own Lupo Alberto. For the occasion, its legendary creator Silver will be the special guest of an exciting meeting in which he will reveal anecdotes and curiosities about the timeless character.
Another great guest on the program is Simone Massian internationally recognized animator, with more than 20 short films to his credit and numerous awards including a David di Donatello. For him, an exhibition at the Museo della Città ‘Luigi Tonini’ open to all until July 28, where you can admire a selection of works created with an original oil pastel technique typical of the artist. The highlight of the event it is certainly Riminicomixthe most loved and eagerly awaited exhibition market by enthusiasts. From 18 to 21 July, Federico Fellini Park will be populated by thousands of visitors of all ages, including families. From comics to games in all their forms, the best of pop culture will be found in a single exclusive location.
Don’t miss the concerts of two true legends who will make young and old dance and sing at the top of their lungs with the most beloved theme songs of the last decades: Saturday 21st it will be Cristina D’Avena’s turn with her unforgettable songs, while on Sunday 22nd Giorgio Vanni will arrive with iconic songs for entire generations. As per tradition, the special comic books of Riminicomix could not be missed: for the 2024 edition there are two unpublished stories set on the Adriatic Riviera with some of the most beloved characters of the comic universe as protagonists.
The first is ‘The Treasure of Rimini’, an unmissable adventure by Docteur Mystèreaccompanied as always by the faithful Cigale. The second album features Don Camillo as the absolute protagonist, the famous character created by Giovanni Guareschi. Created by Davide Barzi and Francesco Petronelli, ‘Litigare è necessario’ is the comic book adaptation of one of the most beloved episodes of Mondo Piccolo, the famous collection of short stories by the Emilian author.