#henryreader

So first and foremost introductions.

Hello new readers and possibly those who know who is behind these words, its me Henry the Host! Since for those who haven't heard the news, I'm coming out of content creator retirement to create the upcoming sequel podcast series, ICFAMMPOD: THE REVENGE as well as the original webcomic series APEX: A GIANT MONSTER STORY! As we get ready for the release of these projects, I've decided to bring back a segment of ICFAMM I started in season 2 but somewhat faded out. Monster stories in literary work reviews.

So I recently was visiting my local comic book store here in the Asheville area very own Nerd Sanctuary, https://morganscomics.com/ . I've been selling some of my nerd stuff to try and start off 2022 on the right foot and I've come to really enjoy there store and this little didde caught my eye in there selection. So with my most recent visit at Morgan's, I purchased this copy of the IDW Graphic Novel, CHICABRA by Tom Beland.

Why purchase this graphic novel? Well when I first grabbed it and did a flip through, I was already hooked on the premise from what I've gathered from the images: A girl suddenly learns she can turn into the legendary cryptid: THE CHUPACABRA!

I've now sat down and in one sitting; devoured this graphic novel.

I am honestly surprised that this has passed my radar for so long. I mean granted when it came out I was living in Korea at the time so like...I missed a few American publications but like...HOW IS THIS NOT MORE OF A THING!

Anyways, lets get to chit chatting.

Story: 4.5 out of 5

Almost flawless, this story had me hooked by page three. It features a teenage girl named Izzy as she tries to navigate life post the tragic death of her father and the lost of mind with her mother. While she tries to move on from her feelings and actions from her parent's missing, Izzy gets adventourous and while exploring lost caverns under the Puerto Rican landmark of "El Morro", Izzy finds kinship and literally creates a bond with none other than Puerto Rico's most famous urban legend, El Chupacabra!

From there, the story goes through refreshing twists and turns as Izzy learns to live with the supernatural side of herself that is now CHICACABRA!

The story telling Tom Beland presents in this comic is delightfully organic and compelling. Nothing truly misses a beat as Tom introduces us and the world that Izzy is involved in. While it walks familiar tropes of "teenage youth gains a supernatural side of themselves", those tropes are seen in ways that make one feel like it's the first time seeing it. Tom has to be applauded for telling a tale that explores grief and loss in a way that is real and relatable. The characters react to their situations that make some so life like that you can hear the voices like they are in the room with you. My one true issues with it is the introduction of the Vejigantes, since it feels like their introduction makes me wonder if this is a world of science fiction or one of paranormal supernatural. I will say when I get my hands on the second volume that is "Chicabra: Monster Island", I feel like I will know.

Characters: 5 out of 5

The characters in this story are real. Which is in this day and age surprisingly hard to do as writers tend to lean in harder on their tropes so they can "tell the story". But with Chicacabra, the world isn't forcing the characters, the characters are forcing the world. The "real world" is one that grounds the characters to not be "special" but relatable. The real highlight is Izzy and Tio Tony navigating their loss while also dealing with the fact Izzy is now a cryptid. I honestly could write for days about the strengths of the characters and how Beland is able to explore these character arch-types in such a way where there are no beats that feel inorganic or overplayed. Big props to introducing a mad scientist character bent to track down the legendary creature not to kill it, but to ask for forgiveness from it.

Izzy by the by, is a fantastic lead character. She talks and walks as one would do in the situation that she is in. And for me personally, her relationship with Chicacabra hits home for me, as she has to learn to be responsible for not just her own actions, but the actions of the chupacabra that now lives within her.

Honestly the most amazing sequence in in Chapter One, when a classmate kills her pet rhinoceros beetle. Her reaction is real where she throws a garbage can at him. Once more is her words while beating the living day lights out of her classmate. One that is just so layered that you can honestly hear Izzy's real honest to goodness voice that shows the character that she has a large heart and a lot of damage she needs to work through.

" To end a life like it was nothing. It was something. It was something."

Monster Concept: 4 out of 5

I honestly love how the Chupacabra is presented in this. As one of my favorite Cryptids, seeing the Chupacabra be outside their traditional murderous blood sucker is nice. And to be honest, it was kind of exciting that Izzy finds Chicacabra in a lab...not too far from someone else who is locked up in a lab for an upcoming giant monster series that you can read on Webtoon.....

The reason why this isn't a solid five is due to I'm still trying to figure out if this is a science fiction story with magic or a fantasy series with science.

Monster Design and Execution: 5 out of 5

Chicacabra's design and how she is portrayed as an almost symbiote like character is fantastic. Its elegant and dangerous and I loved the first panel showing the left overs of Chicacabra's first appearance in the modern world. I like that Chicacabra's bond with Izzy helps not just Izzy overcome her grief, but Chicacabras. The kindredness, especially when we learn about Izzy's true reaction to the loss of her parents, between her and Chicacabra is captivating. This monster is a fantastic mirror and I'm looking forward to seeing how this is explored in later stories.

Overall Enjoyment: 5 out of 5

I already have messaged a few friends while writing this that they need to pick it up. This is by far one of the best stories I've read in recent times and to be frank, I am truly surprised this has taken so long to come across my radar. My hat off to you Tom for writing such a fantastic story. To be honest, the inspiration for the story, Lily Garcia is quoted in saying how she feels about this story as: " Its the greatest comic I've ever read. And I've read the Bible."

Grade: "A"

If you like good characters, cryptids, and fantastic art, go check out this series. To be honest I feel like it could easily be brought to life via animation in the style of works like Craig McCraken's Netflix series "KID COSMIC".

CHICABRA Vol One has been a refreshing graphic novel read and something that I want to hold very close to my heart. This was a graphic novel that I plan to return to, share, and feel inspired by. Its a perfect story for positive feelings and a great way to not feel alone if you have negative ones.

To check out more of Tom Beland's work, make sure to check him out via these links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommybeland/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChicacabroTom

Tumblr: https://tombelandart.tumblr.com/

CHICABRA VOL ONE: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21814129-chicacabra

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Hope you enjoyed this Henry Reader entry. Expect more to come to discuss other entries into the literary worlds of the classic "Creature Features". If you enjoyed this and want to support my own works, make sure to follow us here on tumblr and check out other exciting projects via the link below. Till next readers, catch you on the flip!