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El faro
Francisco es un joven soldado republicano que, herido, trata de escapar de la guerra civil. En su huida llegará a un lugar donde no existen bandos ni órdenes, sólo el mar y la compañía del farero...
Telmo, el farero, le guiará en un viaje iniciático a través de los clásicos de la aventura. Gracias a Ulises, Gulliver o Simbad, Francisco descubrirá otros mundos que no conocía...
El Faro es un homenaje de Paco Roca a las aventuras de su infancia, un canto a favor de la libertad y la imaginación.
Nueva edición de esta personal obra de Paco Roca que incluye material extra con dibujos a lápiz, fotos, diseños, bocetos..., entre otras imágenes sobre la génesis de la obra, el prólogo de un farero y un epílogo del autor.
Telmo, el farero, le guiará en un viaje iniciático a través de los clásicos de la aventura. Gracias a Ulises, Gulliver o Simbad, Francisco descubrirá otros mundos que no conocía...
El Faro es un homenaje de Paco Roca a las aventuras de su infancia, un canto a favor de la libertad y la imaginación.
Nueva edición de esta personal obra de Paco Roca que incluye material extra con dibujos a lápiz, fotos, diseños, bocetos..., entre otras imágenes sobre la génesis de la obra, el prólogo de un farero y un epílogo del autor.
64 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2004
5 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
About the author
Paco Roca
84 books813 followersFrancisco Martínez Roca (aka Paco Roca) is a graphic artist and a cartoonist from Valencia, Spain, who has won several art/writing awards. His graphic novel Wrinkles has been adapted into an animated movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
May 10, 2017
A longish short comics story by Roca (Wrinkles), somewhat inspired by Borges's version of "The Tale of Two Dreamers" from A Thousand and One Nights. Francisco is eighteen, shell-shocked, fighting for the Republican guard during the Spanish Civil War. He deserts, becomes injured, and wakes up in an old lighthouse, tended by Telmo, an old lighthouse keeper, without politics, but joyful and positive where the boy is cynical and withdrawn.
The old man survives by picking up stuff that washes ashore from shipwrecks. He quotes Moby Dick, and kiddingly calls the young man that. One thing becomes clear: the old man takes care of th lighthouse, but there is no bulb, hasn't been one for years. And he speaks of an island that he wants to return to, so the two of them build a boat. The young man recovers, with the old man's help
The drawing is simple and really well done. The story is light and sweet, maybe 3.5, but bumped up for the essay about the story written by the author, which was really interesting. The story was originally published in 2005, now in a slightly revised English translation. A sea story, a war story, and a story about how we help each other keep going.
The old man survives by picking up stuff that washes ashore from shipwrecks. He quotes Moby Dick, and kiddingly calls the young man that. One thing becomes clear: the old man takes care of th lighthouse, but there is no bulb, hasn't been one for years. And he speaks of an island that he wants to return to, so the two of them build a boat. The young man recovers, with the old man's help
The drawing is simple and really well done. The story is light and sweet, maybe 3.5, but bumped up for the essay about the story written by the author, which was really interesting. The story was originally published in 2005, now in a slightly revised English translation. A sea story, a war story, and a story about how we help each other keep going.
July 27, 2025
A little gem of a GN that makes you reflect upon what is really important in life - art is so well done - you really feel as if you might have seen this lighthouse on a vacation long ago. Francisco (a sixteen-year-old Republican guard wounded in the Spanish Civil War) is trying to cross over the French border to safety. Telmo (the elderly lighthouse keeper) gives him shelter...and something much more important...a reason to carry on. Highest recommendation.
July 24, 2018
O meu primeiro contacto com Paco Roca como artista e escritor foi fabuloso. Já há muito que queria ler e começar pelo Rugas, mas este livro chegou-me às mãos primeiro. Reúne dois contos belíssimos, O Farol e O jogo lúgubre, que não são só pelo traço simples e bicromático, valem pela história!! O Farol narra uma história sofrida mas esperançosa, que pode ser comparado à vida de qualquer um. Para mais, passa-se num farol que é um dos meus sítios favoritos! O Jogo lúgubre mistura ficção com "realidade", num modo surreal bem ao estilo de e com Dali, um dos meus pintores favoritos! Com uma atmosfera gótica e macabra, envolve o leitor como num sonho angustiante.
Adorei esta edição da Levoir! 5 ⭐️
Adorei esta edição da Levoir! 5 ⭐️
June 2, 2021
বর্হেসের একটি গল্পের ছায়াবলম্বনে অপূর্ব একটা রেখাগল্প। অল্প দু'তিন ছটায়, স্পষ্ট রেখায় উদ্ভাসিত। একদম শেষটায় তেল্মোর জাহাজের নামটা দেখে চোখ ভিজে উঠলো। Perhaps every desperate journey we make was dreamt by a madman before.
লেখকের কথা অংশটুকু পড়ে সিদ্ধান্ত নিলাম, পাকো রোকার যা কিছু পাই, ইংরেজি-ফরাসি-হিস্পানি, পড়ে ফেলবো।
সংযোজন: এ রেখাগল্পটা পড়ে যদি কারো ভালো লাগে, ড্রিউ ওয়েইঙের সেট টু সি আর তারাপদ রায়ের ছোটসাহেব পড়তে ভুলবেন না।
লেখকের কথা অংশটুকু পড়ে সিদ্ধান্ত নিলাম, পাকো রোকার যা কিছু পাই, ইংরেজি-ফরাসি-হিস্পানি, পড়ে ফেলবো।
সংযোজন: এ রেখাগল্পটা পড়ে যদি কারো ভালো লাগে, ড্রিউ ওয়েইঙের সেট টু সি আর তারাপদ রায়ের ছোটসাহেব পড়তে ভুলবেন না।
October 5, 2021
Este livro apresenta-nos duas histórias bem diferentes.
Uma é uma história bonita recheada de fantasia e de esperança, a outra é uma história de terror bastante negra e perversa. As duas partilham o facto de serem histórias ancoradas em factos reais.
Adorei "O Farol" (5⭐) e gostei (mas não muito) de "O Jogo Lúgubre" (3⭐).
A história de "O Farol" veio despertar a minha memória literária infantil, do tempo em que as temáticas marítimas mais me fascinaram, ao revisitar algumas das histórias que marcaram esses anos. Achei-a uma história muito bonita e bem construida sobre a amizade que conduziu a uma reflexão interessante (apesar de não nova) sobre como os sonhos e a fantasia podem por vezes funcionar enquanto tábua de salvação para as tempestades e naufrágios da vida.
"O Jogo Lúgubre" é uma história de terror sobre a perversidade e crueldade de uma mente humana doente e perigosa. Em "O Farol" também encontramos desequilíbrio mental e comportamental, no entanto num personagem afável e "aparentemente" inofensivo. Contudo, em "O Jogo Lúgubre" achei a história muito perturbadora, pela ameaça que o indivíduo doente representa para quem o rodeia, ainda para mais quando a ficção "se encosta" tanto à realidade.
Apesar de nao ter gostado muito de ler esta última história, gostei muito das reflexões posteriores a que me levou, não só individualmente mas pela comparação com a história anterior, que se mostraram mais reveladoras naquilo que as une do que naquilo que as separa.
Uma é uma história bonita recheada de fantasia e de esperança, a outra é uma história de terror bastante negra e perversa. As duas partilham o facto de serem histórias ancoradas em factos reais.
Adorei "O Farol" (5⭐) e gostei (mas não muito) de "O Jogo Lúgubre" (3⭐).
A história de "O Farol" veio despertar a minha memória literária infantil, do tempo em que as temáticas marítimas mais me fascinaram, ao revisitar algumas das histórias que marcaram esses anos. Achei-a uma história muito bonita e bem construida sobre a amizade que conduziu a uma reflexão interessante (apesar de não nova) sobre como os sonhos e a fantasia podem por vezes funcionar enquanto tábua de salvação para as tempestades e naufrágios da vida.
"O Jogo Lúgubre" é uma história de terror sobre a perversidade e crueldade de uma mente humana doente e perigosa. Em "O Farol" também encontramos desequilíbrio mental e comportamental, no entanto num personagem afável e "aparentemente" inofensivo. Contudo, em "O Jogo Lúgubre" achei a história muito perturbadora, pela ameaça que o indivíduo doente representa para quem o rodeia, ainda para mais quando a ficção "se encosta" tanto à realidade.
Apesar de nao ter gostado muito de ler esta última história, gostei muito das reflexões posteriores a que me levou, não só individualmente mas pela comparação com a história anterior, que se mostraram mais reveladoras naquilo que as une do que naquilo que as separa.
June 3, 2019
A Very Young man, a child really, signs up as a rifleman so he can wear a uniform and impress a girl. Then the Spanish Civil War starts, before they ever kiss. He fights on the Republican side. We meet him alone, terrified, running; running to nowhere - after that brief Republic is defeated by the Fascists. He awakens in a broken lighthouse.
Young, defeated, flat, without beliefs - dreams are nonsense - his had been to travel the world, but now “There are borders and people who will kill for them.”
The lighthouse keeper:
“When one’s spirit becomes embittered one should get to the sea as soon as possible.”
Can stories (the ones that create what Roca calls the “sensation of marvel” in his postscript) bring someone back to life? The ones that gave so many of us (here on GR) our love of reading? The nourishment given this young man reminds me of how i think of the myths i like - prove to me that it is not true i growl: Kali! Pele! Santa Claus! We may assist them, but they were there first.
What stories filled Harriet Tubman? What stars, what dreams, sustained her? Kept her alive?
Can well told stories help us heal? Help us learn the truth about our past stupidity? Help us take the risks we need to take to save ourselves and all those we share this sweet earth with?
Paco Roca’s can help.
I was a late adopter of the graphic novel. But this artist and writer has convinced me. His “simple” line drawings can evoke terrifying hate on the face of a fascista that hurt my heart, or show courage in the shadow of a man with truth beyond reality, backlit by fire, and wonder that makes me want to be a child again - all drawings without words. But his words are sweet, too.
“An unfulfilled dream of one character was given to another for him to fulfill.”
Young, defeated, flat, without beliefs - dreams are nonsense - his had been to travel the world, but now “There are borders and people who will kill for them.”
The lighthouse keeper:
“When one’s spirit becomes embittered one should get to the sea as soon as possible.”
Can stories (the ones that create what Roca calls the “sensation of marvel” in his postscript) bring someone back to life? The ones that gave so many of us (here on GR) our love of reading? The nourishment given this young man reminds me of how i think of the myths i like - prove to me that it is not true i growl: Kali! Pele! Santa Claus! We may assist them, but they were there first.
What stories filled Harriet Tubman? What stars, what dreams, sustained her? Kept her alive?
Can well told stories help us heal? Help us learn the truth about our past stupidity? Help us take the risks we need to take to save ourselves and all those we share this sweet earth with?
Paco Roca’s can help.
I was a late adopter of the graphic novel. But this artist and writer has convinced me. His “simple” line drawings can evoke terrifying hate on the face of a fascista that hurt my heart, or show courage in the shadow of a man with truth beyond reality, backlit by fire, and wonder that makes me want to be a child again - all drawings without words. But his words are sweet, too.
“An unfulfilled dream of one character was given to another for him to fulfill.”
June 21, 2022
Esta é, talvez, a obra de Paco Roca que menos me agradou...
O Farol - 08/10
O Jogo Lúgubre - 05/10 - não consigo encaixar com traços e histórias surrealistas...
Vídeo de opinião (a partir do minuto 12:56): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVbnX...
O Farol - 08/10
O Jogo Lúgubre - 05/10 - não consigo encaixar com traços e histórias surrealistas...
Vídeo de opinião (a partir do minuto 12:56): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVbnX...
September 10, 2020
4,5*
5* para a sensibilidade em relação aos sonhos e à vida presente na primeira história.
4* para o bizarro e o horrendo em relação aos excêntricos e às dúvidas que eles deixam no mundo.
As histórias nada têm que ver uma com a outra, excepto ao beirarem transtornos ou mesmo doenças do foro psicológico e no facto de que as personagens realmente existiram. Não deixa de ser, então, uma junção estranha, mas o contexto que o autor nos dá após a leitura ajuda a entender o porquê de ter criado estas histórias e o mistério que vemos num faroleiro isolado, no final, não é assim tão diferente do mistério que encontramos nas pessoas que escolhem se isolar.
5* para a sensibilidade em relação aos sonhos e à vida presente na primeira história.
4* para o bizarro e o horrendo em relação aos excêntricos e às dúvidas que eles deixam no mundo.
As histórias nada têm que ver uma com a outra, excepto ao beirarem transtornos ou mesmo doenças do foro psicológico e no facto de que as personagens realmente existiram. Não deixa de ser, então, uma junção estranha, mas o contexto que o autor nos dá após a leitura ajuda a entender o porquê de ter criado estas histórias e o mistério que vemos num faroleiro isolado, no final, não é assim tão diferente do mistério que encontramos nas pessoas que escolhem se isolar.
September 9, 2017
Beautiful piece of work.
An 18-year old rifleman with a dull perspective on life crosses path with an eccentric fisherman. As their friendship develops, the young man becomes more and more optimistic right up to the twist at the end.
An 18-year old rifleman with a dull perspective on life crosses path with an eccentric fisherman. As their friendship develops, the young man becomes more and more optimistic right up to the twist at the end.
April 29, 2024
Un trabajo algo primerizo de Roca (Especialmente si lo comparamos con su obra posterior) pero que ya apunta maneras. Una historia de aventura con un punto onírico que engancha y con un final muy bien construido.
May 29, 2022
Francisco is an injured soldier that washed up on the shore of a lighthouse after narrowly escaping from the conflict of the Spanish War. Telmo is the jolly and eccentric lighthouse keeper that nurses the boy back to health. Helpless, depressed and stuck on an island with the old tale teller, Francisco begins to turn a new leaf as the old lighthouse keeper's high spirits rubs off on him.
A relaxing slice of life story full of high seas adventure tales and generational bonding. The premise loosely inspired the awesome horror movie featuring William Defoe and Robert Pattinson, but this doesn't have nearly the same level of terror and suspense. In fact, it's actually pretty chill and wholesome even with the sudden twist near the end.
A relaxing slice of life story full of high seas adventure tales and generational bonding. The premise loosely inspired the awesome horror movie featuring William Defoe and Robert Pattinson, but this doesn't have nearly the same level of terror and suspense. In fact, it's actually pretty chill and wholesome even with the sudden twist near the end.
December 30, 2021
3.5 stars
February 3, 2017
A graphic novel that has been translated from Spanish to English, it tells the story of a young boy who has unfortunately ended up being a part of the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War, in order to impress a girl, and ends up injured at an old lighthouse. There he meets Telmo, the owner of the lighthouse, who tells him stories of famous sea travelers and his own past. All the while, the Civil War continues and is always present in the background of the story.
I quite enjoyed this graphic novel. It was like a lighthearted story with darker tones underneath it, as most historical graphic novels end up being like. I definitely would not mind hanging out in a lighthouse all day listening to jolly Telmo recounted stories. The novel itself is very quick and gives you a peek into what it was like living during the Spanish Civil War, which not many people, myself included despite how much I love history. The author, Paco Roca, does state that this book was meant to be a bit more relaxed compared to his previous work but it still pricked a little at my heart strings.
Definitely pick this up if you want a quick read!
I quite enjoyed this graphic novel. It was like a lighthearted story with darker tones underneath it, as most historical graphic novels end up being like. I definitely would not mind hanging out in a lighthouse all day listening to jolly Telmo recounted stories. The novel itself is very quick and gives you a peek into what it was like living during the Spanish Civil War, which not many people, myself included despite how much I love history. The author, Paco Roca, does state that this book was meant to be a bit more relaxed compared to his previous work but it still pricked a little at my heart strings.
Definitely pick this up if you want a quick read!
January 5, 2017
We are touched by major events in our lives, and the lives of our country. The Spanish Civil War seems to have touched artists and cartoonists of Spain like nothing in the US, save, perhaps WWII.
This is a story of one soldier, based on one the cartoonist knew, who was on the losing side, and wanted to escape to France. Along the way he meets an old light house keeper who tells him tales of an island that they must sail to, and so together, as a way of healing, they build a ship to take them there.
It is a quiet tale, with the underpinnings of the war not too far away. Beautifully illustrated, and sad, or perhaps not sad, depending on how you interpret it.
Recommend this for those who want to read graphic novels from non-Americans, and see how others tell stories.
Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This is a story of one soldier, based on one the cartoonist knew, who was on the losing side, and wanted to escape to France. Along the way he meets an old light house keeper who tells him tales of an island that they must sail to, and so together, as a way of healing, they build a ship to take them there.
It is a quiet tale, with the underpinnings of the war not too far away. Beautifully illustrated, and sad, or perhaps not sad, depending on how you interpret it.
Recommend this for those who want to read graphic novels from non-Americans, and see how others tell stories.
Thanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.
May 21, 2023
The first story was good. I enjoyed the dynamic between the young soldier and the old man of the lighthouse. I love the art and the color.
But the main surprise was the 2nd story...
I had no idea that Paco Roca had an horror story!
From what I understand, it's an adaptation from another author, but still... This one caught me by surprise.
I love it. It will probably stay in my memory as one of my favourite horror stories. That is how much I enjoyed.
This shows how well Roca can narrate different story types.
But the main surprise was the 2nd story...
I had no idea that Paco Roca had an horror story!
From what I understand, it's an adaptation from another author, but still... This one caught me by surprise.
I love it. It will probably stay in my memory as one of my favourite horror stories. That is how much I enjoyed.
This shows how well Roca can narrate different story types.
January 28, 2020
I'm glad this didn't turn out like the movie.
April 8, 2023
Me ha gustado, aunque la historia me ha parecido muy corta. Se lee en un rato.
July 26, 2025
Paco Roca será siempre un safe space en el que puedo confiar para darme historias maravillosas con ilustraciones preciosas. Y este librito no es diferente. En el faro, Paco cuenta la historia de un joven republicano que al ser perseguido por los nacionales, acaba en una isla con un faro. En esta isla conoce al farero y le empieza a hacer compañía y a ayudarle. La clave del relato para mi recae, como en muchos casos con este autor, en cómo la guerra civil de alguna manera cobra protagonismo en segundo plano.
February 6, 2017
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
When a young soldier takes refuge in a lighthouse, he learns some valuable lessons from the eccentric lighthouse keeper.
The underlying dark themes of war and violence are reflected in the monochromatic art in The Lighthouse. The story opens on the escape attempt of Francisco, a young soldier who is offered sanctuary by elderly but cheerful Telmo, the keeper of a lighthouse. As Francisco learns more about the lighthouse and its workings, and assists Telmo in building a boat from the flotsam that washes up on the beach, he begins to heal from his experiences and question his commitment to his cause. When events take an unexpected turn for Francisco later in the story, he is forced to take his fate into his own hands and decide what kind of life he wants to lead.
The Lighthouse deals with the sort of choices that, when made, define a life. Telmo has made his choices in life and is content to keep the lighthouse in order in anticipation for the day when the government will send a new bulb to restore the lighthouse to full function. Francisco, who was previously unwavering in his commitment to his ideals, begins to think for himself under Telmo's fanciful guidance.
This is not an overly long read, but it certainly packs a punch and will generate discussion about loyalties to duty and to self, and the sacrifices that individuals make to attain their goals. This would be an interesting inclusion in a secondary or university course focusing on ethics.
Ten Second Synopsis:
When a young soldier takes refuge in a lighthouse, he learns some valuable lessons from the eccentric lighthouse keeper.
The underlying dark themes of war and violence are reflected in the monochromatic art in The Lighthouse. The story opens on the escape attempt of Francisco, a young soldier who is offered sanctuary by elderly but cheerful Telmo, the keeper of a lighthouse. As Francisco learns more about the lighthouse and its workings, and assists Telmo in building a boat from the flotsam that washes up on the beach, he begins to heal from his experiences and question his commitment to his cause. When events take an unexpected turn for Francisco later in the story, he is forced to take his fate into his own hands and decide what kind of life he wants to lead.
The Lighthouse deals with the sort of choices that, when made, define a life. Telmo has made his choices in life and is content to keep the lighthouse in order in anticipation for the day when the government will send a new bulb to restore the lighthouse to full function. Francisco, who was previously unwavering in his commitment to his ideals, begins to think for himself under Telmo's fanciful guidance.
This is not an overly long read, but it certainly packs a punch and will generate discussion about loyalties to duty and to self, and the sacrifices that individuals make to attain their goals. This would be an interesting inclusion in a secondary or university course focusing on ethics.
December 14, 2017
A touching short story about a young solider feeling jaded and hopeless at the end of Spanish war. He finds refuge at a lighthouse where he finds an older man with a different outlook on life. The art is simple yet beautiful and matches the story wonderfully. Although it is a quick read it has depth and is very touching. I would recommend it to anyone
December 2, 2014
An interesting story that was played out too quickly.
I felt like the end came up so suddenly and unexpectedly that it dashed my hopes of Moby Dick and Telmo healing their friendship. Telmo's light went out.
I felt like the end came up so suddenly and unexpectedly that it dashed my hopes of Moby Dick and Telmo healing their friendship. Telmo's light went out.
June 3, 2017
3.5 stars
Short and sweet story of a lighthouse keeper restoring hope to a lost soldier. I liked the limited palette for the artwork.
Short and sweet story of a lighthouse keeper restoring hope to a lost soldier. I liked the limited palette for the artwork.
December 13, 2018
Wonderful art, and a rather wistful story.
February 24, 2022
Paco Roca’s “The Lighthouse” took me to a windswept coast in Spain during the 1930s Spanish Civil War. Francisco, 18-year-old soldier deserts the army and gets injured while he tries to escape. He finds himself washed up at the shores of a small island with a towering lighthouse. Telmo, the elderly lighthouse keeper, finds him and nurses him back to health. As he heals, Francisco and Telmo get to know each other, and a friendship begins to blossom.
At first, Francisco finds Telmo’s irrepressible good humour and positivity irritating. It clashes with his own bitterness and cynicism planted by his experiences in the war. Gradually though his heart thaws, his defences relax as he helps Telmo with his lighthouse maintenance work and also in building a ship that Telmo wants to take to the island of Laputa. Telmo weaves magical tales of the inhabitants of the island, mesmerizing Francisco who begins to rediscover the person he used to be.
Apart from their friendship, the book is also about healing, hope, and adapting to change. It’s about embracing a new life including all the mess it might come with.
I loved the rich illustrations in this book, which complemented the clean and elegant storytelling. There’s a sparse simplicity to it which belies the variety of themes it touches upon – war, grief, friendship, adulting, magical realism, and others. Highly recommended.
I read this on Scribd.
At first, Francisco finds Telmo’s irrepressible good humour and positivity irritating. It clashes with his own bitterness and cynicism planted by his experiences in the war. Gradually though his heart thaws, his defences relax as he helps Telmo with his lighthouse maintenance work and also in building a ship that Telmo wants to take to the island of Laputa. Telmo weaves magical tales of the inhabitants of the island, mesmerizing Francisco who begins to rediscover the person he used to be.
Apart from their friendship, the book is also about healing, hope, and adapting to change. It’s about embracing a new life including all the mess it might come with.
I loved the rich illustrations in this book, which complemented the clean and elegant storytelling. There’s a sparse simplicity to it which belies the variety of themes it touches upon – war, grief, friendship, adulting, magical realism, and others. Highly recommended.
I read this on Scribd.
February 7, 2017
'The Lighthouse' by Paco Roca was such a good graphic novel. This is the kind of book to recommend to people who think comics are for kids.
Francisco is young man fighting for the Republican guard during the Spanish Civil War. He has decided he has had enough and he deserts. He is helped by a lonely lighthouse keeper. The older man lives off of the flotsam that the sea brings him. The old man is joyful, but the young is cynical. The old man sings songs and quotes Moby Dick. He tends to the lighthouse, even though there is no bulb in the light. Someday soon, he may get a replacement and he wants the lighthouse to be ready.
I really loved this story. It's a quieter story and the relationship between the young man and the old man evolves over the story. There are some interesting twists and turns along the way. The art is very good. I'm glad I got a chance to read this.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Papercutz, NBM Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Francisco is young man fighting for the Republican guard during the Spanish Civil War. He has decided he has had enough and he deserts. He is helped by a lonely lighthouse keeper. The older man lives off of the flotsam that the sea brings him. The old man is joyful, but the young is cynical. The old man sings songs and quotes Moby Dick. He tends to the lighthouse, even though there is no bulb in the light. Someday soon, he may get a replacement and he wants the lighthouse to be ready.
I really loved this story. It's a quieter story and the relationship between the young man and the old man evolves over the story. There are some interesting twists and turns along the way. The art is very good. I'm glad I got a chance to read this.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Papercutz, NBM Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
August 18, 2025
Gosto bastante dos livros de Paco Roca. A única excepção será, porventura, O Inverno do Desenhador, pois não achei o argumento desse livro muito apelativo. Achei-o mesmo aborrecido ou então, desinteressante, para quem não está dentro das intrigas passadas do mundo editorial da Barcelona do século XX.
Em todo o caso, Paco Roca é um autor que desenha com traços simples, o que abona a favor dos argumentos que, nota-se, são muito trabalhados. Nos livros de Paco Roca, aquilo que parece simples, não é! E isso é sempre positivo. Veja-se o livro Rugas ou o então extremamemente emocionante A Casa.
Neste livro que inclui duas histórias distintas, nota-se igualmente em ambas que a simplicidade mascara o árduo trabalho que terá sido compor os argumentos e desenhá-los.
Lido pela primeira vez em 2018 e relido em 2025.
Em todo o caso, Paco Roca é um autor que desenha com traços simples, o que abona a favor dos argumentos que, nota-se, são muito trabalhados. Nos livros de Paco Roca, aquilo que parece simples, não é! E isso é sempre positivo. Veja-se o livro Rugas ou o então extremamemente emocionante A Casa.
Neste livro que inclui duas histórias distintas, nota-se igualmente em ambas que a simplicidade mascara o árduo trabalho que terá sido compor os argumentos e desenhá-los.
Lido pela primeira vez em 2018 e relido em 2025.
December 5, 2021
The last buddy read with Ashley in the theme of Lighthouse. This graphic novel I bought on a whim. The cover kind of reminded me of the movie, The Lighthouse, directed by Robert Eggers. I love that movie and although the stories aren’t really similar, Zi still feel it has a similarity.
This story is about an 18 year old soldier who is on the “wrong” side. He is running from capture. He sees a lighthouse and decides to try and swim to it. He wakes the next say in bed. An old Lightkeeper fished him out of the ocean. The young man has lost the ability to dream of the future and the old man tells the young rifleman a story that changes his life.
I found the graphic novel sad, but sweet. Definitely enjoyed it.
This story is about an 18 year old soldier who is on the “wrong” side. He is running from capture. He sees a lighthouse and decides to try and swim to it. He wakes the next say in bed. An old Lightkeeper fished him out of the ocean. The young man has lost the ability to dream of the future and the old man tells the young rifleman a story that changes his life.
I found the graphic novel sad, but sweet. Definitely enjoyed it.
February 7, 2017
A republican soldier is being gunned down by fascists. He is hurt and stumbles his way to a majestic lighthouse. He passes out, has vivid dreams, and wakes inside the lighthouse to find that his wounds have been tended. Setting out to the beach he meets Telmo, the lighthouse's keeper. The older man nicknames the soldier Moby Dick and offers him sanctuary while he recuperates. As the two build a boat using scavenged materials from the sea, their friendship develops.
While I would rate the story four-stars, the author's note at the end, "The Eternal Rewrite," earns this book its five-star review. Buy it, read it, share it.
While I would rate the story four-stars, the author's note at the end, "The Eternal Rewrite," earns this book its five-star review. Buy it, read it, share it.
March 25, 2017
A nice short work, more akin to a novella than a short story. I first discovered Roca last year through the Spanish Fever anthology from Fantagraphics, and then his Wrinkles which came out about the same time. I like his style, both the art and the storytelling. The Lighthouse might come off as pat to some, but I think it's a sweet story.
March 17, 2019
⭐️3.5⭐️
Una historia sencilla y cortita, que tiene una aire nostálgico y algunas viñetas muy conmovedoras.
Le pongo un 3.5 porque quiza me parece demasiado simple, creo que podría dar algo más de sí aunque es una historia muy bonita.
Una historia sencilla y cortita, que tiene una aire nostálgico y algunas viñetas muy conmovedoras.
Le pongo un 3.5 porque quiza me parece demasiado simple, creo que podría dar algo más de sí aunque es una historia muy bonita.
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