News Summary
The San Diego Comic-Con has kicked off, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic comic series ‘Love & Rockets’ by Jaime Hernandez. Hernandez will host a signing session and participate in a panel discussion, marking the legacy of his work. The series remains influential with its unique portrayal of Latino characters and cultural themes, reflecting the experiences of the Hernandez brothers. Additional events include a documentary airing on PBS and special collections released by Fantagraphics for fans to enjoy.
San Diego – The San Diego Comic-Con has officially started this week, marking another exciting year of celebration for comic book fans around the globe. Jaime Hernandez, co-creator and artist of the groundbreaking comic series “Love & Rockets”, was spotted making an appearance at Comic-Con, where the series is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Hernandez will participate in a signing event and a panel discussion on Friday, July 25th, further promoting the legacy of his influential work.
On Thursday, a significant encounter occurred when a local author, while walking their dog, was approached by a man wearing a straw hat and dark glasses who complimented the author’s “Love & Rockets” T-shirt featuring Hernandez’s art. This man turned out to be Jaime Hernandez himself, highlighting how rare it is for fans to recognize him in public settings.
The author had previously met Jaime and his brother, Gilbert Hernandez, during Comic-Con in 2022, where they also participated in a documentary that followed the Hernandez brothers’ careers spanning over four decades. Jaime Hernandez confirmed he resides nearby and that he is attending the convention for special events scheduled for the weekend.
During Comic-Con, Hernandez will hold a signing session at the Fantagraphics booth and engage in a panel discussion titled “A Life Drawing: Jaime Hernandez in Conversation with Gary Groth,” scheduled for 4:30 PM in Room 26AB. The opportunity to meet Hernandez and discuss his work is a highlight for attendees this year.
The author initially felt hesitant about asking Hernandez for a photograph but eventually approached him, resulting in a positive exchange. After their interaction, another dog walker complimented the author’s “Love & Rockets” T-shirt, showcasing the ongoing appreciation for Hernandez’s work among fans.
As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, Fantagraphics will publish a special collection titled “Love and Rockets: The First Fifty: The Classic 40th Anniversary Collection,” which includes essays and a cover gallery. This collection aims to commemorate the series’ historical significance and contributions to the comic book industry.
Additionally, a documentary titled “Love and Rockets: The Story Behind the Great American Comic” will air on KCET and PBS SoCal, as part of their “Artbound” series. This documentary further explores the impact and journey of the Hernandez brothers in the world of comics.
The success of “Love & Rockets” has been attributed to the dedication of the Hernandez brothers and the support from their early fanbase. The first issue was self-published in 1981 and later secured distribution through Fantagraphics. The brothers have consistently incorporated Latino characters and cultural themes, reflecting their experiences in Southern California and the influential punk rock milieu surrounding them.
In addition to Hernandez, other notable creators, including Emil Ferris and Daniel Clowes, will also be signing at the Fantagraphics booth during Comic-Con. Many participants are recognized Eisner nominees, further elevating the significance of this year’s event. Furthermore, Fantagraphics is hosting a Not-At-Comic-Con sale during the convention, offering 25% off various items through their website for fans unable to attend.
The San Diego Comic-Con continues to be a pivotal event for comic book fans and creators alike, celebrating both the legacy of established figures like Jaime Hernandez and the ongoing evolution of the medium.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fantagraphics to Showcase Talents at San Diego Comic-Con
Additional Resources
- OC Register
- Bleeding Cool
- SDCC Blog
- Broken Frontier
- Bleeding Cool
- Wikipedia: Comic-Con International
- Google Search: San Diego Comic-Con
- Google Scholar: Love and Rockets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Comic Book
- Google News: Love and Rockets
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
