The book
Like most myths and legends, stories survive through the people who tell them. Across generations and regions, familiar figures emerge from the shadows, feeding fear, wonder, and imagination.
The Witch of Zárate is one of Costa Rica’s most enduring legends. Inspired by the books and stories that have preserved her tale over the years, this graphic novel reimagines the origins and final days of the witch, blending folklore, nature, the moon, and supernatural horror to offer a new perspective on the character.
As a horror story, this reinterpretation embraces the power of visual storytelling to bring the legend to life through striking imagery, unsettling ideas, and moments of darkness. It is an invitation to experience the Witch of Zárate once again—and perhaps ensure that her story continues to be told long after nightfall.
The author
Carlos “Ito” Salazar is a Costa Rican artist and designer based in Canada. From an early age, he knew he wanted to create comics and tell his own stories.
Growing up in the 1990s, he was shaped by a mix of films, video games, folklore, and long days spent exploring the outdoors in Costa Rica. These influences fostered a lifelong fascination with nature, mythology, visual storytelling, and the kinds of stories that linger long after the lights go out.
With Zárate, Salazar aims to introduce a piece of Costa Rican folklore to a wider audience while offering a new interpretation of one of the country’s most enduring legends. Through horror, fantasy, and folklore, he explores the darker corners of imagination and invites readers into a world where myths are alive, and every page brings them deeper into the unknown.
Want to Know More?
Want to know more about the book or the legend behind it? Whether you have questions, comments, research insights, or even your own stories of witches and folklore, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out using the form below.