*I received an E-Arc from Oni Press via NetGalley. All views are my own*
Season of the Bruja: Vol. 1, by Aaron Duran, illustrated by Deron Bennett, caught my eyes one day while scrolling through the influential streets of Bookstagram. The cover art is to die for, and I immediately thought of the controversial teen show Siempre Bruja on Netflix, and I had to find out more about this book. It's nothing like the Netflix show. Instead, we are introduced to a badass, head-strong Latina witch-in-training willing to prove that she can change the supernatural world.
"From a young age, Althalia knew she would someday be the last of her kind—a bruja, tasked with keeping the power and stories of the ancient ways from fading fully into history. Never alone, Althalia works in a paranormal museum with her friends, a real-life Chupacabra and a were-coyote, while living with and caring for her beloved abuela. Through these powerful connections, her skills and knowledge grow.
But the prejudice her people have always faced continues, and after a seemingly random encounter with a priest, Althalia feels the weight of hundreds of years of religious oppression coming down upon her and her abuela. She must realize her destiny and grow into it quickly if she is to prevent the church from achieving its ultimate goal—destroying the last bruja."
The graphic novel started off confusing for me. We're introduced to characters in the middle of a battle with a demon. I had no idea what was happening, who these people and creatures were, why they were fighting, and the purpose. It was a lot going on. But as the story progressed, the narrative started to smooth out. I loved that Duran included Aztec mythology in the story. I didn't even know such a thing existed (sans Black Panther 2 with Tenoch Huerta's sexy ass flying and swimming all over the Wakanda nation). Mixing those tales with the discovery of America and the lineage of Bruja practice, the story held my attention until the last page.
Overall I rated this 3.5 stars. This is only the beginning, and I am hopeful to see Vol. 2. come about.
Season of the Bruja: Vol. 1 debuts January 24, 2023
