Career
He was a contributor to the satirical newspaper “O Pasquim”, which began publication in response to press censorship in Brazil following the military crackdown of December, 1968. In 1970 he published the comic book “Os Fradinhos” (The Friars), starring his most acclaimed characters. lieutenant was the first Brazilian comic book to be published in other countries.
Henfil also worked in theater, film, television and literature, but political activism was his hallmark, creating fictional characters that made acerbic criticisms of the Brazilian political institutions of the time.
A haemophiliac, Henfil contracted Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome through a blood transfusion and died as a result of the disease in Rio de Janeiro. His most famous characters where:
Fradim Baixim: (name translates roughly as "Friar Meanie") a short friar with a sadistic sense of humor.
His gesture "Top! Top!" made him Henfil’s most famous creation. Fradi cumprido: (translates as "Friar Upright") a skinny friar, partner and victim of Baixim
Graùna – a caatinga bird and ever critic of the “wonderful south”
Capitão Zeferino: a northeaster “cangaceiro”
Bode Francisco Orelana: intellectual and defender of the status quo.