I absolutely enjoyed this graphic novel. I was surprised at how large the book is. It was perfect for immersing oneself into the life of Al. I vaguely knew of his life, so I was very excited to get this title in my hands. And I love that Al himself was speaking in first person to tell his perspective of his life and the choices he made. The beautiful artwork pulled me in every time and captivated my interest. This is definitely a good read I would reread and recommend to others.

This book was a great use of the graphic novel medium. The pictures and text worked together to demonstrate the grit and gore of the gangster era of America. They also frequently contrasted each other to allow for the perspective of Capone, and contradictory histories to share a story where the full truth will never be fully known. This allows the reader to decide for themselves how they will feel about a character who was powerful, brutal, but who may have had a better side as well. Art Deco illustrations share the glamor of the era but other panels are sketched in a way that shares the seedy side of this same coin. Black Panel also crafts beautiful solid books that are worth the investment in a physical copy.

i wasn't too sure what to expect when this book arrived on my doorstep. First off, totally surprised at the size of the book. I was expecting something smaller than a 8x11 book. However, the size is perfect for the artwork! Might even be cooler if it was printed a little larger to fit Capone's personality but then the book would be a bit more pricey. The story was engaging and grabbed me from the start. Only put it down briefly to use the restroom. That's how much I wanted to finish this book! Anyone ever seen the HBO show Boardwalk Empire? I felt a lot of remnants from that storytelling in this graphic novel as it was just as interesting as that show. The perceptive of Capone telling his own version of events with actual facts being illustration was an unique feature as well and help twists his perception of a guy just trying to get by verses THE TRUTH. Loved it! Could definitely see a teacher using this book in a history class somewhere to help students learn more about the most prominent gangster in history. This comic also hit home more for me as well since I currently reside in Illinois and have lived in Downtown Chicago for a brief time. Certain locations portrayed in the graphic novel flashed before my memory as I was enthralled in the big foot art style of PF Radice. Would definitely recommend this read to any and all who may be interested in seeing Meralli's interpretation of Capone based on his own thoughts and other works. Check it out!

The book is an engrossing read for anyone interested in true crime stories. The writer does a great job of placing you within the inner psyche of Capone, with believable dialog. Mostly told from a first person perspective, the story plays with the idea that Capone is an unreliable narrator of his own story; this is juxtaposed with events that play out differently based on research the writer has gathered. As for the art itself, at first it seems a bit innocent, and light hearted with very rounded figures and stylized designs, but then it really delivers some gore that is very deftly illustrated with interesting panel layouts and gritty textures. The whole book feels like you stepped into some back room in the the prohibition era, filled with smoke and the grimy reality of the time period. The bold black shading that looks like it was made with charcoal really lends itself to this smoky atmospheric world the illustrator has created. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but I would highly recommend this anyone who is looking for something interesting to read in graphic novel form.

The book utilizes a common device: it is told in the first person, as Alphonso Capone- on his way to Alcatraz prison-, attempts to justify his life to his mother. This allows the reader to make Capone the hero of the story, and sympathize with him, and at the same time judge him as the vicious murderous thug he is portrayed as being. We get to watch Capone invent or improve all the ways a thug can become a crime boss: intimidation, violence, buying crooked politicians, etc. while the voice-over has Capone claiming his innocence and victimization. Violence, in particular, was a major part of Al Capone's life, apparently. As a warning to the reader, the book doesn't stint on showing the pitched battles he was involved in, along with beatings, gangland slayings (including, of course, the Saint Valentine's day massacre), and more. The illustrator Pierre-Francois Radice, uses a Brutalist style to convey these events. It is very effective, but it's not "cartoon violence" so I suggest this is not a book for children. About the artwork: kudos to M. Radice for excellent pictorial story-telling. There are full-page and two-page spreads that are brilliant: a scene-setting view of Brooklyn in 1899 with the Brooklyn Bridge being built in the background; a meeting of Chicago crime bosses, with Capone getting angry at the way the Italian mob is being treated; an overhead view of the squalid Alcatraz prison cell where Capone lived for more than a decade; Capone at his height as the King of Chicago contemplating his city from an Art Deco stuffed penthouse. This is a terrific book. Excellent writing, excellent illustrations. If your collection includes graphic novels, consider including Capone.

The teaser on the back of the book grabbed me right away: "Based on truth, lies, myths, and rumors..." The bold, vintage-style graphics reminded me of children's classics like Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel and the original Curious George books, but darker -- much, much darker! Plenty of blood and even a bit of nudity! My favorite, though, is that the story is told in the voice of Al Capone himself. The setup is that ol' Scarface is telling his mother the truth about his life, and it works so well, especially when the violence that we see contradicts what Capone tells his dear mama. It made me want to rewatch some of the classic gangster films, scroll through old photo archives of Chicago, and learn more about the organizzazione. A fun read for a weekend afternoon!

I gave this to my husband because he's a fan of true crime and has an extensive manga collection. He enjoyed reading it and the hardcover seems to be good quality so is a great addition to his collection.

I loved this book. The art was fantastic. The story felt real. I loved it. If you can, read it and enjoy it!

A fantastic treatment of America's most legendary gangster. Capone narrates his own life here, unreliable narration and all, and it's all treated in such an inventive way. Meanwhile, I could get lost in PF Radice's beautifully drawn cityscapes for hours. The cartoonish nature of the illustrations effectively contrasts with the violence and despair that defined Capone's life. Well worth adding to your collection. I imagine I'll be pulling this one down off the shelf a lot in the future.

Pretty good.

This book took a very sensitive approach to the serious issue of immigration and family separation. The book was well illustrated and this made the subject not difficult for a young person - my son is 12 - to understand and digest. There are some dark moments and images that are probably too serious for younger children to view. This graphic novel is an excellent way to share the experiences of immigrants sacrificing all to get to a better, safer life.

That story was really good, well written and great animation. It leaves one craving for more.

Augusto Mora's "Illegal Cargo" is a great story about the many unknown dangers faced by immigrants in the America's. The story follows one man's quest to find his daughter after she had gone missing. The story is short, but well written, and fulfilling. The coloring is amazing and the characters are all uniquely drawn. I recommend it to those who are interested in similar stories about immigration.

I purchased this as a gift and was really impressed with the quality of the artwork in this graphic novel. I couldn’t help but read through some of the story and immediately can recognize that this is a story that will resonate with many in so many different contexts, and most certainly should be told and heard today. A unique graphic novel that brings to light a quality story that has thought-provoking meaning and purpose. I highly recommend this awesomely illustrated and colorful graphic novel that is absolutely unique in every way, telling an intriguing story with underlying purpose and meaning at the core.

Illegal Cargo is a deeply engaging comic tracing the journey a father takes to try and find his daughter in Mexico. Helena had left El Slavador to go to the USA for a better life and is last heard from in Mexico City. Her father, Jose, sets out to find her after a strange encounter. The journey is brutal and the comclusion unexpected. The story is grim, the travellers are preyed upon at every opportunity by thieves and gangstars, they take terrible risks riding on the top of rail cars. Augusta Mora never lets his cast be simply steryotypes or symbols, they have the spark of life and all are fighting to survive. Jose travells a double journey, both physically and one of redemption for a barely lived life. The art is sharp and engaging, the cast are given worn out faces and bruised bodies, everyone has been battered by their life. The body language is elequont as they struggle to survive. The walk on parts and the supporting cast are given the opportunity to register with the reader and stand for themselves. The colours are a joy, they catch and manage the emotional tone for the story with subtle grace, they weight and depth to the art. The lettering is functional, it is easy to read without adding anything in particular to the comic. Illegal Cargo is clearly the product of a distinctive creative imagination ad strong story telling craft, it packs a punch that makes it a pleasure to read.

I backed this book on kickstarter and it definitely didn't disappoint!

This book is a very good read with a interesting story. The art moves the story well.

This Book is a compelling story about immigration and mystery from an author that I took a gamble on. I had never heard of "Illegal Cargo" nor had I heard of Augusto Mora. I am glad to call myself a fan of both now. Great story, wonderful art and supporting a new creator. Thank you for this book and I cant wait for Vol 2!

All of Augusto Mora's comics are fun and easily digestible. This is a high-quality graphic novel, great quality paper. The story is quick to read and great to inform yourself about Central American immigration and the struggle people face. Highly recommended

Very well made, from the actual binding to the story and art. Great story that puts you in someone else's shoes.

Illegal Cargo is one of the best graphic novels I've read in a long time. The story invoked an emotional response from me at numerous junctures. The art itself was visually stunning. I often found myself stopping to take a photo; I would happily hang any page of this graphic novel on my wall as its own art! The subject matter is something often in the news but rarely depicted with the individuality or empathy that this graphic novel treats it with. The ending blew me away. I thought I knew what was coming from the beginning of the story but I was totally surprised and moved. This graphic novel is perfect whether you're looking for beautiful illustrations, a compelling plot line, or more information about the perilous experience of immigration.

Illegal Cargo is a 96-page graphic novel about José Sendero, an elderly Salvadoran on a perilous journey to find his missing daughter. Inspired by the true stories of everyday immigrants on their way to the United States from places like South America and Mexico and the tireless work of humanitarian organizations like Las Patronas who support them. Written in English by Augusto Mora, a Mexican artist and author of various web comics, graphic novels, and short stories These types of stories are always tough to read because they’re so heavily based on real trauma and events. The story is a heartbreaking one, and you really empathize with José and the other immigrants as they face numerous life or death perils on their journey. The point of this comic is to raise awareness about social issues just as much as it is to tell a good story. On both accounts it succeeds In addition to following José I also enjoyed the storyline featuring the benign spirit (La Siguanaba: part woman, part horse skeleton) pushing him onward, as well as the one with the Mexican gangsters. The art is also gorgeous, the varying characters and terrain rendered in vivid detail and beautiful colors. The story moves quickly and ends on a somber, somewhat dissatisfying note (though I understand the point of it), but all in all I really enjoyed this book!

The Author and artist do an incredible story of telling a story everyone MUST read. It's a beautiful tale, that shines a light on something many don't want to think about, but it's done in an accessible way. Loved reading. Highly recommend!

This was a good read. Loved the story and I really dig the graphics

I love the artwork but it kind made me sad all these people missing

Great story of a dad searching for his daughter that is missing from trying to immigrate to the US. Well kept story and beautiful drawings. Great read.

You've gotta read this book. If you know a little about the current migrant crisis at the southern border, this book will help make it personal. The art is also superb. Fun character designs and beautifully rendered environments help set the scene. Take a look!

It’s my pleasure to review the Graphic Novel “Illegal Cargo” by writer and artist Augusto Mora published by Black Panel Press. The artwork inside is beautiful. It is reminiscent of Jeff Lemire of Sweet tooth and Essex County fame as well as Rob Guillory of Chew fame. It’s atmospheric and interpretive of life. The colors change to indicate feelings and situations the story demands. It’s a beautiful book indeed. Some may find the artwork simple, but that serves the story it is telling and is a style choice that I absolutely enjoyed. The story involves a father who receives bad news about his daughter that has migrated north with the intent of arriving in the United States. Apparently she hasn’t been heard from by friends of hers that were monitoring her progress by cell phone tracking. A supernatural experience by her father, Jose, convinces him to follow her perilous journey to find her. No spoilers, but the realism of the characters and situations encountered on the journey pull you into the story. I was not able to put the book down. I consumed it in one sitting. No spoilers here but I appreciate the author giving a more truthful and ambiguous account of the daughter and the father. There is adult language; parents may want to review first. I wholeheartedly give Illegal Cargo my highest recommendation. The story is engrossing, the art is beautiful and the book is a good size to fully immerse the reader in the artwork. It is printed with high quality cover stock and paper stock pages. I think this book is well worth your money and time if for no other reason than to safely put you in the shoes of someone having to travel in a most dangerous way that most North Americans will never experience. Review by James Jeffrey