WHO WE ARE
We've always had a passion for writing and visual storytelling, and during the year 2010, an idea sparked to create an original story that could be enjoyed by both kids and adults. That idea involved a graphic novel starring a superpowered cat, which later turned into a series of home-made comics. As the years went by however, more ideas for many different comics emerged and it was becoming apparent that eventually, they all needed to find a place to call home. That's where Di Franco Comics was born.
Our goal is to make fun, original stories that people of any age can enjoy and connect with, both in comics and animation. Whether it's magical cats who paint, mythological creatures who control the weather, or even humanoid plant-like beings, we hope you love these stories as much as we love making them.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Get to Know Us
ORLANDO J. CABRERA FRANCO
Cartoonist/ Founder
Orlando Cabrera was born in Puerto Rico, and enjoys writing stories suitable for all ages, mostly in the form of comic books and animated projects. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Science of Digital Animation. from Atlantic University College in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
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EUGENIA FRANCO BERMUDEZ
Administrator
Eugenia Franco Bermudez was also born in Puerto Rico. She is the Administrator of Di Franco Comics. She has a master's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Planning.
OUR HISTORY
2010
Di Franco Comics is born!
One of our first characters ever created, Radiation Cat, stars in a series of home-made comics, which were well-received amongst the public in Puerto Rico.
Radiation Cat would later become the face of Di Franco Comics, appearing prominently in our logo.
2015
CAGUAS MINI MAKER FAIRE
Di Franco Comics makes its official debut at the 2015 Caguas Mini Maker Faire, where we showcased a beta comic book project for Radiation Cat.
EL NUEVO DÍA INTERVIEWS DI FRANCO COMICS
Following the positive reception at the Caguas Mini Maker Faire, we had the chance to have a conversation with the newspaper ''El Nuevo Día'', where we discussed both the content, as well as the future of Di Franco Comics.
Read the interview here
2016
OUR NEXT PROJECT
''Cloudy Skies'' comic book begins development.
2019
MEET VALENTINO!
Valentino makes his official debut in''The Heart of Valentino'' comic book series, the first issue of which was published on Amazon Kindle on February 28, while the second issue was published on August 24.
OUR FIRST FULL-LENGTH ANIMATED SHORT!
Valentino goes on to star in his very own animated short: ''The Heart of Valentino: Starving Artist'', an adaption of the first issue of the series.
CLOUDY SKIES IS NEAR
While the comic continues to be developed, pre-production begins on an animated prequel to Cloudy Skies, titled ''Cloudy Skies: Into the Tempest''
2020
VALENTINO STICKERS!
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Stickers based on ''The Heart of Valentino'' are sold for the first time at the Atlantic University College Valentine's Day Bazar.
A VERY CLOUDY PREQUEL
''Cloudy Skies: Into the Tempest'' is completed.
VALENTINO AT THE FESTIVALS!
Our animated short, ''The Heart of Valentino: Starving Artist'' is selected to participate in the Rincon International Film Festival, and wins the award for Best Puerto Rico Animation. In the same year, Valentino would also go on to be selected for the Puerto Rico Film Festival, formerly known as Enfoque International Film Festival.
CAGUAS MINI MAKER FAIRE 2020!
Di Franco Comics returns to the annual Caguas Mini Maker Faire in 2020, where we discussed recent projects such as 'The Heart of Valentino'' and ''Cloudy Skies'', in a digital presentation following the COVID-19 pandemic.
THE RISE OF FLORENCE!
Originally conceived as a comic book, Florence makes her official debut in the animated short: ''Florence: Guardian of the Forest.''
2021
FLORENCE IN CRUCE MAGAZINE!
The January issue of Cruce Magazine from Universidad Ana G. Mendez features an exclusive comic strip starring Florence, written and illustrated by Orlando Cabrera.
Read the full magazine on issuu.com
DI FRANCO COMICS AT FESTIVAL PONTE LOS CORTOS!
All three Di Franco Comics animated shorts are selected to be showcased at the 7th ''Festival Ponte Los Cortos'', as part of the animation block ''Muñequitos Mañaneros '' from Fallen Leaf Entertainment. The shorts were broadcast on TV on Liberty channels 85 and 285.
CLOUDY SKIES RELEASED!
Cloudy Skies # 1 is officially published on Amazon Kindle on March 28.
THE HEART OF VALENTINO: BLUE PERIOD
The third book in The Heart of Valentino series is published on Amazon Kindle on April 6.
FLORENCE ARRIVES IN PUERTO RICO!
Florence finally gets her own comic book series ''Florence en Puerto Rico'', where she goes on all sorts of adventures in the Island of Charm! The first issue is published on Amazon Kindle in July 25, while the second issue is published in August 19.
OUR FIRST CROSSOVER!
Orlando Cabrera teams up with Ashley Ortiz to create a one-shot crossover between Valentino and the character ''Ira'' from Ashley's animated short ''Morning Treasure''. The full comic is published on the Di Franco Comics Facebook page on August 23.
THE HEART OF VALENTINO: RENAISSANCE
The fourth book in The Heart of Valentino series is published on Amazon Kindle on September 21.
VALENTINO PLUSH!
Valentino makes his plush debut thanks to the company ''Budsies''
2022
TERCERA FERIA DE CÓMICS!
Di Franco Comics sells physical versions of ''The Heart of Valentino'' and ''Florence en Puerto Rico'', for the first time ever, at Tercera Feria de Cómics from UPR Rio Piedras!
PUERTO RICO COMIC CON
Di Franco Comics makes its Comic Con debut at Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico in San Juan.
DI FRANCO COMICS IN STORES!
Physical copies of ''The Heart of Valentino'' and ''Florence en Puerto Rico'' hit store shelves at bookstores around Puerto Rico.
LUSCA FILM FEST
''The Heart of Valentino: Starving Artist'' and ''Cloudy Skies: Into the Tempest'' are selected as part of the Animation Competition from Lusca Film Fest.
CUARTA FERIA DE COMICS
Di Franco Comics returns to UPR Rio Piedras to participate in the 4th Comics Fair!
VALENTINO KICKSTARTER
Kickstarter Campaign is launched for issues 2-6 of ''The Heart of Valentino''.
RADIATION CAT RETURNS
Radiation Cat officially returns in an all-new comic book on Amazon Kindle!
RADIATION CAT ON WEBTOON
Radiation Cat now available to read on Webtoon FOR FREE
2023
FLORENCE ADDED TO NATIONAL LIBRARY OF PUERTO RICO COLLECTION
We are proud to announce that the first issue of ''Florence en Puerto Rico'' is now part of the official collection of The National Library of Puerto Rico (Biblioteca Nacional de Puerto Rico). The first issue in the series is being preserved in their archives along with many other comic books from local artists and authors! This is a tremendous honor and we are beyond grateful for this opportunity!
UPR REVIEWS FLORENCE
The digital magazine'''Revista Psicología'' from the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras has written a brief, but insightful review of ''Florence en Puerto Rico # 1''
A huge thanks to them for their kind words!
Read full review Here