Illegal Cargo

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.

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 storiesThese 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 succeedsIn 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!

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

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.

I recommend this book to young readers. The story was great and it helps bring awareness/ acknowledgement of those who have gone missing.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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!

Illegal Cargo fit a full story that didn’t feel rushed in its 96 pages and the art was nice. It feels like a hero's quest, minus them returning to the start. There was a goal, adversity, action, failings, perseverance, etc. I just didn't emotional connect to it until the end.The ended was a surprise gut punch. Which on this topic could be anything. Mostly because it was sad and I expected it to go a different way.This book is a call for attention and action on the problem of people going missing and facing violence while trying to have better life opportunities.I received a review copy.

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

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