Check out my comic in The Los Angeles Times
Fun fact: this is the first time I've worked with J. Gonzo on something since La Voz hit shelves in 2019.
I got a call from The Los Angeles Times asking me to make a comic on the recent data showing vinyl record sales eclipsing CDs for the first time since 1987. Click here to read the digital edition. (I have been trying to get Gil Thorp in the L.A. Times since last July, but this will have to do.)
The first person I asked to draw this was Gonzo because I knew he would know how important this was to me—and I knew he would take some pride in knowing our work would be seen by millions of subscribers in print and online. But the fact that it coincided with The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books made it soo much sweeter.
My only art direction note was to make this an 80s underground comic. One of my favorite moments in my comic life was when I attended Emerald City Comic Con in 2012 for the first time. I turned on the television while waiting for my friends that accompanied me, only to be glued to the screen because the American Splendor biopic starring Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis was showing on cable television. It felt like divine intervention giving me a sign that this journey to become a full-time professional was nigh. That was an awakening moment for me because I felt like I had something to say, and not enough people that looked like me were doing it in this space.
That’s why I affectionately call this comic: Mexican-American Splendor. You might notice that I do my best to sneak in influences and shoutouts when it works. This one is for the late, great Harvey Pekar.
“I have been wanting to work with you for a while,” the L.A. Times op-ed editor said trying to be nice.
“Really? Why,” I countered when I probably should have just accepted the first answer.
“I saw your name on the Cartoonists of Color Database--and it says here you wrote a story in a Smiths comic anthology. I figured you’d be interested.”
“Totally. In another life I was a radio disc jockey, so this is right up my alley.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll get paid.”
Now we’re cookin' gas, baby.
When anyone starts writing comics the first piece of advice they get is to get into anthologies. It might not feel like much at the time, but it will eventually pay off. This is the only way to get experience working with an artist, colorist, letter artist, and editor. I had a blast working with my best friend, Christian Villaire, on our story inspired by “Meat is Murder.” Please don’t go looking for the hard copy because my lettering skills were trash, but it’s a fun time.
I can’t believe April is almost over. That went by fast. I love April. April’s one of those months that doesn’t have a holiday or reason for me to leave town. The calm before the storm. My busy summer season will start at Piece College Comics Expo from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, May 4th. Click here for more information.
Someone recently asked me why I don’t share more personal details about myself on the day my first cousin tragically passed away. The question came from a well-meaning friend that had no idea I got that news hours before sending me that question. Toby was one of the first baby cousins I had. His mother used to babysit me and my sister when my parents would go out on the weekends. I hoped one day I’d get to do the same thing for the young ones, but my family was constantly at odds with one another. Consequently, we all grew apart.
The unfortunate truth is that my life is filled with daily tragedies and heartbreaks. I only want to share the good news with y’all. But I am sharing this because the Barajas family is asking for your help taking care of Toby’s funeral costs. Click here to donate what you can, or please share the link on your social feeds.
I grew up catholic but I always end up praying to god when stuff goes wrong. I hate the religious wolf I must wrestle with inside of me. But I was watching the Clippers lose to the Suns--and this wild commercial popped on the screen. I hate to give it the views, but I was caught by surprise at the end.