Comic-Con 2017

In Mexico and other Latin American countries, reading comic books and comic strips has long been an accepted form of entertainment and even a potential mode of cultural and political learning and transgression. As a storytelling medium, the comic is especially attractive to Latinos and Latinas. Comic books cost little to make. They offer the possibility of a grassroots-style distribution on the Internet and by word of mouth. Most American comics fans are unfamiliar with Latino comics south of the border or indeed the magical realist world presented in mural, painting, and even graffiti form. This is the third continuous year Comic-Con has welcomed Latino artists, cartoonists, and exhibitors to talk about graphic narratives in the Chicano culture. This panel is honored to have the presence of Juan Felipe Herrera, the recent poet laureate of both California and the entire U.S., as well as renowned Peruvian muralist Mario Torero, former Logan resident Lalo "La Cucaracha" Alcaraz, Mexican graphic novelist Charles Glaubitz (whose latest graphic novel, Star Seeds, is the subject of an exhibition by the Bread and Salt Gallery in Logan), and the San Diego Free Press cartoonist Joaquin Junco Jr. (Junco Canché). David Favela is the owner of Border X at the center of the Logan community, which provides music nearly every night and a gallery featuring local artists.