Baldo

By Hector D. Cantú and Carlos Castellano

Like many 15-year-olds, Baldo Bermúdez’s life revolves around cars, girls and fitting in. Of course, being cool is a priority, and refurbishing his own Chevrolet Impala is a big part of that. He lives with his father, sister and great-aunt while working at Auto y Rod Inc., selling car parts.

Through his daily exploits, readers will see just how much they can identify with this teen. Writer Hector Cantú and artist Carlos Castellanos have created a familia whose warmth and gentle humor will appeal to all.

The comic has twice been a finalist for the National Cartoonists Society’s Comic Strip of the Year.

Daily

Sunday

Daily & Sunday

Digital

Strip

Available in Color

Available in Spanish

Family

Editor's Picks

A cartoon scene featuring a large boy on stage holding a puppet, while another scene shows two boys sitting in a theater. One boy comments about the puppet, adding a humorous touch to the imagery.

A cartoon scene depicting a bedroom with a neatly made bed and a character in pajamas looking surprised. The room features a bedside table with a lamp and framed pictures on the wall, showcasing a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Two children stand in a doorway, discussing fears about the dark. One child gestures animatedly while the other looks thoughtful, creating a lighthearted moment. The scene captures childhood curiosity and the common fears associated with darkness.

Two cartoon characters engage in a humorous conversation. One character, wearing a yellow shirt, confidently states he guessed the name

A cartoon panel featuring two characters discussing a superstition about sitting on a salt container at midnight for good luck in the New Year. One character looks puzzled while the other explains the belief. The scene captures a humorous exchange related to New Year's traditions.

Cartoon character with dark hair wearing a blue jacket, looking surprised while speaking a thought bubble that begins with

Two cartoon characters in yellow shirts engage in a humorous conversation about flirting with a girl named Sheila, with one character gesturing while speaking and the other looking contemplative. The setting appears to be a casual environment, possibly related to a tanning salon.

A comic strip featuring a worried pregnant woman exclaiming about the time, while a confident man in a yellow shirt encourages his team to take action. The scene captures a humorous moment of urgency and teamwork.

Comic strip featuring a police officer complimenting a young man on his performance and suggesting he consider a career as a paramedic. The young man appears thoughtful in response.

More Samples

About Hector D. Cantú and Carlos Castellano

Hector Cantú created his first newspaper cartoon when he was 12. “It was a small-town newspaper that just happened to be owned by my brother, but I think it counts,” Cantú says. “It’s called ‘networking.’”

He studied journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. He was previously an editor at Heritage Auctions in Dallas and managing editor at Hispanic Business magazine in Santa Barbara, California. He has worked for or written for The Dallas Morning News, Los Angeles Times Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter.

Cantú lives in Texas with his wife, Linda.

Carlos Castellanos is the artist behind the comic strip “Baldo.” Castellanos is originally from Cuba and was always interested in drawing. Around the age of seven, he recalls watching his first episode of "Bewitched." Watching Darrin Stephens sitting behind a large drawing table and working from home inspired the young man to do the same. He began his freelance career as an illustrator in 1981, while still in college. Castellanos now lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, and focuses on work for magazines, book publishers, ad agencies, corporate clients, and, of course, “Baldo.”

Man with glasses and a cap smiling in front of greenery and water, showcasing a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Cast

Cartoon character in a red shirt with a white stripe, smiling and gesturing playfully, set against a circular background.

Baldo

The star of the show! Baldo isn’t the brainiest kid in school, but he has passion and a good heart—solid traits for a teen trying to find his place in the world. While he might not have the sweetest set of wheels—yet—we can still come along for the ride.

Cartoon character with dark hair and a polka dot green shirt, joyfully jumping with arms outstretched, representing the playful spirit of

Gracie

Baldo’s 8-year-old sister is a confident, clever, mischievous whiz kid who aims high and is always ready for adventure. Perhaps it’s because she’s growing up in a single-parent household, but she never hesitates to pursue her goals until she finds the perfect fit.

Cartoon character with a cheerful expression, wearing a baseball cap and a purple vest, showcasing a friendly and humorous demeanor.

Cruz

Baldo’s best bud and partner in crime. If Baldo’s going to spill his guts to someone, it’s Cruz.

Illustration of a cartoon character named Baldo, featuring a cheerful man with dark hair and a big smile, wearing a light blue jacket. The image is circular and emphasizes the character's friendly demeanor, suitable for the

Dad

The anchor of the family, Sergio is a business owner who wants only the best for his "perfect" children.

Cartoon character Baldo, featuring a joyful expression, with curly black hair and a yellow headband, wearing a yellow shirt, representing themes of fun and adventure.

Nora

Gracie’s best friend, always there with a hand when Gracie needs help or someone to join her on a wild adventure.

Cartoon character Baldo, featuring a cheerful figure with large glasses and a playful expression, wearing a purple top and black scarf, symbolizing humor and lightheartedness.

Tia Carmen

The live-in aunt who hovers over her sobrino and sobrina with a bag full of old-world ways, common sense advice, and magical remedies.