The cartoonist dies Toni Batllori, the author of the daily strip of ‘La Vanguardia’. It was published by the same newspaper, where he published his daily Politics column since 1994. Batllori, born in Barcelona in 1951, began collaborating with ‘La Vanguardia’ in 1991 in the Sports section. Three years later he went on to analyze politics with the comic strip ‘Ninots’, the last of which was published this Saturday, which he delivered last night, on defense and arms spending.
Batllori, who has died aged 71, was the son of fellow cartoonist Antoni Batllori and Jofré. He began publishing in magazines such as ‘En Patufet’ at the end of 1960. Later, he also drew for the satirical weekly ‘El Papus’. In addition to ‘La Vanguardia’, he published in ‘Diari de Barcelona’, ‘Avui’ and ‘El País’, among others. He also collaborated with magazines such as ‘El Jueves’. He published several books where he compiled his comic strips. As well as a puppeteer, Batllori was also a sculptor, painter and photographer.
In 2015, Batllori was awarded the National Press Communication Award for his extensive career as a puppeteer and graphic comedian and, especially, for his sharp analysis of current affairs in the strip ‘Dolls’. He was also awarded the Manuel Salas i Ferré (2000), Gat Perich (2004), Junceda (2004) and Ciutat de Barcelona (2008) awards.
Expressions of condolence
The President of the Government, Pere Aragonès, has stated that he is “shocked” by the death of the puppeteer, who “over the last decades has lucidly and critically portrayed the current situation of our country with his cartoons”.
The president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, has said that Batllori’s cartoons “will remain forever as a faithful witness of the political life” of Spain. And he added that he will miss his humor and his shrewd outlook on current events.
The Minister of Culture, Natàlia Garriga, has regretted the “great loss” that Batllori’s death entails. He has described him as “a great illustrator who, with his critical eye, has been putting us in front of the mirror of the current state of the country for 30 years”.