Witchcraft

The ambitious sophomore release by Eisner-nominated cartoonist Otero (Mothballs) follows three Argentinean witches across history and explores the roles of women, religion, race, and sexuality in a society that casts out misfits. The mysterious women arrive in Buenos Aires in 1786 as passengers on a conquistador’s ship. They establish themselves as property owners and protectors of numerous children whom they collect over the years. Each chapter examines the trio from a unique angle. In “The Good Old Times,” set in the present day, a man curious about the sexual rituals they perform on other men finds himself in a trance, “like a rag doll.” Rewinding to the 18th century, “Walicho” finds an Indigenous mother seeking the women’s protection, as they draw on her sacred knowledge. Other pieces see the witches’ grown children trying to separate themselves from the women’s reach. Otero’s spell-casters function as symbols for history’s harsh opinions of powerful, unattached women, but they are complicated and unheroic, and their vengeful deeds give rise to a non-gendered critique of authoritarian structures. Otero’s exaggerated forms (elongated and playful shapes for human, natural, and architectural figures) and unique page layouts give the work a modern yet eerie feel, with a palette of pinks, reds, and purples. The comic maintains an aura of mystery, and lands as a fresh take on ancient ideas. It’s a wild ride. (Oct.)