Zorro

This was my first experience reading a graphic novel, and my first time working with Zorro.  After reading the graphic novel, I was very impressed.  I found it very interesting because the images were extremely descriptive so there wasn't a greater need for more text.  Wagner was able to take a few words and make them go along way because of the vivid images. I have to admit that I never imagined time could be controlled through magical realism in a graphic novel.  I like how the story goes back and forth from Diego's childhood to Zorro, until the end when it's only present time Zorro defending California.  I like that this version of Zorro, starts with a young Diego who experiences horrific events which forever change his life.  As he grows, his skills with sword fighting grow, and his morals and reasoning change.  The images that Francavilla creates are powerful.  I personally was moved with the scene of Amalia's death. When Diego is hiding under the bed and his mother is being murdered.  The images are snap shots of Diego's fear, his mothers legs, and the bad guys boot.  As the mother's leg moves forward, with the bad guys boot, Francavilla zooms in on the fear in Diego's eyes. It gave me, the reader, a strong reaction of sorrow for the characters.  And finally I liked the importance of history in the graphic novel.  The author's make sure to make a point of a political standpoint. Of the colonization of the Spaniards in the early 1900th century and the feelings they have towards mixed blooded people.  It's important because it was a huge turning point in world history. I imagine it as a story inside an even bigger story.  To me I feel that Zorro is a small story of a hero, inside an even bigger story of the Spaniards taking over the new world and treating the local people like animals.  For this story to take place in an important event, makes Zorro an even greater hero.