Educational Mexican History Comic "Biografias Selectas" Archive, 1960-62

[Latino, Mexico, Chicano][Comic Books] Archive of eight issues of Mexican history comic Biografías Selectas. Mexico City: Editorial Argumentos, 1960–1962. First editions. Spanish. Printed in sepia-toned halftones with color illustrated wrappers. A compelling mid-century comic archive representing a significant effort in historical pedagogy through popular culture in post-revolutionary Mexico. These issues of Biografías Selectas, published by the influential comic house EDAR, reflect nationalist, Catholic, and anti-imperialist ideologies while dramatizing iconic lives and episodes in Mexican and Latin American history. These comics were marketed to a broad (truncated) audience across Latin America, particularly to school-age readers and working-class households.

[1] Amado Nervo. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1960. No. 88. A romanticized comic biography of Mexican poet and diplomat Amado Nervo, highlighting his early religious studies, literary precocity, and personal sacrifices. Frames Nervo’s mysticism and intellectualism as part of the Mexican spirit of “spiritual excellence.” Cover features a portrait of Nervo with an inscription of his poem “Gracia Plena.”

[2] La Corregidora: Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1960. No. 94. Centers on Ortiz de Domínguez’s covert political activities in support of Mexican independence, emphasizing her role in warning revolutionaries about Spanish crackdowns. Frames her as a moral paragon of domestic rebellion.
[3] Fray Bartolomé de las Casas. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1960. No. 109. Tells the story of the 16th-century Dominican friar and advocate for Indigenous rights, recasting him as an early human rights defender. The comic reinforces EDAR’s alignment with Catholic paternalism while acknowledging Spanish colonial violence.
[4] Tenoch: Fundador de México. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1960. No. 110. Mythic retelling of the Mexica priest-warrior Tenoch and the founding of Tenochtitlán. Integrates Aztec cosmology into a nationalist narrative. The illustrated panels depict the eagle and cactus vision as divine mandate.

[5] Fray Juan de Zumárraga: El Obispo Guadalupano. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1960. No. 111. Depicts Zumárraga’s reluctant appointment and eventual embrace of his role as the first bishop of Mexico. His association with the Virgin of Guadalupe is emphasized, connecting Catholic iconography to Mexican identity.

[6] Américo Vespucio. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1961. No. 135. Frames Vespucci’s voyages as pivotal to European awareness of the New World. Though not Mexican-specific, the inclusion affirms Mexico’s place within global historical currents. Features stark survivalist imagery.

[7] La Independencia. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1961. No. 151. Centers on Lorenzo Cotona, a fictionalized insurgent embodying ideals of sacrifice and defiance during the Mexican War of Independence. Offers a proletarian hero narrative to appeal to working-class readers.

[8] La Intervención Francesa. México, D.F.: Editorial Argumentos, 1962. No. 161. Covers the French invasion of 1861 and resistance led by Benito Juárez’s government. Panels feature militarized youth and anti-imperialist rhetoric. Reinforces Mexican sovereignty and historical continuity.

Moderate wear consistent with age, some chipping and rubbing to spines and edges; several covers creased or with minor tears. All issues remain complete and firmly bound. Overall good to very good condition. A rich archive on Mexican history for popular distribution in Mexico. (Inventory #: 22208)