In Italy, the expression “spirito di patata” (literally “potato spirit”) is used to describe humor that is banal, unfunny, or forced. It is used to belittle the quality of a joke or to highlight the banality of a situation.
The title alone suggests that the fine line between comedy and banality lies at the heart of this short comic by Mario “Synergo” Palladino and Fabrizio “Pluc” Di Nicola.
The story is a perfect example of something being “so bad it’s good”. It is a true masterpiece of “trash” that comes full circle to become a genuine masterpiece.
Palladino’s writing and Di Nicola’s linework complement each other perfectly, giving life to one of the finest short stories of recent years.
However, I would like to pause on a particular thought: this work delivers a powerful message, not so much through the plot itself or a subtext to be read between the lines, but through its very existence. Palladino writes a “nonsense” story, yet he links events with precision; cause and effect are always present and there is a “reason” behind every action or event. The characters remain entirely consistent with their backgrounds and the choices they make; the internal logic—however absurd—is never incoherent.
Turning to the visuals, it is evident that Di Nicola is a master of ink—the medium used for the entire work, including the shading. The cartoon style fully embraces the spirit of the narrative. Careful attention to the page layout and panel spacing further supports the storytelling. The reading experience is smooth and dynamic; Pluc knows exactly when to highlight a pivotal moment with a splash page or how to build suspense through a sequence of freeze-frame-style panels.
I greatly appreciate that this comic, despite being created by Italian authors, does not feel “provincial”. It would have been all too easy to fall back on constant references to Italian pop culture; on the contrary, these references are carefully measured and they elevate the storytelling to the next level when they do appear. A perfect example is the story’s hero who is forced to get around in an unlikely Ape Car.
The Spirit of the Potato is a comic book well worth checking out—whether you’re looking for a laugh or want to see how two industry professionals manage not to take themselves too seriously without compromising on creating a top-notch work.
