Mafalda

IN MEMORY OF JOAQUÍN SALVADOR LAVADO TEJÓN, QUINO, CREATOR OF MAFALDA

In Memory of Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón, Quino, Creator of Mafalda

“Mafalda, the comic strip, discusses and traverses issues of the world via means of Mafalda and her friends who debate themes including poverty, international relations, technological and industrial revolution, corruption, environmental destruction and more. At this point, reading Mafalda might sound like a dull endeavour, but it’s also full of frankness and a tenderness that comes from children discussing as adults would (or actually as adults wouldn’t most times), unflinchingly and with a plainness that is difficult to disregard. “

I hadn’t thought about Mafalda in a while. She was in a very old jewelry box, with saved curiosities from the late 60’s to mid 70’s. She was given to me while i lived in San Juan. If my memory serves me, i thought that i reminded the gift giver of Mifalda. i didn’t give it much thought, just quickly thought it was because of my frizzy hair.

Now, in hindsight, i was also young and outspoken in my political views, which was encouraged in the group of people i was with. at the time it seemed Puerto Rico was an island paradise, opening and widening its borders and political outlook.

Much has changed since then, but not Mafalda.