Used price: $49.95
Collectible price: $79.41
Used price: $42.00
The cartoonist has a great sense of humor and a unique drawing style. The book is essentially the story of the life of Gus Arriola, which is an interesting one, interspersed with many, many samples of his cartoons, both daily and Sunday. So this book has to be taken as a biography rather than as a compendium of the cartoonist's work.
This story of the life of Gus and Mary Frances Arriola is a nice one, full of laughter and good friends and fulfilling work. It is also very, very good to relive some of the cartoon moments that are also provided. No, this book is not the complete works of Gordo, and I would like to see that happen someday soon. But in its own right, it's a great book.
If you like cartoons and have an interest in cartoonists, you should have fun with this one.
But here we are with a brand new collection of strips, including some of my favorite stories, along with a biography of the cartoonist and a truly fascinating look at the evolution of Gordo, from /campesino/ to tour guide, from stereotype to the cultural envoy who gently and gracefully gave many of us north of the border our first exposure to Mexican customs and traditions. And there's no lack of attention to all the other characters that populated Gordo's world -- Tehuana Mama, the Poet, Juan Pablo Jones, Panchito, the Widow Gonzales, Mary Frances... and the wonderful animals (Poosy Gato was always my favorite).
I would only have been happier if there'd been more color strips -- in fact, more strips, period. I'd adore to see a complete collection through all the years of /Gordo/, though it'd probably take up multiple volumes. Still, until and unless that ever comes along, /Accidental Ambassador Gordo/ is a fine sop to my nostalgia. /Gordo/ truly belongs among the great comic strips of all time; this is a dandy introduction for those unfamiliar with it.
And don't miss the "Beans weeth Cheese" recipe! ;)
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