Gino Alva and Brenda Román receive an award for their graphic novel on environmental conservation.

The graphic novel "The Last Girlfriend of the Peruvian Jungle," created by the talented Gino Alva and Brenda Román, has captured the attention of the country by winning the 2024 National Unpublished Graphic Novel Contest, organized by the Ministry of Culture. This recognition not only highlights the artistic quality of the work but also underscores the relevance of its themes in the current context of environmental conservation and wildlife trafficking. The work is inspired by Alva's real-life experiences, who, during a volunteer stint at the Taricaya ecological reserve in Madre de Dios, became immersed in the world of wildlife conservation. The story of Maruja, a jungle monkey that represents the struggle for survival in an increasingly threatened habitat, stands as the central axis of the narrative. "Participating in the release of these animals was a transformative moment for me," Alva expresses, finding in this experience the motivation to create a story that educates and raises awareness. The collaboration with Brenda Román has been fundamental in shaping this graphic novel. Román, who played a crucial role in integrating journalistic research into the script, notes that although the process was demanding, it allowed for a deep exploration of the topic. "Touching sensitive chords in a story that reflects the reality of our jungle and its inhabitants is a challenge, but at the same time, an opportunity to raise awareness," Román affirms. The contest that awarded them came as recognition of an effort that began long before its announcement. Although there was interest from a digital media outlet to publish their story, that project did not materialize. However, Alva and Román remained committed and continued working on their graphic novel, which allowed them to reach the contest jury. This jury valued not only the graphic quality of the work but also its originality and the depth of its message. The support from the Ministry of Culture is a significant boost for the creative duo, who are now dedicated to perfecting their work. Alva and Román are committed to offering a story that not only entertains but also educates about the importance of conserving Peru's wildlife and flora. Thus, the graphic novel becomes a means to open a dialogue about the current situation of biodiversity in the country. The rise of the graphic novel as a form of artistic and educational expression in Peru is reflected in the success of Alva and Román. Their work is not only presented as a cultural product but also as a call to action regarding the protection of ecosystems in the Amazon. Moreover, the graphic novel has the potential to reach a diverse audience and foster empathy towards wildlife. The story of "The Last Girlfriend of the Peruvian Jungle" is a testament to the potential of graphic storytelling to address serious and relevant issues. The combination of art and narrative allows for an exploration of the complexity of the relationship between humans and nature, prompting us to reflect on our responsibility towards the environment. The creators of this work are already thinking about future publications that will continue this thematic line. "We want to keep creating works that reflect the richness of our fauna and the importance of its conservation," they comment, reaffirming their commitment to the environmental cause. The graphic novel serves as a bridge between art and nature, and the recognition received by Gino Alva and Brenda Román is a clear indication that young voices in Peruvian culture are ready to tackle contemporary challenges with creativity and passion. Their work is an example of how art can be a catalyst for change and a vehicle for raising awareness around crucial issues for our country.