Juan Padrón Blanco is one of the most emblematic figures in the Cuban comics and animation scene, and the creator of Cuba's most popular comic character, 'Elpidio Valdés'. Born in Cárdenas, Matanzas, he began working at the Animation Department of the ICAIC at the age of 17. After his military service, he joined the magazine Mella, where he alternated on 'El Hueco' with Virgilio Martínez and Silvio Rodríguez. He was also present in Muñequitos with 'Barsoom de Marte'.
Barsoom de Marte
Padrón created his best known character, 'Elpidio Valdés', in 1970. This Creole rebel has been featured in many comic strips as well as short and feature films, throughout the years, and has about the same popularity in Cuba, as 'Astérix' has in France. Padrón is also known for his 1985 cult film 'Vampiros en la Habana'.
