Norma Editorial brings us the complete edition of the Curiosity store, where Montse Martín and Teresa Valero They take us to Spain in the early 20th century to unravel an enigma

It didn’t make much noise at the time (unfairly), but now thanks to Editorial standard We can save, in a global format, a national work that has little to envy of today’s most sought-after European works. With Curiosity shop many readers will find, quite unexpectedly, a comic in which the screenwriter Teresa Valero and the artist Montse Martin They give everything to build a great story that deserves a place in the history of Spanish comics.

A Spanish story with a French flavour

Although it is true that the authors of this work are Spanish, it would be correct to say that it is a work of French production, since it was originally published by Glenat is French. Maybe if it had been conceived today things would have been different, but at the time these girls started working on it it seems that there was not a strong enough industry in the country to carry out this project.

The setting of the story is one of the greatest advantages it offers, and behind it there is a brutal research work. The plot takes place in the second decade of the 20th century, and we see the political and cultural environment of Spain before the Spanish Civil War and the World War reflected very well, with multiple references to the circumstances of that time which can become a split for the lay reader on these topics.

But even the small details, the daily life of ordinary people, are conveyed here with great realism. And obviously the well-known places that we will be able to recognize on several occasions, changed over the years but still identifiable, such as Atocha or the Toledo train station, will also be elements that will enhance these pages.

Research in difficult times

Our protagonist, Massimo Pradohe begins the story returning home after a period spent in a Christian school where his irreverence earned him the resentment of all the nuns who ran it. But as soon as he arrives home he finds the unpleasant surprise that his beloved parent has died.

This authoritarian and anachronistic young woman will in a certain sense be the driving force of the plot, since it will be her incisive curiosity that will set in motion the succession of events that will take us from mystery to mystery. He will be at your side Sadicarius Moonan elderly woman who will act as a maternal figure and at the same time a link to her father’s past, as well as the antagonist of the story, Valsapenaa mysterious villain who has more than one surprise in store for us and whose relationship with Max will flirt with that of enemies of lovers…

Very soon a series of puzzles will enter Max’s life that will take us through Granada, Madrid, Cordoba or Toledo, places where Montse Martín shines as much or more than for the excellent design of the characters and his ability to breathe life into them. Valero’s meticulous and insightful work along with Martín’s extraordinary abilities to produce work of this type is what has led to this work winning numerous awards over its short life.

A bittersweet ending

The plot developed in the three volumes contained herein is substantially closed, but not without leaving some open points that could cause some displeasure to the most demanding reader. While the authors were working on the third album, they received the news that a fourth would not be released due to the series’ poor sales in France, and unfortunately they had to abandon their plans to continue with this story.

But this should not constitute an impediment in approaching this work, which despite the relative lack of success it had at the time is a jewel which, thanks to this new edition, will certainly receive the recognition it deserves.

As for the edition, it must be said that this is wonderful tome presented by Editorial standard It comes in hardback format without dust jacket with a page size of 23.5 x 31 cm. The volume contains 200 pages in color and includes the compilation of the three albums that make up the series as well as a wonderful gallery of covers, illustrations and sketches by the artist of the work. The recommended retail price is €35 and went on sale in October 2024.

Curiosity shop

THE COMPLETE EDITION OF ONE OF THE GREAT HIDDEN JEWELS OF EUROPEAN COMICS

Barcelona, ​​1913. Max Prado is the only daughter of the Jewish engineer Víctor Prado, who has just died in Barcelona under strange circumstances. Max will inherit his father’s fortune, but also an insatiable curiosity, an indomitable character and, above all, a collection of inexplicable puzzles.

Before Contrapaso, Teresa Valero collaborated with the cartoonist Montse Martin give shape Curiosity shopa series of adventures and mysteries set in 1910 Spain that we compile for the first time in a complete volume.

Authors: Teresa Valero Yes Montse Martin