Acclaimed American comic book writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, known for her significant contributions to contemporary comics, will visit the Universidad de Zaragoza on 3 November at 18:30 to present her new work, FML, alongside Zaragoza-based illustrator David López. The event will take place in the Sala Josefa Amar y Borbón of the Edificio Paraninfo and is part of a promotional tour that includes stops in Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Málaga.
The presentation will feature a conversation between the two creators, moderated by Graciela de Torres Olson, where they will discuss the creative process behind FML, a story that intertwines humour, music, family relationships, and the quest for identity. Following the discussion, DeConnick and López will sign copies for attendees, who will have the opportunity to purchase the work at the event through a collaboration with local bookstore Taj Mahal.
FML is described as a humorous, chaotic, noisy, and deeply sincere exploration of human relationships, particularly familial ones. It addresses themes such as motherhood, adolescence, the search for personal identity, and the challenges of protecting loved ones. The narrative also highlights the importance of art, music, and friendship, while showcasing a distinctive visual style. DeConnick and López embrace the aesthetics of fanzines, graphic design, and narrative experimentation, reinventing their storytelling approach on every page.
The work has a special connection to Zaragoza, as David López has incorporated recognizable elements of the city into his illustrations, including the former Escuela de Arte de Zaragoza, which is depicted as the school attended by the protagonist's son. This collaboration has garnered international acclaim, with FML nominated for the 2026 Eisner Award for Best Ongoing Series, one of the most prestigious accolades in the comic book industry.
Kelly Sue DeConnick is one of the most prominent American comic book writers today, with a career that spans theatre and television. She gained international recognition for her work with Marvel Comics, particularly for the relaunch of Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel, a character she collaborated on with David López. Her notable works include Bitch Planet, created with Valentine De Landro, and the mythological western Bella Muerte, illustrated by Emma Ríos and published in Spain by Astiberri. DeConnick is also involved in audiovisual projects through her company, Milkfed Criminal Masterminds, which she co-founded with fellow writer Matt Fraction.
David López, born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1975 and connected to Zaragoza, began his career in the fanzine scene in the 1990s. He later transitioned to the American market, working with publishers such as DC Comics and Marvel Comics. In DC, he gained recognition for titles like El Ángel Caído, co-created with Peter David, and Catwoman. At Marvel, he has contributed to series featuring characters such as Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Squirrel Girl, X-Men, Spider-Man, and Wolverine. He is also the creator of Blackhand Ironhead, a personal work published in two volumes by Astiberri. His new collaboration with Kelly Sue DeConnick on FML marks a creative reunion for two authors who have previously worked together on some of the most acclaimed titles in contemporary American comics.
