Smemoranda, Iconic Italian Agenda Celebrating Comics, Faces Bankruptcy
Smemoranda, the renowned Italian planner that merges diary features with comic illustrations, is at risk of vanishing following a failed judicial auction in Milan. Less than a year ago, Giochi Preziosi acquired it through a licensing deal, but efforts to save it fell short, even with the distribution of the 2023/2024 edition secured. Established in 1978 by Nico Colonna, Luigi Vignali, and Michele Mozzati, Smemoranda transitioned from a student initiative to a magazine-like format, showcasing works from over 300 artists, including Federico Fellini and Roberto Benigni. During its height in the mid-1990s, it boasted annual sales exceeding one million copies. The pandemic exacerbated its financial troubles, leading to a second auction that may be planned after the first received no bids. The 2023/2024 edition might be its final release.
Key facts
- Smemoranda, founded in 1978 by Nico Colonna, Luigi Vignali, and Michele Mozzati, is facing bankruptcy after a judicial auction for its brand in Milan went deserted.
- Giochi Preziosi took over the brand under a license agreement less than a year ago but failed to revive it, though it ensured distribution of the 2023/2024 edition.
- The agenda blended diary functionality with articles, comics, drawings, poems, and songs, involving over 300 contributors including Federico Fellini, Roberto Benigni, and Jovanotti.
- At its peak in the mid-1990s, Smemoranda sold over one million copies annually; recently it averaged 300,000 copies per year.
- The pandemic-related school closures worsened financial troubles.
- A 2011 exhibition at WOW Spazio fumetto in Milan celebrated the link between Smemoranda and comics, gathering over 250 works.
- Smemoranda was featured in a 2015 Treccani exhibition on significant Italian design objects, representing the year 1978.
- A second judicial auction may be scheduled.
Entities
Artists
- Nico Colonna
- Luigi Vignali
- Michele Mozzati
- Gino e Michele
- Federico Fellini
- Roberto Benigni
- Gualtiero Marchesi
- Jovanotti
- Don Gallo
- Luciano Ligabue
- Michela Murgia
- Guido Catalano
- Altan
- Frago Comics
- Giannelli
- Ellekappa
- Max Greggio
- Staino
- Vauro
- Franca
- Toti
- Zerocalcare
- Makkox
- Maicol & Mirco
- Tuono Pettinato
- Jacovitti
Institutions
- Giochi Preziosi
- Smemoranda
- Democrazia Proletaria
- AVE
- WOW Spazio fumetto
- Treccani
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy