Mario Hernandez (1) (1953–)

While all of the volumes in the Fantagraphics re-issue series of Love and Rockets are enjoyable, Amor Y Cohetes may be the best volume overall, since it contains a broad cross-section of the talents of the brothers Hernandez, including pieces from the much lesser-known Mario. For his more famous brothers Gilbert and Jaime, this volume provides the opportunity to demonstrate their skills outside of the more familiar environs of Palomar and Hoppers, the well-known settings for their respective show more core narratives, which have been steadily developing over many years.

What makes Amor Y Cohetes so wonderful is the inclusion of wildly imaginative pieces like Jaime's "Rocky and her Robot Fumble" series (surely some of his best work ever), and Gilbert's clever and kinetic "Music for Monsters" pieces. And some of the one-pagers are brilliant, offbeat, and hilarious as well - Jaime's "El Show De Chota" is one my favorite comics pieces of all time. Even if some of the items in this volume are nothing special (including Mario's rather humdrum contributions), the best pieces carry the weight on their own, and make this volume essential reading for anyone who has caught the Love and Rockets bug. show less

There is something about the writing and art that is compelling, but this is weird. There is a story, but most of the enjoyment comes from bizarre characters popping in and out and their often unpredictable interactions with the plot and each other.

I'll keep reading Gil Hernandez, but this won't be one of my favorites.

A crazy tale of robots' rights and gangsters. It was a bit too hectic for me.

FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Bob Richardson, Part 3 / Jaime Hernandez -- Life and Rockets / Mario Hernandez -- Chelo's Burden / Gilbert Hernandez -- Bob Richardson, Conclusion / Jaime Hernandez