It’s always been pointless. From the lowest of the low. Highest of the high. Pointless.

I'm writing a comic book series set in modern-day Mexico about an experienced American criminal who decides to hide out there after his 'last job'. After falling in with members of a native American tribe in a resort area, he comes to use his talents to help protect them from cartels, crime, business and government exploitation and other unsavory characters. As I'm physically disabled and African-American I've heard repeatedly that going to Mexico alone to research could be dangerous for me, as I would stick out a great deal and draw unwanted attention by asking locals about crime and cartels. Now it's even more difficult with the quarantine as travel is impossible.

Can anyone who's Mexican, has lived there or travelled the country extensively, tell me about what their experiences have been both relating to regular life as well as the ongoing drug war? What are aspects of life in Mexico most foreigners don't know about or which might run counter to stereotypes and outsiders' expectations? What films or works of fiction show what I'm looking for well besides Sicario and The Counselor? I'm very determined to show nuances of life in Mexico in an uncliched and realistic way and would appreciate greatly help telling a story that rings true to both regular people and to those who have had to experience criminal and cartel elements in their community. I am very aware that criminals don't define the culture, history or people of Mexico and have spent years researching the history so I refuse to write something which is simply violent and sensational without teaching readers the real history and deconstructing the US relationship with Mexico.

Please email kbradleyreeves@gmail.com or dm me here. Thanks in advance and stay safe.

Did y'all ever wondered if Narcos and El Chapo were the same dude