Post by droidofages on Aug 23, 2009 11:42:58 GMT -4
The 80's weren't all bad! In comics, we witnessed a new generation taking interest in independently published underground comics thanks to several innovative titles including the Hernandez Bros.' Love & Rockets.
Although the series started as a, and continues to occasionally reference sci-fi stories, it's the endearing character development and interpersonal drama that hooks most readers. It's a fun, sometimes zany, sometimes poignant, often sexy comic born from an apparent love affair with the punk scene, pulp comics and a little bit of wrestling thrown in for good measure, all wrapped around the lives of a handful of characters you'll likely find yourself attached to in no time.
I personally highly recommend Jamie Hernandez's work over his brothers', although they have their avid followers as well. It's the Maggie the Mechanic (or Locas) tale that holds my attention more firmly though with compelling story telling and beautifully rendered women. It's never been easier to follow the somewhat convoluted history of Love and Rockets either with these great Fantagraphics collections too (3 of which are Jamie's):
CBR's Robot Six has provided a FANTASTIC article on Love & Rockets and its publishing history HERE if you'd like to learn more about the series before giving it a try.
(or click on quote)
"In the early 1980s, Love and Rockets was one of the seminal titles, along with books like Cerebus and American Flagg, in shaping the sensibilities of the nascent indie scene.
...
Beyond that though, both Gilbert and Jaime are incredibly gifted storytellers -- giants in the field really -- able to create emotionally powerful, complex tales populated with unique but relatable characters. By this point, they've easily earned seats in the upper pantheon, next to folks like Carl Barks and Will Eisner.
What's more, they're really good at drawing purty girls."
Although the series started as a, and continues to occasionally reference sci-fi stories, it's the endearing character development and interpersonal drama that hooks most readers. It's a fun, sometimes zany, sometimes poignant, often sexy comic born from an apparent love affair with the punk scene, pulp comics and a little bit of wrestling thrown in for good measure, all wrapped around the lives of a handful of characters you'll likely find yourself attached to in no time.
I personally highly recommend Jamie Hernandez's work over his brothers', although they have their avid followers as well. It's the Maggie the Mechanic (or Locas) tale that holds my attention more firmly though with compelling story telling and beautifully rendered women. It's never been easier to follow the somewhat convoluted history of Love and Rockets either with these great Fantagraphics collections too (3 of which are Jamie's):
CBR's Robot Six has provided a FANTASTIC article on Love & Rockets and its publishing history HERE if you'd like to learn more about the series before giving it a try.
(or click on quote)
"In the early 1980s, Love and Rockets was one of the seminal titles, along with books like Cerebus and American Flagg, in shaping the sensibilities of the nascent indie scene.
...
Beyond that though, both Gilbert and Jaime are incredibly gifted storytellers -- giants in the field really -- able to create emotionally powerful, complex tales populated with unique but relatable characters. By this point, they've easily earned seats in the upper pantheon, next to folks like Carl Barks and Will Eisner.
What's more, they're really good at drawing purty girls."