Booknote: Homies

David Gonzales and Elliot Serrano, Homies. Runnemede, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2017. ISBN: 9781524103804. 

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: humor, Latino, Chicanos
Format: e-galley
Source: NetGalley

This comic volume is a compilation of stories about the Chicano homies living in Barrio Quien Sabe of East L.A. This comic was popular in the 1990s, and this is a new set of stories written by the comic's creator. This work certainly makes me want to seek the previous comics. This volume was a great read.

The four stories in the volume are:

• Hollywood, the ever bachelor, decides finally to tie the knot with Gata. Mayhem ensues. 
• The local community center is getting a seriously bad budget cut, so the homies put together a lucha libre match for charity. 
• La Llorona has appeared. Who has summoned her?
• Finally, read the story  of the barrio's best car mechanic, who is quite the illegal alien. 

The stories combine oddball humor, heartwarming moments, mucho corazón, and even a bit of wonder. There are moving moments and plenty of laughter inducing situations. I really enjoyed reading this one, and I read it in one sitting as it just drew me in. 

The art is another great reason to pick up this volume. It captures the culture and characters of the barrio quite well. The art makes the comic feel authentic. It is also very colorful. For instance, I loved the art on the lucha poster. 

Another interesting detail is the narration. The narrator talks to the reader as if you are an old friend not seen for a while returning to el barrio. It makes you feel warm and welcome. 

Overall, it is a great read I recommend. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2017 Reading Challenges: