Francisco Martín Morales, widely known by his pen name Martinmorales, passed away this Saturday at the age of 76. The news was reported by Ideal, noting that he began his career as a cartoonist early on and carved out a distinctive voice in Spanish graphic humor.
Granada’s mayor, Francisco Cuenca, spoke warmly after the news, saying on his Twitter profile that the city had lost a genius who transformed it into a home for laughter and insight. The sentiment reflected the deep connection Martín Morales had with the city and its creative community.
Born in Almería in 1946, Martinmorales later made Granada his home, where he developed the bulk of his creative work after studying journalism in Madrid. His trajectory blends sharp social observation with a playful spirit, a combination that earned him a dedicated following among readers and fellow artists alike.
During the 1970s, Martín Morales began collaborating with several publications, contributing to Nuevo Diario, Diario World, Barcelona World, and the magazine Thursday, among others, while also working with the OTR news agency. These early partnerships helped establish a foundation for a career that would span decades and cross many media formats.
He played a pivotal role in the founding of the magazine Por Favor, where he served as a partner before moving on to work with Grupo Z. Throughout these years, his cartoons and humorous illustrations found homes in both magazines and newspapers, expanding his reach and influence in Spanish media culture.
From 1994 onward, Martín Morales contributed to ABC newspaper, and since 2010 his work has appeared on republic.es, further extending his audience. His cartoons did more than entertain; they offered pointed social commentary, reflecting the moods, debates, and everyday realities of contemporary Spain.
Over the years, Martín Morales exhibited his drawings at prestigious venues, including a notable display at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. His work received recognition through several awards, such as the Valencia Humor Olympiad and the Mingote Prize, underscoring his standing as a leading light in graphic humor.
Beyond individual cartoons, he authored multiple books on graphic humor, including titles like The Spain of Martinmorales and Battle of the Gulf, which compiled his observations, wit, and unique visual storytelling into enduring collections for readers and scholars alike.
In May 2007, Martín Morales joined the Granada Academy of Fine Arts, reflecting a late-career recognition of his contributions to the arts community in Andalusia. His career serves as a bridge between traditional satirical illustration and contemporary visual journalism, illustrating how humor can illuminate social issues while entertaining a broad audience.
Martín Morales’ legacy endures in the collected panels, essays, and books that continue to inspire new generations of cartoonists and humorists. His creative philosophy, grounded in clear lines, keen observation, and a courage to challenge ideas with humor, remains relevant to readers who seek civic engagement alongside laughter. The artistic world of Granada and Spain at large remembers him as a catalyst for cultural dialogue—an artist whose work made a home for humor in public life, and whose memory will continue to inform and provoke in equal measure. [Source: Ideal newspaper]