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Illegal Cargo
Coming October 24th, 2023
Although he had never been the most present father, José Sendero, an elderly Salvadoran, has always wanted the best for his daughter, Helena, who now lives far away in America. When an unexpected messenger arrives at his door, José must decide whether to bury his head in the sand, or leave everything he knows behind to be there for his daughter when she needs him most.
Written and illustrated by Mexico City-based comic artist Augusto Mora, Illegal Cargo is a 96-page graphic novel inspired by the touching true stories of everyday migrants on perilous journeys North from Central and South America.
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Additional information
| Format | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Adventure |
| Pages | 100 |
| Rating | Mature |
| Color/B&W | Color |
21 reviews for Illegal Cargo
Illegal Cargo
Or
Andrew Benteau –
https://youtu.be/eVCgWyYgdxQ
Reader –
Pretty good.
jordan johnson –
I love the artwork but it kind made me sad all these people missing
Andrea H.Andrea H. –
Illegal Cargo is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read in a long time. The story invoked an emotional response from me at numerous junctures. The art itself was visually stunning. I often found myself stopping to take a photo; I would happily hang any page of this graphic novel on my wall as its own art! The subject matter is something often in the news but rarely depicted with the individuality or empathy that this graphic novel treats it with.The ending blew me away. I thought I knew what was coming from the beginning of the story but I was totally surprised and moved.This graphic novel is perfect whether you’re looking for beautiful illustrations, a compelling plot line, or more information about the perilous experience of immigration.
Ben LongBen Long –
Illegal Cargo is a 96-page graphic novel about José Sendero, an elderly Salvadoran on a perilous journey to find his missing daughter. Inspired by the true stories of everyday immigrants on their way to the United States from places like South America and Mexico and the tireless work of humanitarian organizations like Las Patronas who support them. Written in English by Augusto Mora, a Mexican artist and author of various web comics, graphic novels, and short storiesThese types of stories are always tough to read because they’re so heavily based on real trauma and events. The story is a heartbreaking one, and you really empathize with José and the other immigrants as they face numerous life or death perils on their journey. The point of this comic is to raise awareness about social issues just as much as it is to tell a good story. On both accounts it succeedsIn addition to following José I also enjoyed the storyline featuring the benign spirit (La Siguanaba: part woman, part horse skeleton) pushing him onward, as well as the one with the Mexican gangsters. The art is also gorgeous, the varying characters and terrain rendered in vivid detail and beautiful colors. The story moves quickly and ends on a somber, somewhat dissatisfying note (though I understand the point of it), but all in all I really enjoyed this book!
James Jeffrey –
It’s my pleasure to review the Graphic Novel “Illegal Cargo” by writer and artist Augusto Mora published by Black Panel Press. The artwork inside is beautiful. It is reminiscent of Jeff Lemire of Sweet tooth and Essex County fame as well as Rob Guillory of Chew fame. It’s atmospheric and interpretive of life. The colors change to indicate feelings and situations the story demands. It’s a beautiful book indeed. Some may find the artwork simple, but that serves the story it is telling and is a style choice that I absolutely enjoyed. The story involves a father who receives bad news about his daughter that has migrated north with the intent of arriving in the United States. Apparently she hasn’t been heard from by friends of hers that were monitoring her progress by cell phone tracking. A supernatural experience by her father, Jose, convinces him to follow her perilous journey to find her. No spoilers, but the realism of the characters and situations encountered on the journey pull you into the story. I was not able to put the book down. I consumed it in one sitting. No spoilers here but I appreciate the author giving a more truthful and ambiguous account of the daughter and the father. There is adult language; parents may want to review first. I wholeheartedly give Illegal Cargo my highest recommendation. The story is engrossing, the art is beautiful and the book is a good size to fully immerse the reader in the artwork. It is printed with high quality cover stock and paper stock pages. I think this book is well worth your money and time if for no other reason than to safely put you in the shoes of someone having to travel in a most dangerous way that most North Americans will never experience.Review by James Jeffrey
jordan johnson –
I love the artwork but it kind made me sad all these people missing
GIO RODRIGUEZ –
That story was really good, well written and great animation. It leaves one craving for more.
Conor Carton –
Illegal Cargo is a deeply engaging comic tracing the journey a father takes to try and find his daughter in Mexico. Helena had left El Slavador to go to the USA for a better life and is last heard from in Mexico City. Her father, Jose, sets out to find her after a strange encounter. The journey is brutal and the comclusion unexpected.The story is grim, the travellers are preyed upon at every opportunity by thieves and gangstars, they take terrible risks riding on the top of rail cars. Augusta Mora never lets his cast be simply steryotypes or symbols, they have the spark of life and all are fighting to survive. Jose travells a double journey, both physically and one of redemption for a barely lived life.The art is sharp and engaging, the cast are given worn out faces and bruised bodies, everyone has been battered by their life. The body language is elequont as they struggle to survive. The walk on parts and the supporting cast are given the opportunity to register with the reader and stand for themselves.The colours are a joy, they catch and manage the emotional tone for the story with subtle grace, they weight and depth to the art.The lettering is functional, it is easy to read without adding anything in particular to the comic.Illegal Cargo is clearly the product of a distinctive creative imagination ad strong story telling craft, it packs a punch that makes it a pleasure to read.
Kyle Taborski –
Illegal Cargo fit a full story that didn’t feel rushed in its 96 pages and the art was nice. It feels like a hero’s quest, minus them returning to the start. There was a goal, adversity, action, failings, perseverance, etc. I just didn’t emotional connect to it until the end.The ended was a surprise gut punch. Which on this topic could be anything. Mostly because it was sad and I expected it to go a different way.This book is a call for attention and action on the problem of people going missing and facing violence while trying to have better life opportunities.I received a review copy.
Kyle Taborski –
Illegal Cargo fit a full story that didn’t feel rushed in its 96 pages and the art was nice. It feels like a hero’s quest, minus them returning to the start. There was a goal, adversity, action, failings, perseverance, etc. I just didn’t emotional connect to it until the end.The ended was a surprise gut punch. Which on this topic could be anything. Mostly because it was sad and I expected it to go a different way.This book is a call for attention and action on the problem of people going missing and facing violence while trying to have better life opportunities.I received a review copy.
ab –
I purchased this as a gift and was really impressed with the quality of the artwork in this graphic novel. I couldn’t help but read through some of the story and immediately can recognize that this is a story that will resonate with many in so many different contexts, and most certainly should be told and heard today.A unique graphic novel that brings to light a quality story that has thought-provoking meaning and purpose.I highly recommend this awesomely illustrated and colorful graphic novel that is absolutely unique in every way, telling an intriguing story with underlying purpose and meaning at the core.
Conor Carton –
Illegal Cargo is a deeply engaging comic tracing the journey a father takes to try and find his daughter in Mexico. Helena had left El Slavador to go to the USA for a better life and is last heard from in Mexico City. Her father, Jose, sets out to find her after a strange encounter. The journey is brutal and the comclusion unexpected.The story is grim, the travellers are preyed upon at every opportunity by thieves and gangstars, they take terrible risks riding on the top of rail cars. Augusta Mora never lets his cast be simply steryotypes or symbols, they have the spark of life and all are fighting to survive. Jose travells a double journey, both physically and one of redemption for a barely lived life.The art is sharp and engaging, the cast are given worn out faces and bruised bodies, everyone has been battered by their life. The body language is elequont as they struggle to survive. The walk on parts and the supporting cast are given the opportunity to register with the reader and stand for themselves.The colours are a joy, they catch and manage the emotional tone for the story with subtle grace, they weight and depth to the art.The lettering is functional, it is easy to read without adding anything in particular to the comic.Illegal Cargo is clearly the product of a distinctive creative imagination ad strong story telling craft, it packs a punch that makes it a pleasure to read.
James Jeffrey –
It’s my pleasure to review the Graphic Novel “Illegal Cargo” by writer and artist Augusto Mora published by Black Panel Press. The artwork inside is beautiful. It is reminiscent of Jeff Lemire of Sweet tooth and Essex County fame as well as Rob Guillory of Chew fame. It’s atmospheric and interpretive of life. The colors change to indicate feelings and situations the story demands. It’s a beautiful book indeed. Some may find the artwork simple, but that serves the story it is telling and is a style choice that I absolutely enjoyed. The story involves a father who receives bad news about his daughter that has migrated north with the intent of arriving in the United States. Apparently she hasn’t been heard from by friends of hers that were monitoring her progress by cell phone tracking. A supernatural experience by her father, Jose, convinces him to follow her perilous journey to find her. No spoilers, but the realism of the characters and situations encountered on the journey pull you into the story. I was not able to put the book down. I consumed it in one sitting. No spoilers here but I appreciate the author giving a more truthful and ambiguous account of the daughter and the father. There is adult language; parents may want to review first. I wholeheartedly give Illegal Cargo my highest recommendation. The story is engrossing, the art is beautiful and the book is a good size to fully immerse the reader in the artwork. It is printed with high quality cover stock and paper stock pages. I think this book is well worth your money and time if for no other reason than to safely put you in the shoes of someone having to travel in a most dangerous way that most North Americans will never experience.Review by James Jeffrey
Andrea H.Andrea H. –
Illegal Cargo is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read in a long time. The story invoked an emotional response from me at numerous junctures. The art itself was visually stunning. I often found myself stopping to take a photo; I would happily hang any page of this graphic novel on my wall as its own art! The subject matter is something often in the news but rarely depicted with the individuality or empathy that this graphic novel treats it with.The ending blew me away. I thought I knew what was coming from the beginning of the story but I was totally surprised and moved.This graphic novel is perfect whether you’re looking for beautiful illustrations, a compelling plot line, or more information about the perilous experience of immigration.
GIO RODRIGUEZ –
That story was really good, well written and great animation. It leaves one craving for more.
Reader –
Pretty good.
Xaime –
This book took a very sensitive approach to the serious issue of immigration and family separation. The book was well illustrated and this made the subject not difficult for a young person – my son is 12 – to understand and digest. There are some dark moments and images that are probably too serious for younger children to view. This graphic novel is an excellent way to share the experiences of immigrants sacrificing all to get to a better, safer life.
ab –
I purchased this as a gift and was really impressed with the quality of the artwork in this graphic novel. I couldn’t help but read through some of the story and immediately can recognize that this is a story that will resonate with many in so many different contexts, and most certainly should be told and heard today.A unique graphic novel that brings to light a quality story that has thought-provoking meaning and purpose.I highly recommend this awesomely illustrated and colorful graphic novel that is absolutely unique in every way, telling an intriguing story with underlying purpose and meaning at the core.
Xaime –
This book took a very sensitive approach to the serious issue of immigration and family separation. The book was well illustrated and this made the subject not difficult for a young person – my son is 12 – to understand and digest. There are some dark moments and images that are probably too serious for younger children to view. This graphic novel is an excellent way to share the experiences of immigrants sacrificing all to get to a better, safer life.
Ben LongBen Long –
Illegal Cargo is a 96-page graphic novel about José Sendero, an elderly Salvadoran on a perilous journey to find his missing daughter. Inspired by the true stories of everyday immigrants on their way to the United States from places like South America and Mexico and the tireless work of humanitarian organizations like Las Patronas who support them. Written in English by Augusto Mora, a Mexican artist and author of various web comics, graphic novels, and short storiesThese types of stories are always tough to read because they’re so heavily based on real trauma and events. The story is a heartbreaking one, and you really empathize with José and the other immigrants as they face numerous life or death perils on their journey. The point of this comic is to raise awareness about social issues just as much as it is to tell a good story. On both accounts it succeedsIn addition to following José I also enjoyed the storyline featuring the benign spirit (La Siguanaba: part woman, part horse skeleton) pushing him onward, as well as the one with the Mexican gangsters. The art is also gorgeous, the varying characters and terrain rendered in vivid detail and beautiful colors. The story moves quickly and ends on a somber, somewhat dissatisfying note (though I understand the point of it), but all in all I really enjoyed this book!
Zach Morrow –
The Author and artist do an incredible story of telling a story everyone MUST read. It’s a beautiful tale, that shines a light on something many don’t want to think about, but it’s done in an accessible way. Loved reading. Highly recommend!
Kyle T –
Illegal Cargo fit a full story that didn’t feel rushed in its 96 pages and the art was nice. It feels like a hero’s quest, minus them returning to the start. There was a goal, adversity, action, failings, perseverance, etc. I just didn’t emotional connect to it until the end.
The ended was a surprise gut punch. Which on this topic could be anything. Mostly because it was sad and I expected it to go a different way.
This book is a call for attention and action on the problem of people going missing and facing violence while trying to have better life opportunities.
I received a review copy.
Shehu Fitzgerald –
This was a good read. Loved the story and I really dig the graphics
Hans Burbidge –
Great story of a dad searching for his daughter that is missing from trying to immigrate to the US. Well kept story and beautiful drawings. Great read.
Lou Graziani –
I came into this book knowing nothing about Augusto Mora, but was drawn to it by the beautiful cover. Unlike some other books, the beautiful art is consistent throughout the whole book. And the art is totally in service to a timely and relevant story of love, regrets and impossible odds. Check it out!
James Jeffrey –
It’s my pleasure to review the Graphic Novel “Illegal Cargo” by writer and artist Augusto Mora published by Black Panel Press. The artwork inside is beautiful. It is reminiscent of Jeff Lemire of Sweet tooth and Essex County fame as well as Rob Guillory of Chew fame. It’s atmospheric and interpretive of life. The colors change to indicate feelings and situations the story demands. It’s a beautiful book indeed. Some may find the artwork simple, but that serves the story it is telling and is a style choice that I absolutely enjoyed. The story involves a father who receives bad news about his daughter that has migrated north with the intent of arriving in the United States. Apparently she hasn’t been heard from by friends of hers that were monitoring her progress by cell phone tracking. A supernatural experience by her father, Jose, convinces him to follow her perilous journey to find her. No spoilers, but the realism of the characters and situations encountered on the journey pull you into the story. I was not able to put the book down. I consumed it in one sitting. No spoilers here but I appreciate the author giving a more truthful and ambiguous account of the daughter and the father. There is adult language; parents may want to review first. I wholeheartedly give Illegal Cargo my highest recommendation. The story is engrossing, the art is beautiful and the book is a good size to fully immerse the reader in the artwork. It is printed with high quality cover stock and paper stock pages. I think this book is well worth your money and time if for no other reason than to safely put you in the shoes of someone having to travel in a most dangerous way that most North Americans will never experience.
Review by James Jeffrey