Etna Comics, Mickey Mouse, and Battiato: A Tribute Scented of Sicily

What happens when Mickey Mouse's imagination meets the power of Mount Etna and the musical poetry of Franco Battiato? What happens is that something unique, delicate, and visionary is born: the variant cover for Topolino 3627 , created exclusively for the 2025 edition of Etna Comics .

From May 30th to June 2nd , the Sicilian fair will once again welcome Italy's most beloved comic weekly, which for the occasion will feature a special limited-edition cover and a truly adrenaline-fueled opening story. But let's take it one step at a time.

🖤 ​​A black and white cover ... but full of emotional colors

Alessandro Pastrovicchio , already author of the variant of Topolino 3523, returns with a work that is much more than a simple cover: it is a tribute to Sicily and its cultural heritage , inspired by the master Franco Battiato .

The illustration, entirely in black and white, plays on contrasting materials: the rough black of the lava stone, the glossy white of the sun's reflections. In the center, Goofy , the quintessential eccentric and surreal character, seems to wander between dream and memory, like an old, overexposed film.
A true visual portrait of Sicily , reinterpreted in a poetic key.

"This edition's poster is a tribute to Battiato," says Pastrovicchio, "and with the cover we wanted to follow this path, capturing atmospheres and images inspired by his imagination."

📚 A story of science and mystery: " Mickey Mouse and the Omega Effect "

In addition to the cover, Pastrovicchio also wrote the opening story for issue #3627 , a highly anticipated sequel:
“Mickey and the Omega Effect” , direct sequel to Mickey and the Gamma Factor .

Here, among mesons, photons, nanowatts , black holes and scientific theories, Mickey Mouse moves in an adventure that combines science fiction and tension , physics and emotion .
What's special? It's the first story entirely written and illustrated by the author himself , making the tale even more cohesive and personal.

"I'm particularly excited," Pastrovicchio confesses, "because two years ago, right at Etna Comics, we presented the first episode of the Gamma Factor. Today, we're closing a circle."

📍 Where to find it and why not miss it

Mickey Mouse 3627 with the Etna Comics 2025 variant cover will be:

• available as an exclusive preview at the Fair from May 30th to June 2nd ;
  

A limited, poetic, visionary edition.
A cover that pays homage to Sicily , Italian comics and singer-songwriter music .
A small collector's item for those who love stories that can move even with the silence of a black line on a white background.