Jacovitti, one of the most important and loved signatures in the world of comics. Originally from Termoli, in Molise, Benito Jacovitti was born on March 5, 1923, so this year we celebrate the centenary of the famous cartoonist. His signature is characterized by the nice salami and the ever-present fishbone. His ironic and sarcastic characters have had and still have a large space in magazines and diaries, extraordinary travel companions for entire generations of young people.
Jacobitti
For the centenary Rai dedicates a special to Jacovitti which will be broadcast today, March 9 at 17 pm, on Rai Storia for the cycle of broadcasts “Italians”. The direction of the special is by Nicoletta Nesler; the introduction is entrusted to the journalist Paolo Mieli. In the documentary it is the cartoonist himself who recounts his life and art journey, through his appearances on television from 1962 to 1997 and radio interviews. The narration of episodes actually experienced by the designer from Molise is entrusted to the actor Giovanni Sorenti. For his daughter Silvia, who smilingly defines him as "a mischievous younger brother", Jac had a very dark side.
But he exorcised his depression and his delusions by working hours and hours on the tables that have marked the time of our country. On the other hand, a critical reading of his comics is given by the writer and journalist Goffredo Fofi, an avid reader of Vittorioso since he was a child, the magazine in which Jacovitti was the most illustrious pen.
Vitt diary
The literary critic Gianni Brunoro, analyzing his best-known comics, explains however how important the relationship with cinema was for Jac, starting from his friendship with Fellini. And, again, his colorist, illustrator Luca Salvagno, describes him as an affectionate and sweet person. This, despite his gruff exterior about him, and with enormous respect for his readers. Lastly, Edgardo Colabelli, who for love of Jac's comics opened the Jacovitti Museum in Rome, recalls his meeting with the illustrator. He is convinced that, with his famous Vitt Diary, "Jacovitti's humor has made several generations grow up". And we take the liberty of adding that it has also made them grow quite well!
(Jacovitti Facebook images)