Perla La Loca (Love and Rockets)

Somehow reading the Love and Rockets stories help me slow down my life and remember not to take things for granted. But also not to take things to seriously. Pretty great from a story about two lesbian punks in an all to real (cartoon) world drawn in black ink. Maggie and Hopey's story is a soap opera influenced by Black Flag, Dali, Steinbeck, wrestlers, El Sereno. And somewhere in there is me and probably you. -Steve

A fine end to the first part of the Maggie and Hopey story cycle, Perla La Loca represents Jaime Hernandez at the top of his game, both in terms of visual and narrative execution. As the protagonists have aged a bit, Hernandez allows some experimental technique to enter into the proceedings, visiting territory more often associated with his brother Gilbert. Particularly interesting is a series of stories set in the nearly abandoned Chester Square, a run-down strip mall that Hernandez uses as a sort of focus for contemporary aspects of the Mexican-American experience. All-in-all, Perla La Loca is more of what the Hernandez brothers so often deliver: essential comics reading.

I have only dipped into Love and Rockets sporadically, so this one was a bit overwhelming at first. Maggie (aka Perla) and Hopey are lovers, charismatic and admired in their L.A. lesbian scene. But they split after an argument. This book follows their separate misadventures, the effect on their friends, family and admirers.

The final Maggie and Hope of Vol. 1. Sniff.

Coleção de histórias de Love & Rockets por Jamie Hernandez.