BMR Fest

Independent comics arrive at Monk

BMR Fest is the annual event where BMR Production—short for Bad Moon Rising—brings its universe of independent comics to Rome. It is not a traditional trade fair: it is a club-style day, with artists' tables set up between the bar and the stage at Monk, the cultural space located at Via Giuseppe Mirri 35, in the Tiburtino district of Rome, in the heart of the Lazio region.

The team behind it: BMR Production

BMR Production is an independent comic label founded in 2015 and curated by a collective of authors: Lorenzo La Neve, Matilde Simoni, Mattia "Drugo" Secci, Mitja Bichon, Roberto D'Agnano, and Federico Gaddi. Over the years, the group has published a long series of anthological magazines—starting as Bad Moon Rising Magazine and later becoming FART—along with various volumes that introduced their grotesque and irreverent style to the Italian self-publishing scene. In 2023, the collective received the Premio Piola at the Treviso Comic Book Festival, a recognition that solidified their standing in the independent scene.

The format: a party rather than a fair

Since 2022, the BMR Fest format, along with the BMR Party evenings, has toured clubs and stages across Italy. The formula remains the same and explains why the event feels different from any other comic book gathering in the capital: screenings of BMR characters, music, and variety-style humor segments alternate with sales tables. Visitors come to browse comics and portfolios and often end up staying until the evening, when the lights dim and the DJ set begins.

What to expect during the day

• Exhibitor tables: self-published comics, anthological magazines, fanzines, prints, and limited-edition screen prints
• Original artwork and live drawing, with the chance to get a sketch from the artists
• Talks and discussions on self-publishing, printing costs, and distribution outside major publishing circuits
• Music and DJ sets in the evening, featuring guests from the Roman scene
• Monk's kitchen and bar open throughout the event

Rome and the self-publishing scene

Rome has a packed comic book calendar, dominated by large-scale events like Romics and ARF!. BMR Fest consciously occupies the opposite space: small, free, self-managed, and designed for those who want to speak directly with the creators. Held in January, it effectively kicks off the Italian self-publishing fair season, appearing in specialized calendars that map independent comic festivals across the country every year.

The audience and atmosphere

The vibe is that of a club: noisy, informal, and filled with a mix of loyal readers, young artists looking for contacts, and curious locals. There is no need for reservations or fixed paths; you can enter and wander freely between the tables. It is an event perfect for those who want to discover contemporary Italian comics away from large commercial showcases, and over the years, it has become a small hub for the Lazio self-publishing community.

When it takes place

BMR Fest is traditionally held in January as a single-day event. The most recent edition took place on January 11, 2026, at Monk, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the night. Dates and details are announced periodically on BMR Production's social media channels and the Monk website.