Honestly, I have never read any comic books of Zorro, nor have I really had an interest in watching the movies. After reading this graphic novel, I now know what I have been missing out on! After discussing the various types of Zorro it was interesting to know that there are so many different kinds. I would have to say that this graphic novel really got my attention. Not only did Isabel Allende do a very good job with her version of the novel, the artist, Francovilla did a remarkable job with the graphics. Wagner did a phenomenal job with the flashbacks and presented the story in a way that made it very easy to follow. It was very hard to get lost, like in the previous texts we have looked at. The graphics were so detailed that anyone could tell what was going on just by glancing quickly at each page. Some of the scenes were so intense that I actually felt like I was in the story. For example, the picture of the sergeant with sweat beating down his forehead is one of my favorites. I can just tell he is filled with anger just because of his face and the way the eyes are drawn. The lighting of the picture is so unique. The picture of the sergeant’s left eye is in the light, and he says an angry remark. While moving to the right the picture gets darker, and the two remarks show that the sergeant is even angrier. I think the light demonstrates the level of angriness. The little squares of the character screaming in pain showed even more emotion. I loved how the images show so very little, but signify so much emotion. For example, Zorro’s eyes are drawn on the blade of the sword, and the image sends shivers down my spine.
Zorro definitely fights for justice the best way that he can in this graphic novel. Some people would say that killing people is not the answer to solve problems; however, that is what makes Zorro the hero. He leaves his mark to prove his revenge. Killing with a sword is more skillful than being killed by a gun or other weapon. The images were straight forward and it made the reading easier. There were some images that made the mind wonder, like the horrific rape scene, which made the mind come up with its own images. I think it is very easy to relate to Zorro in the perspective of his revenge and justice. I would never think about killing someone literally, but metaphorically we have all put masks on and have gotten some sort of revenge. I appreciated the spirit quest and the native people. It gave a whole different meaning to the story, unlike the usual stories with Catholic or Christianity backgrounds. I believe that motivation by power is a strong meaning that made a difference in the story. Overall, I really appreciated the way this graphic novel was presented. The images help make the story more captivating, and I would recommend the graphic novel to anyone.
The black mask on this black background is great. I like your point about how Wagner presented the text in novel ways that still did not lose the reader. Some people seem to think that because a book is easy to read, it is not serious literature. I disagree: it is a great work of art that invites the reader in and makes her comfortable with the story. I also like your point about how restraint can be powerful: I also really like that picture of Zorro's eyes in the sword. It is so cool.
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