My name is Diego Molano, and
I’m the creator of Victor and Valentino for Cartoon Network.
It was my grandfather who introduced me to
the myths and legends and folklore of Mesoamerica.
This book contains the research I’ve done on
the strange creatures around Monte Macabro.
But it was my grandmother and mother who
introduced me to really scary stories
designed to keep me in doors and out of trouble.
Now let me tell you the legend of that coyote.
Weird stories about shape shifting owl women
that would snatch you up and eat you
in their giant nest.
Lechuza
Don’t eat me; I’m just bones.
I definitely was Victor growing up.
I thought I knew everything.
I know. I know a lot of stuff.
You don’t have to keep explaining things.
Valentino is actually me as an older kid.
Woah!
But as the show's progressed
It’s a running joke actually that with every episode
of Vic & Val we record we slowly merge
until we will eventually become one.
¡Tu bigote! You're becoming a man.
Abuela Chata, the grandmother on the show,
is based on my abuela.
Oh niños, are you ready for my quinceañera?
She’s really, really sweet
...but...
you don’t know whether she is going to love you or yell at you.
I’m very much looking forward to that moment.
SO DON'T MESS IT UP!
Okay?
She is a great character
because she reminds me a lot of my grandmother.
She was a sweet lady, really good at cooking
Very good at give us advice,
but don’t make her mad.
Hello, Charlene.
There's definitely a Chata in my life.
I kind of got her more second generation
and I’m glad because she was pretty scary
but sweet and wonderful too.
She's family, and it’s like she always says.
"Anything for family."
It has been one of the most beautiful experiences in my life as an actor.
One of the greatest thrills each week for me is getting a new episode.
The amount of talent that we have is really incredible.
We do all record together, ensemble cast,
and we get feed off of each other's energy.
It really enhances the performance.
There are no other shows out there that explore the same kind of themes
and the same kind of cultural history
and incorporate it in such a kid-friendly way that it’s interesting.
It’s incredible to see all of that
just on display in such positive manner.
They are made with such care and love for
what they are representing.
I start hearing music from the very first beginning of a new episode.
There is such an amazing bi-cultural, bi-lingual element to all of it, and it is seamlessly woven in.
The obvious parallels are the folklore that Diego draws upon and incorporates into the show.
The chupa lives near peligro creek
where he feasts on animals as they drink water.
All the interpretations always maintain the core essence
of the myth, folklore about whatever creature, location it is.
Beware! The beast entrances with its gaze.
Whaaaaat?
I myself didn’t see a lot of my own culture
when I was watching cartoons.
When you see something that reflects your culture,
or the way you are growing up, it’s so meaningful.
You have something that feels very much like it is yours.
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, but it should also include Latinos and indigenous people.
Support their art work; support their projects; support their businesses.
Thanks, Sochi!
Go be with your family, extended family too.
Go grill some carne asada, play loteria.
I win!
Good job, niño.
Getting together with your friends.
Yay!
I think parties are a wonderful way to celebrate
Hispanic culture with dance and music and food.
My two favorite niños, thank you.
You're welcome, abuela.