One of Spain’s top cartoonists returns with an unrestrained look at his post-war homeland in Return to Eden. It all starts with a photograph: an ordinary scene of a young woman and her family picnicking at a Valencian beach in 1947. Now in her twilight years, Antonia cherishes this photo dearly; it holds the memories of her upbringing, her family — the key to her Eden. Antonia and her family soldier through constant hunger, the shady dealings of the black market, traumas of war and parental abuse, and the oppressive atmosphere wrought by the Catholic church and Franco’s authoritarian regime — and yet, they find oases of joy and wonder in cinema, imagination, and small acts of kindness.
Paco Roca has been one of the shining stars of the Spanish comic scene for a while now and has received many plaudits both in Spain and America. He has produced some truly memorable pieces of work including the Eisner Award winner The House and Wrinkles (which was adapted into an acclaimed animated film). His skill at weaving subtle storytelling with issues every reader can relate to is a key factor to his success and Return to Eden very much plays into this strength.
Roca often examines personal topics in his work, but this comic seems to hit particularly close to home. Created as a tribute to his mother, Roca delves into the history of his homeland after World War II through shared anecdotes from his mother’s family that paint an uncompromising picture of what she had to go through in that time. The family members themselves add a lot to the story with Antonia’s mother Carmen being a standout. She is a natural when it comes to storytelling – albeit with a highly blunt approach and her brutally honest tales that detail her family’s trials whilst her faith kept her going is some powerful stuff. It’s the things that Roca’s family find hope in like Antonia’s creating her own Eden in her mind from local cinema showings, passages from the bible and propaganda which add to the scope of the story.
Roca’s art – as with his previous works – is very strong. He continues to have a subtle approach with his art that doesn’t go in for exaggeration or action. Nevertheless, it’s highly successful at conveying his message and packs a lot of little details which enhance the story further.
This is another strong chapter in Roca’s fantastic body of work. A very moving examination of Spain after World War II that will appeal to both established fans and history buffs.
Return to Eden is out 27 February from Fantagraphics (9781683969310, h/b, £26.99)
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