The Armadillo Prophecy

*The Armadillo Prophecy* is Zerocalcare’s first graphic novel. It tells the story of how he coped with the news that a beloved childhood friend had passed away, with a giant armadillo embodying his conscience as his companion and co-star.

Disarmingly funny, witty and contemporary, it is now considered a landmark in the recent history of the Ninth Art. Having sold over 300,000 copies in Italy alone, it remains the most popular work by the phenomenal Italian artist.

Structured as a series of short, interconnected stories that come together to form a cohesive narrative, this work marked the turning point that made Zerocalcare famous for his ability to write comedy with depth, seamlessly weaving powerful dramatic elements into the plot.

His constant references to Italian sociopolitical reality do not prevent readers around the world from identifying with the story. Ultimately, it is a universal tale of its generation, a story about loss, coming to terms with grief and the harsh realities of growing up.

*The Armadillo Prophecy* was adapted into a film in 2018, directed by Emanuele Scaringi, and later inspired the 2021 Netflix animated series *Tear Along the Dotted Line*, which features a slightly altered storyline.