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Xavier Garza: The Writer in the Silver Mask
BARRIOZONA interviews a writer, illustrator, and passionate of Lucha Libre –professional wrestling– whose most recent
book, “Lucha libre, the man in the silver mask” tells a beautiful tale about a child who is thrilled by the fascinating world of
colorful masks, dangerous moves, and luchadores or wrestlers. The author talks about the socio-cultural relevance of
lucha libre in today’s society, the importance of bilingualism, and his next books.
By Eduardo Barraza
BARRIOZONA
September 27, 2006
Barriozona: Lucha Libre seems to be a growing trend, why do you think this cultural phenomenon is taking place?
Xavier Garza: Lucha Libre is firmly imbedded in Mexican pop culture, and with our rapidly growing Hispanic population
lucha libre becoming popular was inevitable. America is changing; more and more, our Hispanic ideas and traditions are
seeping into the mainstream. It’s a revolutionary change really. Lucha Libre also captures the imagination of mainstream
America. Virtually, every culture around the world has a fascination with the mask. This fascination can be seen in theater,
Halloween, and in our love of super heroes.
Barriozona: You grew up being a lucha libre fanatic. What advantages or disadvantages does this blending of sports,
entertainment, and social theater pose to young people?
Xavier Garza: I have always viewed Lucha Libre as being a poor-man's theater that comes complete with antagonists and
protagonists that are cast in leading and supporting roles. The luchadores wear masks and costumes, and take part in
the oldest play in the world; good versus evil. Lucha Libre however is a lot more traditional, purer if you will. Then (we have)
the current WWE wrestling product, which all too often crosses the line between family entertainment and being
pornographic. Above all, people need to remember that injuries can be very real, if you don’t have proper training for even
the most basic of moves.
Barriozona: What is your opinion regarding bilingual books, and why did you decide to publish your book both in English
and Spanish?
Xavier Garza: I think it is essential that we as Hispanics don’t loose our mother tongue. Yes, one should learn English, in
today’s world one must speak English so as to be able to succeed, but I fail to see any disadvantage in having two
languages. That is why I am against any law that stresses an English only stance. Such a law stacks the odds against first
generation immigrants that have yet to learn the language.
Barriozona: As a writer and illustrator, what was your main motivation behind “Lucha Libre, The Man in the Silver Mask?”
Xavier Garza: I wanted to capture the spirit of Lucha Libre. I hold true to the idea that the heart of lucha libre is found in the
children. To a child these luchadores are living super heroes that wear capes and masks. The Man in the Silver Mask is
my tribute to this wonderful world.
Barriozona: What has been the public’s response to your book?
Xavier Garza: So far it has been very good. It has been nominated and recognized for various awards. What makes me
happiest about the book is that children and actual luchadores seem to love it for the most part. One luchador told me that
the story was similar to a situation that first inspired him to be a luchador. His own uncle was in fact secretly a luchador.
Barriozona: What’s ahead in Xavier Garza’s writing and illustrating agenda?
Xavier Garza: I have a new book that will be out in October called Juan and the Chupacabras (Arte Público). This book is
mainly about the power of storytelling, and its impact on our families’ traditions and beliefs. I am also working on The
Legend of Charro Claus, plus a young adult novel called, Adventures in Mexican Wrestling.
Xavier Garza is a Mexican-American writer and illustrator. His work has been published in various periodicals in the U.S., as well as his
art exhibited in numerous venues. He received his BFA from the University of Texas, Edinburg. Garza’s graphic and literary work
represents an innovative cultural and artistic expression of the ancient and traditional sport and entertainment that Lucha Libre has been.
While this author and illustrator’s work is a socio-cultural artistic expression about lucha libre, it can also be seen as an element of the
lucha libre’s folklore. Xavier Garza lives in San Antonio, Texas.
Copyright © 2006 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
Grassroots Journalism
www.barriozona.com
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