La Cucaracha (Spanish for The Cockroach) is a nationally syndicated daily comic strip by Lalo Alcaraz. First published in the LA Weekly in 1992, La Cucaracha's satirical themes reflect U.S./Mexican, and Latino culture and politics. Lalo's characters are symbolic of Latino culture in the United States, particularly from Southern California, where Alcaraz is from. Recurring characters include Eddie, Cuco, and Vero. Universal Press Syndicate considered La Cucaracha an unqualified success, and signed Alcaraz to a ten-year contract.