J. Gonzo’s Journey of Showing Chicano Heritage Through Comics

J. Gonzo’s journey as a Chicano artist is a vivid tapestry woven from decades of creative work, cultural pride, and a relentless commitment to authenticity. Born and raised in Cypress, California, Gonzo has spent over 30 years shaping stories and visuals across advertising, toy design, and comic studios, but it’s his creator-owned work, especially La Mano del Destino, that has cemented his legacy as a bold voice in independent comics.​

The Birth of La Mano del Destino

Gonzo’s dissatisfaction with how Mexican culture is portrayed in mainstream media was the spark behind La Mano del Destino. “I was really unhappy with how my culture was represented in other media. In movies, in television, a lot of Mexican representation focuses on cartels and crime and Mexico is always portrayed as a dull and dingy-looking place. I know that my culture is so much more bright and vibrant than that so I really wanted to portray my culture with bright and vibrant tones,” he explained. Luchadors, who were his childhood heroes, became the centerpiece of his narrative, a way to reclaim and celebrate a form of heroism that is quintessential to his heritage.​

Art as Identity

Gonzo’s art stands out for its entirely hand-drawn aesthetic, a deliberate choice in an era dominated by digital tools. “Absolutely, I just love the feeling of ink on paper. I just love the accidents that could happen. It’s also a lot more work. It’s also a lot more difficult when you work on paper. It is possible to fix imperfections digitally but these same imperfections are what make my work stand out,” he said. For Gonzo, these imperfections are not flaws but signatures, proof of his connection to every line and stroke, a way to ensure his work is truly one of a kind.​

Bridging Cultures and Audiences

Navigating the balance between universal themes and deeply personal narratives is a constant in Gonzo’s work. “I have found that when I connect with very specific details of my culture, there are people who might not identify with my specificity of it but they can feel the love for my culture. I do not like to water it down which may or may not appeal to everyone. People can smell authenticity these days,” he noted. This authenticity resonates with audiences, whether he’s working on his own projects or bringing his unique perspective to franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghost Rider.​

The Indie Spirit

As an independent creator, Gonzo has learned that staying true to his voice is the key to both artistic fulfillment and audience growth. “I felt that the more I could just be ‘me’ the better it is. When it was younger I would have done anything that would have looked cool. As I’ve grown older I want to do things that feel cool. I want to do things that are specific to me and knowing that people are going to like it,” he shared. His recent work, like the Wolverine Day of the Dead skull, has become a viral sensation, proving that authenticity can resonate widely.​

Mentoring and the Future of Comics

Gonzo’s commitment to mentoring young artists is rooted in his belief that breaking into comics is about starting small and staying true to one’s vision. “Breaking into comics is super easy. You make a comic book. Congratulations, you’re in comics. If you want to work for somebody you have to start making your comics. I would say that if you are someone starting out give yourself sustainable goals. Don’t give yourself grand goals of making a 80-page comic if you’ve never done comics before because you’re going to get to the fourth page and go man ‘this sucks’ and no longer want to do this,” he advised. For Gonzo, the success of holding a comic in one’s hand, crafted with love and authenticity, is the ultimate achievement.​

Connecting with India

Gonzo’s upcoming appearance at Hyderabad Comic Con is a testament to the global reach of his work. “I love how much Indian culture embraces art. Just while driving from the airport I saw three or four of those hand painted trucks that are so beautiful. The Indian sensibility of bringing art to everything is so large.” 

He talked about how ornamenting everything is a corepart of Chicano culture. But India loves putting vibrancy and color in everything. He added, “Every movie is a musical in India. Every sign is a hand-painted piece of artwork. Every truck and even the truck numbers are hand-made. That level of art on a practical level is something that I have not seen. I can’t wait to see people and their appreciation for my art and what they have to show about their art around here. I’m super excited about being in a place that embraces art as a cultural stone. It’s a foundational part of Indian culture and I can’t wait to see what it’s like.”