Earlier this year, I had the joy of reading and reviewing Laura Pérez’s first English-translated graphic novel, Totem. With an overlying feeling of uncanniness, and a focus on the spiritual and otherworldly, Pérez quickly cemented herself as an author/artist to watch when it comes to depicting the supernatural and the weird. It was a given that, upon seeing her new graphic novel Ocultos available for pre-order on the Fantagraphics website, I had to read it. Described as an ‘entrancing collection of graphic short stories exploring the occult forces that touch upon our everyday lives’, Pérez once again invites readers into a world of unknown, cosmic mystery.
Much like Totem, Ocultos was originally published in Spanish, with the name ‘Ocultos’ translating to ‘hidden’, or ‘secret’, and with accompanying connotations of black magic. Ocultos definitely lives up to its dark implications; comprised of unconventional, short vignettes, Ocultus hints at lurking, unknown forces that humans are unable to fathom. The cover itself supports this, with a woman removing her mask and exposing her true self, whilst ants march along her cheekbones. Inside, readers are greeted with a mystical quote from Aldo Linares, toying with the idea of the unseen versus the physical: “images are created when a gaze comes into contact with dazzlement”.
If one word comes to mind when recollecting the experience of reader Ocultos, it is spellbinding. From physical masks and masked emotions, to doors creaking open on their own, to testing the boundaries of life and death, Pérez dances between dreams and reality, constantly playing on the idea of the liminal and forcing the reader to question why it is they feel so uncomfortable with the idea of the supernatural, of there being answers to our big questions.
The stories are an eclectic mix. Many of them evoke a feeling of unease; merely based on a concept or an idea, it feels like we’re crossing some invisible boundary, like we’re getting too close to secrets we really shouldn’t be able to discover. Many are downright terrifying, with the short story ‘Play’ particularly coming to mind. A mother is shrouded in paranoia due to hearing voices and sensing some kind of presence watching her, but this all fades after she gives birth, and she dismisses her earlier fears as hormonal. However, when the unusually quiet baby is seen handing his teddy bear to shadowy, black claws, it begs the questions whether her fears were completely unfounded.
Some of the narratives have a clearer direction and message, whilst others are completely abstract, both in dialogue and artistry. Pérez showcases her versatility by whipping between wordless vignettes, stories set solely in virtual reality, in which humans become mere shapes and elements, noir sketches and many more visually innovative choices.
In keeping with the mystical and suspenseful atmosphere, we as the reader often don’t get an answer to our burning questions. Ending on almost a ‘cliffhanger’ type style, we don’t find out what happens after a girl decides to leave with a monster, or why a ghost appears to warn a man and his wife to leave their holiday destination. Much like the concept of the otherworldly or the supernatural, there is no definitive answer or end, and it is this inexplicable sense of liminality that carries the reader from page to page, as they pour over the panels looking for answers. The pencil line sketches with intentional use of colour to highlight uncanny aspects works wonderfully, and is, as always, atmospheric and whimsical.
Drawn in her signature wispy, gothic style, Ocultos is just as fantastic as Pérez’s previous graphic novel, and once again, leaves the reader beguiled, reflective and wanting more. Pérez is quite right that “it seems our world lacks words to grapple with all the things that seem inexplicable”.
Laura Pérez (W/A), Andrea Rosenberg (T) • Fantagraphics Books, $24.99.
Review by Lydia Turner
