Juan Padrón, born in the province of Matanzas, Cuba, and of Spanish descent, had a sharp sense of humor. Growing up, he was influenced by American comic strips and cartoons. Juan was an animator, screenwriter, writer and he was considered one of Cuba's best cartoonists. Therefore, it is crucial to share his memories so that new generations can learn about his work.

His art was focused on children. He worked for the José Martí Pioneers Organization, which gave him the opportunity to interact with children and receive feedback.

The Juan Manuel Padrón’s work January 29, 1947 - March 24, 2020) revitalized the graphic humor of his time in Cuba and it became a must-read reference for everyone. Using irony, sarcasm, and humor, he created characters that became deeply rooted in Cuba. Some of them are: Elpidio Valdés, María Silvia, General Resóplez. His feature film "Vampires in Havana," that is one of the jewels of Latin American cinema, addressed issues such as power, inequality, and corruption. Another example is his series of short animated stories whose themes were related to the Cuban humor and they questioned problems of the Cuban society at that time with slight elements of mockery and ridicule. These stories were considered the first masterpieces of Cuban animated films. Also, comics such as "Aventuras Kashibashi" and "Barzúm de Marte," took root in the Cuban people’s daily lives. Even inspirational phrases of him became part of the people's everyday life.

The use of double meanings, vehemence, patriotism, ease, and joy revealed ways of enhancing Juan Padron’s art and it made possible to understand better the Cuban identity.

This way, Juan Padrón’s work is linked to the Cuban history; the Spanish conquest and colonization in Cuba, US rule, the struggles for the independence of Cuba, as well as family and personal stories. Certainly, Padrón’s work is one of the most outstanding compendiums of Cuban Humor. Through his work, the artist shows his love and concern for Cuba.  

Thanks to Juan Padrón’s work, Cuban animation has played a crucial role in the development of the Ibero-American industry. Due to his ingenuity, he earned a big recognition in the publishing world, but above all, among readers and film buffs, who placed him to a leading role in the Cuban animation.