Chelo's Burden

Remember that gigantic Love and Rockets project that I came up with? You know, the one where I go book by book and break down important points? I didn't forget about it, but times were hectic with the holidays. Anyway, now I am back on track and ready to bring you the second installment.

CHELO'S BURDEN
Sopa de Gran Pena: Gilbert's Palomar storyline develops, with the introduction of characters in the setting of this impoverished, complicated town colored by jealousy and insecurities and some of the strongest female characters in comics. Here we see death, pregnancy, sexuality, poverty, and love all rolled into one giant mess with Chelo's burden being one of titanic proportions: how can one woman keep these people intact while preserving herself?



Love and Rockets: A film noir colored hero dream sequence courtesy of Penny Century and Jaime's art. Beautiful, beautiful stuff.


Maggie vs. Manniak: Maggie has the heart of a super heroine - she wants to right the wrongs of the world, she's adorably naive in her belief that things do change, she has the pride and courage to carry her through battle, and she even looks good in spandex. Here we are reminded that despite the human tragedy and sensitivity of our beloved Locas characters, this is still a comic. Thank goodness, cause it was starting to get heavy in here....

Music for Monsters III: Another sci-fi story by Gilberto nudges it's way into the collection. Armed with a beautiful thin lined style, this smart adventure piece shows some of Los Bros Hernandez's influences.

Hey Hopey: At long last, Hopey's lesbianism is addressed, even if it is in a jested accusation from her brother. I'll take what I can get. While I'm glad her sexual preference isn't made into a huge political debate because it would detract from the universality of the dramas Jaime's characters, I think it's an important element to her character.


Untitled: Gilbert shows off a real talent for the short story comic in this book, with a strange but endearing one-page story featuring a very sad fellow being forced to do something he does not want to do.

100 Rooms: Arguably one of the most interesting exploration of Locas' characters taking place in the mansion of Penny Century's boyfriend/lover/sinister power-hungry billionaire H.R. Costigan. Featuring a kidnapping, topless sunbathing, a costume ball, clashing of egos, and a mental breakdown, there is certainly something to entice all readers.

Twitch City: Showing more artisitic versatility than he is ever given credit for, Gilbert presents a futuristic society fraught with sinister characters, cruelty, and paranoia. Another great short story.

Toyo's Request: Revisiting some characters from the Mechanics storyline, Rena Titañon fulfills a dying request. Ever the protector, she lets people presume what they need to while fighting off enemies in a way only a female wrestling champion could.

Locas Tambien: Functioning as a quick check-in with Hopey and Maggie, we find that there is a food and work shortage that is compounded by love confusion and ambiguity. You know, the usual.

Somewhere in California: Mario's contribution is a wonderfully drawn story of a pornographer, terrorists, and kidnapping. How I feel about this story summarizes how I feel about Mario's work in general: all kinds of good stuff wrapped up in a questionably constructed way. Maybe Mario is over my head, but it's frustrating to not understand where the story is going until the end, then having to go and re-read it so you can enjoy the story.

Out O' Space: Rocky and Fumble play stick-the-flag-in-the-unclaimed-planet until a menacing, lonely rock beast stops them. Wonderfully drawn with a "cute" sensibility makes this a nice conclusion to this book.