Go Nagai discusses manga legacy and Dante at Lucca Comics

Manga creator Go Nagai participated in a conference at Lucca Comics and Games, reflecting on his career and the cultural impact of his work. Nagai discussed the origins of his iconic mecha series, such as Mazinger Z and UFO Robot Goldrake, noting how these stories shaped the imaginations of generations, particularly in Italy following the 1978 television debut of Goldrake.

Nagai highlighted the influence of Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy’ on his creative process, explaining how the demons and imagery from the classic Italian text served as fundamental inspiration for the creatures in his stories. He also shared reflections on modern technological shifts, including the rise of artificial intelligence and the reality of combat drones.

Reflecting on his return to the event after more than thirty years, Nagai expressed happiness at the growth of Lucca Comics from a smaller gathering in 1992 to a city-wide phenomenon. He noted the recognition of the Unione Dantesca Fiorentina as a meeting point between Japanese pop culture and Italian classical heritage.