The history of comics in Spain It is a reflection of the social, political, and cultural changes the country has experienced over the last 150 years. From its earliest graphic expressions to the creative resurgence of the 21st century, Spanish comics tell much more than stories: they document periods of freedom, censorship, and collective creativity.
The collective work “History of comics in Spain”, published by ACyT Ediciones and the Tebeosfera collective, is an exhaustive analysis of the development of the national comic strip, with the participation of renowned specialists such as Manuel Barrero, Antonio Altarriba, Antoni Guiral, Noelia Ibarra and Álvaro Pons. This book aims to become a reference work, exploring from the origins in the 19th century to the most innovative movements of today.
From aucas to comics: origins and first decades
The first steps of comics in Spain date back to the aucas and hallelujahs, popular illustrations and prints that introduced a visual narrative very close to the language of modern comics. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, these graphic pieces expanded into both general publications and children's and young adult magazines.
Growth also extended to territories such as Cuba, then under Spanish administration, demonstrating how comics adapted to diverse contexts. The 20th century marked rapid development with the proliferation of magazines and characters, although, as we will see later, this stage was not without obstacles.
The Franco dictatorship: censorship, control, and hidden creativity
The establishment of Francoism After the Civil War, it represented a severe setback for creative freedom. As Manuel Barrero, co-author of the volume and director of Tebeosfera, points out, censorship became strictMilitary personnel and priests were prohibited from appearing in cartoons, characters had to be exemplary, and women were relegated to traditional roles. Under the control of the Falange and the Children's Press Board, even the themes and messages were strictly monitored.
Humorous and adventure magazines, such as those of Heath, managed to circumvent these restrictions with veiled criticism and emblematic figures such as Tent o Zipi and Zape, who, despite moving in environments of deprivation, reflected the society of the time at its core.
In the sixties, censorship became even stricter.Violent elements were eliminated, and rules were established that sought to moralize children. However, social reality often crept into the comics, and despite the obstacles, the creativity of Spanish authors always found ways to survive. To delve deeper into the history of comics under censorship, you can consult our analysis at one of the comprehensive historical and new comics titles.
New audiences, manga and the publishing crisis
The end of the dictatorship and the arrival of democracy allowed for an unprecedented opening in the comics scene. From 1975 onwards, Spanish comics experienced a true revolution: titles and magazines appeared that opted for a critical humor, the eroticism and adult themes, as well as underground comics and political satire.
Antoni Guiral, scholar and protagonist of the scene, highlights the emergence of magazines such as The Viper, Thursday o The Papus, which challenge the limits imposed until then and consolidate the satirical comic and author. The emergence of publishing houses such as La Cúpula and the rise of fanzines They allow the entry of new voices, especially among women creators, who until then had been less visible.
Creative freedom quickly expanded to previously marginal genres, such as horror and erotic comics, in line with the "uncovering" phenomenon in cinema. The comic book, shorter and more affordable, became established in the market in the 80s, thus opening the door to simultaneously commercial and experimental offerings.
New audiences, manga and the publishing crisis
La arrival of democracy made it possible for the comic to move away from the exclusively children's audience and broaden its reach. adults become regular readers comics thanks to bolder themes and greater narrative depth. The horror genre, fully in tune with international trends, also finds its place, and events like the Barcelona Comic Fair are emerging.
In the 1990s, the sector experienced a crisis caused by rising paper prices and the emergence of television and video games as dominant forms of entertainment. The publishing house Bruguera, a benchmark of decades past, went bankrupt, and many authors embarked on professional emigration to France and the United States. To analyze how the history of comics in Spain has evolved, we recommend visiting the official selection of Spanish authors in Angoulême.
The rise of manga, especially among young female readers, represents another important transformation for the Spanish market. The boys' love genre, in particular, is becoming a phenomenon among the female audience, just as comics for girls did in the 40s.
Spanish comics in the 21st century: diversity, innovation, and new generations
Despite the difficulties, the first steps of the 21st century are marked by a desire for experimentation and the consolidation of comics as a major art form. New publishing houses emerge with both Eastern and European influences, and renowned authors such as Antonio Altarriba, Manuel Barrero, Antoni Guiral, Noelia Ibarra, and Álvaro Pons, along with new generations, tackle social, intimate and historical themes from original and personal perspectives. To delve deeper into the work of some prominent Spanish authors, we recommend visiting the interview with Julio Alejandre.
Today, Spanish comics enjoy a vibrant environment that not only looks back on tradition but also projects itself strongly abroad. The collective work on the history of comics in Spain thus becomes not only a chronicle, but also a testimony to the path traveled and the richness of the national comic stripTo explore current publications and their authors, you can visit The new titles and authors on the Spanish scene.
The journey of Spanish comics has evolved from the censorship and limitations imposed by the Franco dictatorship to a creative maturity that has opened the doors to new generations and discourses. Today, comics in Spain are characterized by their diversity, critical perspective, and the international recognition of many authors, demonstrating that this art form remains alive and constantly evolving.
