The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Curtis Barnard

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Last night, the MU lounge hosted a multimedia event by Lalo Alcaraz, cartoonist and political satirist from southern California, in honor of César Chávez month.

Alcaraz is known across the nation for his cartoon strips. Alcaraz's most famous work developed in the form of "Migra Mouse," a book of comics that highlights issues on immigration, and "La Cucaracha."

"La Cucaracha" is a unique strip that provides a view of the world through the sharp, satiric lens of its young Latino characters and the fertile mind of acclaimed creator Lalo Alcaraz, according to gocomics.com.

Alcaraz began his career by working as an editorial cartoonist at the San Diego State University newspaper, The Daily Aztec. After finishing his study of art at SDSU, Alcaraz continued his educational career through a masters program in architecture at Berkeley.

Alcaraz developed an interest in comedy from a childhood rich with comic books - especially comic strips. His inspiration was derived from different Latin American and Argentine cartoonists.

"[I grew up with the message] it's wrong to be Mexican," Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz presented some of his favorite sketches at the event as well as some that have received negative feedback from subscribers, such as his "Hola Kitty" sketch - a spin off Hello Kitty that pokes fun at political issues.

"This is my number one hate-letter getting comic," Alcaraz said.

While Alcaraz's comic work is mainly featured in the Los Angeles Times, he is also highlighted in publications such as The Denver Post, Arizona Republic, Houston Chronicle, Chicago Sun-Times, San Diego Tribune and 75 other major newspapers.

"Some of my cartoons make Chicanos' heads explode," Alcaraz said.

The fame of Alcaraz's cartoons stemmed from humorous stabs at political figures as well as politically and racially charged issues, such as immigration.

"Ronald Reagan's as idiotic as George W. Bush," Alcaraz said. "The guy's been great for comedy."

One of Alcaraz's cartoon strips boasts a "catchy new army slogan" - "the army of Juan."

"I managed to eat from my twisted personality," Alcaraz said during his speech at the MU.

Next to his nationally acclaimed comics, Alcaraz has also made a name for himself through the creation of "Pocho Hour of Power" on KPFK 90.7, which is a politically satirical radio show in California.

"I wish I could be funny every day, man," Alcaraz said.


Tara Pistorese, police beat reporter
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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