Re/Read is an occasional column by Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery curator Larry Reid looking back at books you may have missed or merit more attention. This time we’ll discuss the alluring imagery in Love and Rockets: The Covers by Los Bros Hernandez.
The colorful covers of early Love and Rockets comic books by Gilbert, Jaime, and Mario Hernandez foreshadowed profound changes taking shape in both the comix medium and American society as a whole. The work often reflected the artists’ experiences in their native Oxnard, California. They illustrated issues of cultural diversity, gender roles, sexual identity, and youthful alienation emerging in both their local “Nardcore” punk community and across the country. As the underground comix sensibilities of the 60s and 70s were losing relevance, the novel approach of Love and Rockets resonated with a new generation of readers. In addition to social and cultural concerns, the covers also reference significant art movements of the last century century including Cubism, Dada, Pop Art, Magical Realism, and urban street art, among others. This captivating collection is an essential addition to any comix bookshelf.
Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez will appear at Fantagraphics 40th Anniversary festivities in Seattle on December 9 and 10. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet these amazing artists. Fantagraphics Bookstore stocks the complete catalogue of Love & Rockets publications, as well as a comprehensive selection of Fantagraphics Books and related comix merchandise. Open daily at 1201 S. Vale Street in the heart of Seattle’s historic Georgetown arts community. Phone 206-658-0110.
