THE DO-OVER

A cross-country move from California to Ohio leaves Peruvian American Mariana Gutiérrez anxious about starting over and uncertain where she fits in.

Following the death of Mariana’s mother, her barber father, Carlos, decides they should relocate in a bid to be closer to extended family. Life is a struggle for Mariana after the move—she misses her old friends but vows to make new ones if she can only overcome her nerves. When inquisitive, artistic classmates Zoe and Everly stop by Carlos’ shop to try selling the natural hair dye they invented, Mariana gets her chance. Before long, the trio find themselves working to build their own hairstyling business with the help of Mariana’s abuela and tío. Misunderstandings occur between multiple characters, often resulting from a lack of communication or listening. Mariana, in particular, maintains her guard around others, including her father. As well as sympathetic human frailty, the characters model growth, empathy, and patience in their interactions. Many panels utilize clean, bright, color-blocked backgrounds that reflect the girls’ infectious enthusiasm, while creative techniques are used to direct focus: The foreground is blurred, panels are broken or borderless, and tertiary pop-art coloring is used. Spanish is sprinkled throughout. Everly is Black, Zoe presents as White, and there is racial diversity among the background characters.

Touching in its vibrant and earnest depiction of vulnerability and being true to who you are.