Daniel Benítez Explores Narcoworkers in Graphic Novel 'Carne de cañón'

Daniel Benítez, a Mexican illustrator and graphic designer born in 1990, has been working at Fabrica, Benetton's creative hub in Italy, since 2016. His latest project, 'Carne de cañón: stories of narcoworkers,' is a graphic novel that examines the world of drug trafficking from a sociological perspective, focusing on low-ranking narcos rather than the often-glamorized kingpins. The project is currently on display at Fabrica's spaces in Villorba, Italy, starting February 22. Benítez developed the work by researching the growth and power structures of Mexican drug trafficking through news reports, documentaries, narco-blogs, and other sources. He aims to challenge stereotypes and offer a more nuanced view of violence in Mexico, avoiding the spectacularization seen in media and entertainment. The graphic novel is planned to have about five chapters, with Benítez having completed sixty illustrations so far. He hopes to find publishing partners for the book. Benítez co-founded WorstSeller Ediciones and has a background in self-published illustration projects and fanzines.