Mafalda, My Heroine
Sixty years later, in 2024, the French publishing house Glénat released a special anthology created by a group of women comic artists, paying tribute to Quino’s iconic heroine.
For sixty years, Mafalda has been interpreting the world through the eyes of a child! With her innocence, she has never stopped exposing injustices and pointing out the absurdities of our societies. Rebellious, sharp-witted and slightly idealistic, this anti-authoritarian and feminist figure has left her mark on generations of readers and continues to inspire us.
To celebrate the birthday of this young heroine, who hasn't aged a day, this group of talented women creators pays her a special tribute through an original and extraordinary anthology.
But what if Mafalda were transported into our own time? What would she say about the state of our planet and its problems, household chores, gender equality, poverty, animal welfare or even our politicians?
Each artist has embraced Mafalda and made her their own, interpreting the character through a completely personal artistic style. Given complete creative freedom to portray her in their own way, through shorter or longer stories, the artists introduce us to Mafalda all over again. This time, through her questions, we also recognise the concerns of the creators themselves, as well as those of contemporary society more broadly.
**Lucia Sanchez**, director of the documentary series *Mafalda, reviens!*, a four-part exploration of how and why Mafalda managed to influence the world around her, writes in a special introduction to the book:
“…The world has changed so much since you were born. It seems to us even more unjust, violent and complicated. Yet you would be delighted to know that, in 2024, you have not merely readers, but thousands of admirers all around the world.
You are a heroine. Popular and celebrated. International. Always unique and so inspiring. Reading your stories brings us comfort. We wish we could have you back with us. So we have fun imagining you in today's world…
When I read your stories, you amazed me. You were the child I wanted to be. I wanted to be able to ask adults the same questions you asked them: Are you a good person, sir? Are you a good person, madam? Why are there poor people? Why is humanity in such a terrible state?
Mafalda, my dearest, you have transcended time and borders…
Today, we miss you. You are 60 years old, but I am certain you do not think like an old woman. You must surely be wondering what we have achieved over all these years… What happened that made us progress so little? Why are so many of your wishes still dreams rather than reality?
But today is your birthday. And I want to celebrate it by having the pleasure of introducing you to someone who has never known you before. Because those endless hours spent reading your stories will leave their mark on that person's life, just as they have on ours. They will become part of who they are and will undoubtedly influence some of the choices they make throughout their life…”
