Basques in Boise

The sequel to The Flying Whaleboat, the second episode of a series of 3 comic books recounting the adventures of Joanes, a Basque whaler, has already reached completion and will hit the shelves later in the year, according to its author Basque graphic artist Guillermo Zubiaga.

The Basque artist, a New York resident also known for his work with big comic companies such as Marvel and Dark Horse, was hoping to have Joanes' #2 finished in time to present at this year's Jaialdi. Unfortunately, due to his involvement in other projects, it had to take a back seat for a while, just about 4 pages short of completion.

The Flying Whaleboat ended with whatever possible danger hangs over the recent success of Joanes (and his crew) as he has to live up to his unhallowed pact. In the second chapter, following on with the idea of Joanes as an anti-hero, his fame and fortune grows along with his notoriety as a blasphemous and impious drunk. "This defect will ultimately become his demise, something quite real, human and flawed, characteristically not found among most heroes," Guillermo Zubiaga says.

According to the Biscay-born artist, this volume represents a turning point in the narrative work, "in other words its point of highest tension, or climax before the solution or conclusion is given".

"Being a fan of some of the best cinematographic sequels in history I do believe this issue is a true 'cliffhanger'", Guillermo Zubiaga adds.

The Center of Basque Studies at Reno was involved in the publication of The Flying Whaleboat and everything points to them also doing the same in the second chapter. "I think it may be a little bit early to reveal. However, seeing how well issue number one came out, I wouldn't want it any other way," Guillermo Zubiaga comments.

The Flying Whaleboat has been gathering momentum and has gradually been spreading. In addition to the Center of Basque Studies' catalogue, the Basque graphic artist has found a countrywide distributor through which he has received requests from Florida, Pennsylvania, Oregon and California.