Editorial Gente Nueva (author/illustrator: Ñico (Antonio Mariño Souto), editor: Yolanda Borlado Vázquez), "El Mejor Amigo..." 1986. Offset print, book

Ñico (Antonio Mariño Souto) - "El Mejor Amigo..." (1986)

A delightful children's book by renowned Cuban caricaturist and graphic designer Ñico (Antonio Mariño Souto). Published by Editorial Gente Nueva in October 1986, this charming volume features Ñico's signature cartoon style with whimsical characters engaging in humorous situations.

Born in Havana on September 16, 1935, Ñico was a licensed journalist who became the artistic director of Bohemia magazine and a member of numerous Cuban cultural organizations including UPEC, UNEAC, and OIP. Throughout his career, he won 27 prizes in graphic design and 19 in humor, plus three international awards. His work appeared in magazines throughout both socialist and capitalist countries.

The vibrant yellow cover shows cartoon characters looking in a mirror with the exclamation "¡SI... ESE SOY YO!" (Yes... that's me!), capturing Ñico's playful approach to illustration. Published during the "Year of the 30th Anniversary of the Granma Landing," this book was printed at the Combinado Poligráfico "Alfredo López" of the Ministry of Culture.