Blue Pug Books is a small graphic medicine publisher founded by Federico Muelas in 2024.
After being diagnosed with bone cancer in the spring of 2020, Fede began writing his graphic medicine memoir, ”T(H)UMOR, Dear Cancer Diary…” and discovered the healing power of telling your story and sharing your trauma. He uses humor as a way to disarm the traumatic experiences he endured during diagnosis and treatment.
After becoming cancer-free, he decided to help tell the stories of other cancer survivors. He began collaborating with Montefiore Einstein and the Twist Out Cancer organization to connect with cancer patients who wanted to share their stories of resilience.
Fede believes that the medium of comics offers a unique platform for exploring illness and disability. Comics can make complex medical topics more accessible to the general public while helping to humanize the patient experience.
Blue Pug Books is committed to advancing the field of graphic medicine by publishing stories that need to be told.
Long Form Honorable Mention from the 2024 Graphic Medicine International Collective (GMIC).
T(H)UMOR, Dear Cancer Diary…
Following a diagnosis of bone cancer in 2020, Federico Muelas’s practice shifted inward. He began drawing as a form of survival, which led to T(H)UMOR, Dear Cancer Diary…, a graphic memoir that uses humor, intimacy, and vulnerability to explore the emotional realities of living with cancer.
Finalist for the 2026 Graphic Medicine International Collective (GMIC) Awards
BOLD BUDDIES STORIES
“In BOLD Buddies Stories (BOLD stands for Bronx Oncology Living Daily) Federico Muelas Romero showcases three different stories of women who have overcome breast cancer or brain tumors. With Ann’s story we see a long history of struggling with various medical issues from rheumatoid fever, narcolepsy, and cancer. Sam’s story is about the importance of being heard by your physician and the financial and physical repercussions if one is not. Lastly, Rita’s story chronicles her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, but more so the wonderful life she has led after cancer. With colorfully humorous illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, readers will come to admire these women and learn about the different ways cancer can affect individuals” -Saily Marrero
About Me
Federico Muelas is a Comic Artist, a New Media Artist, an Educator, and a Cancer Survivor
Federico Muelas (Fede) has over 25 years of experience working at the intersection of digital media, storytelling, and public art. He holds a BFA in Fine Arts from UCLM and an MFA in Computer Arts from the School of Visual Arts (SVA), where he has taught since 2005. His practice spans large-scale and interactive installations and, for the last decade, comics. His work has been exhibited internationally at venues and festivals including Ars Electronica, Art Basel, the Japan Media Arts Festival, ARCO, Stuttgart Filmwinter Festival, MONA, Electrohype, and Montefiore Einstein, among others.
Federico is the recipient of numerous awards, including a NYFA Award, a Merit Award from CoD+A, a Public Art Network Award from Americans for the Arts, the Life 7.0 Award, and an Experimental TV Center Finishing Fund.
NEWS
Federico Muelas, Panelist at San Diego Comic-Con 2026
Comics Arts Conference Session #6: “Cancer-Con: Graphic Medicine Comics from
Cancer Patient and Caregiver Cartoonists“
Panelist:
Naomi Volain, Plants Go Global, Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press,Chris Fink, Breakthrough: Life on the Brink, Brianna Collins, Federico Muelas Romero, T(H)UMOR, Dear Cancer Diary…, Matthew Mewhorter, Cancer Owl
BOLD Buddies Stories Finalist for the GMIC Awards 2026
BOLD Buddies Stories has been shortlisted in the Short-Form category for the 2026 Graphic Medicine International Collective (GMIC) Awards, which recognize outstanding health-related comics projects completed and/or published in 2025.
Patient Caregiver Artist Coalition (PCAC) produces storytelling, editorial, commercial work, and advocacy campaigns that amplify the voices of patients and caregivers
For the second time, BOLD Buddies Stories is published in the prestigious Annals of Internal Medicine. This time, it features the incredible story of resilience of Alyson Moadel-Roblee, PhD, founder of BOLD Buddies.
BOLD Buddies Stories is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (June 2025).
The Annals of Internal Medicine is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American College of Physicians. It is one of the most influential and widely cited medical journals in the world, featuring research and content relevant to internal medicine and its subspecialties.
The exhibition attracted more than 2,000 visitors per day during its two-month run. Notably, approximately 65% of visitors are medical professionals. The show also received media coverage from outlets including Bloomberg Connects, MECCC Insider, The Mann Report, and BronxNet TV, among others.
“T(H)UMOR, Dear Cancer Diary…” Receives an Honorary Mention in the Long-Form Category of the 2024 Graphic Medicine International Collective Awards.
“Federico Muelas’ funny memoir is about his diagnosis at age 45, treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery), and recovery from pleomorphic bone sarcoma (bone cancer) as his mid-life crisis. T(H)UMOR is hand-lettered, drawn with colored pencils, and filled with serious information presented with a light touch. A fascinating read covering a very difficult time in Muelas’ life.”
— Graphic Medicine International Collective (GMIC) Awards citation.