SPOTLIGHT ON SENSATIONAL ARTIST PETE HERNANDEZ III

I’ve had the pleasure of known comic artist Pete Hernandez III. Pete is a Puerto Rican artist that lives in NY. He has a long career in the art field, and has created his own comic called Company Man. He is an up and comer in this field, as he paves his own roads within this industry. I have watched as Pete has grown and evolved to a point where his comic has broken many barriers, and has made its way across the pond over in Ireland. Furthermore, you can buy his comic Company Man over on itunes and many other fine online digital outlets.

Click here to purchase company man at iTunes.

A spread of Pete's characters within the world of Company Man.  You can see the vast diversity of his heroes and villains. 

 To the interview-

Jake Estrada: What were your inspirations that got you into art?

Pete has a very powerful and exciting art
style.

Pete Hernandez III: Since I was about 5 I drew on everything I could get my hands on. Notebook paper, white paper towels, you name it. No one person inspired me, I was born scribbling on any surface, like any kid I guess, but it never left me regardless of how many people tried to “look out for my best interests” and steer me away from it. As I got older the need to draw grew stronger.

Jake Estrada: When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist.

Pete Hernandez III: By the time I was 12 I knew it was all I wanted to do.

Jake Estrada: It is very important to know who you are as a person and artist. Your likes, your dislikes, and more importantly where you are going.

A very rich cast of ethnic heroes and
villains. 

Pete Hernandez III: My likes…? Music, video games, books, good television, comics, learning about different cultures, science.

Dislikes…pretentious arrogant people, miscarriage of justice, racism, basically anything that keeps people from evolving freely.

Jake Estrada: What inspired you to create Company man?

Pete Hernandez III: Company Man was built from three different script ideas I’d had saved in a word doc. One was about a corporation that creates a serum to give people powers, another one was about a guy who can control matter, and the other was an action adventure with this assassin character I have. I took them all and mixed ‘em up when a friend asked me to invent a weekly comic strip for a site called Comics Nexus. CM grew from there to what it is now.

Pete draws, and colors his own books. He is a one man show.

Jake Estrada: Seeing that you have a cast of ethnic characters, has anyone ever questioned your reasoning behind this?

Pete Hernandez III: No, not that I can think of. People always seemed interested. I don’t present my characters in a preachy soapbox manner. Some characters, like the black ones, are just Black Superman or Black Flash as opposed to just being who they are, their powers, their motivations as a person. I think that turns off non-ethnic readers and makes them feel challenged to a degree and it can put them on the defensive. My characters are Latino, Black, Asian but the focus is on their story, their struggle, not just their cultural background though that is a factor in the type of person they are. I’m just showing ethnically diverse characters doing what they do not because they are Puerto Rican or Japanese but because they have extra normal abilities and want to stop the dark force attempting to exert its control over the world by creating super beings and them licensing them out to foreign powers as living weapons.

Jake Estrada: Furthermore, how has the industry changed since you entered? Do you feel that the industry will continue to change, and has technology made it easier?

His colors are rich and vibrant.

Pete Hernandez III: First, technology has made it possible for guys at the bottom of the ladder, like me, to get our books out the way we want them to be and reach an audience directly, building real connections with the readers. It’s hard getting the word out to people BUT the door is open in a way it never was before.

The industry has definitely changed over the decades. I feel, and this is based off personal experiences as well as stories told to me first hand from people on the inside, there was a stronger sense of professionalism in the 80’s. Under Jim Shooter’s control, books were never late and neither were the artists or they were fired. Once Joe Q took over the industry took a gradual nose dive in that respect. Books look amazing now, great art and color but storytelling has gone by the wayside for the most part in exchange for splashy pages artists can sell for a couple hundred at cons. Writers, not all of them, but many of the top tier, just regurgitate storylines written 25 years ago and do it badly. Days of Future Past, for example, from the X-Universe has been done to death. There’s been very little in terms of originality over the last 15 years or so, just flashy re-treads. Heroes have been beating the shit out of each other as far back as House Of M and not focusing on fighting crime and evil around the world. Just a bunch of dysfunctional people in spandex punching each other in the face for 12 issues. 

As far as how the industry may change in the future? It’s going to continue to shrink until the indies really rise in strength. Marvel and DC, much like the Republicans and Democrats, have a stranglehold on the comics world and allow nothing new to get through and interfere with their sales but the fact is books don’t sell anywhere near as well as they did in the 80's and 90's. I blame a complete disregard for continuity and weak writing from Fanboys who managed to sneak their way into the business with the help of a friend on the inside. Comics used to sell a million units and now a top book sells 80, 000.

Creators blame the fans but they’re the ones putting out lackluster stories. Way too many creators in comics just see the medium as a stepping stool into film. They all want that Mark Millar money and despise comics and the fans who love them. This is not conjecture,  I’ve heard and read as much in private messages and phone conversations. The industry hates the fans. The sad fact is most of them, the creators, just aren’t good enough to get their book turned into a cable show or movie and don’t discover that until they’ve cultivated a connection in the field, presented their work, then get told to re-write five or six times because what they submitted just isn’t good enough.

The future of comics, like the future of this country, is in the hands of the younger generation of which I’m physically not a part of, lol, but mentally I feel I am.

You wish to learn more about Pete, or want to hire him for work you can contact him over at various places. One of the first places you can check out his website. Pete is always taking commissions. 

http://www.goofeesnax.com/

You can also get him on his facebook page and friend him here:

https://www.facebook.com/petehernandezIII

Thanks Pete for the interview. 

Okay folks take care.

Jake

SPOTLIGHT ON ARTIST NINO MESARINA

Hello everyone,

It has been a while since I have written anything since I am always on my drawing board, doing various things for other people, but I had some time to interview a dear friend of mine, Jose “Nino” Mesarina. Nino, is a sensational artist, with a very unique art style true to him and his entire being. To me personally he is a favorite artist of mine, someone that I can look up too within the Latino community. Time to time I even ask for some sound advice from Nino, because he always has an amazing insight to how he handles business, and how he feels about certain things.

Nino Mesarina, in the flesh. 

Nino, was born in Chicago, on April 23^rd, 1971. He used to scribble on the wall as a child, with crayons. Nino, states that his influences are his father, Climaco G. Mesarina, Jack Kirby, Charles Shultz, Mort Drucker, Jose Luis Garcia Lopez, Ernesto Redondo, and many more. Back in the 8^th grade he had created his first comic book company with childhood friend Ralf Ramirez, “M.R. Comics, which was a short lived venture due to the fact Nino states that Ralf was a lazy partner and had Nino running around like a chicken doing all the work.

Nino had created properties such as  DAR-TEX, TERRIBLE TYRANIUS TED, SUPER SCROCIOLLA FRANTIC MAN. Many original pages still exist. Nino, even drew for the High Newspaper called the, “Curie-osity" which eventually got him to work for the Harold Washington College newspaper. Nino would create the UIC FLAME newspaper a comic strip called JOE COLLEGE. It wouldn’t be until 1995 when he created his most popular and beloved hero known as the UNBELIEVABLE LAUNDRY DETERGENT MAN, but his soapy hero wouldn’t see publication until 2002.

Nino's original creation back in 1995. 

During this period he had created another comic based on his own partner Ralph, called RALPHY-BOY, but had to stop when his partner found out he had a title character based on his likeness, and threatened to sue Nino, if he did not pay for his likeness, or to hand over the pages. Nino bulked at this idea, so stopped working on this comic project and moved on.

Eventually he would get picked up by Instant Press Comics, who wanted to publish the Ralphy-Boy comic, but Nino would show him designs to the ULDM character, and that is when his hero finally premiered under the umbrella of this publisher. 

This is a actual costume of the ULDM. Nino, has worn it and done many events for the local libraries and schools as he is a celebrity of his hometown. of Chicago. Nino, has been even known to wear this costume at cons. 

Furthermore, Nino would eventually get work from the newspaper, called the NITTY GRITTY NEWS, out of Chicago. That job would eventually land him over at the Chicago Journal. Nino, currently does commissions, pin-ups and sketch cards for fans.

Pages from the next upcoming ULDM issue. 

Nino, has done various covers for a variety of comic publishers, and companies, and has recently drew, GONDOR, SON OF OLYMPUS,” from Grubbmaster studios. 

Nino, continues to work for varying publishers, and is always ready to work. 

Various works done by Nino. 

 

You can pretty much find him in many cons up and around the country. You want to know more about Nino, and his work you can find him over at Facebook here.

The ULDM knocking me out during a convention, sometime back. Man when I woke up I saw soapy stars. DON'T DRINK SOAP!!

 https://www.facebook.com/nmesarina

Jake Estrada

Executive Assistant: Iris # 3 Review

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS (Vol 3) # 3
Written by David Wohl
Art by Alex Lei & Siya Oum
Aspen Comics



FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We pick up where we left off with a gunshot … which comes from an unknown area. Iris is able to save one of her “employers” with the help of her other “employer.” Yet, she finds that Rose was let go which leads to a big confrontations which shows almost all of the Executive Assistants together for the first time.

            The mysteries of Rose deepen as she gets a very surprising kind of help. Leaving Iris to stew. As she then chooses not to chase after Rose anymore, Iris ends up flying back only to have more trouble waiting for her.


ART:

             Alex Lei really steps up his game this issue. Last issue, there was good pencils but awkward panel work. There is none of that here. Pencils and inks are very strong this issue. No misproportions. And backgrounds were decent this issue. Siya Oum’s colors really help Lei’s pencils and inks stand out. The action was visually very good this issue.

            Unfortunately, Lei’s pictures of characters from the distant is not the best. Panels with characters seen in the distance seem a bit too cluttered together in terms of pencils and inks. And at first, I was kinda of quizzically looking at a panel right before Rose was supposed to be tortured to find Rose smiling. That was oddly disturbing to me cause she was ABOUT TO GET TORTURED AND WAS SMILING.

            Now, whether if that is cause she knew what was gonna happen next or not, is debatable but otherwise, Lei gives a strong showing of art this issue with beautiful colors by Siya Oum.


WRITING:

            Wohl gives us an issue at a breakneck pace. Like I said when I reviewed issue # 2, it felt like the pacing of a big action movie. And it REALLY fits this issue. A lot happens this issue but it is paced well that it flows … much like an action movie. There was a lot of rising action with a lot of the other Executive Assistants interacting with each other which really sweetened the issue.  While some might find the inner monologue as wordy exposition, it actually works for Iris, the main star of the  book. Iris is finding out a lot of Matsuzu that is cause for her to be both angry and a little fearful of him. And her showdown this issue made her question herself. I applaud Wohl taking a concept of assassins and being about to make her relatable by showing her question herself and her abilities after failing to succeed in a task she normally excels in.

            The characterizations of both Rose and Iris were really strong this issue. It makes me look forward to much more from them and their interactions. Lily’s interactions with Iris were also very entertaining, showing a respect and history between the characters that I enjoyed watching.

            And the cliffhanger of an ending definitely makes me want to see what will happen next. I look forward to seeing what will come next.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Executive Assistant: Iris # 3 was a solid issue filled with action, intrigue and a looking into a group of professions finding themselves dealing with loyalty to each other or loyalty to whoever pays them. Iris finds herself questioning herself and the conflict herself which adds a bit to Iris as a character. Wohl handles giving a breakneck pace well while Lei proves good art. While there is room for improvement with Lei, you can definitely see improvement this issue. Oum’s colors are beautiful to gaze upon. I look forward to seeing what Wohl, Lei & Oum have in store for us next.


RATING :

            I give Executive Assistant: Iris # 3 an 8 out of 10. The book is good.

PREVIEW: Soulfire (Vol 4) # 4

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #4

J.T. Krul – Story / Mike DeBalfo – Art / Nei Ruffino  - Colors

Michael Turner’s epic fantasy adventure surges forward into a new era!

Possessed by the chaotic spirit of Oris, Grace seems all but unstoppable as her reign of terror storms across the globe. Cities are being destroyed. People are dying. In the Everlands, one of Malikai's closest friends is facing death from Grace's violence. Can the combined power of magic and technology save them? And if so, will the result be a miracle…or an abomination?"

From veteran SOULFIRE scribe J.T. Krul, and featuring the amazing art of Michael DeBalfo along with fan favorite colorist Nei Ruffino, this is the SOULFIRE tale three volumes in the making! New and returning fans will NOT want to miss out as the biggest SOULFIRE story ever told continues right here!

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #4 is in stores March 20th, 2013!

FC                               32 pages                                 $3.99      

Ikaricast Week, Day 1: Interview With Joe Martino

 To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Ikaricast, we'll be posting episodes of the infamous podcast from this past season all week long.

----
Xaos and Seraph interview Joe Martino a comic book creator who got his project "The Mighty Titan" funded on kickstarter. The Mighty Titan's story was inspired by Joe's battle with cancer, but it's not a biographical story. We discuss what it was like for him, what it's like to get a comic published and more. Go to Joe's website to learn more jgmcomics.com and follow him on twitter @jgmcomics

Leave an e-mail and let us know your thoughts at theikaricast@gmail.com

Stream here http://rvtentertainment.com/content/ikaricast/3426-interview-with-joe-martino

Download the episode here

EXCLUSIVE Advance Review: Ehmm Theory # 1

EHMM THEORY # 1
Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Jason Strutz
Action Lab Entertainment


THE RUNDOWN:

            Been a while since I had to do one of these. Action Labs Entertainment is an up & coming indie comic book company that has been publishing a lot of good work. Don’t Believe me. Jeremy Whitley, author of Princeless & Order of Dagonet, was nominated for an Eisner for his work … alongside the same year as Mark Waid. Let that speak to you for a moment.

            Action Labs will also be putting out  Jamal Igle’s upcoming Molly Danger, Whitley’s new NFL Rush Zone comic and have been known for their family friendly books. Yet, they are expanding outside of the family friendly realm with their wave of books under their Danger Zone banner. Danger Zone are more mature. This is one of the first books that will be launched this May under the Danger Zone Banner. So, to all fans & retailers …. Read this review. Comment. And watch history in the making with this first review of Ehmm Theory.


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We open our book with a man … and a talking cat that is adorable as they kick the head off of a zombie, midget clown. Yes. You read that correctly. A zombie … midget … clown. And that immediate makes way for how our main characters … the cat seemingly being one .. got in their particular predicament.
            Our main characters, Gabriel Ehmm and his cat, Mr. Whiskers, gets charged with a mission. Their mission is not apparent to till they get back to Earth and start dealing with zombie midget clowns. That and Gabriel being told that he has to find his father … his biological father. Which he gets a lead at the end of the issue.


ART:

            Larkin Ford’s art was surprisingly impressive with this opening issue. I say that cause the style of art leans between the cartoony with touches of realism but the first panel of the first page was definitely a selling point. It provided the right tone and sucked me in. The next few pages of Ford’s pencils and inks alongside Jason Strutz (artist of Order of Dagonet) sold me for the ride that this book is gonna take visually. For the love, no matter the scene with Mr. Whiskers, the cat is so cute that it will make women swoon just by looking at him.

            The inks were deeper and darker during the more violent scenes while lighter during the more mundane or …”heavenly” ones. Strutz colors enhanced the work more, making sure the violent scenes were touched with darker shades while brighter in other scenes. Even a panel in the issue where Gabriel and Mr. Whiskers talk to their “benefactor”, Strutz ends up coloring the panel somewhat similar to the bright & awesome work he does for Order of Dagonet. Ford and Strutz really put their best foot forward with kinetic, interesting positions, inks, pencils and colors. The gore was visually stunning but not overwhelming, which I find in a lot of other books. Kudos to this team.


WRITING:

            McKinney writes what seems to be a very simple story when you look at it but when you think about it, every answer leads to another question. And that is what will make this title a force to be reckoned with. Seriously . . . as you go through the events of this first issue, you begin to ask yourself questions. We know how Gabriel ends up in his current state but the actual that all started is not revealed, leaving one of many mysteries that the book holds. We know why Mr. Whiskers is there along with him and why he talks. Yet, the actual why him and Gabriel where picked for their mission is never revealed. And we see zombie midget clowns but no idea as to why they are coming out from the graves now.

            All these questions get set up in the first issue. The first issue reads great. A full issue which gives you the origin of our main characters and sets up the premise of the series …without giving it all to you all at once. McKinney does a spectacular job doing all this set up. Gabriel and Mr. Whiskers, as characters, feel authentic with their comments and reactions. Nothing sounds too comic booky or cheesy. It sounds real. It looks real and really goes a long way to help this book find its voice.

            And McKinney does a great job balancing and pacing the story he gives in this first issue. Nothing feels slow. Nothing feels too fast. Everything comes off well paced. There isn’t too much gore. There is no lack of character development. Really solid in execution. My only minor gripe would be that I have to wait for some of these answers.  LOL

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            I can honestly say that this book is solid. Good art. Not art that you may be used to if you are long in the super hero brand of reading but it is solid and looks beautiful. The characters are relatable and likable. The pacing is excellent. Everything feels right. And the book keeps you asking questions after every answer they give. It’s funny. It’s violent. It’s smart. And I implore any and all retailers that if you are worried this book won’t sell, trust me … it will. I tell everyone, when the book comes out in May … pick this up. You will NOT be disappointed.



RATING:

            I give Ehmm Theory # 1 a 9 out of 10. This was a GREAT read. And I look forward to more.