“An emotional and deeply human graphic novel that invites us to remember the past so we don’t repeat the same mistakes.”
—La Vanguardia

“Stassi turns children into innocent witnesses of a brutal postwar period, in a story that breathes authenticity from the historical discovery that inspired it.”
—RTVE

“With a palette of blues and greys wrapping every page, Stassi creates an oppressive atmosphere that perfectly reflects the pain of a silenced era.”
—Mondo Sonoro

“A graphic novel that hits you in the gut. A necessary story, full of memory and justice.”
—Entre Libros

★Rights sold to Germany and Italy.
★5k copies sold.
★Like a rural Persepolis, where storytelling becomes an act of defiance in times of darkness.

What if a hidden reel of film could unlock a nation’s suppressed
memory?

Based on true events, Republic takes as its starting point the
astonishing 2008 discovery of a lost film documenting the
proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic. Originally shot
by Fox Movietone, the reel had been hidden for decades inside a
secret compartment in the mayor’s house of a remote village.

From this historical thread, Claudio Stassi weaves a powerful
fictional narrative set in 1943, in a small rural town. At its heart
are two children, Manolo and Isabel, whose families—devoted to
Republican ideals—face brutal repression under a Fascist regime.
Through their innocent yet piercing eyes, we witness a community
slowly unravel under the weight of violence and silence.

When the children stumble upon a forgotten documentary film,
it reawakens a dangerous dream: the hope for a different future.
Whispers of the maquis begin to stir, growing into acts of resistance,
while the memory of freedom lingers fragile, yet dangerously alive.

Praised for its emotional depth and quiet power, Republic echoes
the emotional honesty of Madeleine, résitante and humanizes
the victims of repression while offering a vivid depiction of
everyday life under a brutal dictatorship. A powerful homage
to freedom, memory, and the fragile strength of those who
resist in silence.

CLAUDIO STASSI has captivated readers around the world with his works for numerous international publishers. Known for his striking visuals, Stassi has left his mark on the industry with titles such as the iconic series Dylan Dog and Dampyr. His breakout graphic novel, Brancaccio: Stories of Everyday Mafia, penned by Giovanni Di Gregorio, not only earned him the prestigious Micheluzzi and Boscarato Prizes but also cemented his reputation in the comic book world. Stassi’s talent also shines in his adaptations of literary classics such as La Ciudad de los Prodigios by Eduardo Mendoza, Los pacientes del doctor García by Almudena Grandes, and Nada by Carmen Laforet. His artwork is known for its dynamic and expressive style, that captures the emotional depth and complexity of characters while creating immersive and vivid settings.