Angela and Luciana Giussani: The Masterminds Behind Diabolik’s Enduring Success

Angela and Luciana Giussani were two Italian sisters renowned for creating the iconic comic book series Diabolik. Born in Milan, Angela Giussani entered the world on June 10, 1922, while her younger sister Luciana Giussani was born on April 19, 1928. Together, they left an indelible mark on the world of comics, particularly in Italy, where their work achieved immense popularity and cultural significance.

Angela and Luciana Giussani

Life and Career:

Angela Giussani, hailing from a Milanese entrepreneurial family, initially pursued a career in teaching at the behest of her father. However, her path changed when she met Gino Sansoni during World War II in Cervia, Emilia–Romagna. After the war, Angela returned to Milan, where she reconnected with Sansoni, now the owner of an advertising agency turned publisher of the “Astoria Edizioni” publishing house. They married in 1946, and Angela transitioned from modeling to working on children’s books at Astoria.

Despite her initial success, Angela’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire for creative independence led her to establish her own publishing house, “Astorina,” in response to the lack of entertainment literature for adults. Her efforts initially focused on developing the comic book series “Big Ben Bolt,” which unfortunately met with limited success and was discontinued after two years. Angela’s marriage also ended, prompting her to collaborate with her sister Luciana, six years her junior, on a new project that would define their legacy: Diabolik.

Angela poured her heart and soul into Diabolik, serving as its primary creator and director at Astorina until her passing on February 10, 1987. Following her death, Luciana assumed leadership of Astorina, overseeing Diabolik’s continuation until her demise on March 31, 2001.

Diabolik: Its Origins:

Diabolik emerged as a groundbreaking addition to the Italian comics landscape, marking the birth of the black comics genre with its debut in 1962. Angela’s vision for Diabolik was inspired by a desire to provide commuters with accessible and engaging reading material during their daily travels. The compact, pocket-sized format of the comics, measuring 11.5 x 16.9 cm, catered perfectly to this audience, reflecting Angela’s innovative approach to storytelling.

The concept for Diabolik crystallized during a train journey, sparked by Angela’s fascination with the Fantômas novels she encountered. Drawing from her uncle Claudio’s love for comic books, particularly the adventures of Lupin and Fantômas, Angela crafted the compelling narrative of Diabolik. The character’s name, derived from a mysterious murder case in Turin in 1958, further underscored the enigmatic allure surrounding the series.

Diabolik: Who Is He?

Diabolik, the eponymous anti-hero of the series, is depicted as a cunning and elusive master thief known for his audacious heists targeting wealthy individuals and criminal enterprises. Despite his criminal activities, Diabolik operates according to his moral code, often championing the cause of the oppressed and marginalized. Alongside him is Eva Kant, his steadfast companion and criminal partner, who plays a pivotal role in shaping the series’ narrative.

A Story of Success: From 1962 to Today:

Diabolik’s enduring success is a testament to Angela and Luciana’s creative vision and storytelling prowess. Since its inception in 1962, the series has maintained a remarkable consistency, with over 900 issues published. Beyond the realm of comics, Diabolik has made significant forays into film, television, radio, and gaming, captivating audiences across generations.

The character’s cultural impact extends far beyond Italy, with translations of the comic reaching audiences worldwide. From the silver screen adaptations of Mario Bava’s “Danger: Diabolik” to the recent feature film by the Manetti brothers, Diabolik continues to captivate and inspire audiences, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Angela and Luciana Giussani:

Who were Angela and Luciana Giussani?

Angela and Luciana Giussani were Italian sisters renowned for creating the iconic comic book series Diabolik.

What is Diabolik?

Diabolik is a popular Italian comic book series created by Angela and Luciana Giussani. It features the adventures of an anti-heroic thief named Diabolik.

When was Diabolik first published?

The first issue of Diabolik was published in 1962.

How many issues of Diabolik have been published?

To date, more than 900 issues of Diabolik have been published, making it one of the longest-running comic book series.

What inspired Angela and Luciana Giussani to create Diabolik?

Angela and Luciana Giussani were inspired to create Diabolik to provide commuters with entertaining literature. The idea for the character was born while Angela was on a train reading a Fantômas novel.

Did Angela and Luciana Giussani work on any other projects besides Diabolik?

Yes, Angela and Luciana Giussani worked on various projects besides Diabolik. Angela founded her publishing house, Astorina, and worked on children’s books before creating Diabolik.

What impact did Angela and Luciana Giussani have on Italian comics?

Angela and Luciana Giussani significantly impacted Italian comics, especially with the creation of Diabolik. The series became a cultural phenomenon and influenced the development of the Italian black comics genre.

Are there any adaptations of Diabolik in other media?

Diabolik has been adapted into several films, TV series, commercials, and video games. It has also been translated into multiple languages and distributed globally.

What is the legacy of Angela and Luciana Giussani?

The legacy of Angela and Luciana Giussani includes their contributions to Italian comics and popular culture through the creation of Diabolik. Their work continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.

Where can I learn more about Angela, Luciana Giussani, and Diabolik?

You can learn more about Angela, Luciana Giussani, and Diabolik by exploring books, articles, and online resources dedicated to their work and legacy.