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Fariña. La novela gráfica
La novela gráfica del fenómeno editorial de no ficción: Fariña, de Nacho Carretero. En los años noventa, el 80 por ciento de la cocaína desembarcaba en Europa por las costas gallegas. Aparte de su privilegiada posición geográfica, Galicia disponía de todos los ingredientes para convertirse en la «Nueva Sicilia». Como un ensayo ilustrado, sumándole mucha acción y aventura, Fariña. La novela gráfica —que incluye un epílogo inédito y revelador de Nacho Carretero— nos relata de manera magistral los antecedentes, el presente y el futuro del narcotráfico en Galicia.
128 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2019
1 person is currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Nacho Carretero
16 books75 followersComenzó a trabajar en redacciones de varios medios y después pasó a ser freelance para medios como JotDown, XL Semanal, Gatopardo o El Mundo. Realizó reportajes sobre el narcotráfico en Galicia, el genocidio de Ruanda, el virus Ébola en África, la guerra civil siria, la ola de incendios forestales de 2017 en Galicia o el Deportivo de La Coruña.
De su libro sobre el narcotráfico en Galicia, Fariña (2015), se hizo una serie de televisión con el mismo nombre estrenada en Antena 3 el 28 de febrero de 2018, una semana después de que el libro hubiera sido retirado de la venta de forma cautelar por orden de la jueza de Collado Villalba Alejandra Pontana, después de que el exalcalde de El Grove Alfredo Bea Gondar denunciara al autor por supuesta vulneración de su derecho al honor. El libro se colocó en el número uno de ventas y la serie consiguió una gran audiencia.
De su libro sobre el narcotráfico en Galicia, Fariña (2015), se hizo una serie de televisión con el mismo nombre estrenada en Antena 3 el 28 de febrero de 2018, una semana después de que el libro hubiera sido retirado de la venta de forma cautelar por orden de la jueza de Collado Villalba Alejandra Pontana, después de que el exalcalde de El Grove Alfredo Bea Gondar denunciara al autor por supuesta vulneración de su derecho al honor. El libro se colocó en el número uno de ventas y la serie consiguió una gran audiencia.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 24, 2021
An adaptation of the book the new Netflix docu-series is based on. It's about the Galicia area of Spain and how it's been a haven for smuggling for decades. First for cigarettes, then for drugs. It's one of the gateways Columbians smuggle cocaine into Europe. The book goes into details about the more famous smugglers and the corruption in the area. It wasn't until a social campaign by area mothers that any traction was gained on stopping the smugglers. There's a lot of interesting history here.
Received a review copy from Ablaze and NetGalley.
Received a review copy from Ablaze and NetGalley.
September 29, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand the art is great, evocative of danger and corruption and action and the page layouts are creative and surprising. And the plot is fascinating nd depressing and true and tells the tale of how a centuries' old culture of smuggling paved the way first for millions of dollars of illegal cigarette to pour into Europe and then for millions (billions?) of dollars of Cocaine to flood Europe starting in the 1980s. The book covers the impacts of corruption, the cultural and methodological quirks that made the Spanish the most reliable smugglers for the Columbian cartels, the unsuccessful government efforts to stop things, and the more successful citizen movement (led by moms!) to hold the smugglers to account.
On the other hand, so much of the book was a recitation of mini-biographies of famous and infamous smugglers. There were so many that they all bled together in a smear of drugs, money, tacky consumption, violence, and ultimately death or prison. There were so many of these that they took away from the actual historical narrative (and actually served to flatter and glorify the smugglers a bit too).
On the whole though this was a fast paced, gripping, and educational look at drug smuggling.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
On the other hand, so much of the book was a recitation of mini-biographies of famous and infamous smugglers. There were so many that they all bled together in a smear of drugs, money, tacky consumption, violence, and ultimately death or prison. There were so many of these that they took away from the actual historical narrative (and actually served to flatter and glorify the smugglers a bit too).
On the whole though this was a fast paced, gripping, and educational look at drug smuggling.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2020
Joder, qué buena.
February 12, 2020
Fantástica recreación gráfica de la serie inspirada por el libro de Nacho Carretero. Su trazo y atmósfera oscura conjugan a la perfección con el ambiente de una época para olvidar de la historia de Galicia. Un guión directo y conciso ayudan a una mejor comprensión.
April 26, 2020
Novelas, series y ahora adaptación gráfica de la historia del narcotráfico en Galicia. Me ha gustado, tercera novela gráfica a la saca y cada vez me gusta más este formato. Relata, paso a paso, por épocas, por personajes y momentos clave cómo la costa gallega se convirtió en el epicentro de la droga durante varias décadas. Tan solo tres colores: negro, rojo y blanco y unas ilustraciones sublimes que no necesitan de mucho más. Un texto conciso, explicativo y sencillo de entender. Los 80’ retratados para no olvidar. Me ha gustado mucho, y eso que por error me la regalaron en su versión en galego, jajaja. Así que hasta he practicado idiomas.
February 8, 2020
Es una sucesion de nombres y operaciones pero esta hecho con orden y mimo para que quien no conozca el mundo del contrabando de tabaco/droga lo entienda
October 28, 2021
Cocaine Coast is based on an investigation of a reporter Nacho Carretero. It was a very informative read, but not a lightweight one.
This could be a very good nonfiction graphic novel. I’m not sure what I expected, but because of the mention of the Netflix series, I pictured this completely different. I guess I expected an interesting and gripping story. But the plot is quite disjointed, and it often turns out very dry, just listing the facts with nothing to glue the entire story together. And in the end, as a story, it fell a bit flat for me.
Otherwise, it is very informative in terms of history and how everything worked. I like the style and the illustrations. They are very good. Black and white with red to emphasize the details. It suits the story and theme.
I would recommend it to those who are very interested in drug cartels because here is a lot of info about the traffickers of Galicia.
Thanks to Diamond Book Distributors for the ARC and the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
This could be a very good nonfiction graphic novel. I’m not sure what I expected, but because of the mention of the Netflix series, I pictured this completely different. I guess I expected an interesting and gripping story. But the plot is quite disjointed, and it often turns out very dry, just listing the facts with nothing to glue the entire story together. And in the end, as a story, it fell a bit flat for me.
Otherwise, it is very informative in terms of history and how everything worked. I like the style and the illustrations. They are very good. Black and white with red to emphasize the details. It suits the story and theme.
I would recommend it to those who are very interested in drug cartels because here is a lot of info about the traffickers of Galicia.
Thanks to Diamond Book Distributors for the ARC and the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2025
There are parts of this book that tell clear, chronological history and parts that are episodic and confusing. Including several pages of biographies of drug smugglers. If not already familiar with these names, it is hard to track who is who throughout the book. I would have liked to see the book be a bit longer and have more explanation/analysis.
Edit: I moved this down from three stars down to two because my students hated it so much. Every single student review mentioned hating it; the discussion we had was a bloodbath. The students have spoken.
Edit: I moved this down from three stars down to two because my students hated it so much. Every single student review mentioned hating it; the discussion we had was a bloodbath. The students have spoken.
May 26, 2020
Logo do libro, a serie, e os bonecos* chega ¡o cómic de Fariña! Fora coñas, é o primeiro que pensei cando abrín este agasallo de Nadal retrasado. Éche o que pasa cando non voltas a casa por Nadal e logo chega unha pandemia.
E agora en serio, serio. Como non estou na casa non sei ata que punto Fariña foi o fenómeno cultural do 2019. Igual porque evitei a sobresaturación pareceume un libro moi interesante e una serie moi entretida. Da BD podo dicir o mesmo. Igual non é o colmo da orixinalidade, pero descartala como un simple refrito sería un erro.
Bustos fai unha grande labor de condensar o libro de Carretero, que sendo honestos non é tan longo. Deste xeito, en troques de pasar seis horas para saber todo que hai que saber sobre o narcotráfico en Galiza, podes facer o mesmo en menos de dúas. Por dicir dúas cousas ás que me lembra, Palestina—por aquelo de ser BD-xornalismo—e 100 Balas—nas escenas violentas. Penso que algo que está moi ben feito é a combinación nos retratos da persoa real, e do actor que a interpretou na serie, aínda que as veces semella máis a estes últimos.
A historia xa a coñecedes, pero por se alguén non se enterou, esta a a version BD do libro, non da serie. O cal é moi interesante, porque evidentemente a narración é menos convencional, pero funciona de xeito marabilloso.
O epílogo resultoume moi interesante precisamente porque coido que perdín bastante do fenómeno cultural, e paga a pena ler “a súa verdade.” Pode que “Fariña” non sexa máis que non ficción popera, pero iso non quita que cómpre falar do noso pasado máis recente, e mais escuro.
*Non digades que non molaria ter destes xoguetes que chaman action figures tipo GIJOE: Sito coa súa planadora, Oubiña coa furgoneta, e a base de operacións: o restaurante de Terito (pilas non incluídas, máis de 5,000 ptas)
E agora en serio, serio. Como non estou na casa non sei ata que punto Fariña foi o fenómeno cultural do 2019. Igual porque evitei a sobresaturación pareceume un libro moi interesante e una serie moi entretida. Da BD podo dicir o mesmo. Igual non é o colmo da orixinalidade, pero descartala como un simple refrito sería un erro.
Bustos fai unha grande labor de condensar o libro de Carretero, que sendo honestos non é tan longo. Deste xeito, en troques de pasar seis horas para saber todo que hai que saber sobre o narcotráfico en Galiza, podes facer o mesmo en menos de dúas. Por dicir dúas cousas ás que me lembra, Palestina—por aquelo de ser BD-xornalismo—e 100 Balas—nas escenas violentas. Penso que algo que está moi ben feito é a combinación nos retratos da persoa real, e do actor que a interpretou na serie, aínda que as veces semella máis a estes últimos.
A historia xa a coñecedes, pero por se alguén non se enterou, esta a a version BD do libro, non da serie. O cal é moi interesante, porque evidentemente a narración é menos convencional, pero funciona de xeito marabilloso.
O epílogo resultoume moi interesante precisamente porque coido que perdín bastante do fenómeno cultural, e paga a pena ler “a súa verdade.” Pode que “Fariña” non sexa máis que non ficción popera, pero iso non quita que cómpre falar do noso pasado máis recente, e mais escuro.
*Non digades que non molaria ter destes xoguetes que chaman action figures tipo GIJOE: Sito coa súa planadora, Oubiña coa furgoneta, e a base de operacións: o restaurante de Terito (pilas non incluídas, máis de 5,000 ptas)
December 31, 2020
No he visto toda la serie basada en el libro de Nacho Carretero, pero viendo algunos de los capítulos sospechaba que tenía bastante ficción y que se centraba menos en el entramado y más en la figura de Sito Miñanco. Una manera rápida y agradable de comprobarlo fue leyendo esta novela gráfica (que se termina en un par de horas), y que muestra la complejidad del fenómeno del contrabando en Galicia y su evolución al narcotráfico.
Evidentemente la novel gráfica no profundiza (para eso está el libro), pero la adaptación es más que correcta y lo que muestra es suficiente para tener una idea informada de lo que ocurrió y tdavía está ocurriendo. El dibujo se adapta muy bien al tono narrativo y el blanco y negro es perfecto para lo que se cuenta. "Fariña. La novela gráfica" no sería lo mismo en color. Perdería fuerza.
Recomendable para l@s que no tengan tiempo para el libro y les quedarán ganas de saber más después de ver la serie.
Evidentemente la novel gráfica no profundiza (para eso está el libro), pero la adaptación es más que correcta y lo que muestra es suficiente para tener una idea informada de lo que ocurrió y tdavía está ocurriendo. El dibujo se adapta muy bien al tono narrativo y el blanco y negro es perfecto para lo que se cuenta. "Fariña. La novela gráfica" no sería lo mismo en color. Perdería fuerza.
Recomendable para l@s que no tengan tiempo para el libro y les quedarán ganas de saber más después de ver la serie.
January 20, 2021
Intrigante, con tensión creciente a cada rato. Las últimas viñetas detonan en llanto todo el dolor que va transmitiendo conforme avanza la trama. El epílogo del autor realmente fascinante. Me ha dado motivos de peso para leer la novela.
November 14, 2020
Bueno y entretenido, pero tienes que haberte leído antes el libro de Fariña, sino no entenderás nada
January 31, 2021
La novela es impresionante, y el cómic no la desmerece nada. Un 10.
April 28, 2021
Excelente adaptación de la novela del mismo nombre.
August 14, 2021
Me encanto , un libro totalmente recomendable
December 29, 2021
Un cómic que leerás en menos de 1 hora y descubrirás los entresijos de donde nació la historia del contrabando en España.
Aunque no es muy largo, desarrolla bien la historia.
Aunque no es muy largo, desarrolla bien la historia.
April 20, 2022
Versión en cómic del ensayo homónimo. Como resumen funciona bien.
June 11, 2022
Al estupor que provoca la realidad que cuenta le añade un ritmo frenético sin caer en juicios morales
July 14, 2023
Menudos perlitas salen de Galicia
February 4, 2024
Perfecta adaptación del libro.
Un perfecto resumen de la historia del narcotráfico gallego.
Un perfecto resumen de la historia del narcotráfico gallego.
November 29, 2025
It glorifies the cartel and has no thesis…
August 20, 2020
Fantástico comic, espectacular guión y dibujo, muy recomendable. Encomiable trabajo periodístico volcado a la historia gráfica. Una capacidad de transmitir un tema como es el narcotráfico en Galicia, diría que es muy valiente. No deja indiferente.
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September 7, 2021This is a graphic novelization of a journalistic account of smuggling in Galicia, a jagged coastal region of rocky inlets to the north of Portugal. This region’s entrance into smuggling began not with illicit drugs, but rather with cigarettes that were bootlegged to evade taxation. However, it wasn’t long before it was discovered that this supply chain could be exploited for illegal drugs, notably Columbian cocaine. The Columbian cartels would become a major player in the region and Galicia would become the single biggest entry point for cocaine into Europe.
This mix of graphic novel and journalism is a bit strange, but it does have its advantages. For example, maps and drawings of the coast offer a sense of how geography played into smuggling operations. The art combines a gritty style optimal to the narco- world, but with some beautiful layouts. And, the art does a good job of conveying the changing time periods, as this book covers decades of activity.
I found the book intriguing, with many insights into the hidden world of narcotics smuggling in a location that is famed for its natural beauty. There is a prose appendix that is also compelling. It discusses the response to the book (by criminals, police, and the general public, alike) and what impact that response had (and / or didn’t have) on smuggling in the region. If you’re curious about the business of narcotics trafficking, you’ll likely find this an interesting read.
This mix of graphic novel and journalism is a bit strange, but it does have its advantages. For example, maps and drawings of the coast offer a sense of how geography played into smuggling operations. The art combines a gritty style optimal to the narco- world, but with some beautiful layouts. And, the art does a good job of conveying the changing time periods, as this book covers decades of activity.
I found the book intriguing, with many insights into the hidden world of narcotics smuggling in a location that is famed for its natural beauty. There is a prose appendix that is also compelling. It discusses the response to the book (by criminals, police, and the general public, alike) and what impact that response had (and / or didn’t have) on smuggling in the region. If you’re curious about the business of narcotics trafficking, you’ll likely find this an interesting read.
September 8, 2021
Not typical of the graphic novels that get turned into Netflix programmes, this is a graphic novel adaptation of a Spanish journalist's look into the history and present of the cocaine trade that the Colombians have got in NW Spain. The impoverished region was big on smuggling cigarettes for decades, and nobody minded, and so of course over the latter half of the last century stronger stuff got included in shipments. The book's first half itemises the big wigs behind it all, and the big wigs ignoring the big wigs behind it all – a lot of the trade seems to have been a very open secret. Only for the second half do we see the fight back against the trafficking and resulting drug use. There's a kind of social history of traffickers, as nowadays the high-ups can't be nearly as flashy as they used to be, and perhaps the judiciary are a bit less easy to bribe and a bit more inclined to stop the trade.
Anyway, enough of the contents, what of the appeal of the book? Well, I found it dry and hard to like, unfortunately. It's not really a subject I'm hugely interested in, either, but the best book would have made me change my mind about that. This really wasn't that book, although if you have an interest in that kind of thing, this look at how a whole region got to accept thousands of tons of hard drugs changing hands on their doorsteps and coastline might well engage more than it did with me.
Anyway, enough of the contents, what of the appeal of the book? Well, I found it dry and hard to like, unfortunately. It's not really a subject I'm hugely interested in, either, but the best book would have made me change my mind about that. This really wasn't that book, although if you have an interest in that kind of thing, this look at how a whole region got to accept thousands of tons of hard drugs changing hands on their doorsteps and coastline might well engage more than it did with me.
October 13, 2021
Quick impressions: Overall, I liked the book, but it was not an easy read. As I mentioned, the prose can be slow, and the book's pacing can be slow. For English readers, Galician (Gallego) names and terms that are not always explained can be an issue. Heck, I am a native Spanish speaker, and I had an issue or two along the way. In the end, I liked it, but I am not enthusiastic about it. Slow pacing, confusing at times, and dry text just kept me from enjoying this more. It was OK for me.
(More detailed review on my blog. The post will go live after the book's publication date)
(More detailed review on my blog. The post will go live after the book's publication date)
September 23, 2021
This was disappointing, mostly because it felt like someone took a short information piece and tried to make it into a graphic novel.
Rather then the art adding to the narrative, I often felt like it was directly impeding my ability to comfortably read and process the information that was trying to be presented.
So much so that come the end of the book, I felt like the information I had gained was minimal.
Rather then the art adding to the narrative, I often felt like it was directly impeding my ability to comfortably read and process the information that was trying to be presented.
So much so that come the end of the book, I felt like the information I had gained was minimal.
March 18, 2022
There is a lot of information here, and I just don't think a graphic novel is the best way to tell this story. Some of the art is stunning, but it doesn't help you to understand the narrative. The Netflix series might be a better venue for telling the story.
January 21, 2020
Reseña completa en el blog: Lengua Sucinta
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