Hideo Kojima has deleted a photo taken with Italian cartoonist Michele 'Zerocalcare' Rech at Lucca Comics & Games, following online controversy over Rech's political views. Kojima Productions issued a statement clarifying no prior knowledge of Rech's works and emphasizing a brief, incidental meeting. The incident highlights tensions around Rech's graphic novels depicting Kurdish struggles against ISIS.
Background
Hideo Kojima, director of Death Stranding 2, encountered backlash after sharing a photo from the Lucca Comics & Games convention in Italy. The image showed him holding a Japanese edition of Kobane Calling, a 2015 graphic novel by Michele 'Zerocalcare' Rech that documents the Kurdish resistance in Kobane against ISIS. Rech, known for works like No Sleep till Shengal on Yazidi persecution, has expressed sympathy for Syrian Kurdish YPG forces, which fought ISIS but face accusations of child soldier recruitment and terrorist designations by Turkey and others.
The Incident and Response
Kojima, renowned for his social media photo ops, posted the picture earlier in November 2025 but quickly deleted it amid online criticism, particularly from Turkish sources labeling the content as pro-terrorism. Rech addressed the situation in a video, illustrated with comics, stating his publisher suggested sharing the book and that Kojima voluntarily posed with it. He called Kojima the 'Jesus Christ of video games' and noted the harassment Kojima faced.
On November 12, 2025, Kojima Productions released a statement: 'In light of certain misunderstandings that have arisen in some media reports and on social networks, we would like to take this opportunity to accurately convey the facts.' The studio clarified, 'There is no personal or professional relationship between the two individuals. The photo was taken briefly at the Lucca Comics & Games venue after a short introduction through an acquaintance. Neither Mr. Kojima nor KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS had any prior knowledge or understanding of Mr. Zerocalcare’s works or political positions, and there was no intention to express agreement with, or support for, any particular stance or opinion.'
Context and Implications
The controversy echoes themes in Kojima's Metal Gear series, which often addressed child soldiers. Critics noted the statement's cautious tone, contrasting with the political elements in Kojima's recent PlayStation titles. Rech's work stems from firsthand reporting in war zones, with supporters arguing it counters ISIS narratives.