Braba: A Brazilian Comics Anthology

by Rafael Grampá (Editor), Janaína de Luna (Editor)

A showcase of 16 pioneering Brazilian cartoonists, expertly curated by renowned cartoonist Rafael Grampá ( Gargoyle of Gotham ) and respected Brazilian comics editor Janaina de Luna. American audiences have grown familiar with international comix through an influx of European bande dessinee and Japanese manga that has been translated into English over the past two decades. But there are vivacious creative scenes happening worldwide, notably in Brazil, the largest country in South America and fifth-largest country in the world. Braba aims to rectify this cultural blind spot with a single-volume showcase of innovative Brazilian comics, curated by acclaimed artist Rafael Grampá and comics editor Janaina de Luna. Produced by Fantagraphics in collaboration with Brazilian publisher MINO, this extraordinary collection of 13 short stories created by 16 pioneering Brazilian cartoonists encapsulates a thriving and thrilling comics scene. Braba unites a diverse array of voices and styles under a unifying deeply personal stories from experimental cartoonists. Each artist has uniquely interpreted this concept, creating all-new work for English readers, resulting in a collection that encapsulates the intensity, political gravitas, and avant-garde spirit of the Brazilian comics community during one of the country’s most challenging socio-political periods. The contributors to Braba include Amanda Miranda, Bruno Seelig, Diego Sanchez, Gabriel Goes, Jefferson Costa, Jéssica Groke, Sirlene Barbosa, Joao Pinheiro, Cris Eiko, Paulo Crumbim, Pedro Cobiaco, Pedro Franz, Rafael Coutinho, Shiko, and Wagner Willian. The term “braba,” a Brazilian slang derived from “brava” meaning angry, has been embraced as a symbol of something impressive and groundbreaking. Originating from Brazil’s edgy youth culture, the term is a compliment for individuals who exhibit unique and daring attitudes ― an attitude exemplified by the bold and vibrant comics in this anthology. Full-color illustrations throughout

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

168 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2024

About the author

Rafael Grampá began working as an illustrator at the age of 14. He began by illustrating self-help books – what he calls the “how to raise your problematic teenagers sort”. During this period, he also did t-shirt designs, caricatures, children’s party decorations, coats of arms and logos for butcher shops and surf shops. He worked as an art director at the Brazilian motion graphics studio LOBO in 2003 where he worked with clients such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Creme Savers, Banco Real, Grendene , Diesel and others. Recent freelance work includes the concept design for ESPN-NBA spots, for Wieden+Kennedy NY, directed by Blacklist’s CISMA, and the visual ID for RESFEST/10 Brasil, that includes a opening and a toy.

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not many of these appealed to me. There's a very large variety of work here, so its still worth checking out. I really like the concept! I should flip back through and hunt down some longer work by the creators I enjoyed.

[Moon Captain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. I think I'm a bit culture shocked. wasn't expecting so much seriousness. And the way most of the stories are told is in a way unfamiliar to me. I started crying reading the one with tarot card names in it, though (the book is no longer in my hands and I do not remember the names, sorry).

I read lots of comics so I'm guessing this ungrokkability is due to lack of cultural understanding. I am intrigued. I'm really glad this book exists and look forward to more comics from other cultures being published in English

[Livia Collino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito foda!!!!!!!!!

[Rick Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A diverse collection of short comics from Brazilian artists curated by Rafael Grampá (artist of the recent Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham series), varied substantially in aesthetic, narrative and quality. It's a little out of the norm from the typical Fantagraphics collection since the comics also vary between more mainstream and true independent comics, but overall the sampling of comics here are pleasant.

Amanda Miranda's piece is the opening entry, and my personal favorite - at least visually. The story as I took from it features the oversaturation of internet (primarily pornography) consumption as it is laid out by a series of complex panel layouts featuring a wide array colorful inserts. I can't even imagine how much effort went into each page drawn and colored here.

Other great pieces include Bruno Seelig's wordless fantasy story, told vibrantly with a cartoonish flair. Jefferson Costa's, Joao Pinheiro's, and Shiko's pieces were also really well drawn and had captivating story. Wagner Willian's piece at the end was a lush watercolor rendered story about Theseus and the Minotaur, which was something that I also found quite enjoyable.

A nice package of comics that provide a wide and diverse sampling of talent from Brazil. Provides a good way to keep an eye out for artists who have yet to get English translated works out yet, and hopefully Braba serves as a stepping stone for them to launch into bigger comics markets.

[Chrisman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of very short comics that are often surreal and abstract and full of longing. A couple of them have to be excepts of larger works the way they end so abruptly. Nitpick: I skipped reading the blubs for the pieces during the later half of the book because the font is just a little too hard to read, and I just wanted to read the comics.

[Gabriel Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC given by Edelweiss+ for Honest Review

A well curated collection of comics by Brazilian authors and artists. The focus is on culture, human connection, diaspora, and community. This is an incredible read and anyone interested in graphic novels, comics, and art will find beauty and heart in this.

My personal favorite comics from the collection were by Diego Sanchez, Gabriel Goes, and Paulo Crumbim/Cristina Eiko.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting introduction to Brazilian comics. The best are the simplest: large, almost photo-like drawings of migrants in Southern Brazil, another about a woman breast-feeding - a metaphor for women giving everything. Though I understand the motivation for them, some are too violent for me. (Just like I abhor the Japanese woodcuts of women being brutalized.)

[Kirsten Audiobook Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really excellent art and stories. Some not so much.... I wish a few were longer. The first story is super explicit(X rated), and there are heavy themes. Overall, I enjoyed most of these artists/writers

[Belén Zepeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO FIRE

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of short comics from Brazilian creators. Some are pretty good, some not so much. I like the ones that tell an actual story as opposed to getting esoteric.

[John of Canada · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too weird for me.