REVIEW: 'Season of the Bruja' #1 by Aaron Duran and Sara Soler

 

SEASON OF THE BRUJA #1 

Writer: Aaron Duran

Artist: Sara Soler

Publisher: Oni Press

Release Date: March 30, 2022

Cover Price: $3.99

Althalia Cabrera might seem like any other witchy Portland hipster whiling away her days behind the counter of a freaky occult museum, but there's more to her whole deal than a trendy pursuit of the craft. Althalia is a bruja by blood-the youngest in a long line of powerful magic users from a long-ago culture indigenous to Mexico. In her twenty years, Althalia has studied with her loving abuela by her side, supporting and mentoring her use of the family magic, and protecting her from the darkest parts of their practice's history. But just as Althalia's inner light and power begin to shine, the darkness of the past finds its way into her world and strikes a tragic blow, testing Althalia in ways she might not be prepared enough to survive.

Score: 

★★★★☆ (4/5)

In 'Season of the Bruja,' Aaron Duran and Sara Soler waste no time putting readers in the middle of the action and introducing the young witch, Althalia, as she tries to expel a demon from a young boy. It's an intense scene vividly captured by artist Sara Soler as Althalia allows the demon to possess her instead. The tone is set for the series as a fun supernatural adventure in the vein of 'Buffy' and 'Supernatural' with excitement, heart, and humor. 

Althalia is still a bruja in training. Something her sweet abuela makes clear when she visits with her after the melee. As good as the camaraderie is with her friends, Boss and Dana, the loving and nurturing nature of her relationship with her grandmother is even better. She knows from the smell alone that she's encountered a demon. You can't fool abuela. She cautions her that she takes too many risks, she's young and still needs to hone her gifts. She's a grounding supportive figure in her life that connects her to her lineage of indigenous witchcraft. 

Duran blends Spanish seamlessly, naturally, without heavy-handedness when the two converse. When they talk about stolen artifacts that end up in a museum it rings true and familiar yet the two are of opposing opinions. It's a great way to address the Mexican heritage the characters share without it being a one-sided conversation. Latinos aren't a monolith so seeing the diversity of generations and attitudes between granddaughter and grandmother is both relatable and thought-provoking. Duran honors their Latinadad as matter-of-fact, not as otherly foreign.

Issue one is very endearing and has a lot to offer. Soler's art is bright and colorful with adorable character designs. The action is well-paced and choreographed. The contrast of the real world with the realm of Althalia's psyche when the demon possesses her is a highlight. It's just a fun well-composed series that should draw readers of all ages in. 

'Season of the Bruja' is off to a great start with engaging characters that you root for and relate to. Duran and Soler have created a wonderful supernatural comic that fans of 'Buffy' will take to while also introducing representation that's sorely missing in comics. This is a must-buy.