The big themes in Spanish historical comics since the era of the Passage have long been the Civil War and regional narratives built to fit nationalist myths. So it stands out when figures from the imperial past reemerge. Lezo draws on epic force. Blas de Lezo is presented as a survivor of countless wars, a character who in another country might warrant a string of feature films. Here the series continues with Lope de Aguirre and the wrath of God. The writers — Ángel Miranda, Guillermo Mogorrón, Ramón Vega, and Miguel Ángel Abad — push past prejudice to reveal a grand adventure told through the lives of these leaders. It’s refreshing to see classic naval battles retold in reverse, where the expected heroes aren’t the stalwart sailors of the Royal Navy, and where Spanish inquisitors aren’t simply depicted as the ultimate villains. Instead, the narrative shows how the treacherous Albion tried to seize control of distant dominions. Yet, not everything lands; at times the results don’t measure up. The artwork carries power, but detail, gesture, and composition sometimes feel uneven. In many scenes, the action becomes hard to parse, which is regrettable given the complex choreography of battle. The lead characters receive clear, deliberate characterization, yet many secondary figures—those who could provide a richer human texture—often blur into the background.
Soy la Malinche presents a more nuanced approach. While the treatment of Lezo echoes a rarefied reverence for a military figure within the Spanish comics landscape, Alicia Jaraba’s portrayal aligns with a broader, gender-conscious, postcolonial perspective that respects indigenous voices. The main challenge of translating Malinche’s life into comics is that Mitton’s Quetzalcoatl already laid a towering groundwork. Still, new archaeological discoveries continually offer fresh angles on historical events. Mitton’s work remains formidable, crafting a potent heroine who endures oppression in a brutal world, with scenes such as her escape from disaster in the Great Pyramid and her pursuit by danger. Her encounter with Hernán Cortés is a defining moment. Beyond strict historical accuracy, Mitton’s narrative proved difficult to surpass for its gripping arc and intensity.
In this new take, the approach diverges significantly. Epic and highly dramatic moments are tempered, aligning with what little is known about Malinche: the daughter of a chief who was sold into servitude and ultimately gifted to Cortés and his men. The premise floats the idea that interactions between cultures can tilt toward either violence or friendship; communication, not just conquest, shapes the outcome. Translators become crucial intermediaries who can understand both sides. This portion is particularly well written, notable for the author’s philological background. The work excels in depicting languages—whether spoken, partially understood, or newly formed—and in portraying the growing self-awareness of the heroine as a “speaking woman.” Yet at times the narrative tone veers toward a softer, Disney-like sentiment, and the dynamic with the grandmother, a transmitter of tradition, risks becoming predictable. The relationship with the mother also loses some of its subtlety, which is a minor disappointment.
There are moments when the story’s wealth of events feels restrained, as if the momentum could have carried more of its remarkable occurrences. Still, the balance remains largely favorable. The artwork tends toward minimalism and a certain shakiness, but it serves the storytelling, clearly differentiating characters while guiding the reader through tense, climactic sequences. The color palette shines, adding scale and mood to pivotal scenes. In the script, Malinche’s inner journey comes through with clarity: her doubts and her certainties are interwoven, and a scene where she debates with Cortés about the power of her gods—comparable in weight to Christian beliefs—is especially well executed. This is not the only moment where the writing stands out. Overall, the presentation is solid, credible, and worth recommending to readers seeking a thoughtful, character-driven narrative about a pivotal historical figure.