Halo Bing: intervju s Maxom Bunkerom

Ivan Sršen & Antonija Radić: Hello Bing: interview with Max Bunker – the first major interview with Max Bunker (Luciano Secchi), creator of Alan Ford. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the first issue (1969), Bunker addresses Croatian fans: about the creation of the series, collaboration with Magnus, success in Yugoslavia and cultural phenomenon.

The main part consists of an extensive interview (about 40 pages) that Sršen and Radić conducted with Max Bunker (pseudonym of Luciano Secchi, born 1939), screenwriter and creator of the series. Bunker directly addresses Croatian readers – some of the most loyal and ardent fans of Alan Ford in the world. It talks about:

• the idea and beginnings of comics in Milan, collaboration with cartoonist Magnus (Luciano Bottaro? No – Roberto Raviola, known as Magnus),
• the satirical spirit, parody of spy films and social criticism of the 60s/70s,
• the unexpected mega-success in Yugoslavia (especially Croatia and Serbia) where comics became a cult phenomenon, influenced generations and created a specific "Yugoslav" myth,
• the differences in reception between Italy and the Balkans, censorship, humor and why Alan Ford "survived" for decades.

In addition to the interview, the book brings additional texts: phenomenological essays on the endemic development of Alan Ford in this region, translation anecdotes (Radić translated many episodes), illustrations and a poster. The style is relaxed, fun, nostalgic – Bunker is a likeable interlocutor, full of anecdotes and gratitude towards Croatian fans. The book is not only for comics fans, but also for those who want to understand the cultural phenomenon that Alan Ford became in ex-YU: from underground to mass culture, with a touch of humor and irony.