A knockout graphic novel, Jorge Aguirre’s brilliantly crafted Monster Locker bursts to life with Andrés Vera Martínez’s gorgeous illustrations. It follows middle schooler Pablo Ortiz as he navigates the daily chaos of an exasperating sister, a “crazy” abuela, and the crushing pressure to fit in—all while wrestling with a humiliating past that just won’t stay buried. Just when he thinks things couldn’t get worse, Pablo's assigned a locker in the school’s eerie basement, rumored to be haunted by ghouls. Teaming up with a few unlikely friends, Pablo embarks on a daring quest to confront the monster lurking in his locker—before it threatens the entire city. Along the way, he learns that true courage comes in unexpected forms and that reality isn’t always what it seems.
Monster Locker's artwork pops with subtle energy, immediately pulling readers into its dynamic world. Vera Martínez’s meticulous character designs vividly capture emotions, from subtle expressions to full-blown terror. Certain moments dial up the intensity, with characters appearing more menacing or powerful, heightening the emotional stakes.
Vera Martínez's strategic use of color plays a crucial role in fleshing out the characters. I think in particular of the scenes that revisit Abuela’s memories. Each flashback takes on the faded hues of an old photograph or aged parchment, seamlessly blending past and present in a way that feels more immersive than in many other graphic novels.
One really cool aspect of the character designs is how they cleverly nod to iconic figures from pop culture. These references add an extra layer of fun, sparking countless “aha!” moments that had me flipping back through the pages just to catch them again.
Monster Locker is a must-read for superhero fans, packed with unmistakable winks to classic heroes that are impossible to overlook. Beyond that, the novel is deeply rooted in Latino culture, drawing inspiration from Mexican traditions, distinctive artistic influences, and a rich tapestry of voices that bring the story to life in a way that feels both authentic and celebratory.
As a lifelong comics fan, Monster Locker was an absolute blast to read. The humor had me laughing out loud, and the clever nods to famous superheroes—whether through name drops or iconic moves—were pure gold. More than once, I found myself thinking, Wait… I’ve seen a certain star-spangled hero pull that off before!
But what truly sets this graphic novel apart is its stunning art style. The color palette is pure eye candy, bursting with vibrancy and depth. Some panels were so breathtaking I had to pause just to soak it all in. And beyond the visuals, the story hit home in a way that felt deeply personal. The chaotic, loving atmosphere of a “full house” is something many of Latinos know well, making Pablo’s world feel all the more real and relatable.
Monster Locker is an incredibly fun, engaging read—perfect for unwinding after class or escaping from the stress of homework. Grab a copy--as soon as you can!
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