Ricardo Braga

The Nook of Hummingbirds Ricardo Braga

"The Nook of Hummingbirds" was drawn up in 1975, having the original paper planks been stored for more than 40 years. It is one of the few comics from the author. It is composed by 62 cartoons made in pen and India ink, in black and white, that were restored and colored by his brothers. The story is a romantic drama, with a syncretism of mythological and religious references from diverse backgrounds. The author permeates the story with the "Penelope drama" (greek mythology), the "woman-skeleton" (a story from the inuits, a indigenous people who inhabit the Arctic regions) and references to the cloistered and penitence of the Carmelite nuns. Another point is that the story weaves a criticism of the excessive fervor of the Catholic religion on the issue of pain and suffering of Jesus Christ. Other important matter is the deference of the author to the environment, represented in the hummingbirds and landscapes. The narrative is accurate and consistent, with unexpected frame changes that reveal the author's intention to give a magical and mysterious content to the narrative. Despite all these references, some important parts of history are unexplained and its general motivation remains shrouded in mystery.