Paco Roca Defines Himself Through Three Comics That Have Shaped His Career

The renowned Valencian cartoonist Paco Roca shares the works that best encapsulate his artistic and personal essence.

Generic image of comic books and graphic novels on a wooden table, with a blurred background of a cozy reading nook.
IA

Generic image of comic books and graphic novels on a wooden table, with a blurred background of a cozy reading nook.

Cartoonist Paco Roca participates in Culturplaza's 'Self-Defined' section, selecting three comics that represent his artistic journey and interests.

In this initiative, various Valencian cultural figures describe themselves through the art that surrounds them. Paco Roca, known for his work, has chosen one of his own creations, one that has deeply influenced him, and one he would have loved to create.

"I believe my most emblematic work is Arrugas (Wrinkles); it already contains the themes and storytelling style that I believe are characteristic of my stories. It is also my best-known comic, the one translated into the most countries, and the one that introduced me to the world. In many ways, it changed my life."

Paco Roca · Cartoonist
Regarding a borrowed work that has influenced him, Roca highlights the comic adaptation of Paul Auster's novel The City of Glass. This choice underscores his appreciation for themes far removed from typical comic genres, as well as Mazzuchelli's artwork and Karasik's narrative techniques, which opened new perspectives on how to conceive a graphic story.
Finally, in the category of a dream work, Paco Roca expresses his admiration for Mafalda. He envies Quino for having created such an iconic character and its supporting cast, which allowed for reflections with tenderness, innocence, and a touch of wit on the aspects that define the human condition.