Lizard in a Zoot Suit – Hill Nadell Literary Agency

Marco Finnegan
Lizard in a Zoot Suit
(Graphic Universe, August 2020)

An AIPT Best Comic of 2020
Finalist for the Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards: Young Adult Fiction
Selected for Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year

Los Angeles, 1943. It’s the era of the Zoot Suit Riots, and Flaca and Cuata have a problem. It’s bigger than being grounded by their strict mother. It’s bigger than tensions with the soldiers stationed nearby. And it’s shaped like a five-foot-tall lizard. When a lost member of an unknown underground species needs help, the sisters must scramble to keep their new friend away from a corrupt military scientist―but they’ll do it in style. Cartoonist Marco Finnegan presents Lizard in a Zoot Suit, an outrageous, historical, sci-fi graphic novel.

Praise for Lizard in a Zoot Suit

“With a dash of mid-20th–century pulp monsters and a backdrop of 1940s Los Angeles, Finnegan mingles humanoid swamp creatures with victory rolls and zoot suits to highlight Mexican American families struggling to hold their own…. Period pop horror that will lure readers in for important history lessons.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A unique and effective lens through which fans of historical fiction can view the treatment of the “other” and race issues of the 1940s.”
―School Library Journal

“Lizard in a Zoot Suit is a beautifully rendered, heartbreaking, and insightful graphic adventure that uses the metaphor of the ‘monster’ to unpack one of the most tragic events in US history. Finnegan deftly uses his mastery of the comics medium to engage with the surreal nature of what it means to be seen as ‘other’ and how that perspective endangers people of color and our civil liberties. Everyone should read this book!”
―John Jennings, illustrator of Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

“An entertaining and meaningful story. The bicultural characters and diverse Mexican American setting are a fun entry point into some serious Chicano history, the era of the 1940s Zoot Suit Riots. Put on your tacuche and your tando, and get ready for Lizard in a Zoot Suit!”
―Lalo Alcaraz, author of Latino USA: A Cartoon History

“This fun, character-driven, all-ages historical sci-fi romp is wacky, out-of-this-world and pure enjoyment. Marco Finnegan pulls out all the stops and crafts a unique adventure that feels fresh and vibrant.”
—Alex Segura, writer of comic book The Black Ghost and author of the Anthony Award nominated Pete Fernandez series

“[Finnegan] has given us a book that sheds light on darker corners of history, while telling a story of mysterious visitors from beneath the earth.”
—Samuel Sattin, author of GLINT and BEZKAMP

“‘The Shape of Water’ meets Raina Telgemeier’s ‘Sisters'”
—Forces of Geek

“The Zoot Suit Riots meet Underground LA lizard people.”
—LAist

“A new YA graphic novel takes a moment in real world history and turns it into the basis for a thrilling adventure that is never anything less than stylish — but what else could be expected from a book titled Lizard in a Zoot Suit?”
—The Hollywood Reporter

“Inspired by Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit play and the film of LA Confidential, Finnegan adds a science fiction twist when he introduces us to twin sisters Flaca and Cuata and their very big problem: an anthropomorphic lizard named Chulito — who happens to look very dapper in a zoot suit.”
—Women Write About Comics

“Excellent.”
—Comics Beat

“Fast paced and entertaining.”
—Geek Dad

“In this time, countless artists across multiple genres are engaging these feelings and social undercurrents to create art that both speaks to and transcends this dynamic moment in time. For Latinx cartoonist Marco Finnegan, his efforts have found a unique focus: a giant lizard.”
—AIPT

“Yellow, black and white artwork give a stark, noir feel to the story, which is both sensitive and funny. Marco Finnegan provides smart commentary on racism, gender roles and the counterculture of the period. Teens will enjoy this sci-fi take on a moment in U.S. history that isn’t discussed enough.”
—Mom Read It

“The mixture of the real history and the sci fi makes an interesting story that will have you angry and hopeful in turns…. Absolutely worth your time.”—Fangirl Nation

“A socially relevant tale of racial tension, family and magical realism.”
—Smash Pages

Marco Finnegan is a storyboard and comic book artist best known for his work with 12-Gauge, Vault, Image, and Lerner Books, including Lizard in a Zoot Suit and a graphic adaptation of Ace Atkins’ novel, Crossroad Blues. He graduated with a B.A. in Art from California State University, Fullerton and has taught graphic novel classes in high schools. You can find more of his work online.