Editorial ORBE (cover designer: José González Rodríguez, editor: Aida Matilde Martín, selection and prologue: Mercedes Santos Moray, author: Pablo de la Torriente Brau), "Humor y Polvora," 1984. Offset print, book.

José González Rodríguez's cover design for "Humor y Polvora" creates a bold visual statement that captures the revolutionary spirit and literary legacy of Pablo de la Torriente Brau (1901-1936). The composition features dramatic typography in beige and orange against a deep purple background, with the author's portrait enclosed within a dynamic starburst pattern surrounded by stylized orange and yellow cloud forms. This explosive graphic treatment perfectly embodies the book's title—combining "humor" with "polvora" (gunpowder)—reflecting Torriente Brau's dual reputation as both a witty writer and fierce revolutionary.

Pablo de la Torriente Brau was one of Cuba's most celebrated revolutionary writers and journalists, known for his sharp political satire, humor columns, and unwavering commitment to social justice. He fought against the Machado dictatorship in Cuba and later joined the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, where he died in combat in 1936 at age 35. His writings combined biting humor with revolutionary fervor, making him a beloved figure in Cuban letters and a martyr of anti-fascist struggle.

Published by Editorial ORBE in October 1984 during the 25th anniversary year of the Revolution's triumph, this collection—edited by Mercedes Santos Moray—brought Torriente Brau's work to a new generation of Cuban readers. The book is dedicated to his sisters Zoe, Ruth, Graciela, and Lía de la Torriente Brau. González Rodríguez's design exemplifies 1980s Cuban revolutionary graphic design, employing bold geometric forms, high-contrast color schemes, and dynamic compositions that became hallmarks of the era's cultural production. The starburst motif serves as both a visual metaphor for revolutionary explosion and a framing device that elevates the author to iconic status, transforming his portrait into a symbol of revolutionary commitment and literary excellence.