Marco Finnegan

Set during the summer of the Zoot Suit Riots (LA 1943)when two young Hispanic Americans encounter violence, prejudice and 5 foot tall lizard. A Navy base has been installed in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood and the white sailors think nothing of tossing out verbal assaults and starting fights, when a 6 foot tall lizard pops out of a sewer grate to save the sisters they realize they've made a new friend. What they don't realize is that the lizard is also being hunted by a crazed Navy show more scientist. Are they in even more danger for befriending him? The fantastical story is set in an all too real situation and helps readers see it in a new light. Great for all ages. show less

A dying woman makes a wish to a supernatural being to keep her orphaned granddaughter safe. As is the way of wishes, things get dark and bloody. Unfortunately, the slow burn to horror was so slow I got bored and tuned out. It's not bad, but nothing here really surprised or engaged me.

(A graphic novel project: I'm reading all the books on the list of NPR's Books We Love 2022: Favorite Comics and Graphic Novels. Only three to go!)

I think this story was actually some sort of mid-20th–century history lesson. Set in 1940s Los Angeles. Finnegan mingles humanoid swamp creatures with victory rolls and zoot suits to highlight Mexican American families struggling to survive in the US.
Meet the sisters...
Cuata is soft, petite, and likes to help others. Her sister, Flaca, is tall, lean, and angular with a short temper and a rebellious nature. The sisters are having a night out on the town. LA turns violent amid the clashes show more of the Zoot Suit Riots, Cuata and Flaca escape with the help of a subterranean creature who is part man and part creature. Feeling sorry for the creature they take him home after realizing he has been separated from his family. Now the girls mission is to reunite them while evading Navy men and a mysterious man-in-black scientist who wants to get hold of the specimen.

The plot is quick and almost seems rushed. The book explores themes of racism, colonialism, counterculture, and family. End pages include historical context, (rather lengthy), about the zoot suiters and the events that triggered the 1943 riots as well as insight into Finnegan’s art.

This didn’t work for me, yet I appreciate the historic insight and art. show less

Lizard in a Zoot Suit is a fantastical little novel that packs a punch with history, fantasy and action!

Flaca and Cuata are heading home when they get into a brawl with some sailors. As they escape, they discover a lizard creature and befriend it. Suddenly, the government is after their lizard friend which causes much chaos. Meanwhile, the Lizard in a Zoot Suit is trying to find his own family since he lost them years ago. Will friendship prevail? Will our fancy smancy Lizard friend find his show more family? Will Cuata's skirt ever be brought up by her Mother?!

I thought this book was super fun! It's short and sweet yet packed full of action and adventure. There's not a ton of dialogue, but the pictures tell the story just perfectly.

At the end of the book, there's a little section describing the Zoot Suit riots. I found it super intriguing to read about, since I hadn't been reminded of this since grade school. I'm always down for a little educational break within or after the novel.

Also, best title ever. Just saying.

Overall, I think this book is a real success! It's a fun, little comic that will bring lots of joy and excitement to readers. It reminds me of The Shape of Water without the R rated content.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Lerner Publishing group for this wonderful opportunity to pick up this book. I hope to see more of Marco Finnegan soon! show less