Latinx Comic Book Storytelling: An Odyssey by Interview

The “eminent scholar of all things Latino,” Frederick Luis Aldama once again takes us into the world of Latinx comics with his new text Latinx Comic Book Storytelling: An Odyssey by Interview (9). In an intriguing and exciting collection of interviews spanning from Lalo Alcaraz and “La Cucaracha,” to Jamie Hernandez of Love & Rockets fame, to Cristy C. Road and Spit and Passion, Aldama’s compendium of experiences brings into focus the diversity of the Latinx comic tradition, one that runs the gamut from superheroes to political commentary to queer memoirs.

Aldama focuses specifically on the nature by which the authors find themselves participating in the creation of comics and to what effect their cultures influence them. It provides valuable insight into the minds that are currently constructing the Latinx comic tradition, a perspective necessary as the Latinx population is an ever-present one in the comic book market.

That being said, Aldama’s Latinx Comic Book Storytelling: An Odyssey by Interview is an insightful and entertaining experience for readers of all walks. It enlightens them to the writing process and history of many of their favorite comics while simultaneously providing an interesting cultural study in regards to the growing prominence of Latinx contributors to the comic medium.  Aldama’s text directly addresses the question of Latinx representation within the genre. As such, it provides an answer: “The time for waiting is over. Comics by and about Latinos are here to stay. The authors and artists featured in this book are living proof” (269).