For years, graphic novels have entwined the art of illustration with storytelling, captivating readers with their unique blend of creativity. At the heart of this compelling medium are the stories by authors of the various communities that live, love, and thrive in the world. One such author is Aarón Durán. Through their works, Durán celebrates culture, community, and resilience. Their graphic novels act as connectors between cultures, nurturing understanding and empathy. Aarón Durán's work illuminates the Latino experience and reflects the community's strength and unwavering spirit of resilience.
Aarón Durán, who has called Portland, Oregon, his home for over two decades, is a celebrated author known for their works such as The Season of the Bruja and Lazarus X+66. Durán explores their Mexican-American ancestry and culture in their writing, striving to find a place within both realms. Within the pages of their writings, Durán carves out a space that gracefully pays homage to their heritage while embracing the present and the future.
Durán believes that celebrating diverse voices through storytelling reminds us of our shared humanity and the innate human need to connect through tales of awe and inspiration. They believe we can break free from societal constructs that often divide people by embracing similarities and differences, allowing the discovery of common ground.
Durán advises aspiring authors by noting that constant writing and reading is essential, but also stresses the significance of introspection. They encourage writers to question their motivations and understand why they write, emphasizing the need to express oneself and stay true to their creative journey. Durán advises writers to push past the pursuit of perfection and embrace the editing process.
Durán holds libraries in high esteem for their role in nurturing informed and vibrant communities. They advocate for libraries to actively engage underrepresented communities by hosting events highlighting marginalized creators and their works. They believe in the power of personal connections between creators and audiences, emphasizing the importance of seeking out diverse voices and stories to create a well-rounded library collection. Looking ahead, Durán is currently working on Season of the Bruja Vol. 2 and two other comic titles, promising continued exploration of cultural themes in his future works.
Aarón Durán will be one of the featured authors at the Los Angeles Libros Festival, a free bilingual book festival for the whole family celebrating stories and music from Latin America and the United States. L.A. Libros Fest will be streamed live on YouTube on Friday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The Festival will be in-person at Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
