Gus Arriola may be little know to the new generation of comic strip aficionados, but to the fans of the old style gag strips, Arriola was a pioneer of the era. His strip, Gordo, which ran from 1941 to 1985, brought Mexican culture to the United States. And he did this in a way that made learning fun – via the gag strip. His main character, Gordo Lopez started off as a stereotypical Mexican caricature and turned into so much more over the years..

     This book by Robert C. Harvey gives us an informative view of the man behind the strip, as well as an excellent look at the strip itself. I had never heard of the series or its creator before reading this book, but now I’m hooked. I love the artwork and the gags themselves are priceless. There is one involving Gordo’s cat and his constant shedding of hair. It reminded me of a discussion that my brother and I had about my cat. And the way he would sign some of his strips – inventive puns such as: Gordo by Lowen B. Hold. Just an extra added bit of fun to an already fun strip.

     What makes Gus Arriola’s series so great is its likeness to our own lives. The characters, even the animals, all remind us of someone we know. Not only does he reel us in with characters we can relate to, but he teaches us a thing or two about Mexican culture. Arriola’s father was a native Mexican and Arriola was captivated by the country and its culture. His strip was filled with Mexican-inspired artwork.

     At first, Gordo was all about the gags – a stereotypical Mexican bean farmer who spent his days taking siestas, drinking, and chasing women. Eventually, as the popularity of the strip grew, Arriola made some changes that endeared him to comic strip aficionados, educators, people in government, and the list goes on and on. He received several awards for his work and nods of recognition as a comic-strip ambassador for Mexican-American relations.

     Robert C. Harvey makes reading about Gus Arriola’s life as interesting as his comic strip. For each segment of Arriola’s life, Harvey describes the times for the reader. We don’t just learn about what Arriola was doing in the 1960s, but we learn about the era and its effect on Arriola’s life and his work. One can tell just by reading the preface that Harvey is an avid fan of both the man and his comic strip.

     I really enjoyed reading this and am actually a tad peeved that I never got to read the actual strip when it was in circulation. I know I would have enjoyed it! The strip was geared to suit everyone – youth and adult alike. After reading this book, I actually wish I could meet Arriola – not just to thank him for such wonderful work, but to pick his brain about social issues and the like. Harvey portrayed the man as highly intelligent and insightful and it shows in his work. I definitely recommend checking this book out. Whether you’re interested in the comic strip or the man behind it all, you’re sure to find it an enjoyable read.

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to wildkarrde3@hotmail.com.

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