Calavera, P.I. - by Marco Finnegan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Sometimes it takes a dead man to crack the case!

In 1925, Juan Calavera died a hero. After a career spent outside the law defending the Chicano barrios where the police refused to operate, he earned a reputation for fearlessness . . . and a gunshot in the stomach. Now, five years later, on Día de los Muertos, his restless spirit has been summoned from the grave to help a desperate former colleague unravel a kidnapping all too close to home. With only days to solve the case before he is called back to the underworld, can Calavera reveal the identity of the masked human trafficker known as La Fantasma before tragedy strikes again . . . and solve the mystery of his own murder in the process?

From the desk of rising star Marco Finnegan (Morning Star, Night People), walk the shadow-shrouded alleys of Hollywoodland to solve the mystery of Calavera--a newly resurrected private investigator whose first case is about to straddle the blood-soaked boundaries between the living and the dead!

Review Quotes

"An undead private investigator trying to solve not only a kidnapping but also the murder in which he was the victim? I'm in...There's no doubt in my mind that this will be one of the most talked about books of the fall."-- "Comics With Dan"

"Introducing a fairly heavy character and premise rooted in classic Mexican noir and folklore at a blistering pace... The artwork from Finnegan is a very modernized, both in style and subject matter, iteration on the old dominant style of comic strips from the same era depicted... Conveys the setting impressively... The color palette is intriguing throughout."

-- "League of Comics Geeks"

"Latin influences are obviously a significant part of Calavera P.I.'s initial appeal, as it creates a rich history of stories/mythology and cultural nuance to add to the tale. But it's also just a solid tale outside of the noir and supernatural elements, about a man trying to do good for his people at a time/place when that wasn't always so easy or straightforward. RIYL: ghosts, Mexican culture, pulp vibes, and complex hero types."-- "AIPT"

"Marco Finnegan is at the right place and time. His artwork has won him a good share of fans and praise: a stripped-down and punchy style."-- "Comics Grinder"

"The book effectively blends supernatural elements with classic crime storytelling, allowing both aspects to flourish without overshadowing one another. The integration of Chicano culture and the lively setting of 1930s L.A. infuses the narrative with vibrancy and historical context... This unique lens enriches the story, weaving in cultural traditions that enhance its visual appeal and thematic depth...'Calavera P.I.' combines representation with homage, offering a fresh take on the noir genre."-- "Lotusland"

"This is atmospheric, evoking memories of Raymond Chandler's 1920's-1930's Hollywood as observed by his detective Phillip Marlowe. Colors, shading, and images all work together to create the mood."-- "Pop Culture Podium"

[Calavera, P.I. is] a hardboiled riff on all the noir classics that come to mind, but injected with a supernatural twist and told from a perspective frequently ignored in those classics you were just thinking about."-- "Comic Book Couples Counseling"

"A stylish take on the mystery genre."-- "Comics Beat"

About the Author

Marco Finnegan is a cartoonist who lives in California with his family. Finnegan's previous books include Morning Star (Mad Cave), Night People #3 (Oni), 007 (Dynamite, The Keeper (Abrams), Lizard in a Zoot Suit (Lerner), and a bunch more.