‘13, Rue del Percebe’ Mural

In the heart of the Carabanchel district, a towering monument has been erected in honor of one of Spain’s most popular comic artists, Francisco Ibáñez. On the façade of a building at 46 General Ricardos Street, a vibrant mural depicts the crazy vertical world of 13, Rue del Percebe — a comic strip first published in 1961.

This surreal building, —where rats, fraudsters and mad scientists share a property, is more than just a comic; it is a portrait of the Iberian humor of the absurd that has delighted readers for decades.

The mural, a collaboration between urban artists NSN997 and Keru de Kolorz, was unveiled on March 15, 2025 to mark the first “Official Day of Francisco Ibáñez", which coincides with the artist’s birthday. The celebrations included family-friendly activities such as face painting, coloring stations and a sticker raffle — all designed to introduce younger generations to the chaotic charm of Ibáñez’s universe. His daughter Nuria attended the event, expressing gratitude for the public tribute.

Ibáñez, who died in 2023, created over 200 comic stories in his 70-year career, including the iconic Mortadelo y Filemón, Rompetechos and El botones Sacarino. His most architectural legacy, however, is 13, Rue del Percebe — with its rigid structure— of gags per story.

Althoug Ibáñez abandoned the format in the 1970s, the satirical cross-section of Spanish life left an indelible impression on the cultural psyche. Today, the mural is part of Carabanchel’s burgeoning street art route and represents both an homage and a destination. It is a place where comic panels meet concrete — and where the absurd becomes monumental.