Termoli Comics and Games has just ended: It’s Time to take Stock.
Under the passionate guidance of Nicola Palmieri and Mario Palladino, Termoli Comics and Games confirms itself as a one-of-a-kind event. You can spend the morning however you want: taking a dip in the sea, sunbathing on a comfortable lounger, or staying in your room with the cool air conditioning. From the afternoon to the night, however, the event comes to life. The panels begin and the main stage fills with guests, joy and fun fill the atmosphere, and it all reminds you of a big family. The third edition recorded the extraordinary number of approximately 90,000 participants, a result that far exceeds the 38,000 attendees of Bergamo Comics. This places Termoli among the most significant emerging protagonists of the Italian nerd scene. These numbers are surprising and make you think: what makes the Termoli edition so special? Is it perhaps the quality of the guests, the care of the organization or the charm of the maritime location? Perhaps the truth is a winning mix of all these elements.
Among the most appreciated moments was the presence of the entire OldGen flanked by the historic Zeb89; they proved to be generous and available, stopping to talk with the fans, signing autographs, and contributing to creating an authentically inclusive climate.
Guests and special contents of the 2025 edition:
• 80s Theme: exhibitions on toys and comics of the time set up in the suggestive Castello Svevo and in the streets of the ancient village
• Artist Alley in Piazza Sant’Antonio, with over 40 stands including cartoonists, illustrators, and model-making artisans
• Cosplay Competition: 35 participants challenged each other on the main stage in Piazza Monumento, attracting an enthusiastic crowd
• Panels and Talks: including “The history of bricks that everyone knows” with Mirko Di Lillo and the OldGen show
• At the former Sant’Antonio cinema: workshops including 3D graphics, manga and RPGs
• Live Music: evening concerts by groups such as Cartoni Animali, Gem Boy, and Scooppiati, energized every evening.
One of the most popular stands was the one entirely dedicated to Guitar Hero, where hundreds of visitors put themselves to the test on improvised stages, challenging each other with solos and medleys in perfect rock style. The 2000s rehearsal room atmosphere was a nostalgic dive into the heart of music gaming.
There were also official tournaments for League of Legends, Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with prizes up for grabs. These tournaments attracted competitive participation from all of central and southern Italy.
Termoli Comics and Games is not just an event, but a true point of reference for an increasingly cohesive and passionate nerd community.
However, a shadow remains over the future of the event. Despite the great public success, this edition risked being cancelled due to logistical problems. The organizers have repeatedly stated that the support of the institutions has been less than expected, leaving the question open: will there be a fourth edition?
There is hope. The public responded with enthusiasm, the exhibitors are satisfied, and the love for this event is palpable. We want to continue to see the glass — or rather, the espresso cup — half full.
Thank you QDSS and Termoli Comics and Games; see you, hopefully, in 2026!
