Season of the Bruja: Volume One Author Aaron Duran Illustrator Sara Soler

Comic Book Review

5 out of 5 stars!


"The past is the past, that cannot be changed.  . . . Do not let it dictate the future." - Abuela


Althalia's learning about her powers and how she can utilize them. But being young and a little naive she doesn't fully understand the extent of her abilities or what the price for using them is. She wishes to control the things she can since there are larger things out of her control. . . Namely the prejudices people have against her people and her ancestors. 


Things change drastically and our young bruja's about to begin her coming of age journey when a priest approaches her and her grandmother. A situation occurs leaving 'Lia with so many unanswered questions and a mission that she will not detour from! But our little witch is about to learn some lessons the hard way. Will her spirit be broken? Or will she come out stronger?


First of all, the art in this comic is utterly beautiful! I got feelings of "Coco" and "Encanto" as I read through the book and loved everything I saw. The vibrancy of colors and the depictions of everything was just utterly phenomenal! The illustrator did such an amazing job and there were a few panels that gave me chills because of the beauty and the impact of the work.


'Lia's being a little carless with her gift and being the overly confident teenager that most of us can relate to. She knows she's strong and doesn't hold back when others are trying to warn her to be careful. I loved her attitude and her personality when we are first introduced to her in the beginning of the story. I chuckled several times with just how she handled the "bad" they were up against. She's already a very strong young woman!


'Lia's surrounded by people with abilities even if they don't all have the gifts her and her Abuela do. She works for a shop focused on oddities and helping others with supernatural problems. Because we humans are curious creatures and sometimes meddle in things we shouldn't or things we should do more research about! Luckily the team is able to help when situations arise, even if 'Lia tries to pull a one-woman-show.


This read does touch on the underbelly of prejudices against Latinxs' and their culture. History is very much interpreted by the "victors". . . I believe all cultures and races have dark histories and I appreciate that the author mentioned this through some of the dialogue. When you get away from the "approved" history books that schools issue you will be amazed by what you find. 


The more I learn about Hispanic cultures, their beliefs, history, and holidays the more I am in love honestly. There's so much beauty in the world and within other cultures that are not your own and it is very sad that some still choose to be closed minded and ignorant. I really love the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, and just all the decorations, symbolisms, and everything about the holiday. Was excited when I recognized some of the elements within this book because of "The Book of Life".


There are also depictions of how religion can be very toxic and manipulative. Controlling the masses and doing things in the name of a god. . . Religion can be a good thing, but it can also be a very harmful thing. Wiping out whole civilizations of people or enslaving thousands all for the name of religion is very wrong on so many levels!


'Lia's Abuela helps to balance her and help to teach 'Lia that there are two sides to every story. I loved Abuela in this book and her familiar! The familiars of the two bruja's were perfect and I enjoyed the comedy they helped to provide for the read. This is a YA comic series and things are kept lighthearted for the most part. But there's grief in the read, loss and some wonderful action sequences!


I do wish some of the Spanish was translated down in the footnote or maybe have an asterisk to direct you to the glossary. A glossary would be very nice as well to help teach others about words used with the read and how to properly say them. There were a couple of moments where I was little lost on what was specifically said but could tell from body language and things revolving around the panel what was being conveyed. 


The language is clean except for a curse word in Spanish here and there. Some violence and a scene of someone getting body modification done but it's cut off. Things are implied but you don't see the full process. The volume does end on a cliffhanger, but it is a gentler one. I also really enjoyed that there was a recipe in the back of the book along with notes from the author and the illustrator! The team did a great job with this installment, and I cannot wait for more! 


Enjoy the read with so much beauty, action, wonderful characters, and some angst! Don't forget to give the author some stars!


Amazon.com: Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 eBook : Duran, Aaron, Soler, Sara, Soler, Sara, Soler, Sara: Kindle Store


Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 by Aaron Durán, Sara Soler, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)


Aaron Duran


Aaron Duran – The official page for Aaron Duran. Creator of The Season of the Bruja, producer of Geek in the City Radio, and freelance writer for hire. (aaronduranwrites.com)


Aarón Durán (@geekinthecity) • Instagram photos and videos


Aaron Duran | creating Stories! | Patreon


Sara Soler


Sara Soler Ester (@sarasoler_art) • Instagram photos and videos


Sara Soler Art | creando Comics and illustrations | Patreon


sarasoler_art (@sarasoler_art) TikTok | Watch sarasoler_art's Newest TikTok Videos

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