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JALISCO, Latina Superhero
Her origin story is simple. Jalisco's a humble girl that lives on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Her mom takes her to the park to cheer her up with folklorico dance, and out of nowhere- Jalisco's mom disappears.
Jalisco goes to the cops, who brush her away. She goes home in hopes that her mom is there, but she's not. Jalisco ends up going to the bar to ask for help- anyone's help.
Again, everyone snubs her. So Jalisco sets off on her own to find her mom. Luckily for her she gets saved by a band of Adelitas. They all know the fate of her mom but can't tell her about the rampant femicide.
Instead Adella, the matriarch of the Adelitas, says she'll train her so she can learn to protect herself. Jalisco says she just wants to find her mom. Adella tells her about Malinche, the traitor to our gender and the leader of the femicides.
And the story continues...
Jalisco goes to the cops, who brush her away. She goes home in hopes that her mom is there, but she's not. Jalisco ends up going to the bar to ask for help- anyone's help.
Again, everyone snubs her. So Jalisco sets off on her own to find her mom. Luckily for her she gets saved by a band of Adelitas. They all know the fate of her mom but can't tell her about the rampant femicide.
Instead Adella, the matriarch of the Adelitas, says she'll train her so she can learn to protect herself. Jalisco says she just wants to find her mom. Adella tells her about Malinche, the traitor to our gender and the leader of the femicides.
And the story continues...
78 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2019
135 people want to read
About the author
Kayden Phoenix
16 books23 followersKayden Phoenix is a trailblazing lesbian Chicana writer and director hailing from Boyle Heights, California. With a fearless approach to storytelling, her films have made a powerful impact on the festival circuit, with her latest work earning accolades at Cinequest and Outfest, and being acquired by Gunpowder & Sky’s horror platform, Alter, which boasts over 3 million subscribers.
Kayden's journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and recognition in the industry. She is a proud recipient of Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program, a semi-finalist in the prestigious Universal Animation Writer's Program, a Film Fatales Fellowship Finalist for Stowe Story Lab, a 2024 Stowe Narrative Lab Alumni, and a quarter-finalist for Final Draft's Big Break Screenwriting Contest.
In 2024, Kayden made history by creating the first-ever Latina superhero team in comic book history with her graphic novels, A LA BRAVA, now under the McMeel Publishing banner. Not stopping there, she launched Princess Academia, a modern-day princess series that redefines the genre, and partnered with Ghezal Omar through Artillery Network to bring action-packed stories to life. Her latest comic, Lipstick Cliqa, a gripping three-part series about a Chicana vampire gang, was snapped up by Sony Music Entertainment.
Beyond her creative projects, Kayden is deeply committed to empowering Latina voices in the film industry. She founded the Chicana Directors Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and elevating Latina directors and cinematographers, ensuring that diverse perspectives are not just included but celebrated in the industry.
"My mission is to amplify stories that reflect the complexity, vibrancy, and diversity of the real world," Kayden says. Her work is not just about breaking barriers—it's about setting new standards for what’s possible in independent cinema and graphic novels. As a visionary storyteller, Kayden Phoenix is reshaping the landscape of entertainment, one groundbreaking project at a time.
Kayden's journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and recognition in the industry. She is a proud recipient of Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program, a semi-finalist in the prestigious Universal Animation Writer's Program, a Film Fatales Fellowship Finalist for Stowe Story Lab, a 2024 Stowe Narrative Lab Alumni, and a quarter-finalist for Final Draft's Big Break Screenwriting Contest.
In 2024, Kayden made history by creating the first-ever Latina superhero team in comic book history with her graphic novels, A LA BRAVA, now under the McMeel Publishing banner. Not stopping there, she launched Princess Academia, a modern-day princess series that redefines the genre, and partnered with Ghezal Omar through Artillery Network to bring action-packed stories to life. Her latest comic, Lipstick Cliqa, a gripping three-part series about a Chicana vampire gang, was snapped up by Sony Music Entertainment.
Beyond her creative projects, Kayden is deeply committed to empowering Latina voices in the film industry. She founded the Chicana Directors Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and elevating Latina directors and cinematographers, ensuring that diverse perspectives are not just included but celebrated in the industry.
"My mission is to amplify stories that reflect the complexity, vibrancy, and diversity of the real world," Kayden says. Her work is not just about breaking barriers—it's about setting new standards for what’s possible in independent cinema and graphic novels. As a visionary storyteller, Kayden Phoenix is reshaping the landscape of entertainment, one groundbreaking project at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 18, 2021
Beautifully Crafted
Personally, I loved this graphic novel! Jalisco, a new superhero character and she is Latina?! This is the first time that I've read an action-packed adventure story with a young Latina protagonist.
Jalisco goes looking for her mother who is a folklorico dancer. She mysteriously vanishes in Guadalajara, Mexico, leaving Jalisco alone to survive with her pet chicken, Orito by her side. Jalisco desperately tries to find her mother, with no help from the police. Jalisco eventually is taken in by a woman-led rebel band of Adelitas, and becomes the bad-ass she was meant to be and sets out to find her mother.
It is a beautiful story about a daughter's love for her mother, that often leaves us nostalgic for those matriarch characters in our own personal lives that have left us too soon. It is a power-house read and a game changer for a strong Latina character arc. Jalisco is an homage to the flavor and tone of Robert Rodriguez' "El Mariachi" but with a new spin on the Latina superhero protagonist.
Another attribute worth noting is that the entire graphic novel is created by Latina women, from the writer to the artist, colorist, lettering. Todo las mujeres! And the graphic novel is dedicated to all the missing women in Mexico.
Personally, I loved this graphic novel! Jalisco, a new superhero character and she is Latina?! This is the first time that I've read an action-packed adventure story with a young Latina protagonist.
Jalisco goes looking for her mother who is a folklorico dancer. She mysteriously vanishes in Guadalajara, Mexico, leaving Jalisco alone to survive with her pet chicken, Orito by her side. Jalisco desperately tries to find her mother, with no help from the police. Jalisco eventually is taken in by a woman-led rebel band of Adelitas, and becomes the bad-ass she was meant to be and sets out to find her mother.
It is a beautiful story about a daughter's love for her mother, that often leaves us nostalgic for those matriarch characters in our own personal lives that have left us too soon. It is a power-house read and a game changer for a strong Latina character arc. Jalisco is an homage to the flavor and tone of Robert Rodriguez' "El Mariachi" but with a new spin on the Latina superhero protagonist.
Another attribute worth noting is that the entire graphic novel is created by Latina women, from the writer to the artist, colorist, lettering. Todo las mujeres! And the graphic novel is dedicated to all the missing women in Mexico.
August 28, 2020
I loved the story concept, the illustrations are beautiful. I love the latinx representation but it could have been done better.
The author is trying to fit too much story in a very short comic. The story is rushed and feels like it’s missing...more. And that takes away from the enjoyment of comic.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series as it continues and I have hope the author will grow in her storytelling as well.
May 3, 2020
Personally, I loved this graphic novel! Jalisco, a new superhero character and she is Latina?! This is the first time that I've read an action-packed adventure story with a young Latina protagonist.
Jalisco goes looking for her mother who is a folklorico dancer. She mysteriously vanishes in Guadalajara, Mexico, leaving Jalisco alone to survive with her pet chicken, Orito by her side. Jalisco desperately tries to find her mother, with no help from the police. Jalisco eventually is taken in by a woman-led rebel band of Adelitas, and becomes the bad-ass she was meant to be and sets out to find her mother.
It is a beautiful story about a daughter's love for her mother, that often leaves us nostalgic for those matriarch characters in our own personal lives that have left us too soon. It is a power-house read and a game changer for a strong Latina character arc. Jalisco is an homage to the flavor and tone of Robert Rodriguez' "El Mariachi" but with a new spin on the Latina superhero protagonist.
Another attribute worth noting is that the entire graphic novel is created by Latina women, from the writer to the artist, colorist, lettering. Todo las mujeres! And the graphic novel is dedicated to all the missing women in Mexico.
Jalisco goes looking for her mother who is a folklorico dancer. She mysteriously vanishes in Guadalajara, Mexico, leaving Jalisco alone to survive with her pet chicken, Orito by her side. Jalisco desperately tries to find her mother, with no help from the police. Jalisco eventually is taken in by a woman-led rebel band of Adelitas, and becomes the bad-ass she was meant to be and sets out to find her mother.
It is a beautiful story about a daughter's love for her mother, that often leaves us nostalgic for those matriarch characters in our own personal lives that have left us too soon. It is a power-house read and a game changer for a strong Latina character arc. Jalisco is an homage to the flavor and tone of Robert Rodriguez' "El Mariachi" but with a new spin on the Latina superhero protagonist.
Another attribute worth noting is that the entire graphic novel is created by Latina women, from the writer to the artist, colorist, lettering. Todo las mujeres! And the graphic novel is dedicated to all the missing women in Mexico.
May 4, 2020
Jalisco tells an important story of loss, strength, and sisterhood. The cultural representation is colorful and done so thoughtfully. The art is beautiful and truly shows the vibrancy of the culture. Jalisco is such a relatable character, a young Latina woman with dreams and struggles, showing her vivacious youth alongside the dangers of the world. She fights for justice in her own way, shedding light on the tragedy of missing women, and inspiring young women to believe in themselves. I would definitely recommend this book to others, and am looking forward to reading more from Phoenix.
May 7, 2020
JALISCO is a graphic novel about a young girl who lives in Mexico, whose beloved mother vanishes in a swish. She tries to avenge her missing mother by doing what she was taught, dance folklorico. This is extraordinary given the fact it takes places entirely in a country where insecurity and femicides reign. Myself being a Mexican girl born a few hours away from Jalisco, I felt this novel wretch my heart. Very beautiful and a poignant reminder that women matter, and corruption and impunity are still supreme components of Mexico. Ni una mas!
May 4, 2020
A vibrant, colorful, and sympathetic graphic novel about a young girl who is able to transform her talents into the tools she needs to avenge the death of her mother, turning herself into a champion for women who've gone missing. She's a very relatable and dynamic hero who is shining a light on a tragic epidemic that no one seems to want to acknowledge - women in Mexico are disappearing in alarming numbers.
I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
May 21, 2020
Loved it! It's a beautiful and powerful story of a daughter's love for her mother. Our main character is willing to face the world to find her missing mother. Together with a group of women they will go on to fight the disappearance of several other women. We are talking about a story of family love, friendship, compassion and seeking your inner strength. The graphic novel will keep you entertained from the beginning to end with exciting moments.
April 4, 2022
I read the Spanish edition. Such a great graphic novel that highlights the ongoing femicide issue in Latin America and around the world really. (Specifically in Mexico, in the graphic novel)
June 21, 2022
I love that they incorporated the legend of The Pasqualita, and the dedication to all the missing women was beautiful. I love this series with all of my heart ❤️
May 4, 2020
Jalisco is a colorful, vibrant telling of a darker story. This is a topic that is very important to shed light on and Kayden Phoenix really did it justice.
It is so important that we see female superheroes and in this story, we see a Latina protagonist who is not only wise, but tough. Jalisco uses her strengths and talents in order to fight a meaningful fight. She’s a relatable character who will inspire many young women. I am eager to read more of what is ahead!
It is so important that we see female superheroes and in this story, we see a Latina protagonist who is not only wise, but tough. Jalisco uses her strengths and talents in order to fight a meaningful fight. She’s a relatable character who will inspire many young women. I am eager to read more of what is ahead!
May 4, 2020
It is very well written, colorful graphic novel. A beautiful story about a daughter's love for her mother.
I usually don’t read action packed stories but this kept me interested till the end. Nice to read about women superheroes.
I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
I usually don’t read action packed stories but this kept me interested till the end. Nice to read about women superheroes.
I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
May 5, 2020
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a wonderful, entertaining story with a great message. Can’t wait to read more of the author’s work.
May 6, 2020
so good, love it - love a good latina superhero story and this one is awesome!
May 4, 2020
A voice that is very much needed in this genre. Well written and beautiful artwork.
July 7, 2022
Great concept, fantastic cultural and historical details, important message, and the art is engaging. Plus the concept of a "superhero" folklórico dancer and the costume design of the knives in her skirt were really cool! But overall the book is uneven; maybe a bit amateurish or unfinished. It felt rushed and skipped in places. Both art and writing were often unclear from panel to panel, which kept me from being fully invested in the story.
May 11, 2022
Given that I keep talking about this comic on several book related chats I thought I should leave a review.
This feels like a genuine superhero origin story. The hero's flare and sense of justice is fantastic. Their method of fighting is a favorite for me. I would love to see this hero in a movie or cartoon. Jalisco should DEFINITELY be getting an adaptation. (I think that there is SO MUCH potential in these skirts. If she eventually got the fabric either enchanted or made of scifi material you could go really far. In the TV show the Cape the hero uses a cape to grab people and with the circles in this kind of dance I could just see so many grappling motions that could be adapted!)
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I think that the main criticism might be for the art inside. If I’m honest, the art inside is a little… young? It’s not bad but it’s not professional yet. The potential is there but hasn't quite reached. And I just got the second book, and the art has advanced. It’s a bit more dynamic with cleaner lines and backgrounds. So steep improvement curve if you don’t love the art in the first book. Still rec both. Really enjoying them.
That said, the story is there, the hero is an excellent concept, and I think the artist has potential. (I like the cover.)
This feels like a genuine superhero origin story. The hero's flare and sense of justice is fantastic. Their method of fighting is a favorite for me. I would love to see this hero in a movie or cartoon. Jalisco should DEFINITELY be getting an adaptation. (I think that there is SO MUCH potential in these skirts. If she eventually got the fabric either enchanted or made of scifi material you could go really far. In the TV show the Cape the hero uses a cape to grab people and with the circles in this kind of dance I could just see so many grappling motions that could be adapted!)
[image error]
I think that the main criticism might be for the art inside. If I’m honest, the art inside is a little… young? It’s not bad but it’s not professional yet. The potential is there but hasn't quite reached. And I just got the second book, and the art has advanced. It’s a bit more dynamic with cleaner lines and backgrounds. So steep improvement curve if you don’t love the art in the first book. Still rec both. Really enjoying them.
That said, the story is there, the hero is an excellent concept, and I think the artist has potential. (I like the cover.)
February 21, 2021
I would recommend this graphic novel to children interested in superhero stories who also have a Mexican background. I like that the text has a superhero of colour, the superhero did not have to suddenly possess superhuman abilities in order to be able to save others, and the concept art was included at the end of the text to showcase the process of creating the art.
As someone unfamiliar with Mexico and Mexican culture, I was unable to become fully immersed in the text since I was confused about what was happening. Also, while the text aimed to identify characters as having multiple social identities, I think the plot would have been clearer, especially for children, if it focused on either the social issue of colorism, classism, or patriotism/nationalism as its main conflict.
http://librarianofeating.ca/?p=2450
As someone unfamiliar with Mexico and Mexican culture, I was unable to become fully immersed in the text since I was confused about what was happening. Also, while the text aimed to identify characters as having multiple social identities, I think the plot would have been clearer, especially for children, if it focused on either the social issue of colorism, classism, or patriotism/nationalism as its main conflict.
http://librarianofeating.ca/?p=2450
January 21, 2023
This was a lovely story with beautiful artwork. I'm still enamored by this lovely cover. But the story itself tells an important message as well. I love that Jalisco wants to learn to be strong and independent and fend for herself. And although she learns to fight and advocate, she can also be vulnerable, and I absolutely loved that about her. She can feel things for her mother, shed a few tears, and she is never once portrayed as weak - simply human. Strength does not have to equal brutality; strength, as depicted here, can mean being human and using your voice and fighting for what is right. Strength can be beautiful and graceful.
I do wish that the story had been a bit longer, as I feel like it jumped around a little, which made it difficult at times to follow. A little more detail would have made this story even more impactful. But I love the emphasis on the importance of Jalisco's culture, and I adore how that is incorporated into her superhero "powers." Jalisco can dance, and she uses her dance to help her fight. It's where she feels most comfortable. The use of her dress and her many knives was creative. And I love the dedication before the book.
I do wish that the story had been a bit longer, as I feel like it jumped around a little, which made it difficult at times to follow. A little more detail would have made this story even more impactful. But I love the emphasis on the importance of Jalisco's culture, and I adore how that is incorporated into her superhero "powers." Jalisco can dance, and she uses her dance to help her fight. It's where she feels most comfortable. The use of her dress and her many knives was creative. And I love the dedication before the book.
September 3, 2022
Jalisco is a cool graphic novel. I enjoyed Jalisco's character arc and found her story to be moving and powerful. It kept me engaged and hooked. I also enjoyed seeing the action and the art is well done too.
The pacing was a bit rushed though and I would like to learn more about the Adelitas. Nonetheless, the story is good and I look forward to reading more of Kayden Phoenix's works (I also have one of Phoenix's other books, Santa, and am excited to read it).
The pacing was a bit rushed though and I would like to learn more about the Adelitas. Nonetheless, the story is good and I look forward to reading more of Kayden Phoenix's works (I also have one of Phoenix's other books, Santa, and am excited to read it).
October 16, 2021
Such a beautiful, original concept! I've never read graphic novels before, and Jalisco was a fun first experience with the genre. I'll definitely be ordering the others in this series/universe(?)! I think this is a GREAT way to learn and practice Spanish or English, whichever language you're wanting to improve. Simple words with images for additional context but written for adults.
October 18, 2025
My first foray into the graphic novel world. It wasnt really my thing but I genuinely dont know if Im just not familiar with the format or if the story itself was hard to follow. The story was short and felt disjointed but the concept was awesome. The art and cultural depictions were also beautiful. Id try to read something like this again.
December 30, 2025
Lovely little read - I love the idea of knives in her dress it very novel and I think my niece will enjoy this YA graphic book. Having a latino character is also refreshing.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews