Mexikid: A Graphic Novel Memoir

Known for creating Asteroid Andy for Hallmark Greetings, Pedro Martin explores his Mexican heritage in his Middle Grade Graphic Novel debut. Deftly transferring his online mexikid comic stories to graphic novel format he provides the reader with a myriad of experiences and emotions.

Full of heart and hilarity, Mexikid is a rich representation of 1970’s pop culture and family dynamics. Embarking on a riotous road trip like no other, Pedro’s eight siblings, part Mexican born, part American born, are on a mission to bring their legendary abuelito home. While the youngest travel with Ama and Apa in the camper van from hell, the older siblings follow in a dodgy pick-up truck with ropes for seat belts.

As Pedro searches for his true grito [voice], he juxtaposes his perceptions of his revolutionary war era grandpa, depicted in comic book action style, using a palette of desert yellow and bruised orange, with hilarious National Lampoon style antics and stomach-churning scatological laughs.

Their eventful journey from California to Mexico features cringeworthy music, a helping of ‘the Fonz’, sibling negotiations, snack mishaps, a game of Winnebago pinball, corrupt border guards, unregulated toys, pop rock mayhem, licuado calamity, Jedi Mind Tricks, Chun Ta Ta and tourist traps. But what lies underneath the merriment? The reader becomes aware that amid the shenanigans of the nine children, the adults are having important conversations. Pedro recollects, “A lot of things back then were hidden from me, either by choice or by design.”

The novel has an accessible chapter format. Its lively characters are animated against pale pastels and evening blues. Narrated in Pedro’s twelve-year-old voice, there are observations about the border crossing, ‘It was like the driveway at Disneyland but with way more automatic weapons’; childish jokes, ‘This is how you wrangle an escaping toro with el choro’; and poignant statements, ‘I felt saddersweet.’

Lessons are learnt en route as perceptions change and stories evolve. Chapter 14 is particularly memorable while Chapter 19 leaves Pedro with a difficult choice. There is a perfect blend of humour and pathos with Spanish phrases peppered throughout and photographic memoirs at the back of Pedro’s family. He also reveals that his amazing abuelito lived until the age of 107. A sequel chronicling the Martin family’s strawberry picking exploits is on the way.

Visual readers, fans of Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Raina Telgemeier’s books will love this but Mexikid deserves more than a mere comparison. It works on multiple levels. While it has puerile poop puns, heinous haircuts and sibling rivalry, it also speaks of poignant family history, exploring your cultural identity and understanding your ancestry. An unforgettable tour de force.