Synopsis
San Martín, Argentina, 2001. Upon her estranged grandmother Vilma’s death, 19-year-old Rocío moves into a house haunted by memories. Seeking a deeper understanding, Ro delves into her family history and uncovers the episodes of violence and betrayal that shattered Vilma’s dreams. All the while, the familiar scent of mothballs permeating the estate serves to remind Ro of the ineluctable spell of the past that she must break in order to forge her own path in life. Tender, heartrending, and leavened with biting humor, Mothballs is at once a moving family saga and a poignant reflection on the need to hold fast to one’s identity, despite how painful it can be.
From: Fantagraphics Books
Notes on This Title
A prominent supporting character is shown to be queer, wearing makeup and feminine clothing despite being AMAB. Whether we are to understand this character to be a queer man, a trans woman, or elsewhere on the spectrum of gender and / or sexuality is not specified in the text. Another supporting character seems to be neuroatypical or have some kind of developmental disability, although again, his exact condition is not named.
Awards
2019 Fnac-Salamandra Graphic Novel Award
2023 Angoulême International Comics Festival - Audience Award
2024 Publishers Weekly Best Books - Comics
Reviews
Starred Review: ” Otero’s brightly colored characters are doll-like yet full of passion, outrage, and schemes, and her storytelling is just as bold and memorable as the drawings. It’s an impressive achievement.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
“Tender, humorous and heart-wrenching, Mothballs’ family saga highlights the impact of generational trauma, the importance of healing as a family, and of breaking the chain of violence, secrets and sadness.” (Source: Broken Frontier)
Interviews
The Comics Journal: “‘I love the idea about this naturalization of magic around us’: An interview with Sole Otero“