One of San Antonio’s most legendary and haunting stories is being reimagined through a powerful new lens, and San Antonio’s Donkey Lady, reimagined as a graphic parable, is now capturing readers’ imaginations.
Aztlan Libre Press has announced the upcoming release of The Donkey Lady: A Graphic Parable, written by acclaimed author Carmen Tafolla and illustrated by Thelma Ortiz Muraida. Scheduled for release in June 2026, the book marks the publisher’s 17th title and its first Juvenile and Young Adult Fiction release. This announcement has generated particular excitement because San Antonio’s Donkey Lady, reimagined as a new graphic parable, brings a fresh perspective to a classic legend.
Deeply rooted in South San Antonio folklore, the graphic parable revisits the chilling legend of the Donkey Lady, a figure long associated with the area around the infamous Donkey Lady Bridge. For generations, the story has been passed down as a ghost tale meant to frighten curious locals. This retelling, however, shifts the narrative toward themes of humanity, violence, survival, and cultural memory. In fact, San Antonio’s Donkey Lady reimagined in a new graphic parable invites readers to reconsider the legend in today’s context.
Rather than simply retelling a legend, The Donkey Lady reframes the story as one of witness and resistance, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of the pain and injustice that often live beneath folklore. Ultimately, San Antonio’s Donkey Lady, reimagined in a new graphic parable, serves as an inspiring modern retelling of a legendary tale.
San Antonio Express-News columnist Cary Clack praised the project, writing that the story restores the humanity of “La Callada” while drawing parallels to the injustices still seen today. He described the collaboration between Tafolla and Ortiz Muraida as both compassionate and historically meaningful.
Tafolla, a celebrated literary voice known for centering Mexican American culture, empowerment, and history throughout her work, has authored more than 40 books and earned numerous honors, including the Américas Award, multiple Tomás Rivera Book Awards, and eight International Latino Book Awards.
Ortiz Muraida brings the story to life through layered, expressive artwork that complements the narrative’s emotional depth. Her previous collaborations with Tafolla include Tamales, Comadres, and the Meaning of Civilization, along with other culturally rooted storytelling projects.
A special pre-book launch event for The Donkey Lady: A Graphic Parable is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the World Heritage Center. The free event will feature a reading, panel discussion, and exhibit with both Tafolla and Ortiz Muraida. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase.
Additional details regarding the national book launch are expected soon.
For more information and pre-orders, visit The Donkey Lady: A Graphic Parable.
