In the family of Mario Gomboli drew more or less everyone (mom, grandpa, aunts etc. etc.) for work or hobby. Few, instead, "wrote", neither for work nor for hobby (not that they were illiterate, they simply did not use it to achieve themselves). So, despite having always had cards, pencils and brushes (at the time of his childhood there were no markers or computers) he realized very soon that he could not compete with similar figures and that it was better to "write for those who can draw".  He moved from Brescia to Milan, at the time of high school he met Alfredo Castelli, already then curator of comic book fanzines and author of comics, but above all collaborator of the Giussani sisters. Thanks to him he introduced himself to the creators of Diabolik and began (1966) to propose ideas and subjects for the King of Terror.  Since then he continues to do so, even while he graduates in architecture, while writing texts for Carousels and television programs for children, while with the studio Arcoquattro he carries out the activity of advertising and graphic designer, while writing and illustrating dozens of books for children, while inventing new comic series with Milo Manara, Bonvi and Massimo Mattioli, while he moved for a year in Algeria to become a university professor... Ultimately, Diabolik becomes his shadow, or vice versa. In 1993 Mario Gomboli is involved continuously in the editing of the subjects; in 1997 he is entrusted with the responsibility of the adaptation of Diabolik for the cartoons Saban/FoxKids; in 1999 Luciana Giussani wants him as a partner - and General Manager - of Astorina Publishing House; in 2001, finally, at the time of the death of the creator, inherits total responsibility for the management of the character. When asked, "What will Diabolik do in the future?" this is his answer: "It will continue to be unpredictable, as always"...and, perhaps, this also applies to him.