COMICON OFF – Exhibitions at Teatro Bellini
Authorial comics on display in the foyer of the Teatro Bellini, part of the COMICON Naples off-festival
About COMICON OFF at Teatro Bellini
Comics step out of the pavilions and into the theatre
Every spring, COMICON Naples extends beyond the pavilions of the Mostra d'Oltremare: with COMICON OFF, its off-festival, the ninth art spreads throughout the city, reaching libraries, museums, galleries, bookstores, universities, subway stations, and theatres. The Teatro Bellini, in the heart of the Avvocata district, is one of the most consistent and recognizable venues for this widespread program: for weeks, its foyer becomes a free-entry gallery, open from morning until midnight, where theatre-goers and passersby alike can encounter original plates, illustrations, and editorial projects.
The 2026 exhibitions at Teatro Bellini
The 2026 edition of COMICON OFF took place from April 10 to May 31 and brought two consecutive, free exhibitions to the Bellini:
- “Ximo Abadìa: From Sign to Ethics” — from April 10 to May 7, 2026, an anthological exhibition of the Spanish illustrator;
- “Spaccanapoli in Mostra” — from May 8 to May 31, 2026, the eleventh edition of the award dedicated to Neapolitan comics, with an opening at 7:00 PM.
Ximo Abadìa: From Sign to Ethics
Created in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes in Naples, this anthology traces the work of one of the most recognizable contemporary Spanish illustrators. His geometric synthesis and vibrant colors are not merely a stylistic exercise: they become tools for civic inquiry and social responsibility. The exhibition features works such as Golia, a reflection on identity and diversity; BOOM. The War of Colors, dedicated to the themes of peace and conflict; and Woman Power, focusing on activism and feminism. His works are also published in Italy by BeccoGiallo. During the festival, the author met with the public at COMICON and the Instituto Cervantes.
Spaccanapoli in Mostra: the award for the Neapolitan scene
“Spaccanapoli in Mostra” is the exhibition chapter of the Spaccanapoli Prize, the initiative through which COMICON collects and selects the best works published in the previous year by authors linked to the Neapolitan territory. In 2026, now in its eleventh edition, the prize showcased production from 2025: a useful snapshot to understand the vibrancy of the city's comic scene, ranging from small publishers and self-productions to established names. Public voting on COMICON's channels determines the finalists, while the winner is announced during the Micheluzzi Awards evening.
A widespread festival in the Municipality of Naples
COMICON OFF is promoted by COMICON together with the Municipality of Naples and is divided into three sections: High Frequency (events in the Municipalities), In the City (exhibitions and workshops in cultural spaces), and Beyond Borders (initiatives in the rest of the province). Alongside the Bellini exhibitions, the 2026 program included major highlights such as the Robert Crumb anthology at Castel Nuovo, Milo Manara's tribute to Caravaggio at the Pio Monte della Misericordia, the installation by Larissa Bertonasco, and the Leo Ortolani exhibition hosted at the Federico II University. A cultural framework that confirms Naples, in Campania, as one of Italy's comic capitals.
Why it's worth it
- Free admission to both exhibitions, no reservation required.
- Extensive hours: every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, perfect for a stroll through the historic center.
- A beautiful, historic venue: the foyer of the Teatro Bellini, just steps from Via Toledo, Port'Alba, and Piazza Dante.
- A dual perspective: the international view of authorial illustration and the local focus of the Neapolitan scene.
COMICON OFF at Teatro Bellini — edition 2026
Two exhibitions, fifty-two days of comics
The 2026 edition of the COMICON OFF off-festival took place in Naples from April 10 to May 31 and assigned a prominent role to the Teatro Bellini, with two consecutive exhibitions in the foyer, both with free admission and open daily from 8:00 AM to midnight.
The first, “Ximo Abadìa: From Sign to Ethics” (April 10 - May 7), was an anthology of the Spanish illustrator curated in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes: a selection that spanned his most famous works, from Golia to BOOM. The War of Colors and Woman Power, showing how his geometric synthesis and use of color become tools for civic inquiry.
The second, “Spaccanapoli in Mostra” (May 8 - 31, opening at 7:00 PM), presented the eleventh edition of the award with which COMICON selects the best of Neapolitan authorial comics published in 2025, giving visibility to small publishers, self-productions, and new local talents.
The two exhibitions were part of a widespread city program, promoted by COMICON with the Municipality of Naples, which in 2026 also brought Robert Crumb to Castel Nuovo and Milo Manara to the Pio Monte della Misericordia.
Programme COMICON OFF at Teatro Bellini 2026
Ximo Abadìa: From Sign to Ethics — Teatro Bellini (foyer)
- Dates: April 10 to May 7, 2026
- Hours: daily, 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Admission: free
- Partner: Instituto Cervantes of Naples, in collaboration with COMICON 2026
- Works on display: Golia (identity and diversity), BOOM. The War of Colors (peace and conflict), Woman Power (activism and feminism). In Italy, the author is also published by BeccoGiallo (Khat, La montagna).
Spaccanapoli in Mostra — Teatro Bellini (foyer)
- Dates: May 8 to May 31, 2026
- Opening: 7:00 PM
- Hours: daily, 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Admission: free
- Content: eleventh edition of the Spaccanapoli Prize, featuring authorial works published in 2025 by the Neapolitan comic scene; the five finalists are voted on by the public via COMICON channels, and the winner is announced during the Micheluzzi Awards evening.
Ximo Abadìa outside the Bellini
- May 2, 4:45 PM-5:30 PM — COMICON, Mostra d'Oltremare, Sala De Matteo: panel on contemporary illustration with Oliver Menanteau and Matteo De Longis.
- May 4, 9:30 AM — Instituto Cervantes, Via Chiatamone: book signing and meeting with students and the public.
The rest of the off-festival (selection)
- Robert Crumb. Bad Thoughts — Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), May 27 to August 31, admission included in the castle ticket.
- Manara meets Caravaggio — Pio Monte della Misericordia, April 20 to May 19, paid admission.
- Larissa Bertonasco: In War — Mondadori Bookstore, I Municipality, April 20 to May 30, free admission.
- Leo Ortolani — Physics Department of the Federico II University, free admission.
Highlights COMICON OFF at Teatro Bellini 2026
- Free anthology of Ximo Abadìa, one of the most original contemporary Spanish illustrators, with the Instituto Cervantes.
- Eleventh edition of the Spaccanapoli Prize dedicated to Neapolitan authorial comics.
- Teatro Bellini foyer open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily: you can enter even just passing by.
- Two consecutive exhibitions for over seven weeks of programming.
- Completely free admission, no reservation required.
Prices COMICON OFF at Teatro Bellini 2026
Practical information — COMICON OFF at Teatro Bellini
Where
Teatro Bellini, Via Conte di Ruvo 14, 80135 Naples (Avvocata district). The exhibitions are set up in the theatre's foyer.
How to get there
- Subway: Line 1, Museo or Dante stations (5-minute walk); Line 2, Montesanto or Piazza Cavour stations.
- Car: high-traffic area, it is best to use private parking in the area (Garage Correra, tel. +39 081 5640118).
- Train: from Napoli Centrale, take Subway Line 1 towards the historic center.
Hours and admission
Free admission to both exhibitions, daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. No reservation or theatre ticket required.
Contacts
Teatro Bellini: +39 081 5491266 — box office +39 081 5499688 — [email protected]. Full program of the off-festival at off.comicon.it.
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Where does it take place — COMICON OFF at Teatro Bellini
Teatro Bellini
Via Conte di Ruvo 14, 80135 Napoli