The artist from Almería will develop his upcoming graphic novel project during a six-month residency at France's prestigious House of Authors.

The initiative, co-organized by Acción Cultural Española (AC/E), the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l'image, and the Embassy of France in Spain, aims to boost the international presence of Spanish creators.

Madrid, July 7, 2026.— Acción Cultural Española (AC/E), the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l'image, and the Embassy of France in Spain have announced the selection results for the Graphic Novel Residency in Angoulême (France) for the year 2027. Following the jury's evaluation of projects submitted by creators from across the country, illustrator and comic artist Theo Corral (known on social media as @malorde) has been awarded the residency.

Thanks to this selection, the author will enjoy a six-month stay from January to June 2027 at La Casa de los Autores (La Maison des Auteurs) in Angoulême. This world-renowned center will provide him with a fully equipped studio workshop and a monthly financial allowance of 1,300 euros for living expenses, in addition to covering accommodation and travel costs. The program's goal is to facilitate the development of a graphic novel project distinguished by its artistic value, innovation, and narrative quality.

Identity, Nostalgia, and Independent Fanzines

Theo Corral (alias Theo Malorde), born in Tíjola (Almería) and based in Madrid, trained in illustration at the Artediez Art School. His work focuses primarily on autobiographical comics, exploring concepts such as nostalgia, shifting identities, and a sense of belonging. Since 2019, Corral has been a very active figure on the independent comic and fanzine circuit, participating in key fairs such as Pichifest, Autozine, Fanzimad (Madrid), GRAF (Barcelona), Autoband (A Coruña), and Skisomic (Seville).

In addition to publishing his fanzine "He escrito sobre ti, ahora vivirás para siempre" (La Granja Editorial) in 2025, he has collaborated with publishing houses and international institutions like the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Cuba, 21distritos, and Oxford University Press. Corral is currently immersed in the creative process of what will be his first full-length graphic novel, a project he will further propel during his residency in France.

Through this program, the organizing institutions reaffirm their commitment to the international mobility of Spanish authors, the advancement of contemporary creation, and the strengthening of bilateral cultural ties between Spain and France within the comic and illustration sector.