BARCELONA’S SUPERHERO, SUPERLOPEZ
CONCHA VELASCO, UNA CHICA YE-YE
07/02/2015
HOW TO MAKE REAL SANGRIA
08/02/2015
Some gifts stay with you forever — not because they were expensive, but because they came from the heart. That’s exactly what happened when my mum, who didn’t have much money at the time, surprised me with a large comic book compilation called “Superlópez” sometime around 1988.
Little did my brother and I know that this humble present would become one of our most cherished childhood treasures.
A Spanish Superhero Born in Barcelona
Superlópez is a clever parody of Superman — but with a unique twist. Instead of flying through Metropolis, this superhero lives his adventures right here in Barcelona. Each page features familiar landmarks and a uniquely Spanish sense of humor that makes it truly special.
The comic was created by Jan — whose real name is Juan López Fernández — the same name as his iconic character. His drawing style is unmistakable: lively, expressive, and always full of irony. Through his work, Jan gently pokes fun at everyday life, politics, and even superhero clichés.
The Comic That Brought Our Family Together
My mum bought me Superlópez Compilation No. 2, which contained five hilarious stories. Since it was the only comic we owned for a long time, the entire family ended up reading it again and again. To this day, we still believe it’s the best comic Jan ever created.
Our copy eventually fell apart and was thrown away, but years later I found the same edition in a shop. I immediately bought it as a gift for my brother — the only person who truly shared that memory with me. He was so touched that he later brought it back to our mum’s house, where it still hides somewhere on a bookshelf. Every Christmas, I reread it — and it still makes me smile.
Why Superlópez Still Matters
When I started researching more about Superlópez and Jan, I discovered many dedicated fan sites discussing every detail of his stories and characters. There’s even talk of a new animated adaptation — and I can’t wait to see my favorite Barcelona superhero come to life on screen.
Alongside other famous Spanish comic characters like Mortadelo y Filemón (the clumsy secret agents) or Zipi y Zape (the mischievous twins), Superlópez holds a special place in Spanish pop culture. But for me, he’s more than just a comic hero — he’s a symbol of childhood joy and the power of imagination.
So thank you, Mum, for that unexpected and unforgettable gift. Superlópez will always be my superhero — and a little piece of Barcelona’s creative spirit.
LA SEMANA MÁS LARGA - THE LONGEST WEEK
Strange, mysterious holes begin to appear all over Barcelona, puzzling citizens and authorities alike. As Superlópez investigates, he uncovers a tangled plot involving the mafia, chaos beneath the city, and plenty of slapstick comedy along the way. A clever mix of crime parody and social satire, it’s one of Jan’s most iconic stories.
LOS CABECICUBOS - SQUARE-HEADED PEOPLE
In this surreal adventure, a futuristic scientific experiment takes a bizarre turn, transforming people into square-headed beings obsessed with conformity. Superlópez must face a world where everyone thinks — and looks — the same. A brilliant metaphor for modern society, it’s one of the sharpest social commentaries in the series.
VIAJE AL CENTRO DE LA TIERRA - JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH
Inspired by Jules Verne’s classic, this chapter sends Superlópez deep underground on a hilarious and chaotic quest. Between strange creatures, endless tunnels, and an unhealthy diet of hamburgers, survival becomes an adventure in itself! A fun mix of science fiction and humour.
LA CAJA DE PANDORA - PANDORA'S BOX
What if the legendary Pandora’s box really existed — and ended up in modern-day Barcelona? Superlópez opens a new wave of trouble as myths collide with everyday life, proving once again that curiosity can unleash hilarious chaos. A witty blend of mythology, action, and Jan’s trademark humour.
LA GRAN SUPER PRODUCCIÓN - THE GREAT SUPER PRODUCTION
In “La gran superproducción” (The Great Super Production), Superlópez dives head-first into the chaotic world of filmmaking — and, as expected, nothing goes according to plan. When a group of eccentric producers decides to make a superhero movie, they cast none other than Superlópez himself as the main star. What could possibly go wrong?
Set in Barcelona, this story is Jan’s hilarious critique of the movie business, celebrity culture, and the obsession with fame. Between low budgets, endless delays, and ridiculous scripts, Superlópez soon realizes that being a movie hero is far more complicated than saving the world.
The comic perfectly captures the spirit of 1980s Spanish cinema, filled with inside jokes, pop-culture references, and Jan’s trademark satire. Through exaggerated characters and clever humor, the author exposes the absurdities of commercial entertainment — all while delivering one of his most entertaining adventures.
“The Great Super Production” remains a fan-favorite for its witty storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and tongue-in-cheek look at how art, fame, and ego collide. It’s not just a parody of the film industry — it’s a loving tribute to creativity itself, told through the eyes of Barcelona’s most unlikely superhero.
