US publisher Drawn and Quarterly has just released Land of Mirrors, a stunning new graphic novel from one of Spain’s most successful contemporary illustrators, María Medem, translated from Spanish by Aleshia Jensen and Daniela Ortiz.
Seeped in flamenco rhythms, Land of Mirrors tells the story of a journey of love and hope. Antonia is the sole inhabitant of a deserted town, with only a roaming pack of dogs and her own worn out memories to keep her company. Nothing is new in this world, the ponds are so still they are dead, and her recollections feel more vivid than her surroundings. At times, the isolation is unbearable. Until she meets her flower. Her flower gives her purpose: a reason to get up each morning, to ring the bells of the town, to wake up the fields, and to feel alive.
And yet, a relentless thought eats away at her what will happen once her flower dies? Her quest to save the flower begins alongside a charming traveler from the land of mirrors.The pair embark on a journey filled with music, swimming holes, and folk tales whispered late into the starry night. They march through the fields to the beat of turtledove calls, occasionally stopping to get drunk off the fruits of the strawberry tree.
Slowly, Antonia opens up to the world beyond her town, to the people who inhabit it and to the endless possibilities of community and friendship.
One of Spain’s most successful contemporary illustrators, María Medem’s atmospheric storytelling bursts with sensorial delight brimming with engrossing sounds, flavours, and tactile sensations.
With impeccable line work and an enchanting use of colour, Medem spins a heartfelt meditation on loneliness, friendship, and the transformative power of love.
• Land of Mirrors by María Medem is available now from all good bookshops | ISBN 978-1770467545 | ukBookshop.org Affiliate Link
• Follow María Medem on Instagram | Tumblr
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
“Nu Earth War Tales” launches in 2000AD, “Atomfall” game gets comic prequel 
PSYComics teases Odysseus epic, 2000AD’s Simon Harrison on board 
Carol Day Showcase available now from Book Palace Books 
“Four Shorts” conjures childhood nostalgia for creator Albert Campillo Lastra