Alec Trenta on Comics, Identity, and His Debut Graphic Novel 'Barba'

Alec Trenta, a 27-year-old comic artist from the Castelli Romani, discusses his debut graphic novel 'Barba. Storia di come sono nato due volte' (Laterza, 2023), which narrates his gender transition journey. The book follows Ale, a boy with a circular void in his belly, who seeks the perfect sphere to fill it with the help of his roommate Pablo—a metaphor for gender affirmation. Trenta describes the process as liberating, written shortly after starting hormone therapy. He studied videomaking at Officina Pasolini in Rome and graphic design at ISIA Urbino, and has collaborated with La Stampa and other publishers. His recent projects include an archival comic about his grandparents and stories of Nenè, a pink-haired boy with two dogs. Trenta also participated in a residency at The Bunch Festival in Ripatransone, Ascoli Piceno, where he felt at home. He views comics as a universal language that simplifies complex issues.