'The Castaway' is 'rescued' at The Observer

Most folks know artist Jorge Blanco for his bright, geometric sculptures around Sarasota. But, back in his hometown of Caracas, Venezuela, Blanco is famous for his poetic comic strip, “The Castaway.”

His 1980 creation, featuring a skinny little character alone on an island, was an overnight success and was featured in newspapers and magazines for 20 years; it also appeared on TV and in eight books. (Read the cover story on the Diversions section for the complete story.)

Blanco says he has missed his “castaway.” And, the Longboat Observer has found the perfect home for “The Castaway” — beautiful Longboat Key.

Starting with this issue, the charming comic strip will appear weekly in all The Observers — Longboat, East County and Sarasota — and soon in The Pelican Press, the newest sister paper in The Observer Group.

Click here to download a PDF of this week's cartoon.