I walked into Tucson Comic Con much like I do every year. My eyes were wide in amazement at all there is to see. Rows and rows of booths, filled with comics, art, and merchandise of pretty much every variety. Movies, comic books, anime, manga, action figures and art prints waiting to find a home. But that’s not all it’s got to offer. Half of the convention center floor is filled with booths and tables, showcasing writers, artists, and people who make crafts. All of them showcasing and selling their work. It’s here where I got to shine a spotlight on a few them and their fantastic work.
Henry Barajas & J. Gonzo
Born in Tucson, Arizona, Henry Barajas is the Author of the upcoming La Voz De M.A.Y.O: Tata Rambo. The graphic novel details the oral history of Ramon Jaurigue, an orphan and World War II veteran, who cofounded the Mexican, American, Yacqui and Other (M.A.Y.O) organization. Helping lobby the Tucson city council for better treatment of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, paving the way to their federal recognition. But, at the same time, his home life begins to suffer due to his focus on the wider community. La Voz De M.A.Y.O: Tata Rambo brings Ramon Jaurigue’s story to life for the first time from an author with a personal connection, as Jaurigue is Henry Barajas’ great grandfather.
Along with Henry is J. Gonzo, the artist for Tata Rambo. Born and raised in Cypress, California, J. Gonzo has used his creative skills for over 20 years, working in advertising, toy and comic companies, design studios, as well as freelancing. Now he is the artist/writer behind his own comic book, La Mano Del Destino, which tells the story of a once champion luchador. After being betrayed, the luchador makes a deal to seek revenge on his betrayers. But with his newfound strength, he finds that there are sinister motives behind his new power. Now la Mano del Destino must free himself from those seeking to exploit him, while still seeking vengeance on those that betrayed him.
La Voz De M.A.Y.O is being published by Image Comics and will be available in comic shops Wednesday, November 13, and bookstores November 19. It will also be available digitally through Image Comics iOS app, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, ComiXology, and Google Play. La Mano Del Destino can be purchased at castleandkeypublications.com
Logan Naugle & Ben Mackenzie
Logan Nugle has had a lot of his life around comic books. From playing Batman and Robin with his brother to meeting artists and writers with his friends at comic cons. He even met his wife in a comic book store. Now he writes a few comics of his own. Beard and Frog follows a genetically engineered frog, the former mascot of B.E.N.D. After being moved to a job on the sales floor, he meets Beard, a regular guy working 9 to 5 for B.E.N.D. Finding out the company has more power than they thought, the duo fight the fight against the evil corporation.
If that weren’t enough, Logan also hosts two podcasts. Conversations With Creators is a weekly podcast where Logan, along with his co-hosts Malcolm and Zach, have conversations with creators from various industries about careers, personal lives, and the creative process work for them. On the Subject sees Logan, with Malcolm and Zach deep dive into film and pop culture media. Logan’s podcasts and comics can be found on his website thatlogan.com
Along with Logan is Benjamin Mackey, an illustrator who’s worked as a freelance illustrator for books, magazines, and films over the years. Together with Naugle, the two are making the comic Serpent Inc, which follows two low-level members in a serpent themed villain group. On top of that, Benjamin Mackey is the co-creator and artist for the Image Comics series Saints. His work can be seen on his website benjaminmackey.com
Michael A. Stackpole
I wouldn’t consider Michael A. Stackpole an “indie” creator, not really. Born in Wisconsin, raised in Vermont, Michael A. Stackpole is a multiple award-winning sci-fi/fantasy author. He started his career in the tabletop gaming world, being hired at Flying Buffalo Incorporated after submitting a solo adventure for the game Tunnels & Trolls. He’s the creator of the tabletop RPG game Mercenaries, Spies, and Private Eyes. On top of that, he’s written many novels, some original, some taking places in existing universes, such Battletech and World of Warcraft.
Perhaps his best-known work though is for his work in the Star Wars universe. Starting with X-Wing: Rogue Squadron in 1996, focusing on the legendary Rogue Squadron. Outside of that series, but still in the Star Wars world, he’s also written the I, Jedi, and two of the New Jedi Order series. Michael A. Stackpoles novels can be found here.
