Fantagraphics has just announced the English-language publication of BRABA, an anthology of work by 16 Brazilian creators co-edited by award-winning artist Rafael Grampá and esteemed comics editor Janaina de Luna. The anthology is part of a landmark publishing partnership between Fantagraphics and Brazilian publisher Mino, who will simultaneously release the Brazilian edition of the book in Fall 2024.
According to Fantagraphics:
“Fantagraphics, the renowned publisher of cutting-edge comics and graphic novels, is thrilled to announce BRABA, a high concept anthology of innovative Brazilian comics.”
They add:
“BRABA brings together a diverse array of voices and styles under a unifying theme: deeply personal stories from experimental cartoonists. Each artist has uniquely interpreted this concept, resulting in a collection that encapsulates the intensity, political gravitas, and artistic avant-garde spirit of the Brazilian comics community during one of the country’s most challenging socio-political periods.”
The anthology will be comprised of thirteen stories produced by 16 creators, including: Amanda Miranda, Bruno Seelig, Diego Sanchez, Gabriel Goes, Jefferson Costa, Jéssica Groke, Sirlene Barbosa, João Pinheiro, Cris Eiko, Paulo Crumbim, Pedro Cobiaco, Pedro Franz, Rafael Coutinho, Shiko, and Wagner Willian.
The term “Braba” directly means “mad”/”angry” but the slang use of the term is positive, implying something impressive – derived from similar sounding word “Brava”, meaning brave/daring. Likewise the Fantagraphics, PR states, “BRABA aims to showcase the boldness and resilience required to thrive in Brazil’s bourgeoning comics scene.”
Fantagraphics VP and Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds said,
“We are incredibly excited to bring BRABA and a vibrant Brazilian comics scene to readers around the world. This collection not only highlights the exceptional talent of Brazilian cartoonists but also underscores Fantagraphics’ commitment to publishing the most remarkable works in the medium.”
BRABA co-editor Rafael Grampá said about the partnership:
“I discovered many artists I love through anthologies. I have always dreamed of working with Fantagraphics, and I’m happy to be able to share this opportunity with some of the most talented Brazilian comic artists today. I hope BRABA will impact more readers around the world with the vibrant and powerful comic scene happening in Brazil.”
Brazilian publisher Mino was enthusiastic about the deal, posting on social media [translated from the Brazilian Portugeuse via DeepL]:
“We are deeply proud to present to all of you what is undoubtedly a historic step for Mino and for Brazilian comics.
“In partnership with Fantagraphics and R. Grampá, we present BRABA – an anthology of Brazilian comics produced and published jointly by Mino and Fantagraphics, simultaneously in the USA and Brazil.
“This is the first time Fantagraphics has collaborated with a South American publisher. We are very proud to be at the forefront of this milestone! Onward!”
Editora Mino is a Brazilian publisher that has been around since 2014. They have a catalogue of over 80 titles which are a mix of work by local creators and translations of an eclectic mix of foreign material (spotted in their catalogue is work by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, Box Brown, Michael DeForge, James, Box Brown, and Seth, among others).
According to their About Us [translated via DeepL]:
“Knowing that sequential art is a fertile field for creating worlds and invading minds, Mino has planted its flag in the territory of national comics: there are now more than 80 books edited and grouped in a catalog that brings together the cream of national and international comics in extremely careful editions.
“Home of the old and the new, the established and the innovative, the MINO publisher remains unreserved, breaking barriers and seeking new horizons for the Brazilian comic book.”
Here are three sample pages by creators involved in the book:
Miss any of our earlier SDCC ’23 coverage? Find it all here!
