Be Comics! 2022 returns to Padua with a focus on Japanese manga

Be Comics! 2022, the Veneto pop culture and geek entertainment festival, returns in person after a two-year hiatus. The event will be held at the Fiera di Padova from March 18 to 20, 2022. The theme is "Viaggio ad Oriente" (Journey to the East), celebrating the deep historical ties between Veneto and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Fabrizio Savorani, Head of Content of Fandango Club, noted that manga and anime are booming cultural and market phenomena in the West, with Italian comic sales tripling in 2021, driven by Japanese manga. The official poster is by illustrator Mario Alberti, depicting a space-time traveler in battle armor with Padua's emblem, removing a lion-like helmet. The program includes talks, book presentations, music, cosplay, a comics area with publishers, an Artist alley for themed exhibitions, and a Gaming area with consoles. Antonio Santocono, president of Fiera di Padova, highlighted the positive signal of a major in-person event and the growth potential through synergy between Fiera di Padova and Fandango Club. The full guest list will be announced soon.