La sombra roja

by Jean-Pierre Pécau and Jandro González
preface by David Fernández de Arriba

The writer Jorge Semprún, aka Federico Sánchez, finds himself on a mission: to tell the story of Tina Modotti (1896—1942), actor, model and photographer turned Comintern agent. The investigation takes Semprún to Mexico, where he is met by a beautiful and mysterious guide, one Lupe Vega...

Based on both facts and conspiracy theories — hey, if you’re paranoid it doesn’t mean they’re not after you — surrounding life, loves and death of Modotti, this comic is a pleasure to read and look at. Figures such as Edward Weston, Diego Rivera, Julio Antonio Mella and Vittorio Vidali all make their appearance. Ultimately, however, Jorge discovers nothing that I didn’t know already. The only surprise was the lack of any romantic development between Jorge and Lupe. Well, at least one cliché less.

Edward Weston "Tina" (1924). Gelatin silver print, 9 1/16 x 6 7/8" (23 x 17.5 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Diego Rivera "En el arsenal" (1928). Featuring Rivera himself, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Frida Kahlo, Julio Antonio Mella, Tina Modotti and Vittorio Vidali.