Lowriders Blast from the Past
by Cathy Camper ill Raúl the Third
 | One look at the Lowriders Blast from the Past cover and it is evident that readers of this series are in for a totally different experience. The first two covers feature dark backgrounds synonymous with outer space and inner earth. Lupe's sweet ride, the modified Chevy Impala, cruises proudly across the cover. This third book cover features a warm light tone. The signature lowrider automobile has been replaced. This ride is pedal-powered. Equally striking is Lupe Impala. Her distinctive facial feature, her nose, is much smaller and her hair is a mass of short curls. With this episode Cathy Camper and Raúl the Third take us the back in time. We meet young Lupe, traveling on a bike, similar to her transportation at the beginning of Lowriders in Space. |
| Initial pages introduce the backstories of the threesome.
The trio encounter Los Matamoscas (The Flyswatters), who destroy Flappy’s bike and deface Elirio’s outdoor murals. The new friends team up repair the damage and then prepare Lupe’s moms’ car for a Lowriders competition. Los Matamoscas impose a series of bizarre rules that will disqualify Impala and Gazelle. The youngsters jump into the fray and triumphantly meet each obstacle. Their car enters and wins the competition. Even better, they enlist the help of their former tormentors and together create a stunning mural. |  |
Clever wordplay sparkles throughout. Flapjack the octopus is taunted by the bullies: "Get a backbone, invertebrate!" Illustrations are replete with Spanish/English humor. Road sign messages read "Neighborhood Watchalo" and "Cash for Kahlo 07-06-1907."
The comic is chock full of Spanish words, phrases, and slang. It is expertly woven into the text, enriching the reader's exposure to Latino culture. Spanish words are noted with an English translation footnote at the bottom of each page. Camper enriches the narrative with the use of indigenous words. Back matter provides details on Indigenous American languages and a glossary of Spanish words and phrases, along with English translations.
Raul the Third is at the top of his game. The art is stunning and includes homages to Mexican American artists Gamboa, Bronk, Herrón, and Valdez. Panels brim with lively personality and intense action. A bonus selection of sketches can be found in the back matter.
This is one time when low and slow is not the way to go. Immediately get your hands on a copy of Lowriders Blast from the Past. It is magnífico!
Riding with Lupe, Elirio, and Flappy
Cruise on down to your local bookstore or library for the first two volumes in the series.
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Bonus Discussion: Code Switching
In recent years, however, scholars have found there is sophisticated brain work behind code-switching, or CS, the linguistic term for switching between two languages in one conversation.
A hallmark of this series is the blending of two languages within the text. Spanish idioms and slang add significant value to the story as they authentically and accurately convey ideas and emotions. Historically, there has been some controversy over the use of this form of combining two languages, often referred to as Spanglish. NBC recently published an interesting piece on code switching, Read more here.
Copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 2, 2018 Publisher: Chronicle Books ISBN: 978-1452163154
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