Zorro

Believe it or not, I’ve had very little exposure to Zorro. I remember having seen The Princess Bride as a young teen thinking that the masked man was Zorro. I also experienced my first “oh my gosh, that man is sexy” moment while watching that film. There is just something about that mask…

...but on to the subject at hand. I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I was first introduced to the concept of graphic novels last year in my history class. We read Persepolis. I was so pleased to have read the story cover to cover in one sitting and also sincerely enjoyed the imagery provided by the author. I’ve always been a huge fan of comics and cartoons, and I still watch ’toons to this day- validating myself with the argument that fictional characters can do anything they please, while human actors remain their normal, mortal selves.

Another reason I am so fond of the graphics (in Zorro particularly) is the distinct connection the author is able to make with the reader via the artwork. The intensity of the colors encapsulate me. I’ve always been a fan of reading-- it's refreshing that a good author is able to describe every sense of the scene they’re depicting-- however, it is nice every once in awhile to pick up a graphic novel and to accurately comprehend what the author is trying to convey. Some of the images in this particular novel were incredibly moving and captivating.

I also enjoyed the dark moments in this novel. I’m not your typical gothic chick, but I am most certainly able to appreciate the dark arts. I found some of the images to be somewhat frightening-- with the emotions that they arise, appreciated. I will say, however, that I wasn’t particularly fond of the “good guys speak English, bad guys speak naughty Spanish” concept, in all honesty, it's racist. Overlooking the ignorant details like that drive me crazy, I did enjoy Zorro (it was much better than I had ever expected), but I must admit that I am looking forward to Like Water for Chocolate.