At the Lucca Comics & Games international festival, the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities - a Council of Europe Cultural Route - presented Napoleonic heritage from a new angle: that of comics and manga. An encounter between history, European culture and contemporary creation.
Napoleonic heritage at the heart of the comics festival
From 30 October to 3 November 2025, Destination Napoléon took part in the Lucca Comics & Games, one of Europe's leading festivals for comics, manga and games. As part of the Japan Town, the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities has organised a number of activities designed to help the general public discover Napoleonic heritage, in collaboration with the Florence Toy Museum, Francesco Ristori and the Evolve-future.com.
A conference on manga Eroica by Riyoko Ikeda
Among the highlights, the conference «Napoleon in the Eroica Manga», hosted by Antonio D'Onofrio (eCampus University) and Francesco Ristori, The exhibition also looked at the representation of the Napoleonic figure in the work of Riyoko Ikeda, an emblematic figure in Japanese historical manga. The presentation, which drew rave reviews from many visitors, illustrated how European history continues to inspire contemporary artistic creation far beyond its borders.
Creating, sharing and passing on the Napoleonic heritage
The games, publications and video games produced and offered by the members of Destination Napoléon were on display during the event, highlighting the route's commitment to the creation of fun tools that ensure a plural and multi-perspective transmission of this page of history.
At the same time, the «Draw your Napoleon», led by the illustrator Isabella Manara, The exhibition invited visitors to freely reinterpret the image of Napoleon through drawing. This fun and educational activity was a great success, confirming the public's interest in an innovative approach to passing on our heritage.
Through this participation, Destination Napoléon reaffirmed its mission to enhance the value of the Napoleonic heritage in Europe and to promote intercultural dialogue, in the spirit of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
Practical information
Lucca Comics & Games 2025
Date 30 October to 3 November 2025
Location: Lucca, Italy
In partnership with Florence Toy Museum, Evolve-future.com and the Council of Europe Cultural Routes programme
For further information: https://lucca2025.luccacomicsandgames.com/it/home