New comic book heroes for Parque de la Batería

Torremolinos is to transform Parque de La Batería into a vibrant tribute to Francisco Ibáñez’s beloved comic characters, Mortadelo and Filemón.

The project, announced first at Fitur 2020, is to create a route of large-scale three-dimensional cartoon figures that will form a theme through the town’s prized park. After an initial bidding round in November 2024 failed to secure a contractor, despite interest from firms as far afield as Cuenca and Galicia, the council has reset the plan to guarantee higher quality, in line with demands from Ibáñez’s heirs.

The revamped tender, budgeted at €78,000, seeks to recreate the quirky charm of characters like Mortadelo (envisioned in an espeto costume), Filemón, and Rompetechos. The project, partly funded by a €60,000 grant from the Andalusian Tourism Department, promises to boost the park’s appeal as a family-friendly attraction. The goal is to unveil the display by August 2025, offering a nostalgic hat-hip to generations raised on the humour of Ibáñez.

Negotiations with Penguin Random House, the rights holder, secured an eight-year usage deal for €24,000, up from an earlier six-year term. While the park already hosts a Ratoncito Pérez house, its boating lake remains dry due to drought measures. Del Cid stressed the dual aim, saying ‘honouring Ibáñez and enhancing Torremolinos’ cultural draw.’ Locals and tourists await this playful addition to La Batería’s landscape.