The mural depicts characters Philip Mortimer, an outstanding British scientist, and his friend Captain Francis Blake, from a series of comic strips created by Belgian writer and cartoonist Edgar P. Jacobs.

The activity takes place in coordination between this capital’s provincial government, the Office of the Historian of the City, the Culture Ministry, the Jacobs Foundation, and the support of the Brussels-Capital Region.

As part of the Belgian Week in Cuba, a panel entitled “Crossed Looks between Manga and Belgian Comics” will also be held by Belgian editor Yves Schlirf and comics theorist Thierry Bellefroid, collaborating with the Embassy of Japan.

Belgium is a stronghold of comics, a very significant cultural phenomenon. The Franco-Belgian comic space was developed long after World War II.

“Blake and Mortimer” is a classic of the genre in that nation, and its revival in Cuba has been one of the longings of both nations.

During a press briefing to announce the event in Matanzas and Havana, Belgian Ambassador to Cuba, Jean-Jacques Bastien, stated that this year is unique because we celebrate the 25th anniversary of an agreement between the cities of Brussels, the capital of the European country, and this Cuban city.

jrr/iff/mem/dpm