Illustrating History: April 25th in Portuguese Comics

Abstract

This essay offers a comprehensive analysis of Portuguese comics, with a specific focus on those that depict the April 25th Revolution of 1974. It traces the historical evolution of these comics, examining how they have engaged with significant political and social changes in Portugal. The study critically evaluates the term “BD de Abril” (April Comics), proposing a more nuanced categorization that reflects the thematic and chronological diversity within this body of work. By analyzing key works, including Utopia by Raquel Varela and Robson Vilalba, the essay explores how Portuguese comics have functioned as both artistic and historiographical tools, especially during periods of political upheaval. The research identifies four distinct phases in the development of “April Comics”: Denunciation (pre-revolution), Exaltation (immediate post-revolution), Revivalism (1990s–2000s), and Revisitation (2010s onwards). Each phase is contextualized within the broader socio-political landscape, revealing the evolving role of comics in reflecting and shaping historical consciousness. The essay concludes by arguing that while “April Comics” is a valuable category, it requires refinement to fully capture the complexity and richness of these works.