Cartels in El Peso Hero
A Superhero’s Fight Against Borderland Crime
In the vibrant, gritty panels of El Peso Hero, I crafted a superhero who doesn’t just punch villains but confronts the real-world scourge of cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border. Since its debut as a webcomic in 2011, the series has followed Ignacio Rivera, a Mexican-American hero with super strength and bulletproof skin, as he battles drug lords, human traffickers, and corrupt officials. Cartels aren't just plot devices for a comic rooted in the borderlands of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negras, Mexico—they’re a reflection of the region’s complex reality. Let’s dive into how El Peso Hero portrays cartel elements, weaving them into a thrilling and deeply human narrative.
The Cartel as Antagonist: El Catrín and Beyond
At the heart of El Peso Hero’s cartel narrative is El Catrín, a local cartel boss introduced as a puppet master controlling government officials. Described as a “growing vexation” for cartels, El Peso Hero disrupts El Catrín’s operations, from smuggling to extortion. In Border Stories (Issue #3), a harrowing scene depicts cartel thugs holding children at gunpoint on La Bestia, the train migrants ride through Mexico. El Peso Hero intervenes, using his superhuman strength to dismantle the criminals, showcasing Rodríguez’s knack for grounding fantastical action in real-world stakes.
El Catrín isn’t a one-dimensional villain. His influence mirrors the insidious reach of cartels like the Zetas, which my grandfather referenced in stories that inspired the comic. The cartel boss’s control over local politics reflects the corruption that often paralyzes border communities, making him a formidable foe for a hero who speaks only Spanish and wears a humble white shirt and jeans. Later issues, like Borderland, expand the cartel threat, with El Peso Hero facing off against figures like Las Tortugas, and community officials tied to cartel networks, highlighting the intertwined nature of crime and power.
Cartels as a Cultural Mirror
As an elementary teacher in Dallas, Texas, I draw heavily on my Eagle Pass upbringing, where cartel violence was a tangible threat in the mid-early 2000s. In a 2017 Texas Observer interview, he recounts his grandfather’s tales of the Zetas, sparking the idea for a “norteño superhero” fighting organized crime. This personal connection infuses El Peso Hero with authenticity, portraying cartels not as cartoonish evil but as a destructive force impacting real people—migrants, laborers, and families.
The series doesn’t shy away from the humanitarian toll. In Borderland, El Peso Hero joins refugees in a detention facility, confronting the dire conditions exacerbated by cartel-driven violence that forces people to flee. Rodríguez’s choice to depict these scenarios stems from his students’ experiences, like the child whose father was deported, underscoring the cartels’ role in creating a cycle of displacement and despair. By making El Peso Hero a protector of the “unseen and unheard,” Rodríguez flips the narrative, giving agency to those often victimized by cartel power.
Balancing Action and Social Commentary
What sets El Peso Hero apart is its refusal to glorify violence. While Ignacio’s super strength allows for thrilling battles—ripping apart truck doors or shrugging off bullets—the focus remains on saving lives, not just defeating enemies. In a 2020 NBC News piece, I explain my intent to create a hero akin to Luke Cage but rooted in the Southwest, defending unaccompanied minors and families from cartels. This approach ensures cartel elements serve the story’s heart: a call for justice and solidarity.
The comic’s bilingual format, with Ignacio speaking only Spanish, reinforces its cultural stance. Cartels, often stereotyped in media as monolithic threats, are shown as part of a broader web of corruption, including U.S. policies and figures like Sheriff Joe Arpaio, featured on a cover inspired by Spider-Man #1. This bold political edge—seen in the 2015 cover where El Peso Hero punches a then-candidate Donald Trump—drew hate mail but cemented the series’ commitment to confronting power, whether cartel or institutional.
The Real-World Stakes
My portrayal of cartels isn’t just narrative fodder; it’s a response to lived realities. In a 2019 The World article, I noted the surprising support from border patrol agents, who share stories of cartel disruptions at comic conventions. This reflects the comic’s ability to resonate across divides, portraying cartels as a shared enemy that El Peso Hero, dubbed “El Toro Pesado” by Mexican police, challenges with his norteño grit.
The series also evolves with global issues. While cartels remain a core antagonist, I have taken El Peso Hero to Ukraine in a 2022 special issue, showing his versatility in addressing broader humanitarian crises. Yet, the cartel battles remain the series’ backbone, grounding its superheroes in the borderlands’ ongoing struggles.
Why It Matters
El Peso Hero’s cartel elements do more than drive action—they humanize the border’s complexities. Rodríguez, inspired by the grindhouse narco cinema of the ‘70s, Los Hermanos Almada movies, luchadors like El Santo, and my students’ resilience, crafts a hero who embodies hope against overwhelming odds. For Latino youth, seeing a hero who “looks like their tío” and fights cartels while eating empanadas is revolutionary. For all readers, it’s a reminder that superheroes can tackle real evils, from drug lords to systemic corruption, with heart and purpose.
Whether tearing down walls or facing El Catrín, El Peso Hero proves that heroism isn’t just about power—it’s about carrying the weight of a community’s dreams.
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UPDATES
We have only a few days until the end of the El Peso Hero: Border War Kickstarter campaign. Please take a moment to support El Peso Hero and independent comics. We appreciate all your support.
Coming soon, two feature stories of El Peso Hero: Border War! Look for Latino Magazine in June as well as a national feature story by NBC News. More information coming soon.
Major release update for Border War next week on Cinco de Mayo!
