Suncatcher

by José Pimienta

Suncatcher tells the story of a young musician in Mexicali in the early 2000s. When she discovers her grandfather's soul is trapped inside his old guitar, she takes it upon herself to find a way to save him. Meanwhile, she also aims to be in a unique local band with big dreams to be part of the current movement of bands across the country of Mexico.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Music, Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction

ebook

First published December 1, 2018

About the author

Jo Pi's almost full name is Jose Pimienta. They reside in Burbank, California where they draw comics, storyboards and sketches for visual development. They have worked with Random House Graphic, Iron Circus Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Disney Digital Network, and more.

During their upbringing in the city of Mexicali, Mexico Jo was heavily influenced by animation, music and short stories. After high school, they ventured towards the state of Georgia where they studied at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The debut novel by Pimienta about Beatriz, whose grandfather has passed but whose soul inhabits a guitar. She has to release him from this, and to accomplish this she has to complete his favorite song. In the process she develops a real obsessive passion to do this song perfectly, but finally learns to give up this perfectionist streak and become a collaborator with the band. The art is very expressive of the great music from the author's hometown of Mexicali.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Musician Beatriz Ana Garza is either fighting to save the soul of her dead grandfather from a crossroads deal he made as a young man or she is having a mental health crisis as she falls into an obsessive spiral of songwriting out of grief over his death. This is meant to spice up a fairly standard story about a group of teenagers forming a band and struggling to keep it together as they try to become a success on the local music scene in Mexicali, Mexico. While fairly well done, I just couldn't find the toehold I needed to really invest myself in the story's outcome.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel was such a surprise! Since finishing it, my thoughts have randomly wandered back to the story multiple times because it was so compelling and thought-provoking. I absolutely loved learning about the culture of Mexicali during the early 2000s, especially the music scene found there. The focus on music was metaphysical and magical, truly embodying what music is in real life. The characters were brilliantly written and illustrated and their personalities were so realistic. The story was heart-wrenching, hopeful, and memorable. The illustrations were stunning, extremely detailed, and brought not only the characters and musical instruments to life, but also the music itself. I really loved this graphic novel and would highly recommend it!!

Content warnings: loss of a loved one, obsessive behavior, and supernatural elements

[yare · Rating 5 out of 5]

should an artist waste away attempting for their whole life to make the perfect creation, and is it worth it?

awesome illustrations, magical elements, and its about a musical genius with an obsession. what more do you need?

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★
Suncatcher is a YA graphic novel about music, family, and striving for perfection! Set during the 90's and early 20oo's in Mexicali we follow Beatriz whose grandfather has passed, but she makes a promise to complete his perfect song!
What Suncatcher beautifully captures is that musical atmosphere and that all-encompassing feeling of passion for your art. From page 1, Pimienta captures the importance of family as we learn Beatriz's love of music came from her grandfather, Tata Mario. But when he passes away, his last words haunt her and she realizes his soul is trapped in a guitar. In order to set him free, she has to play his special melody aka the "killer song."
Throughout the entire novel you get that sense of family not only through the Latinx (Mexicali) culture, but also because of that powerful bond between Beatriz and her grandfather that propels the entire story. (*Discuss more of the Mexical culture / energetic artwork)
As she forms of band of classmates and mutual friends: Ed, Diana, and Fausto she feels like that perfect melody won't be too far. But as she becomes consumed with writing the "perfect" melody at ever moment when inspiration strikes, Beatriz can't realize how far she's sinking in order to help her grandfather, sacrificing her health and missing the day-to-day right in front of her.
As the plot progresses, there are moments of time jumps and flashbacks, but all are woven together with such care that unlock new layers to the intriguing, paranormal-contemporary story with each page!
The artwork is beautiful and unique! From the character designs all varied and diverse, to the details in every panel, its such an eyecatching graphic novel. The stunning fine tip linework and muted colors of purple, yellow, orange to name a few, offer such striking visuals that further emphasize the magic in music!
My only critique is that because the narrative really is about Beatriz and her goal, some pages of her with the band seem more quiet and slow paced, which splits the story between these two big parts of Beatriz's life. It makes it difficult to fully immerse myself in the band stuff because its slowbuilding, but luckily it does navigate with the main story a bit more as the story progresses!
Suncatcher is a detailed graphic novel that captures the spirit of music and the sacrifices artists make for their work! From its rich color palette, art syle, and introspective storytelling, this is a fantastic graphic novel debut!

[Roz · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok first things first the art in this was gorgeous, however i couldn't quite get to the point where i was super invested in the characters if you know what i mean. i started to get that feeling so late into the book, and from then on i was really enjoying it! so maybe if im to reread it i will like it more, but as it stands while the art was beautiful i just cant say that i loved the writing.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really drawn into the artwork in this one.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great details in the illustrations, and the palette is quite unique and compliments the urban/California setting. I enjoyed the musical element, the research and dedication to depicting the instruments and music scene are evident. My biggest complaint comes from pacing - some scenes or plot points feel loosely connected or rushed, so it can be difficult to understand the connections. But, overall, very engaging style, and enjoyable to take in all the details and references.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel is a swirl of music, action and culture. Set in early-2000's Mexicali, this unique story combines supernatural elements with the timeless experience of a young band trying to find their feet and their sound. I could tell the artist really loves music and musical gear; guitars, pedals, and a variety of other instruments and recording equipment are drawn with a detailed and knowledgeable eye.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a huge music fan, but overall enjoyed this story about a girl who has the chance to release her grandfather's soul with music. Joins a band and rocks out in the 2000s.

[Amelia Biancolo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting idea but I hated the main character

[Megan Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. It wasn’t my favorite. I enjoyed the idea that her grandpa made a deal with a demon and it all got messed up and it somehow fell to her. I just don’t like the ambiguity around telling those around her and how that all plays out.

It was fine. I liked all the author notes in the back. It was such a cool lesson in Mexicali history, especially with music.

[Flossmoor Public Library (IL) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This one takes place in Mexicali during the '90s and early 2000s. Beatriz, a passionate musician in her senior year of high school, is our main character. For the first couple of pages, Beatriz jumps back and forth through time to tell us about her grandfather and how they bonded through music. The part that gets a bit lost in translation is when Beatriz goes on to explain that her grandfather LITERALLY sold his soul to…become a better musician? I never really figured out that part. But the important thing to know is that after his death his soul was trapped in his guitar, having never fulfilled his end of the bargain. Now, Beatriz has to somehow compose and perform his perfect song in order to free him. In the midst of finishing high school and trying to begin a musical career of her own, Beatriz becomes obsessed with her task. Soon, it takes over everything, threatening not only her relationships but also her health and future.

While the premise is a good one, much of the plot falls flat because of sheer confusion. Besides Beatriz (who pretty much comes off as the most self-involved person ever), her bandmates are little more than background noise with half-developed backstories. After all of the building up the resolution is somewhat anticlimactic. However, what redeemed this book for me was the artwork. The matte colors and gritty details exude DIY punk rock. The line work beautifully illustrates Beatriz’s chaotic energy when playing her guitar and the various walls plastered with posters give off a rock-and-roll grunge energy. I say read this for the art, to find out more about Mexicali, and to appreciate the ending, which was pretty uplifting.

- Miss Krystal

[Eric Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the high concept of the plot in "Suncatcher". Beatriz loves her grandfather and music. They held a special bond and when he fell sick, she came to his hospital bed to talk to him about life and music. Eventually, to her shock, her grandfather passed away one day, leaving her feeling empty and sad.

Her grandfather was a musician, who's soul became trapped in his guitar after his death. The only way to free his soul, Beatriz learns (through him speaking via his guitar) is to play the perfect song her grandfather knew but never wrote down. Beatriz obsesses over this challenge and almost loses herself to the cause, flunking out of school, and breaking up all her friendships and band.

She must play this song for on an old tape recorder, which also seems to be possessed by a spirit. That spirit argues with her grandfather's soul trapped in his old red guitar, in a dirty beat-up shack of an apartment where Beatrix toils away at writing this perfect song. It reminded me a bit of Tenacious D's "Tribute", trying to remember the greatest song in the world and only able to play a tribute to it for a demon spirit.

I enjoyed the story, but I didn't feel like the tension between Beatriz, her band, and her own health reached the fever pitch necessary to make the reader think this could all blow up on her. It happened over a few pages and then (spoiler) it was all ok and she learned a valuable lesson about a creative and healthy life balance. This book is worth the read, as the art is well done, and the story is relatively unique and is about a Mexicali band to boot.

[Wayne Judkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot to like in this YA book about music (punk in particular), family ties, and the dangers of obsession, perhaps? Would be interesting to talk to Pimienta about some of the more confusing aspects of the read (SPOILERS follow): For example, what were the "unused skills" that the grandfather bargained for that cost him imprisonment in a Gibson guitar? Not sure I understand why the house burned down. Some of the beefs I have with this book are that it seems to be an allegorical kinda thing, but must every YA supernatural book go that way? As a longtime "bedroom" musician myself, I LOVED the detail on things like the guitars, straps, everything there just crazy authentic and well-rendered. Other reviewers have complained about not liking the band personnel or dynamics and I guess I would say that's a band lol. It's definitely two very different plotlines running through it and IMO it needed another five pages or so to explain some of the dynamics that are occurring (I re-read this just to clarify a pretty big plot point I missed entirely on first reading, namely the grandfather somehow imprisoning his "benefactor" into a tape machine which, how the heck did that happen?) and concluded it's just a bit too messy. Alternately, Pimienta could have just written a great, slightly shorter book about being in a teen band without the paranormal angles and I think it could have succeeded in a different way. Still a recommended read for teens or more mature tweens that are into the power of music.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suncatcher by Jose Pimienta, 217 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House Graphic (Random House Children’s Books), 2020. $17.

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Beatriz, a high school student, is consumed by music and the need to finish this one killer song. School and even sometimes her bandmates make it hard for Beatriz to figure the song out, but she has to finish it, and no one understands: her grandfather’s soul is trapped and dependent on Beatriz finishing the song. And she won’t rest until he’s free.

With a story mostly about music, I was surprised by how the illustrations helped me feel what I couldn't hear throughout the book and how well the pictures and story compliment each other. Pimienta has woven a story that starts with good intentions and slowly descends into obsession. While not all readers are trying to free the souls of their loved ones, it’s easy to fall down our own slippery slopes. Beatriz’s story doesn’t say not to do the things we love; the lesson from Pimienta is to find balance because that is what will really make us happy. Balance in life and a couple of good friends make all the difference.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
Beatriz, a high school student, is consumed by music and the need to finish this one killer song. School and even sometimes her bandmates make it hard for Beatriz to figure the song out, but she has to finish it, and no one understands: her grandfather’s soul is trapped and dependent on Beatriz finishing the song. And she won’t rest until he’s free.
With a story mostly about music, I was surprised by how the illustrations helped me feel what I couldn't hear throughout the book and how well the pictures and story compliment each other. Pimienta has woven a story that starts with good intentions and slowly descends into obsession. While not all readers are trying to free the souls of their loved ones, it’s easy to fall down our own slippery slopes. Beatriz’s story doesn’t say not to do the things we love; the lesson from Pimienta is to find balance because that is what will really make us happy. Balance in life and a couple of good friends make all the difference.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting graphic novel, unlike many I have read previously. The Mexicali setting was really unique, and the era was well captured by the subtle details in the art.

While there were some really gorgeous spreads and panels that really captured the depth of Beatriz’s obsession, but I found the story a bit incoherent, and the cast of characters didn’t always feel completely realized to the degree they could have. Beatriz’s desire to free her grandfather and capture the perfect song made the story of her band less compelling, especially since her singleminded ambition made her a bit disagreeable at times.

This advance copy is mostly black and white but the coloring done in the first few pages is very well done. While this is not the type of art I tend to gravitate to, the style definitely felt appropriate for the story.

*This is a review of an uncorrected advance copy, provided by Random House Graphic.*

[Katrina Feraco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this graphic novel to be absolutely riveting. The artwork hooked me from the very first page and Beatriz's story didn't let me go at all. I appreciated the creator's attention to detail in paying homage to his hometown and to the music scene at the beginning of the millennium. Beatriz is a teenage girl with a passion for music who becomes obsessed with her art in order to free her dead grandfather's soul from a bargain he'd made in his youth, and in her obsession becomes someone that, when she's lucid, doesn't like. Art and ego are so entwined and even though this is a story about Beatriz freeing her grandfather's spirit, it's also about her ego and learning to let go of it and be a collaborator. I cannot emphasize enough how phenomenal the artwork is--it's absolutely visceral, it's heartwrenching, it's ecstatic, it's everything and it really makes this story soar.

[Jessica Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure why, but this wasn’t what I expected. It was a beautiful book; the illustrations and color palette were stunning. I really enjoyed the nods to music of the time, and appreciate all the end notes that really brought life to Mexicali, but I didn’t feel Mexicali in the book or story itself, if that makes sense.
The story just felt very shallow? I guess I don’t understand because I don’t have a creative passion where the urge to create consumes me like the MC did, but I also just felt like the whole grandfather’s soul being trapped ended very abruptly with no real explanation or closure? I’m not sure how I feel about this. It’s definitely a quick and beautiful read though.

[Valerie Chai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suncatcher is about Beatriz, a girl with a deep passion for music, inspired by her grandfather's own love for it. After her grandfather passes, she finds out that his soul is trapped in a guitar, and that to save him, she must finish the original composition he failed to complete (he'd made a deal with a friend to play him an original composition in exchange for skills, and he hadn't managed to hold up his end of the deal). However, her drive to make music quickly turns all-consuming and enslaves her, compromising her friendships, her education, and her physical health. One day, she finally plays her own composition, saving her grandfather, but a fire starts in the room, putting her in the hospital. It eventually ends in her setting down her instrument and working backstage for her band, instead of performing alongside them. Her ending mirrors her grandfather's chosen path, who had given up on composing music and prioritizing starting a family. Similarly, she chooses to take a healthy step back, and there's a lovely sense of circularity there. The art is both beautiful and expressive, and works amazingly to convey musicality through visuality. The narrative is quite absorbing, and I finished the novel in one sitting.

[Christina Getrost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise: a young woman who loves to play the guitar in her band ends up with her dead grandfather's guitar, which contains his SOUL, which is trapped forever until she can write "THE" song, the one he began but never finished, that will set him free. She spends so much time working on the songwriting that she neglects her bandmates, and their gigs and recording sessions suffer for it. Things come to a literal fiery conclusion and lessons are learned. I wanted to like this more, but it spent a lot of time on details of being in a band and the early 2000's music scene of Mexicali, Mexico, which was way too specific for me. And hearing the devil speak to you from an old reel-to-reel tape recorder was just...weird. There are apparently lots of Easter eggs in the art referencing specific bands and places and food from the place and time. I was surprised at the lack of Spanish in the dialogue; it could have just as easily taken place in California, and that was a little disappointing to me, I expected more of the Mexican culture to stand out. Art is pretty good, with some cool dramatic panels to show the frenzy of playing music, getting into the groove.

[Lyn Nguyen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was hard for me to enjoy... I really wanted this to be a story about a granddaughter feeling suffocated in trying to fix her family's problems, but this book was much more focused on a stressed our main character and the complications of being in a band. The main character's grandfather's soul is stuck in a guitar but this whole backstory was never really elaborated on for the reader; this made things confusing. I think that the writing was also disorganized and I had a hard time keeping track of what exactly was going on and how much time had passed from panel to panel. Each character didn't really have a strong personality and the resolution happened too quickly. I do, however, think the art was beautiful and was elegant in the way that it portrayed music. The book's entire concept is really interesting but it could have been much better.

[Alejandra RL · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pesar de que en este libro leí un poquito de mi tierra (Baja California) estando en el extranjero, no me gustó tanto.
La ambientación es genial: Mexicali entre los años noventa y principios del dos mil, tocadas y bandas locales y una especie de deuda familiar que lleva a la protagonistas hasta las últimas consecuencias de la obsesión.

Mis problemas principales fueron que Beatriz (la protagonista) me caía mal y que jamás he estado en Mexicali, y no reconocí ninguno de los lugares que aquí se mencionan.

Aun así considero que Suncatcher es el libro perfecto para quienes se quieran adentrar en la narrativa gráfica mexicana y para los cachanillas que anden buscando ficción que se ambiente en su ciudad.

[Soobie has fog in her brain · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me four long months to finish it…

I appreciated how the author paid his respect to the Mexicali music scene but I didn't like the story. But it's a case of «It's me, not you!»

In fact, I don't like tales of obsession and this is a story of an obsession. The protagonist needs to write a song to free his grandpa's soul from a guitar but he wasn't as innocent as one may think. And so the girl starts alienating his friend just because of her obsession. But it's the whole supernatural thing that was confusing.

I like the art but I'm not a fan of the colors. The long list of references at the end of the book left me indifferent, even if there were Beatles and Silverchair there.

[Jaclyn Hillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatriz learned to love music because of her grandfather, and his soul gets trapped in his guitar when he passes away. To free his soul, she must play the perfect song. The one he couldn’t finish writing. The one he never played. This song begins consuming Beatriz’s life... will she be able to play the song, or will she lose her soul as well?

Suncatcher captures the essence of ‘90’s Mexicali and punk rock culture. The illustrations really bring the music to life. There is a deeper meaning in why music is so important to us, how to find balance in our life and not to get lost in obsession, and the power of friendship.

In stores May 18..

[val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a page turner, finished it in one sitting! I loved the art work and it was really interesting to follow the journey of the protagonist dealing with their ego, and another meaning I took of it was doing what her grandfather wished to the very end so people pleasing as well. I can also see the clearer meaning of following your passion but keep in mind that your health matters, and it’s okay to take breaks. I really enjoyed this story! If I still remember months from now I’ll boost it up to a 5 star :)! I loved the behind the scenes sketches in the back, really enjoyed checking out recommendations as well as the really nice looking “backstage” pass was very clever.

[KaWoodtiereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this middle grade graphic novel from Random House in a giveaway on Instagram. It's a great story about some kids starting a band in the early 2000s in Mexicali. Beatriz is determined to write the perfect song, not only so her newly formed band can make it big, but because she has discovered her grandfather's soul is trapped inside his guitar. Even though I have never been in a band, having a spouse who has been in one for over a decade, I have observed a few things, and feel as though the dynamics of writing music together seem spot on. I enjoyed the illustrations and how the author conveyed the "magic" of music on paper. Great story for all ages.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t quite connect with the story and the main character. Beatriz was so focused on creating the instrumental song to free the ghost/soul of her beloved grandfather from a guitar after he didn’t hold up his end of a deal with a spirit/devil? She wasn’t developed as a character, yes she was do focused solely on getting then song, at the expense of sleep, health, school, family relationships, and friendships. It was too realistic for the ghost plot, but the ghost plot didn’t make it fantasy enough. Just didn’t quite connect.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the ideas behind this one, but I had several moments of confusion where I found myself flipping back and forth between sections trying to figure out if and how certain things had happened; I felt like sometimes the transitions aren't great, and sometimes maybe a little too much is implied or hinted at that doesn't really come across clearly. I also didn't find the main character all that likable. The art's cool though, and I really enjoyed the parts involving the band dynamics.

More comics about band dynamics, please! Heh.