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Luba's Comics and Stories #7

By Leroy Douresseaux
March 27, 2006 - 16:25

The wonderful thing about LUBA’S COMICS AND STORIES is that the creator, Gilbert Hernandez, uses the title in a variety ways that allow readers to grasp a fuller understanding of the worlds of Palomar and Luba. Gilbert takes us into the past of his characters, and sometimes he fills in the spaces between tales and incidences. Sometimes, he focuses on a particular character, as he does with issue seven.

Subtitled “Fritz after Dark,” Gilbert, through former husband, Mark Herrera, gives us a look at the loves of Fritz, Luba’s sister whose birth name is Rosalba Martinez. We see the origins of one of Fritz’s lovers – muscle-bound Enrique’s, who has a lustful obsession with Fritz, something that began when Enrique was a pudgy, nerdy kid. Of course, Mark would never waste all the story time on other lovers without giving us scenes from his relationship with Fritz.

Gilbert is an uncomplicated, but accomplished cartoonist. His simple line (similar to Archie Comics legend, Dan DeCarlo’s) belies the subtle complexities of facial and physical expressions of Beto’s characters. Most importantly, issue seven is simply a joy to read. I was sad when I finished because this is one of the best glimpses of Fritz’s past we’ve seen in a while. This is essential reading for fans of Gilbert’s “universe.”

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12