Enrique Pérez Penedo, born in Alicante in 1951, has become more than a graphic humorist, cartoonist, or caricaturist. He describes drawing as a lifelong habit that grew from a playful spark into a career long pursued with passion. He left chemistry studies because repetition bored him, discovering a talent for painting and joking with handwriting. He recalls starting with very simple cartoons for classmates, inspired by early cartoonists using simple tools in public spaces. He found pens he still uses today and learned to fuse imagination with current events, even as a student, month after month through a distance learning course. He shares how the hardest part of his early work was translating daily events into jokes that felt present and relevant.
In 1972, at twenty-one, the decision to present his work to a newspaper became a turning point. While working at a publication on Quintana street, he approached the editor with his sketches. The editor, Fernando Gil, asked if he had read the newspaper that day because something in his drawing matched the moment. The first gag showed a patient in a hospital setting responding to a nurse, a touch of flirtation that reflected the era. He maintains that the joke today might be different, as his focus shifts with the news, moving from local stories to national and international events, though he still occasionally includes risqué elements. He notes that humor has always evolved with society and language, and that today’s sensitivity to political correctness requires careful phrasing and thoughtful content.
The veteran cartoonist believes humor bears a social responsibility that extends beyond mere laughter. It can illuminate issues such as suicide, bullying, and gender violence, helping readers think more clearly about these topics while avoiding misinterpretation. He strives to craft vignettes that convey clear messages, aiming to smile without creating confusion or offense. Clarity is essential, and he knows there are lines not to cross even when addressing difficult subjects.
Enrique’s work has drawn attention to fifty years of daily drawing and publishing. His illustrations, created for a long-running information section, have reflected the changes and challenges of his city. He has tackled enduring problems like waste management, traffic, and public events, always trying to engage readers with social commentary. When approaching sensitive issues, he keeps his humor anchored to current events and local realities, avoiding gratuitous offense while inviting reflection. His aim is to offer both critique and humor, showing that a cartoon can question what is not working and celebrate what is good. He plans to continue producing cartoons for another two to three decades, determined to keep contributing in a way that resonates with readers.
The themes he covers in the provinces have remained steady over five decades. He continues to address everyday concerns and public life, always seeking a balance between entertainment and observation. He mentions a favorite challenge—the education pages—where he used a character to present lessons with a light touch, hoping to stimulate young readers while providing genuine information. When asked what he might draw for tomorrow, he often replies with an honest admission of not knowing yet, but his aim remains to connect with current events and deliver touches of humor with concise, readable text. He has spent decades refining a craft that aspires to convey meaningful commentary in as few words as possible, even as the world evolves and events unfold around him.