Zerocalcare Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Height, Movies & TV Shows, Awards, Parents

Michele Rech, widely known as Zerocalcare, is an Italian cartoonist, illustrator, writer, screenwriter, blogger, and voice actor. He is widely recognized as one of Italy’s most influential contemporary graphic novel creators.

His acclaimed works include The Armadillo Prophecy, Forget My Name, Kobane Calling, Tear Along the Dotted Line, and This World Can’t Tear Me Down.

His storytelling, which combines humor, social commentary, and autobiographical experiences, has earned him international recognition and millions of book sales.

Zerocalcare
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Michele Rech
Stage Name:	Zerocalcare
Born:	December 12, 1983 (age 42 years old)
Place of Birth:	Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
Nationality:	Italian
Ethnicity:	Italian and French
Religion:	Christianity
Parents:	Mr. Rech and Mrs. Rech
Occupation:	Cartoonist, Illustrator, Writer, Screenwriter, Blogger, Voice Actor
Net Worth:	$9 million

Early Life and Education

Zerocalcare was born on December 12, 1983, in Cortona, Tuscany, Italy. Mr. Rech and Mrs. Rech raised him after spending part of his childhood in France before later settling in Rome.

His father is Italian, while his mother is French, giving him Italian and French ethnic heritage.

There is no information about his siblings. His religion is Christianity. He completed his secondary education at the Lycée Chateaubriand in Rome, one of Italy’s leading French international schools, where he developed a lasting interest in illustration, comics, and storytelling.

Career

Zerocalcare launched his professional career in the early 2000s, creating comics inspired by the 2001 G8 protests in Genoa before contributing illustrations to newspapers and magazines including Liberazione, Carta, and la Repubblica XL.

His popularity increased significantly after establishing his personal blog in 2011, where he published autobiographical comic strips that resonated with readers across Italy.

His graphic novels, including The Armadillo Prophecy, Forget My Name, Kobane Calling, Tentacles at My Throat, and No Sleep Till Shengal, became commercial and critical successes.

His work later expanded into television after Netflix adapted his stories into the animated series Tear Along the Dotted Line (2021) and This World Can’t Tear Me Down (2023), both of which featured his writing and voice performances.

Alongside publishing books, he has written screenplays, collaborated with Marvel Comics, and remains one of Europe’s most celebrated graphic novel creators.

Awards and Nominations

• Micheluzzi Award – Best Comic (Kobane Calling, 2017)
• Gran Guinigi Award – Multiple recipient
• Premio Attilio Micheluzzi – Winner

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @zerocalcare
• Facebook: Zerocalcare

Personal Life

Zerocalcare, 42 years old, is currently single, and there are no verified reports regarding a spouse, children, or past public relationships.

He enjoys drawing, reading, traveling, punk rock music, political activism, and exploring social issues that frequently inspire his graphic novels.

He continues to reside in Rome and remains closely connected to the Rebibbia neighborhood that features prominently throughout his work. His height is Unknown.

Net Worth

Zerocalcare has an estimated net worth of $9 million USD.

His wealth comes primarily from bestselling graphic novels, book royalties, television adaptations, screenwriting, illustration projects, licensing agreements, public appearances, speaking engagements, and creative collaborations.

The international success of his Netflix animated series and continued demand for his publications have contributed significantly to his financial growth.

Bibliography

• The Armadillo Prophecy (2011)
• Un Polpo Alla Gola (Tentacles at My Throat) (2012)
• Ogni Maledetto Lunedì su Due (2013)
• Forget My Name (2014)
• Kobane Calling (2016)
• Macerie Prime (2017)
• Macerie Prime – Sei Mesi Dopo (2018)
• Scheletri (2020)
• No Sleep Till Shengal (2022)
• When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)