8 Mexican Graphic Novels That Will Turn You Into a Fan
The world of Mexican graphic novels is a fascinating one. A world that flirts constantly with the rich universe of Mexican comics and brings a fresh artistic perspective of Mexico.
In this post, you’ll learn what graphic novels are and how they differ from comics. You’ll also find out how to improve your Spanish by reading 8 of the most original and outstanding Mexican graphic novels available out there.
What Are Graphic Novels?
Graphic novels are a way of telling stories that includes all the characteristics of “normal” novels, plus illustrations. They contain distinguishable and well-rounded beginning, a middle, and an end. The plot involves conflict and a resolution.
So, what’s the difference between graphic novels and comics? It’s not always clear. Basically, graphic novels have lengthy and complex storylines. They’re usually directed to mature audiences, and they’re bound in more durable formats.
In other words, it’s a novel that uses graphic art to tell a story.
Why Are Mexican Graphic Novels Useful for Learning Spanish?
When learning a new language, you use different strategies and resources along the way. For instance, you can listen to Spanish podcasts, watch movies in Spanish, or read short stories. In the same way, Mexican graphic novels are another useful resource that are there to help you improve your Spanish.
Besides, Mexican graphic novels have enjoyed a kind of boom in recent years and tend to showcase a different angle of Mexican culture. In general, artists who create graphic novels come from completely different backgrounds than authors who write “normal” novels. So, they offer a different perspective of Mexico.
8 Must-Read Mexican Graphic Novels
While doing my research to write this article, I was deeply impressed by what I learned about the world of Mexican graphic novels. I put together a quite eclectic list, trying to not repeat themes and topics, to give you a diverse sample of this interesting genre.
1. Iguana Lady
Iguana Lady is the perfect example of the unique perspective that Mexican graphic novels provide. This novel tells the story (through illustrations) of Graciela Iturbide, one of the most important Mexican photographers of the last five decades. An extraordinary journey through the imagery of a talented photographer, who captured the soul of Mexican culture through the lens of her camera.
Writer: Isabel Quintero
Illustrator: Zeke Peña
Publisher: La Fábrica
Year: 2018
2. H3rmanos
How about reading science fiction cyberpunk Mexican graphic novels? That definitely sounds interesting, right? H3rmanos is set in Mexico City in a distant, dystopian future but tells a story as old as humanity: the relationship between two brothers.
Writer: H.G. Santarriaga
Illustrator: H.G. Santarriaga
Publisher: Nostromo Ediciones
Year: 2017
3. 1874
1874 is recognized as one of the best Mexican graphic novels of the past decade. Winner of the prestigious Premio Grijalbo in 2011, this science fiction novel explores an automatized future where the murder of Mr. Librarian signals the end of the age of the robots.
Writer: Bernardo Fernández (BEF)
Illustrator: Yorko
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Year: 2013
4. Coda: La Bailarina, El Hipopótamo y El Muro
Another collaboration between H.G. Santarriaga and Nostromo Ediciones, Coda: La Bailarina, El Hipopótamo y El Muro is a fascinating journey to a dystopian Mexico City where cyberterrorists, synthetic drugs, and giant quesadillas share the spotlight.
Writer: H.G. Santarriaga
Illustrator: H.G. Santarriaga
Publisher: Nostromo Ediciones
Year: 2015
5. Uncle Bill
Considered “one of the best Latin American graphic novels of the century,” Uncle Bill is an ambitious work that tells the story of a young William Burroughs arriving in Mexico City in 1949, the cultural shock that he experienced there, and the strange circumstances in which he ended up killing his own wife.
Writer: Bernardo Fernández (BEF)
Illustrator: Bernardo Fernández (BEF)
Publisher: Sexto Piso
Year: 2014
6. Los Bandidos de Río Frío
This one is a classic. Written originally in 1891 by Manuel Payno, it’s been given new life by the illustrations of BEF and brought to a new generation of Mexican readers. In the tradition of the costumbrista writers of the 19th century, Payno depicts the local and regional traditions of rural Mexico in fascinating ways.
Writer: Manuel Payno
Illustrator: Bernardo Fernández (BEF)
Publisher: Editorial Resistencia
Year: 2012
7. Tiempos Muertos
Tiempos Muertos is one more of the Mexican graphic novels published by Editorial Resistencia. This novel touches on several complex themes, including love, violence, and ancient Mexican myths. It tells a fascinating story with amazing graphic style.
Writer: Augusto Mora
Illustrator: Augusto Mora
Publisher: Editorial Resistencia
Year: 2012
8. Tormenta de Mayo
Tormenta de Mayo was one of the most successful Mexican graphic novels of 2019, when it won the National Prize of Young Graphic Novel in Mexico. It tells the story of two children who live in a small village of Mexico where nothing ever seems to happen… until a new girl arrives in town. A delicate piece of art, this is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel by a talented young Mexican artist.
Writer: Paulina Márquez
Illustrator: Paulina Márquez
Publisher: Tierra Adentro
Year: 2019
Start Reading Today!
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this quick journey that took us from the story of a Mexican photographer, to cyberpunk and dystopian futures, and back to the simple life of rural Mexico as much as I did.
Now that you know a bit about the amazing world of Mexican graphic novels, it’s time to start reading them and for that, you’ll need to practice your Spanish. Sign up today for a free trial class with one of our certified teachers from Guatemala, and impress them with your knowledge of Mexican graphic novels, talented illustrators, and alternative artworks.
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