100 years of comics in Italy with Cartoomics 2008

If you know anything about Italian literature you might rattle off a couple of poets’ names or discuss “I promessi sposi” (The Betrothed).
Maybe even Pinocchio might get a mention and you’d be getting warmer to our post today: one of the greatest and most popular genres in Italy has always been comic strips.

On December 27, 1908 the first issue of the “Corriere dei Piccoli” (Kids’ Courier) came out with the historical beginnings in Italy of the adventures of Signor Bonaventura, Pimpa, the Smurfs, Corto Maltese and many others.
On this important 100-year anniversary, Cartoomics is marking the 14th edition of its exhibition on cartoons, collecting and games with an extraordinary show that traces this century’s publications with precious accounts, rare books, first editions and curiosities.

The exhibition will be dedicated to Osvaldo Cavandoli, one of the greatest Italian animation authors, who disappeared last year, and father of Linea – a fantastic character.
The show is dedicated to his works, including original boards, storylines, gadgets and some cute Linea animated cartoons.