Rendez-vous em Phoenix

by Tony Sandoval

Rendez-Vous em Phoenix é um relato autobiográfico de um jovem ingénuo e idealista em busca do sonho americano. Nascido no noroeste do México, Tony Sandoval narra-nos a sua travessia clandestina da fronteira para os Estados Unidos. Entre desventuras e encontros fortuitos, o autor apercebe-se da angústia e do medo daqueles que deixam o México em busca de um Eldorado.

Uma visão sentida e muito pessoal das agruras por que passam os migrantes ilegais, num registo bem diferente do universo fantástico do criador de «As Serpentes de Água» e «Mil Tormentas».

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Bande Dessinée, Memoir, Nonfiction, Adult, Biography

80 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 2016

About the author

Tony's blog: http://losmonstruosdetony.blogspot.com/

See also Antonio Sandoval.

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comics artist and illustrator Sandoval tells his own story of how he got across the border, in several attempts, to have a comics career and b together with his girlfriend. We don't learn quite enough about his comics career in Mexico nor his relationship, but the focus is on the process of Going North.
So that's interesting, and Sandoval's style is interesting. Creates sympathy for border-crossers without bashing the border patrol, whom Sandoval sees as humane. I guess the previous makes this into a 3 star review but I'm giving this 4 stars to encourage people to read a sympathetic border-crossing story, as immigration and refugee struggles continue worldwide.

Could be read/taught in conjunction with my friend Luis Urea's The Devil's Highway, about a tragic border crossing that is quite fair about all perspectives on the related issues.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...

[Scottsdale Public Library]

I hope everyone has tapped into the amazing genre of Graphic Novels by now. If you haven’t, pick up “Rendez-Vous in Phoenix” by Tony Sandoval.
It is an immigration love story. With Tony Sandoval’s expressive, appealing, and relatable illustrations, the story of Tony’s struggle to get to American soil and the girl he loves is a time-honored and universal. He doesn’t give up despite botched attempts to cross the border, financial limitations, and imminent danger and legal consequences. The reader gets a glimpse of the stories and experiences of immigrants Tony meets along the way. Luckily, Tony’s story ends happily and his dream to draw has become reality.
The author grew up with a love of comics and death metal-what better combination! -Lisanne E.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell, this graphic novel memoir is powerful. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire thing, got choked up twice, and full-on sobbed near the end. I don't even think I can do this one justice in a review, because it honestly just hit me so hard, and even more to know that — in the author's own words — crossing the border in 1998 was nothing compared to the terror it has become in 2019.

Man. My heart hurts.

As a bonus, I adore Tony's art style — it's so unique and distinctly his own, and I highly recommend checking out anything he creates (but especially this).

[João Teixeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito bom. O melhor livro de Tony Sandoval que li até hoje. O estilo é o mesmo a que o autor nos habituou em livros anteriores, mas em vez de histórias fantasiosas com seres sobrenaturais, esta história conta a experiência que o autor terá vivido no final dos anos 90, quando passou ilegalmente a fronteira do México para os EUA, em busca da concretização do seu sonho pessoal de se tornar artista de BD. apesar de não nos ser contado o que sucedeu depois de chegar a Portland, sabemos pelo menos que conseguiu ser bem sucedido, pois é um autor reconhecido actualmente.

[Maria João (A Biblioteca da João) · Rating 4 out of 5]

8 de 10*

Opinião:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...

[Ags · Rating 3 out of 5]

LIGHT SPOILERS

The tone of this short and straightforward, autobiographic graphic novel is really interesting; it is gentle and sometimes funny, while also mentioning/suggesting violence and hardship in crossing the Mexico-US border in the late 1990s. The art - descriptive/detailed with a gorgeous subdued color palette but still with expressive cartoon-y characters - matches the tone nicely. The sprinkling of humor comes from the protagonist getting picked up by border patrol multiple times (without experiencing abuse), and border patrol officers are depicted really humanely (e.g., they joke around with immigrants, the narrator explicitly describes them as being like normal people, the art depicting them casts them like everyday people). There's one point where the author mentions that he feels like his border crossing motivation/experience is nothing compared to others'. So, this has a really different tone to most things I've read about Mexico-to-US immigration, which I think is good: this is "just" a "simple" story about a guy traveling from Mexico to the US, and it has a lot of heart. There's a nice cast of characters, too, and I thought the pacing was good.

I was interested to know what happened next, and the narration in the beginning didn't carry throughout, which made the end feel a bit vague to me. There's a written emphasis on a love story (the protagonist is trying to enter the US to be with his girlfriend), but no info on their relationship, her, or what happens with them - so, that felt a bit missing.

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting look into the author's personal experience as a Mexican trying to enter the USA illegally.

Tony Sandoval's is amazing. He is one of my favorite illustrators.

The narrative is short. It doesn't go too deep on the complexity and drama that is the constant illegal immigration into the USA but it's enough for us to learn a few things.

I definitely recommend it.

[Siina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rendez-Vous in Phoenix is an interesting autobiographical comic presenting us how Tony himself fled from Mexico to the US in the late 1990s. The comic is quite short and mostly it's just about the trip across the border and how he met others doing the same thing, but of course for other various reasons. Tony wanted to become a comic book artist and Mexico surely didn't offer a possibility to that and thus the guy wanted to get out. His girlfriend lived at that point in Portland, so they made plans so that she would come and pick him up. In a way the comic is simple, but still offers an interesting view when Tony's trip isn't out of necessity. We hardly see this side of people, since mostly those who flee don't have a choice. In a sense this then feels slightly shallow, but refreshing at the same time. More or so I missed depth, though. We don't really get into Tony's head and thus this feels just like an adventure.

I like the art and the style. It's crude, thin and artistic with a wonderful usage of colors. The color theme is very mundane in a good way with lots of brown and earth-like hues. The art reminds me of that of Cyril Pedrosa and Markus Majaluoma. The big heads bothered me though, since they make this comical when it's supposedly not the case content-wise. Everything looks cute and scratchy at the same time and it's somewhat off-putting. The cover isn't the best possible, but otherwise the comic is OK and interesting for its topic. I just wish there had been more pages, really.

[Marta Clemente · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este livrinho tráz-nos a história do autor, Tony Sandoval, aquando da sua passagem ilegal do México para os EUA. Tony quis dar forma ao seu sonho e arriscou a sua vida para passar a fronteira e ir ter com a namorada e tornar-se um autor de BD conceituado.
O livro é bastante interessante. Os seu desenhos transportam-nos para o medo e angústia dos personagens.
Gostei!

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

To jest dobry komiks, ale ja jestem kapryśna

[ja.wojcik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pięknie zilustrowany komiks o czymś.

[Meepelous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Sandoval, also known as Antonio Sandoval, was born in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico and still has a blogspot site. As documented in this particular biographic comic, Tony crossed the USA Mexican border illegally in the 90s and now lives in Geneva Switzerland. He also goes under the username rain of doom on instagram, where he describes himself as a dude who likes to draw. And, finally, as outlined in his profile on Lion Forge "Tony’s first US book, Doomboy, was nominated for a 2015 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens, and was selected by several best of lists that year. He followed that success in 2016 with Eisner Award nominations for Best Multimedia Artist, as well as Glance Backward, which he illustrated."

Flipping over to the back, the official book synopsis is as follows (minus some hugely redundant parts due to this being autobio): Drawn by Love, [Tony Sandoval] urge to visit his American girlfriend can't wait for the lengthy, frustrating visa process standing in the way of their relationship. So he makes the ultimate romantic gesture: smuggling himself across the border, despite the dangers he ll face from the heat, coyotes, barbed wire, and most daunting the US border patrol."

As someone who has, since I've started forming my own opinions, only become more and more skeptical (to put it lightly) of the US (and now Canada too) immigration policies this kind of book did push some of my worry buttons initially. What if all the pro-border wall people just use this to talk about all the "bad" reasons a person might cross the border?? Needless to say that was kind of a stupid over-reaction on my part.

A deeply human story, Rendez-Vous in Pheonix is an interesting look back in time to what the US Mexican border was like in the 90s - how it is all too similar today and how it's changed for the much much worse. I feel like you are likely to take away from the book whatever you bring to it as far as condoning, or not, what Tony Sandoval did. As a pretty short and fast own voices read I do think it's a really important book to have around - even more so since the hype factory that tried to give us American Dirt I suppose.

I found the art style to be very expressive and engaging. I really liked the colour schemes and the page layouts were diverse but still pretty easy to follow.

Another review that's a bit more after-the-fact then I would like, I am almost positive no issues of sexuality or gender were really touched on besides Tony wanting to be united with his opposite sex partner. I feel like class could have been highlighted more, but who am I to say. Ability/Disability were not touched on at all either.

[Maggie Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite taking place in the 1990s, Rendez-Vous in Phoenix is a rather apt graphic novel for today's immigration context. It tells the story of a young man desperate to break into the professional world of comic artists, but trapped in a little village in Mexico. He decides to illegally cross the border after his visa is rejected several times, and this book covers his attempts. I am torn between thinking this should have been longer, but also feeling like Tony tells his own story quite well even if I thought there could have been more context. The art was detailed and quite unique, with an expressive caricature style.

[Corinne Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony needs to get into the U.S. Not only does he have huge dreams of being a comic book artist, but the girlfriend he loves is waiting for him there. When he is refused a visa over and over, he finally decides he'll get there his own way. Whatever it takes.

We watch Tony attempt to cross. We see his desperation and the desperation of those he travels with. We learn their reasons for wanting to be in the United States and what they are willing to give up to make that happen.

The art FEELS desperate, in brown tones that cower and run from danger, but it's also long and lanky, like our guide Tony, as we follow him and believe in his dream as much as he does.

[RosaDG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short autobiographical story in comic form tells us about the obstacles and emotions faced by anyone who tries to cross the Mexican border with the United States illegally.Totally recommendable.

Komiki moduan idatzitako istorio autobiografiko labur honek Mexikoko muga Estatu Batuekin ilegalki zeharkatzen saiatzen den edonork dituen oztopo eta emozioen berri ematen digu. Guztiz gomendagarria.

Este breve relato autobiográfico en forma de cómic nos cuenta los obstáculos y emociones con que se enfrenta toda aquella persona que intente cruzar la frontera mexicana con Estados Unidos de manera ilegal. Totalmente recomendable.

[Rachel Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this graphic novel through NetGalley.

The graphic novel is short, but it offers an important glimpse into border crossing. It was realistic and emotional. I love the artwork too; it really brought to life the struggle of the main character. In the short while it took me to read the graphic novel, I found myself caring for him to get across safely. I picked this book specifically because I wanted to see what border crossing would be like from this particular perspective. In that sense the graphic novel did not let me down.

[Anusha Narasimhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was great to read a book that focusses on the border crossing. This is something I had no idea about and the book made me get a glimpse of what it is like and I felt emotionally connected to the main character. It kept me on edge and I was holding my breath to see when he'd reach the States safely.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review in any way.

[René Paquin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Récit d'une traversée illégale de la frontière Mexique-États-Unis, par amour pour une blonde Américaine. Le personnage central, alter-ego de l'auteur, est sauvé par sa passion pour le dessin et son envie de devenir bédéiste célèbre. Bref, tout le cauchemar de Trump condensé en un album de bande dessinée!

[Francesca Giardiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racconto autobiografico della vita dell'autore, Tony Sandoval, un viaggio oltre confine che racconta di amore, delle sue speranze, delle sue passioni. Uno spiraglio interessante e ricco che ci permette di avvicinarci a un grande autore.

[The Laughing Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the art style, it was an intense story too. Though a bit short I'd like to see more of his life story, like how did he fair after that how did he end up in Geneva etc.

[spoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

felt a little short! was good.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Rendez-Vous in Phoenix' written and illustrated by Tony Sandoval is an autobiographical graphic novel about the author's attempts to get across the US border from Mexico.

Tony lived in Mexico in the 1990s and his girlfriend lived in the States. He tried to get a Visa, but with a low paying job, and not much chance to save money, it wasn't an easy goal. His dream was to make it to the US so he could become a famous comic book artist and work for the "big two." His solution was to sneak across the border, which is not an easy task. From run ins with the border patrol to shifty coyotes willing to take his money, but not deliver him to the US to groups of criminals preying on people in the desert. Left with only his Rotring drawing pen, there is a brilliant dream sequence of Tony trying to cross the border carrying a giant pen.

There is a really nice introduction by Frederick Luis Aldama who is a humanities professor. I've read some other comics by Mr. Sandoval with mixed feelings, but this story was really good. Maybe because it was personal. Regardless of how you might have feel about the immigration issue, you can't help but feel Tony's desire for a new life and agonize as it is pulled from his grasp.

I received a copy of this graphic novel from Magnetic Press, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong graphic memoir about crossing the US- Mexico border in the late 1990s. I wish Sandoval had spent more time on the exposition- his draw to his girlfriend, his life in MX as a comic, his dream of going to the US to work for a big comics company. After two botched crossings, Sandoval finally finds a coyote who guides him through Nogales to Tucson and Phoenix. A lot of time is spent on this coyote- his tips and advice. The apex of the story is when it rains overnight and Sandoval is feeling totally hopeless because they have to wait again for the car to pick them up at just the right moment between border security shift changes- he’s dejected and all is desolate, and then on a full page spread that is richly drawn, he rises up with the strength of the desert and his drawing pen. From then on it’s smooth sailing. The distinction of Sandoval’s rounded nose and scrawny limbs make him look like a caricature, but the rest of the scenes are realistic and wrought in appropriate earth tones. His girlfriend’s blond, swaying hair stands out as a symbol that he has made it someplace totally new and fresh.

I thought a lot about the border episode of United Shades of America on CNN and also other border/migrant comics like Illegal and Unwanteds.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find comics hard to review. I know they can have depth and I know they can be meaningful, but so many of them I read and can only think of them as slight. So, does Rendez-vous in Phoenix have a bit more heft than others? I suppose I could be convinced, but if I need to be convinced of the merit, doesn't that say something as well?

I think my problem is two-fold:

1. I either get distracted by the pictures or I ignore them entirely, missing out on that entire aspect of the medium; and

2. to get any internal character depth, it ends up like voice over and pretty much the only thing I remember from Adaptation is voice over = lazy. And really, I like character depth more than anything else in fiction.

Everyone has a right to tell their story, ergo Sandoval has every right to write about his attempts to cross the Mexican-American border illegally in the nineties. Everyone has a right to use whatever medium they want to tell their stories, ergo, again, Sandoval can choose comics. But comics as a medium to tell deep stories -- I know Maus managed it somehow; but whatever Maus had, that unknowingable, intangible whatever isn't there in Rendez-vous in Phoenix.

It's not bad, Rendez-vous in Phoenix. I feel super dismissive saying it's just a comic when I don't want that to be dismissive at all. But it is just what it is. And that's fine, but it's hardly transcendent.

Rendez-vous in Phoenix by Tony Sandoval went on sale November 8, 2016.

I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rendez-vous in Phoenix from Tony Sandoval is an autobiographical graphic tale that tells of the author's attempts to enter the United States for both love and a career.

The story is told simply, the fellow immigrants and their stories were woven into the Tony's singular story. The artwork was interesting and worked with the story very well. Beyond that there isn't a lot to add. It was enjoyable and well done, I just wasn't moved much beyond complimenting the quality.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Sunny Carito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating story. I loved the art style and the characters. It's such an important story, people crossing the border illegally is an issue that is a hot button politically and in the news, to see the story of one man and the people he travels with takes it from an abstract idea to something real and personal.

I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Liza Halley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love this because the book jacket references Mike Mignola, one of my absolute favorite graphic novelists. This is a really powerful, beautiful book about trying to cross into the United States from Mexico. It paints a realistic picture without sensationalizing the experience. This is a contemporary book about a contemporary topic. The reader feels drawn into the story and moved to keep turning the pages.

[Gabriele D'Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mi è piaciuta un sacco. Ho visto nelle illustrazioni la sofferenza e la speranza dell'autore di riuscire nel suo sogno di fumettista, ma soprattutto di riuscire nella vita.
La storia è toccante e Tony ha saputo raccontarla nel miglior modo possibile, dando spazio ai testi quando richiesto e lasciando parlare le tavole quando non era necessario dire altro.
Una bella storia di speranza, sentimenti e purtroppo deliri sociali.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, lovely colors, compelling story. Certainly every journey across the border is fraught with peril, and this isn't the most perilous-seeming account, relative to some other accounts-but it is very personal and makes its point about why people cross. In many ways, borders are false boundaries, hailing back to when we were tribal and primitive. Hopefully we'll find a new way someday.

[Dana Berglund · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving graphic novel about the treacherous nature of trying to cross the border to the United States. There are light moments and the threat and implication of real danger, without getting too dark. The setting is 1998, and you can only imagine how much worse this story would be now.
I'd love to read what else this author/artist has done.