Review by Frank Plowright
Gustaffo Vargas eases readers gently into his Peru of the future via a scene that could almost be set in the present. A hungry child strolls through a street cafe stealing an unguarded item. He thinks he’s been successful, but is stopped by a gang of masked thugs who drag him away saying they’re going to eat him. Small touches indicate this isn’t the present. The masks are obvious, but Vargas is more subtle with other matters, such as the designs of binoculars, while we’re shown the effect of weapons without any explanations of how they work.
The subtlety extends to the cast, drawn with personality and embedded in viable locations, with different masks adding exotica. Vargas explains the design concepts and their origins in the process material in the back, and it underlines the consideration given to characters only playing small roles. Constantly improving technique defines the three stories. Opener ‘Tatya Ukuku’ has storytelling problems, with difficulties in following the action and movement, yet so confident has Vargas grown by the title story that he plots an intricate chase sequence across city rooftops featuring multiple characters that flows immaculately (sample art). Again, refer to the process material to discover the meticulous planning ensuring this. Surroundings are fully realised with a liking for power lines Makoto Shinkai would approve.
When it comes to plotting, Vargas just throws us into the middle of his world. There’s enough that’s familiar to latch onto, while other details fall into place as the stories progress. Lila and Límon are the key characters, both young teenage members of a street gang surviving on their wits as numerous dangers and gang conflicts mean they lurch from crisis to crisis, yet they’re adaptable and resourceful.
The title story has the slimmest narrative, but greatest ambition. It’s a meticulously plotted eighteen page chase sequence across the city highlighting living conditions and the various foods available on Lima’s streets. It’s stunning. Bruno Redondo providing something similar on Nightwing bagged him an Eisner award.
Anticucho is an exceptional first graphic novel, and more follows in Altiplano. Neither is available from online booksellers, but can be purchased directly from Vargas’ online store.
