Andrea Pazienza at 70: The Incomparable Italian Comic Artist

Andrea Pazienza, a renowned comic artist from Italy, was born on May 23, 1953, marking 70 years since his birth. His first comic, 'Le straordinarie avventure di Pentothal,' appeared in Alter Alter in March 1977, with an additional panel included after the tragic death of Francesco Lorusso on March 11, 1977. A pivotal figure in the 1977 Movement, Pazienza created iconic characters such as Pentothal and Massimo Zanardi. He was a co-founder of Cannibale and made contributions to Frigidaire and Il Male, drawing inspiration from Dadaism and Moebius. In 1985, he released 'Gli ultimi giorni di Pompeo,' which tackled heroin addiction. Pazienza passed away on June 16, 1988, at the young age of 32, with reports indicating a heroin overdose. He is fondly remembered for his gentle demeanor and spontaneity.