Elisabetta Sgarbi’s Linus Comics Festival: A Resounding Triumph

The second annual Linus Comics Festival, conceived and directed by Elisabetta Sgarbi, concluded on September 24th in Ascoli Piceno, achieving phenomenal success. This three-day celebration of the renowned *Linus* magazine, edited by Igort and published by La nave di Teseo, surpassed even the inaugural event’s remarkable attendance, boasting a full house for each day and a significant increase in visitors. The festival featured a diverse program of ten engaging events. A stellar lineup of guests included Altan, Paolo Bacilieri, Marco Bechis, Barbara Bouchet, Bruno Bozzetto, Sara Chiappori, Manuele Fior, Goffredo Fofi, Irene Grandi, Raphael Gualazzi, Sio, Sandro Veronesi, and Zerocalcare. Reflecting the spirit of *Linus* magazine itself, the festival fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, uniting artists and audiences across generations. Established masters like Bruno Bozzetto and Altan (whose contributions to *Linus* began fifty years ago) shared the stage with contemporary talents such as Sio and Zerocalcare, with Bacilieri and Fior also making notable appearances. The program included in-depth explorations of Giorgio Scerbanenco’s work spanning film, comics, illustration, and novels; two exhibitions; and dedicated school engagements ranging from elementary to secondary levels. Musical performances by Irene Grandi and Raphael Gualazzi, specially curated for the festival’s thematic focus, further enriched the experience. In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Alessandro Manzoni’s death, the festival presented a unique interpretation of *The Betrothed* through comics, referencing the contributions of Umberto Eco and the comedic trio Marchesini, Lopez, and Solenghi. “In the purest spirit of *Linus* magazine, the festival was vibrant and eclectic, bringing together diverse artistic expressions and areas of knowledge within the realm of comics,” stated Elisabetta Sgarbi, describing the three-day event. She also noted the success of two exhibitions, “1973 – 2023. Fifty Years After the Chilean Coup in the Works of Alfredo Chiappori” and “Scerbanenco Reimagined by Fior,” both displayed at Ascoli’s Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo until December 31st. Additionally, the expansive exhibition “Linus – All Issues from 1965 to 2023,” curated by Marcello Garofalo and Elisabetta Sgarbi in collaboration with Igort and the Ferrara Arte Foundation, continues its tour, currently on display at Ferrara’s Castello Estense until December 26th after previous showings at Venaria Reale (Turin) for La Milanesiana, Ascoli Piceno (during the previous Linus Comics Festival), Rovereto’s Mart, and Viareggio. This comprehensive exhibition provides a thematic journey through the iconic covers of the renowned magazine, celebrating the centenary of Oreste del Buono, one of *Linus*’s founding figures.