Kasper Salamandre lost his father in a tragic accident. After his father’s death, Kasper put down his pencil and quit the adventure drawing he did of his father. In his grief, Kasper was sent to live with his grandfather. Kasper’s papi lived on the other side of Iron Veil, a land devoid of art, music, celebration, and flowers. In the place of the missing culture existed a world of distrust and secret police. Kasper befriended his papi’s neighbors. While living under tyranny, Kasper and his new friends realized a life full of beauty is worth hoping and fighting for.
Salamandre is a new graphic novel by award-winning author and artist I.N.J. Culbard. Having experienced life in Cold War-era Poland and dedicating his book to the memory of his father, this seems like a very personal project for Culbard. This is an important story for today in the tensions of our current culture war of culture. With colorful and superb artwork to go with the exciting and touching narrative, this is a graphic novel for all who keep art and beauty alive within them. Art and beauty are worth fighting for. “Vive La Revolution!”