"Slapstick violence and dark comedy are tools that Ceide uses to draw us into the story on a surface level, but once there, we become invested in the deeper subjects she is tackling." – Andy Oliver, Editor-in-Chief at Broken Frontier.
Welcome to Salamanca Blues, my debut graphic novel and the first installment of the Earth Blues series. This collection of thematically interconnected stories aims to create a memoir of humanity's future on Earth, influenced by the pressing realities of climate change. Through a blend of fantasy and humor, I explore the potential consequences of our current trajectory.
The story:
Set in a desolate Spain, Salamanca Blues imagines a world where much of the land has turned to desert. The narrative begins in the ruins of Salamanca, where a fanatical religious order wields control over the population through fear and superstition. The first part, titled Salamanca Blues: Sand, introduces us to a cast of whimsical characters: Mimo, a foreigner who speaks an unknown language and possesses magical abilities; The Hunter, a fiercely independent woman who stands against injustice; and an ex-priest who questions the dogmas of his faith while delving into the ancient culture of a long-extinct civilization.
As these three protagonists flee the oppressive regime of Captain Álvarez and his guards, they embark on a perilous journey across the desert, ultimately heading north toward Galicia, my homeland, along the historic Camino de Santiago. While the story is fictional, I incorporated historical landmarks of the real city of Salamanca into the narrative.
The comic and where to find it:
Salamanca Blues is a 48-page, full-color comic available in both English and Spanish. Originally funded through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, I am immensely grateful to all the backers who made this project possible.
Buy online: Available in both English and Spanish on my Big Cartel Shop, alongside a series of Art Prints and Stickers.
In Spain: Distributed in selected comic shops, independent bookshops, and public libraries across Galicia and Salamanca, as well as at independent comic events.
Behind the scenes:
You can explore the "Behind the scenes" to gain insight into the creative process here. This post features early concept art, character sketches, and a video recording of my digital painting process.
Press:
- "Inside Look" Article by Alba Ceide in Broken Frontier. November, 2022: HERE
- Comic Review by Claudia Matosa on Substack, July 2023: HERE
- In-depth Review by Andy Oliver in Broken Frontier. August, 2022: HERE
- Sept. 2022. My Interview in Broken Frontier: HERE
- Original Crowdfunding Campaign on Indiegogo, August, 2022: HERE
- Exclusive Preview of Salamanca Blues in Broken Frontier, August. 2022. : HERE
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