Xavier Garza: The Writer in the Silver Mask
Barriozona Magazine 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..
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
Phoenix, Arizona. 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.
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.
Eduardo Barraza is a journalist and writer,
Barriozona Magazine's editor, and director of
the Hispanic Insitute of Social Issues.
E-mail: editor@barriozona.com
Barriozona Magazine's editor, and director of
the Hispanic Insitute of Social Issues.
E-mail: editor@barriozona.com
Published by the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues in Phoenix, Arizona
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