Axionicus the Comic Poet (Ἀξιόνικος ὁ Κωμικός) was an Athenian poet of Middle Comedy, active in the 4th century BCE following the Peloponnesian War [1]. No biographical details survive. His work belongs to a period when comedy shifted from political satire toward generalized social themes and literary parody [1].

Two comedies are attested: Phileuripides (Φιλευριπίδης), whose fragments suggest a plot involving an admirer of the tragedian Euripides, and Chalcidian (Χαλκιδεύς) [1][2]. All his works are fragmentary, preserved only in quotations by later authors such as Athenaeus [1][2].

Though a minor figure, Axionicus provides evidence for trends in Middle Comedy. Phileuripides exemplifies the period's interest in literary parody and mythological figures, marking a move away from direct political commentary [1]. His inclusion in ancient lists and the preservation of his fragments confirm his place within the Athenian comic tradition [1][2].

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Daxionicus-bio-1 2. ToposText: https://topostext.org/people/1440