HECTOR RODRIGUEZ Crosses the Divide with EL PESO HERO: BORDER WAR
Translated from Spanish from Comic Book Yeti by Hernando Diaz
COMIC BOOK YETI: Héctor, welcome and thank you so much for joining us at Comic Book Yeti. Let’s start by talking a bit about you and your beginnings in this fascinating world of comics. First, what inspired you to pursue this path? What were those early encounters?
HECTOR RODRIGUEZ: Thank you for the warm welcome! My inspiration comes from my childhood in Eagle Pass, Texas, right on the border with Mexico. I grew up surrounded by a unique culture, between two worlds, and I was always passionate about comics and superhero stories. My father introduced me to the world of comics with magazines like Mad Magazine, and during visits to Piedras Negras, my godmother had a video store where she rented movies featuring luchadores like El Santo and Blue Demon. Those Mexican heroes, alongside characters like Superman or Batman, fascinated me, but I felt something was missing: a hero who represented my reality, my heritage, and where I came from. That void motivated me to create. My first steps were drawing my own stories at home and visiting comic shops, until in 2011 I decided to launch El Peso Hero as a webcomic, something that started as a personal project and gradually grew.
CBY: El Peso Hero: Border War has an engaging narrative, and the artistic proposal is excellent. For example, the covers are impeccably crafted. Where did the idea for this comic come from? Tell us a bit about it and its Kickstarter campaigns.
HR: The idea for El Peso Hero: Border War stems from my desire to explore deeper dilemmas in this hero’s life. I wanted to put him in a situation where he had to choose between his duty to his people and the pursuit of peace in a chaotic context. The border has always been a place of conflict but also of humanity and resilience, and that’s what I aim to reflect. This comic takes El Peso Hero to a more regional level between the U.S. and Mexico, confronting issues that transcend physical and cultural barriers. As for the Kickstarter campaigns, they’ve been an incredible tool to connect directly with readers. They allow us to fund the project, from the art to the printing, while building a community. With Border War, we launched a campaign so fans could be part of the process, offering rewards like exclusive editions and original art. It’s a way of saying: “Join us, be the backbone of this hero.”
CBY: What’s the creative process like for each issue of El Peso Hero? How important is research in your creative process? How do you receive and apply feedback from readers or colleagues for future issues?
HR: The creative process starts with a central idea, usually based on history or something I see or hear in real life, like stories of families at the border or the challenges migrants face. Then I work on a script, collaborate with artists like Chema Cuellar to bring it to life visually, and we fine-tune details as a team. Research is crucial: I talk to people in the community, read news, and draw inspiration from my experience as a teacher and my grandfather’s stories, who crossed the border constantly. That gives authenticity to the stories. Feedback from readers and colleagues is vital. For example, after Borderland, many asked me to explore how the world beyond the border would react to El Peso Hero, and that influenced Border War. I always listen and try to integrate those ideas without losing my vision.
CBY: Typically, a comic creator has a moment or scene that’s their favorite. What would be that moment or scene in El Peso Hero? If you have one, why is it your favorite?
HR: One of my favorite scenes is in El Peso Hero: Borderland, when El Peso Hero breaks down a wall separating families in a detention camp. For me, that image sums up everything he stands for: tearing down barriers, both physical and symbolic, to unite people. It’s a powerful moment because it reflects my own connection to the border and the desire for justice I saw in my grandfather. Plus, the art in that scene is striking, capturing the human and superhuman strength that makes the character unique.
CBY: The protagonist of El Peso Hero has a very interesting start in this new issue, in my opinion. Tell us a bit about him.
HR: El Peso Hero, whose real name is Ignacio Rivera, is an ordinary man with a big heart and a deep sense of responsibility. In this new volume, Border War, we see him facing an internal conflict: should he stay protecting his people at the border or go beyond to fight for peace in a world in crisis? His start in this issue shows him vulnerable, questioning his role, but that makes him more human. His design, with a white shirt, jeans, and a big belt buckle, is inspired by my uncle Chuy, someone simple yet strong. He’s a northern hero, with super strength and bulletproof skin, but his true strength lies in his empathy and roots.
CBY: Narratively speaking, how is Border War better than previous issues of El Peso Hero? What are the main themes to explore in El Peso Hero: Border War?
HR: Border War takes the narrative to a more ambitious level. While previous issues focused on local issues like drug trafficking or corruption, this one explores how a border hero can impact global conflicts, like tensions between Mexico and the U.S. The narrative is more complex, with tougher moral decisions. The main themes are duty, identity, and the struggle for peace amid chaos. I also address how borders, whether physical or ideological, affect people, and how a hero can be a bridge between divided worlds.
CBY: What messages or emotions do you hope to convey through this new issue?
HR: I want readers to feel hope but also to reflect on the complexities of today’s world. I hope to convey a message of resilience and humanity: that even in the darkest moments, there are people willing to stand up for others. I also want them to be excited about the idea that a Latino hero can have a global impact, breaking stereotypes and showcasing our community’s strength.
CBY: Every new issue’s creation comes with anecdotal moments that remain as memories to share. Do you have any interesting or funny anecdotes from the process of creating this new publication?
HR: Absolutely! During the creation of El Peso Hero: Border Stories, I was working on an intense scene with the team and accidentally posted an unfinished sketch to social media as a teaser. Fans started speculating about what that raw image meant, and wild theories popped up. I had to clarify it eventually, but it was fun to see how engaged they were. Also, once my young daughter came in while I was writing and said, “Dad, El Peso Hero needs a dog friend.” Who knows, maybe I’ll include one someday!
CBY: Any advice for new comic creators?
HR: My advice is to tell the stories that truly excite you, the ones that come from your heart and experience. Don’t be afraid to start small, like I did with a webcomic. Listen to your community, be consistent, and find collaborators who share your vision. Above all, don’t let fear of failure stop you: every page is a step forward.
CBY: Is there an underrated comic or graphic novel you’d recommend?
HR: I’d recommend El Muerto by Javier Hernández. It’s a masterpiece that captures Latino culture so authentically and diversely, but it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves outside certain circles. It has an emotional depth and style that every comic fan, especially Steve Ditko fans, should explore.
CBY: Héctor, thank you so much for being in the Yeti Cave today! For our readers, please share links to a sample of your work, publication, or social media where they can find you and learn more about you. We hope to see you again soon!
HR: Thank you for the invitation! You can find more about El Peso Hero and support us on our Kickstarter campaign at kickstarter.com/projects/elpesohero/border-war.
We are close to 70% funded! Please take a moment and pledge for the next chapter!
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