The 2026 Latinx Comic Arts Festival
Exhibitor & Advisory Biographies
Exhibitor & Advisory Biographies
AMBER PADILLA is a cartoonist and illustrator based in Venice Beach, CA. Her work includes illustrating The Secret Garden on 81st Street: A Modern Graphic Retelling of The Secret Garden and a contribution to Marvel Super Stories Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2. She is currently working on her forthcoming Scholastic Graphix YA graphic novel Sugar Coated. When she’s not drawing or crafting, she’s snuggling with her senior kitty, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends. Amber is a member of the LCAF Advisory. Visit: amberpadilla.com, IG, FB: @candymistakes
THE ART HOMIES are a group of talented artists brought together in the fall of 2017 through a shared creative trajectory. They would soon become known as The Art Homies. United by a commitment to elevate both their individual craft and the comic medium as a whole, and inspired by the legendary creators who paved the way, they set out to write, illustrate, and publish compelling, innovative comic stories filled with action, adventure, suspense, horror, and unforgettable characters. Visit: sites.google.com/view/mithicmediaentertainment/home, haroldgeorge.com, IG: @mithic_comics, @crywolf_comics
JESSE HERNANDEZ (@UrbanAztec) is a visual artist most widely recognized for his public art murals, vinyl toy designs, and diverse illustrative work. His style is known as "Urban Aztec" a fusion of graffiti and Indigenous iconography. Jesse’s recent clients have included Marvel, Star Wars, DC Comics, Toho, IDW, Warner Bros, PlayStation, X-Box, WWE, Netflix, DreamWorks, Fandango, Reebok, Rockstar Energy, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, and the Oakland Museum. Hernandez has exhibited art in galleries and museums around the world, and painted iconic murals in Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Montana, Mexico city and Amsterdam. Visit: Urbanaztec.com, IG: @Urbanaztec
BETH AU is known to her students as Au Sensei, a nod to her Japanese ancestry. Beth is a tenure-track Instructor of Ethnic Studies at Modesto Junior College. After serving more than 20 years as Director of the California Community Colleges Registry at Yosemite Community College District, she transitioned to full-time faculty at MJC in Fall, 2024. She holds a Master’s in Asian American Studies from UCLA, with specialties in Chinese American and Japanese American history. Her thesis Home Means Nevada: The Chinese of Winnemucca, 1870-1950 explores the history of Chinese Americans in northern Nevada. In 2025, she was honored as MJC’s Online Instructor of the Year. Beth is a member of the LCAF Advisory.
BRANDON SCHUT is an instructor of Business Information Technology at Modesto Junior College. He is most comfortable on a microphone in front of large groups. Some of his recent bucket list items include jumping on a moving train, catching a glimpse of the elusive Chupacabra, and being thrown through a table by a luchador. Brandon is an LCAF Advisory member.
CAROLINA ARGOTE, alebrije artist, and JOSE ANTONIO VIRELAS, digital artist, have drawn inspiration from their main work—alebrijes—to create other contemporary art forms, such as art prints, stickers, T-shirts, and more, offering variety and flexibility. The Balam family also offers alebrije art classes, collaborations, and art exhibitions throughout California. Visit: balamarts.com, IG: @balamarts
CATHY CAMPER is the author of the award-winning Lowriders in Space graphic novel series, Arab Arab All Year Round (winner of the 2023 Arab National Book Award), Ten Ways to Hear Snow, and Bugs Before Time. She also writes zines, including Sugar Needle, and is a founding member of the Portland Women of Color zine collective. An Arab American, Cathy is a librarian and lives in Portland, Oregon. Visit: cathycamper.com, IG@cfastwolf, FB: facebook.com/cathy.camper, Bluesky: @cfastwolf.bsky.social
COMADRES Y COMICS is a Latina-led podcast dedicated to celebrating the Latinx representation in the comic book industry as creators, characters and fans. Founded by three longtime friends and comic lovers, the show blends thoughtful interviews, industry insights, and plenty of comadre-style chisme. Comadres y Comics champions representation, community, and cultura, uplifting stories and creators often overlooked in mainstream comics. Celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2026, the Comadres continue to build comunidad one episode at a time. Visit: comadresycomics.com, IG: @comadresycomics, FB: @Comadresycomics, X: @ComicComadres, TikTok: comadresycomics
COMICWEB, is a local comic book collector and transitioned into a comic book seller for the last 13 years. He takes incredible pride in providing books in amazing conditions at very fair prices. He was born and has lived in Stanislaus County all of his 51 years. You will be hard pressed to find another person as passionate about the medium than he is. IG: @comicweb
CRYSTAL GONZALEZ is an independent Chicana comic book artist and animator. She is best known for her graphic novel series, In The Dark, and is the creator of the cartoon series, Skitzo the 1920s Killer Bear on YouTube, with over 28 million views. She has an MFA degree from the California College of the Arts, and her works have been shown at the Galeria De La Raza, the Museum of Latin American Art. She was also a guest cartoonist at the Charles Schulz Museum. IG, X: @Comickpro YT: @C0MICK
DEMETRE DURHAM is a multidisciplinary visual artist and storyteller whose work blends mythology, superhero lore, and cultural symbolism into bold, cinematic worlds. He is the creator of Titan Up, an original superhero universe driven by epic scale, emotion, and modern mythmaking. Rooted in Black and Puerto Rican artistic traditions, his work centers powerful, culturally resonant heroes and reimagines legacy through Afrofuturist and diasporic lenses. Working across illustration, animation, and character design, Demetre crafts immersive worlds where identity, power, and imagination collide, inviting audiences into stories that feel timeless, electric, and unapologetically bold. Visit: demetredurham.com/titanup, IG:@titanupcomics
EDDAVIEL is a visual storyteller from Barahona, Dominican Republic, graduate of the School of Arts at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo. He is cofounder of Mentes Extremófilas Publishing and Think Tank. His work explores Afro-Hispanic-Caribbean mythology, speculative fiction, and surreal pop aesthetics. He is the author of Afro-inks and 365, and coauthor of the award-winning graphic novel Esu: The Most Misunderstood Entity in the Universe, Viaje al Centro de los Mitos, Somnium and The Never Told Story. He has been invited to El Salón del Cómic de Valencia, the Guadalajara Book Fair, and others events across the world. Visit: mentesextremofilas.com/en/, IG: @eddaviel
EDDIE DEANGELINI is a long time comic book fan and collector. His love of comics began at a young age and continues to this day and his webcomic Collectors is loosely based on his own life, marriage and comic collecting obsession. Collectors is a love letter to the pop culture phenomenon of comic books and to all the wives who trip over longboxes all over the house! The comic can be found at CollectorsComic.com as well as in eight collected print volumes. Visit: collectorscomic.com
ERIK ARREAGA is a San Diego-based comic artist and creator of CHINGONA, a gritty superhero series starring a Latina anti-hero. With over 20 years of experience in the comic-con circuit, Erik brings a passion for storytelling and community to his work. When not creating comics, Erik's probably sipping coffee, brainstorming new characters, or geeking out with fellow creators. Erik's on a mission to amplify diverse voices in comics. Visit: erikarreaga.com, IG: @erik_arreaga_art
FANBASE PRESS celebrates fandoms and creates new ones! As a GLAAD Award-winning and an Eisner and Harvey Awards-nominated comic book publisher and media outlet, Fanbase Press produces new and distinctive works, as well as daily reviews, interviews, and podcasts, that span the pop culture spectrum and give voice to the themes, ideals, and people that make geekdom so exceptional. Fanbase Press’ graphic novels include the 2024 GLAAD Award-winning FOUR-COLOR HEROES, 2023 Eisner and Harvey Awards-nominated RIPPLE EFFECTS, 2018 Eisner Award-nominated QUINCE, and the 2022 International Latino Book Award-winning NUCLEAR POWER! Barbra Dillon is a member of the LCAF Advisory. Visit: fanbasepress.com, IG: @fanbasepress, Fb: FanbasePress1, BlueSky: fanbasepress.bsky.social, Twitter: @Fanbase_Press
FRANK AND LADYENA RODRIGUEZ are father and daughter up and coming artists out of Modesto. Ladyena is currently a freshman in high school that loves to paint and draw. She has had a natural born talent for art her whole life. Frank is her father who is aspiring to transition from a construction background to a full time artist. IG: @Mo_Town_Art
FREDERICK LUIS ALDAMA, aka PROFESSOR LATINX, holds the Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at UT Austin. Born in Mexico to a Guatemalan-Irish American mother from East LA and a Mexican father from Mexico City, he grew up in north-central California. He is an award-winning author and editor of over 50 books spanning scholarly studies, comics, graphic novels, YA, and children's books, he founded the Latinx Pop Lab and its annual BIPOC Pop Expo & Symposium. As Editor-in-Chief of Latinx Pop Magazine and FlowerSong Press, he curates ten book series. His work has earned Obama White House honors and induction into the Texas Institute of Letters and OSU's Hall of Fame. Visit: www.frederickluisaldama.com, IG: @professorlatinx
GLADYS OCHOA is a cartoonist, illustrator, educator, and museum professional. She resides somewhere in the outer Bay (Antioch) trying to stay awake. She has a BFA in Illustration from California College of the Arts and an MFA from San Francisco State in Museum Studies. Her work is a mixture of the absurd with a twinge of cuteness, often delving into her mixed Latinx diaspora with a tongue in cheek humor. To see her work check out her IG: @drawinkstudio, Tapas & Webtoons: @Draw-Ink, Ko-fi: drawinkstudio
BETH AU is known to her students as Au Sensei, a nod to her Japanese ancestry. Beth is a tenure-track Instructor of Ethnic Studies at Modesto Junior College. After serving more than 20 years as Director of the California Community Colleges Registry at Yosemite Community College District, she transitioned to full-time faculty at MJC in Fall, 2024. She holds a Master’s in Asian American Studies from UCLA, with specialties in Chinese American and Japanese American history. Her thesis Home Means Nevada: The Chinese of Winnemucca, 1870-1950 explores the history of Chinese Americans in northern Nevada. In 2025, she was honored as MJC’s Online Instructor of the Year. Beth is a member of the LCAF Advisory.
BRANDON SCHUT is an instructor of Business Information Technology at Modesto Junior College. He is most comfortable on a microphone in front of large groups. Some of his recent bucket list items include jumping on a moving train, catching a glimpse of the elusive Chupacabra, and being thrown through a table by a luchador. Brandon is an LCAF Advisory member.
CAROLINA ARGOTE, alebrije artist, and JOSE ANTONIO VIRELAS, digital artist, have drawn inspiration from their main work—alebrijes—to create other contemporary art forms, such as art prints, stickers, T-shirts, and more, offering variety and flexibility. The Balam family also offers alebrije art classes, collaborations, and art exhibitions throughout California. Visit: balamarts.com, IG: @balamarts
CATHY CAMPER is the author of the award-winning Lowriders in Space graphic novel series, Arab Arab All Year Round (winner of the 2023 Arab National Book Award), Ten Ways to Hear Snow, and Bugs Before Time. She also writes zines, including Sugar Needle, and is a founding member of the Portland Women of Color zine collective. An Arab American, Cathy is a librarian and lives in Portland, Oregon. Visit: cathycamper.com, IG@cfastwolf, FB: facebook.com/cathy.camper, Bluesky: @cfastwolf.bsky.social
COMADRES Y COMICS is a Latina-led podcast dedicated to celebrating the Latinx representation in the comic book industry as creators, characters and fans. Founded by three longtime friends and comic lovers, the show blends thoughtful interviews, industry insights, and plenty of comadre-style chisme. Comadres y Comics champions representation, community, and cultura, uplifting stories and creators often overlooked in mainstream comics. Celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2026, the Comadres continue to build comunidad one episode at a time. Visit: comadresycomics.com, IG: @comadresycomics, FB: @Comadresycomics, X: @ComicComadres, TikTok: comadresycomics
COMICWEB, is a local comic book collector and transitioned into a comic book seller for the last 13 years. He takes incredible pride in providing books in amazing conditions at very fair prices. He was born and has lived in Stanislaus County all of his 51 years. You will be hard pressed to find another person as passionate about the medium than he is. IG: @comicweb
CRYSTAL GONZALEZ is an independent Chicana comic book artist and animator. She is best known for her graphic novel series, In The Dark, and is the creator of the cartoon series, Skitzo the 1920s Killer Bear on YouTube, with over 28 million views. She has an MFA degree from the California College of the Arts, and her works have been shown at the Galeria De La Raza, the Museum of Latin American Art. She was also a guest cartoonist at the Charles Schulz Museum. IG, X: @Comickpro YT: @C0MICK
DEMETRE DURHAM is a multidisciplinary visual artist and storyteller whose work blends mythology, superhero lore, and cultural symbolism into bold, cinematic worlds. He is the creator of Titan Up, an original superhero universe driven by epic scale, emotion, and modern mythmaking. Rooted in Black and Puerto Rican artistic traditions, his work centers powerful, culturally resonant heroes and reimagines legacy through Afrofuturist and diasporic lenses. Working across illustration, animation, and character design, Demetre crafts immersive worlds where identity, power, and imagination collide, inviting audiences into stories that feel timeless, electric, and unapologetically bold. Visit: demetredurham.com/titanup, IG:@titanupcomics
EDDAVIEL is a visual storyteller from Barahona, Dominican Republic, graduate of the School of Arts at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo. He is cofounder of Mentes Extremófilas Publishing and Think Tank. His work explores Afro-Hispanic-Caribbean mythology, speculative fiction, and surreal pop aesthetics. He is the author of Afro-inks and 365, and coauthor of the award-winning graphic novel Esu: The Most Misunderstood Entity in the Universe, Viaje al Centro de los Mitos, Somnium and The Never Told Story. He has been invited to El Salón del Cómic de Valencia, the Guadalajara Book Fair, and others events across the world. Visit: mentesextremofilas.com/en/, IG: @eddaviel
EDDIE DEANGELINI is a long time comic book fan and collector. His love of comics began at a young age and continues to this day and his webcomic Collectors is loosely based on his own life, marriage and comic collecting obsession. Collectors is a love letter to the pop culture phenomenon of comic books and to all the wives who trip over longboxes all over the house! The comic can be found at CollectorsComic.com as well as in eight collected print volumes. Visit: collectorscomic.com
ENACIO DIAZ (Tortilla Orbit) is an Story Artist based in Los Angeles. He’s originally from a small border town called Calexico. He is working hard to fulfill his dream of representing his community through his art. Visit enaciodiaz.weebly.com, IG: @tortillaorbit
ERIK ARREAGA is a San Diego-based comic artist and creator of CHINGONA, a gritty superhero series starring a Latina anti-hero. With over 20 years of experience in the comic-con circuit, Erik brings a passion for storytelling and community to his work. When not creating comics, Erik's probably sipping coffee, brainstorming new characters, or geeking out with fellow creators. Erik's on a mission to amplify diverse voices in comics. Visit: erikarreaga.com, IG: @erik_arreaga_art
FANBASE PRESS celebrates fandoms and creates new ones! As a GLAAD Award-winning and an Eisner and Harvey Awards-nominated comic book publisher and media outlet, Fanbase Press produces new and distinctive works, as well as daily reviews, interviews, and podcasts, that span the pop culture spectrum and give voice to the themes, ideals, and people that make geekdom so exceptional. Fanbase Press’ graphic novels include the 2024 GLAAD Award-winning FOUR-COLOR HEROES, 2023 Eisner and Harvey Awards-nominated RIPPLE EFFECTS, 2018 Eisner Award-nominated QUINCE, and the 2022 International Latino Book Award-winning NUCLEAR POWER! Barbra Dillon is a member of the LCAF Advisory. Visit: fanbasepress.com, IG: @fanbasepress, Fb: FanbasePress1, BlueSky: fanbasepress.bsky.social, Twitter: @Fanbase_Press
FRANK AND LADYENA RODRIGUEZ are father and daughter up and coming artists out of Modesto. Ladyena is currently a freshman in high school that loves to paint and draw. She has had a natural born talent for art her whole life. Frank is her father who is aspiring to transition from a construction background to a full time artist. IG: @Mo_Town_Art
FREDERICK LUIS ALDAMA, aka PROFESSOR LATINX, holds the Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at UT Austin. Born in Mexico to a Guatemalan-Irish American mother from East LA and a Mexican father from Mexico City, he grew up in north-central California. He is an award-winning author and editor of over 50 books spanning scholarly studies, comics, graphic novels, YA, and children's books, he founded the Latinx Pop Lab and its annual BIPOC Pop Expo & Symposium. As Editor-in-Chief of Latinx Pop Magazine and FlowerSong Press, he curates ten book series. His work has earned Obama White House honors and induction into the Texas Institute of Letters and OSU's Hall of Fame. Visit: www.frederickluisaldama.com, IG: @professorlatinx
GLADYS OCHOA is a cartoonist, illustrator, educator, and museum professional. She resides somewhere in the outer Bay (Antioch) trying to stay awake. She has a BFA in Illustration from California College of the Arts and an MFA from San Francisco State in Museum Studies. Her work is a mixture of the absurd with a twinge of cuteness, often delving into her mixed Latinx diaspora with a tongue in cheek humor. To see her work check out her IG: @drawinkstudio, Tapas & Webtoons: @Draw-Ink, Ko-fi: drawinkstudio
GUILLERMO GUERRERO is a professional comic book colorist and illustrator. He has worked for independent comic book companies in different titles books and has done collaboration work with artists from DC, Marvel, Image and Dark Horse comics. He likes combining comic book art style with Aztec culture and urban style since he was born and raised in Mexico City. IG: @l_guerrero33
HORTENCIA MARTIN (KALAKA ARTS) is an artist based in Gilroy, CA, celebrating culture, community, and visual storytelling through original designs and artwork. Known for culturally inspired merchandise, Kalaka Arts creates pieces that reflect Latinx heritage and bold creative expression. Each design blends tradition with contemporary style, uplifting representation through art. Kalaka Arts uplifts Latinx culture into bold, wearable statements that spark pride, conversation, and connection across generations. IG, FB, TikTok: @KalakaArts
DR. JESSICA BRENNAN is a Professor of Child Development at Modesto Junior College. She spends her days thinking about how people learn, grow, and connect, and how education can open doors for students and families. A lifelong lover of stories and creativity, she is thrilled to serve as an advisory board member for the Latinx Comic Arts Festival at MJC. Dr. Brennan believes storytelling is a powerful tool for expression, culture, and community. She is proud to support a festival that celebrates Latinx artists, imagination, and the joy of sharing stories with readers of all ages.
J. GONZO is a Chicano comic book artist, best known as the writer/artist of his own title La Mano del Destino, and a cover artist for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Godzilla, Ghost Rider, Daredevil and many other Marvel and indie titles. He attended the Orange County High School of the Arts’ Visual Arts Program and went to a terrible trade school for a degree in Graphic Design. He also apprenticed and tattooed professionally for a number of years before entering the world of advertising and design. Gonzo has spent the past 30-plus years using his creative skills at comic companies, ad agencies, design studios, freelancing, and creating his own comic books. IG: @jgonzoart
JAIME CRESPO has been drawing comics for a bazillion years and is known throughout the galaxy as "a pretty good drawer." Visit: corntortillapress.com, IG: the_real_comixvato, FB: @jaime.crespo.73, Bluesky: jaimecrespo5500.bsky.social
JANDRO GAMBOA is a second-generation high school teacher. After years of talking about it, he finally started publishing a comic book series called The Luchador through his Labishka Ink imprint. Working with Marcus Collar, he has completed the first two arcs. Individual issues and other merch are available at the LCX. Visit: labishka-ink.square.site, IG: @montygomezcomic
JAVIER CRUZ WINNIK was first published after creating sketchcards for Upper Deck/Marvel. He went on to create four books in the graphic novel series, A Reason to Smile!, all funded on Kickstarter! He has since created art for Puerto Rico Strong: A Comics Anthology Supporting Puerto Rico Disaster Relief and Recovery, "Ricanstruction" & Saladeen, Keeper of the Flame, Lion Man, and tabled at San Diego Comic Con, New York Comic Con (artist alley and Small press for 10 years), C2E2, Emerald City, Baltimore Comic Con, Puerto Rico Comic Con, the Schomburg's Black Comic Festival, SPX & MOCCA. Visit: thecurv.com
JAVIER SOLORZANO is a comic book writer and artist. He is the creator of Super Lucha Cats. Visit: LuchaCat.com, IG: @LuchaCat, Fb: @LuchaCats, Bluesky: luchacat.bsky.social
JESÚS PEDROZA (EL KARTUN) is a Mexican cartoonist from Baja California. After a short career as a political cartoonist and co-creating “Santi el Zonkey,” a popular mascot in Tijuana, he launched Scarlet Spirit, an action-suspense comic featuring social topics relevant to the Mexican community. He illustrated the award-winning Calaguerra, the Linkin Park comic (10 Ton Press), and official art for RCW Wrestling, Mission Pro, and Empire Pro. As an Upper Deck illustrator, he’s worked on IPs like DC Comics and The X-Files. He’s collaborated with Tinieblas and the Solar family and is developing the official Tinieblas comic. IG: @elkartun, FB: ElKartun1
HORTENCIA MARTIN (KALAKA ARTS) is an artist based in Gilroy, CA, celebrating culture, community, and visual storytelling through original designs and artwork. Known for culturally inspired merchandise, Kalaka Arts creates pieces that reflect Latinx heritage and bold creative expression. Each design blends tradition with contemporary style, uplifting representation through art. Kalaka Arts uplifts Latinx culture into bold, wearable statements that spark pride, conversation, and connection across generations. IG, FB, TikTok: @KalakaArts
DR. JESSICA BRENNAN is a Professor of Child Development at Modesto Junior College. She spends her days thinking about how people learn, grow, and connect, and how education can open doors for students and families. A lifelong lover of stories and creativity, she is thrilled to serve as an advisory board member for the Latinx Comic Arts Festival at MJC. Dr. Brennan believes storytelling is a powerful tool for expression, culture, and community. She is proud to support a festival that celebrates Latinx artists, imagination, and the joy of sharing stories with readers of all ages.
J. GONZO is a Chicano comic book artist, best known as the writer/artist of his own title La Mano del Destino, and a cover artist for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Godzilla, Ghost Rider, Daredevil and many other Marvel and indie titles. He attended the Orange County High School of the Arts’ Visual Arts Program and went to a terrible trade school for a degree in Graphic Design. He also apprenticed and tattooed professionally for a number of years before entering the world of advertising and design. Gonzo has spent the past 30-plus years using his creative skills at comic companies, ad agencies, design studios, freelancing, and creating his own comic books. IG: @jgonzoart
JAIME CRESPO has been drawing comics for a bazillion years and is known throughout the galaxy as "a pretty good drawer." Visit: corntortillapress.com, IG: the_real_comixvato, FB: @jaime.crespo.73, Bluesky: jaimecrespo5500.bsky.social
JANDRO GAMBOA is a second-generation high school teacher. After years of talking about it, he finally started publishing a comic book series called The Luchador through his Labishka Ink imprint. Working with Marcus Collar, he has completed the first two arcs. Individual issues and other merch are available at the LCX. Visit: labishka-ink.square.site, IG: @montygomezcomic
JAVIER CRUZ WINNIK was first published after creating sketchcards for Upper Deck/Marvel. He went on to create four books in the graphic novel series, A Reason to Smile!, all funded on Kickstarter! He has since created art for Puerto Rico Strong: A Comics Anthology Supporting Puerto Rico Disaster Relief and Recovery, "Ricanstruction" & Saladeen, Keeper of the Flame, Lion Man, and tabled at San Diego Comic Con, New York Comic Con (artist alley and Small press for 10 years), C2E2, Emerald City, Baltimore Comic Con, Puerto Rico Comic Con, the Schomburg's Black Comic Festival, SPX & MOCCA. Visit: thecurv.com
JAVIER SOLORZANO is a comic book writer and artist. He is the creator of Super Lucha Cats. Visit: LuchaCat.com, IG: @LuchaCat, Fb: @LuchaCats, Bluesky: luchacat.bsky.social
JESÚS PEDROZA (EL KARTUN) is a Mexican cartoonist from Baja California. After a short career as a political cartoonist and co-creating “Santi el Zonkey,” a popular mascot in Tijuana, he launched Scarlet Spirit, an action-suspense comic featuring social topics relevant to the Mexican community. He illustrated the award-winning Calaguerra, the Linkin Park comic (10 Ton Press), and official art for RCW Wrestling, Mission Pro, and Empire Pro. As an Upper Deck illustrator, he’s worked on IPs like DC Comics and The X-Files. He’s collaborated with Tinieblas and the Solar family and is developing the official Tinieblas comic. IG: @elkartun, FB: ElKartun1
JORGE GARZA is an Illustrator/Storyteller known for his Aztec art and pop culture mashup style called Azteca Pop. His artwork has been exhibited at the National Museum of Mexican Art, Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery and Amor Eternal Arte. He also writes and draws his own comic book creations. Visit: qetza.com, IG: @qetzaart, Fb: Qetza
JORGE A. SANTANA is professor emeritus, having taught at CSUS for 37 years in the Spanish Department. Upon retirement, he embarked on a comic book dealing with a superhero who is trying to save the world from Climate Change and the use of fossil fuels. He has also published a booklet of imagery and humorous VIP Postcards illustrated with his own photographs. He has a number of other publications.
JOSE PIMIENTA is a cartoonist who makes comics with different publishers. They grew up in Mexicali, Mexico influenced by music, comics, and films. Since 2009 they have been living in the Los Angeles area storyboarding for commercials, animations, and films while also making comics. Currently, they illustrate stories about being Latinx in the United States. Jose also loves to collaborate with other writers to bring amazing stories to life. Visit: josepimienta.com
JOSE PULIDO is an artist from southern California. His work is inspired from Mexican and American pop culture, with an emphasis on Dia De Los Muertos. He has a BFA in Illustration from Cal State Fullerton. Visit: misnopales.com, IG: @misnopales, Fb: Mis Nopales Art
JUSTIN RUEFF is an artist, educator and comics creator. His work includes illustration for children's books, poetry comics and hand-painted murals. His comics have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies including: Mutha, Honey Literary, and From Cocinas to Lucha Libre Ringsides. He is the sole creator of Brother Crow comics and the serialized strip, Heroes and Lovers. He is the artist/collaborator on Less Desolate: a collection of over 108 haiku comics written by poet Shin Yu Pai and published by Blue Cactus. He is developing new graphic novel projects and drawing Marisol Fuentes’ adventures written by MJ Damewood. Visit: www.justinrueff.com, IG : @justinrueff
KATLIN MARISOL SWEENEY-ROMERO is Assistant Professor of Cinema and Digital Media at the UC Davis, where she is also affiliate faculty with the Performance Studies and Cultural Studies programs. She earned her PhD in English with specializations in Film Studies and Latinx Studies from The Ohio State University in 2023. Her research historicizes Hollywood’s formation of the Latina star in the twentieth century and traces how legacy star marketing informs Latina social media influencers’ digital self-mediation in the twenty-first century. Her publications on Latine/x new media and U.S. popular culture can be found in the journals Girlhood Studies and Label Me Latino/a, as well as in edited collections like Latinx Comics Studies (Rutgers UP, 2025), and TikTok Cultures in the United States (Routledge, 2022). Katlin is a member of the LCAF Advisory.
KEVIN GARCIA is a novelist, comic book creator, certified educator, freelance journalist, editor-for-higher, graphic design instructor, public speaker, professional comic book historian and experienced speaker, whose work has appeared in the Associated Press and Marvel Comics. Born in South Texas, he gives a variety of workshops, moderates panels at conventions, and teaches high school literature, journalism and graphic design. Visit: KevinGarcia.com or Monomythic.com, IG,YT, TikTok: @kevingarcia_com, Bluesky: kevingarcia.bsky.social
LINDSEY DANAE PEREZ is a two-spirit Tongva illustrative artist who encourages self-decolonization through visual storytelling, giving voice to gender-nonconforming experiences, cultural reclamation, and spiritual awakening in their collection of handmade, self published comic zines. Lindsey graduated from the 2024 Comics Portfolio program at the I.P.R.C. located in Portland, OR and they frequently participate in pop up markets across the west coast, selling handmade zines, art prints, buttons, stickers, sketch portraits and more! You can follow their artistic adventures on social media, IG: @LindzenatorDraws, Later: https: linkin.bio/lindzenator
JORGE A. SANTANA is professor emeritus, having taught at CSUS for 37 years in the Spanish Department. Upon retirement, he embarked on a comic book dealing with a superhero who is trying to save the world from Climate Change and the use of fossil fuels. He has also published a booklet of imagery and humorous VIP Postcards illustrated with his own photographs. He has a number of other publications.
JOSE PIMIENTA is a cartoonist who makes comics with different publishers. They grew up in Mexicali, Mexico influenced by music, comics, and films. Since 2009 they have been living in the Los Angeles area storyboarding for commercials, animations, and films while also making comics. Currently, they illustrate stories about being Latinx in the United States. Jose also loves to collaborate with other writers to bring amazing stories to life. Visit: josepimienta.com
JOSE PULIDO is an artist from southern California. His work is inspired from Mexican and American pop culture, with an emphasis on Dia De Los Muertos. He has a BFA in Illustration from Cal State Fullerton. Visit: misnopales.com, IG: @misnopales, Fb: Mis Nopales Art
JUSTIN RUEFF is an artist, educator and comics creator. His work includes illustration for children's books, poetry comics and hand-painted murals. His comics have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies including: Mutha, Honey Literary, and From Cocinas to Lucha Libre Ringsides. He is the sole creator of Brother Crow comics and the serialized strip, Heroes and Lovers. He is the artist/collaborator on Less Desolate: a collection of over 108 haiku comics written by poet Shin Yu Pai and published by Blue Cactus. He is developing new graphic novel projects and drawing Marisol Fuentes’ adventures written by MJ Damewood. Visit: www.justinrueff.com, IG : @justinrueff
KATLIN MARISOL SWEENEY-ROMERO is Assistant Professor of Cinema and Digital Media at the UC Davis, where she is also affiliate faculty with the Performance Studies and Cultural Studies programs. She earned her PhD in English with specializations in Film Studies and Latinx Studies from The Ohio State University in 2023. Her research historicizes Hollywood’s formation of the Latina star in the twentieth century and traces how legacy star marketing informs Latina social media influencers’ digital self-mediation in the twenty-first century. Her publications on Latine/x new media and U.S. popular culture can be found in the journals Girlhood Studies and Label Me Latino/a, as well as in edited collections like Latinx Comics Studies (Rutgers UP, 2025), and TikTok Cultures in the United States (Routledge, 2022). Katlin is a member of the LCAF Advisory.
KEVIN GARCIA is a novelist, comic book creator, certified educator, freelance journalist, editor-for-higher, graphic design instructor, public speaker, professional comic book historian and experienced speaker, whose work has appeared in the Associated Press and Marvel Comics. Born in South Texas, he gives a variety of workshops, moderates panels at conventions, and teaches high school literature, journalism and graphic design. Visit: KevinGarcia.com or Monomythic.com, IG,YT, TikTok: @kevingarcia_com, Bluesky: kevingarcia.bsky.social
LINDSEY DANAE PEREZ is a two-spirit Tongva illustrative artist who encourages self-decolonization through visual storytelling, giving voice to gender-nonconforming experiences, cultural reclamation, and spiritual awakening in their collection of handmade, self published comic zines. Lindsey graduated from the 2024 Comics Portfolio program at the I.P.R.C. located in Portland, OR and they frequently participate in pop up markets across the west coast, selling handmade zines, art prints, buttons, stickers, sketch portraits and more! You can follow their artistic adventures on social media, IG: @LindzenatorDraws, Later: https: linkin.bio/lindzenator
LOURDES ZAMORA is a first generation Mexican American from The Bay. With art being a passion at a young age and the support of family, friends, and Ms. Thounir, she was able to participate in youth mural projects in her hometown of Livermore, CA. She now showcases and sells her art at local events and conventions in central California. Visit: zluly-art.square.site/ IG, FB: @zluly.art
LUCERO VARGAS MENDOZA is currently finishing up my bachelors at Fresno state. A former ASMJC student and MJC graduate, she is a lover of music, dancing, travel, and spontaneous adventures-recently taking up surfing. She is passionate about storytelling and art, and gets inspiration from being a traviesa, navigating girlhood, amores fracasados, and the joy and chaos of being a proud hija de la ching. Her work is rooted in movement, community, and the deep love of coming from a hella Mexican family. Lucero is a member of the LCAF Advisory, and Volunteers Coordinator.
MANUEL MARTINEZ is a Watsonville CA native and has been drawing since algebra class in high school. While at San Francisco State, with hopes of becoming an Art Historian, he realized his true passion continued to be drawing. After a short stint at the Academy Of Arts, he began his professional illustration career. His first published work came with a local Creepy Kofy Movie Time tv show through Acme Ink. More jobs came and a consistent presence at comic conventions up and down the west. As a professional illustrator, he lists DC, Marvel, Warner Bros, and many others as clients. He has the honor of being a founding member of 10 Ton Press started by Mel Smith and John Hageman–A career highlight to say the least. He plans to publish his creator owned book through 10 Ton Press in the near future. Manuel is a member of they LCAF Advisory. Visit: manuelmartinezart.com, IG: @manuelmartinezart
MARCUS COLLAR is an accomplished illustrator and graphic designer. He self publishes his own comic books and has shown art in Napa Valley as well as presented comics at several conventions in the Bay Area. He has worked for several independent publishers including Labishka Ink, Rico Publica, Silver-Axe, American Nature, Acme Ink, and SYSM Productions. Marcus has also done freelance illustrations for Simon Family Estate, Hagafen Cellars, Eco Torreno, Yoots.org, Napa High School, Double Blessings, and The Purple Onion in San Francisco. He has done professional work for IDW and Magma Comics. Visit: marcuscollar.com
MAXI RODRIGUEZ is a plus-size Latina who resides in the small town of Norwalk, CA, between LA County and Orange County. It's here where she sits at her desks and creates her plus-size positivity content for the world to enjoy. Her works include: Chronicles of a ChubbyBunny, Mini Comic, ChibiBunny’s Rules of Boundaries, and her most recent comic, El Llorón, her first lucha libre/telenovela comic. If she's not drawing, she's probably reading a dark fantasy novel or adding a new novel to her reading list. IG: @kasutoproductions, Facebook: Art of KasutoProductions, YT: @ssgrodriguez, Patreon: kasutoproductions
MICHAEL ALEJANDRE “SLCKMCKRS” is a Modesto-based printmaker known for his rugged and textured works sometimes but not often referencing pop culture characters and comic books. Inspired by artists like Fransisco Francavilla, Ben Sears, and Daniel Warren Johnson, his works explore narrative driven illustrations often featuring broken lines and heavy textures. They received their education from MJC and have exhibited at numerous local art fairs across central and northern California. IG: @slckmckrs, TikTok: @slckmckrs
MICHAEL VASQUEZ is a graphic designer and digital illustrator based in Fresno, CA. He creates original artwork based around Mesoamerican and Indigenous cultures. Along with that, he also creates art merchandise and products in the form of enamel pins, patches, and apparel with the purpose of educating and giving people the ability to express their culture through wearable artwork. Visit: michaelvasquezillustration.com, IG: @izelillustrations
MIGUEL ANGEL ACEDO was born and bred in East Los Angeles. He is a lover of visual storytelling in all forms: comics, film and television. His writing is featured in Horrorhouse, a self-published horror anthology inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. He is also a screenwriting lecturer at California State University, Los Angeles.
IG: @TeenageFlyingSaucer, Fb: Gordo The Teenage Flying Saucer, Bluesky: teenageufo.bsky.social
MONICA LOPEZ, also known as Moniliza; is a Mexican American Illustrator with focus in Character and Concept Design. Graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fine Arts while majored in Fashion Design. Professionally worked 16+ years across multiple careers such as fashion design, graphic design, toy design, and is now a committed full-time Freelance Illustrator. While working along with clients, she is also working on Metziverse a passion project under her brand MONILIZA™. A Sci-Fi Fantasy comic book based on original characters name Metzi and Sola; inspired by Mexican Mythology and her love for astrology. IG: @monilizadraws
MARCUS COLLAR is an accomplished illustrator and graphic designer. He self publishes his own comic books and has shown art in Napa Valley as well as presented comics at several conventions in the Bay Area. He has worked for several independent publishers including Labishka Ink, Rico Publica, Silver-Axe, American Nature, Acme Ink, and SYSM Productions. Marcus has also done freelance illustrations for Simon Family Estate, Hagafen Cellars, Eco Torreno, Yoots.org, Napa High School, Double Blessings, and The Purple Onion in San Francisco. He has done professional work for IDW and Magma Comics. Visit: marcuscollar.com
MAXI RODRIGUEZ is a plus-size Latina who resides in the small town of Norwalk, CA, between LA County and Orange County. It's here where she sits at her desks and creates her plus-size positivity content for the world to enjoy. Her works include: Chronicles of a ChubbyBunny, Mini Comic, ChibiBunny’s Rules of Boundaries, and her most recent comic, El Llorón, her first lucha libre/telenovela comic. If she's not drawing, she's probably reading a dark fantasy novel or adding a new novel to her reading list. IG: @kasutoproductions, Facebook: Art of KasutoProductions, YT: @ssgrodriguez, Patreon: kasutoproductions
MICHAEL ALEJANDRE “SLCKMCKRS” is a Modesto-based printmaker known for his rugged and textured works sometimes but not often referencing pop culture characters and comic books. Inspired by artists like Fransisco Francavilla, Ben Sears, and Daniel Warren Johnson, his works explore narrative driven illustrations often featuring broken lines and heavy textures. They received their education from MJC and have exhibited at numerous local art fairs across central and northern California. IG: @slckmckrs, TikTok: @slckmckrs
MICHAEL VASQUEZ is a graphic designer and digital illustrator based in Fresno, CA. He creates original artwork based around Mesoamerican and Indigenous cultures. Along with that, he also creates art merchandise and products in the form of enamel pins, patches, and apparel with the purpose of educating and giving people the ability to express their culture through wearable artwork. Visit: michaelvasquezillustration.com, IG: @izelillustrations
MIGUEL ANGEL ACEDO was born and bred in East Los Angeles. He is a lover of visual storytelling in all forms: comics, film and television. His writing is featured in Horrorhouse, a self-published horror anthology inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. He is also a screenwriting lecturer at California State University, Los Angeles.
IG: @TeenageFlyingSaucer, Fb: Gordo The Teenage Flying Saucer, Bluesky: teenageufo.bsky.social
MONICA LOPEZ, also known as Moniliza; is a Mexican American Illustrator with focus in Character and Concept Design. Graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fine Arts while majored in Fashion Design. Professionally worked 16+ years across multiple careers such as fashion design, graphic design, toy design, and is now a committed full-time Freelance Illustrator. While working along with clients, she is also working on Metziverse a passion project under her brand MONILIZA™. A Sci-Fi Fantasy comic book based on original characters name Metzi and Sola; inspired by Mexican Mythology and her love for astrology. IG: @monilizadraws
NATHANIEL OSOLLO is a Southern California-based artist for hire. He's an illustrator, writer, fine artist, graphic designer, and he sells education about real estate at his day job. His latest comics are collaborations with the artist collective I&DLB. He also makes action-packed crime dramas that feature a mouse with a big sword. All interested publishers and production representatives should send serious inquiries via carrier pigeon. Visit: eyedraugh.square.site, IG, X: @eyedraugh, Bluesky: eyedraugh.bsky.social
NEBULA SF (JOSE RAMIREZ CALAMATEO) is a Bay Area based illustrator and storyteller who loves telling stories inspired by the eerie/strange situations he’s experienced that are at times humorous from an outsider's perspective. He creates zines, prints, and stickers from those and other life experiences. He grew up in the farmlands of the Monterey Peninsula and moved to San Francisco. His creative work is stylistically random from one project to another, each with its own story to tell. He hopes in some way, his projects make people smile, laugh, or think. IG: @interstellarastronaut
OMAR MORALES is the award-winning comic book writer and creator of Major Thomás, the #1 ranked Young Adult, Latinx comic/graphic novel on Amazon. Major Thomás is a SciFi action/adventure story created entirely by Latinx creators from all over the world. Find Omar at TheForceMedia.Com and all socials: @omorales81
OSCAR ROMERO is a painter/illustrator living in Sacramento, CA. Currently, he is working on self-publishing his horror/suspense comic book series Dreadful Analekta, which adapts selected short stories by the mid-20th century author C.M Eddy Jr.. He is also collaborating on his new series Tome with writer Perry Crowe. Visit: Poormansart.com, IG: @oscarromero1319, Fb: Oscar Romero
PARIESA HALTERMAN is an artist, educator, social justice advocate, and entrepreneur. Her zines and prints explore playful places in the imagination, the complexity of a dual identity, mental health, love, and loss. She works across multiple mediums, exploring and playing with the relationship between materials.There will be a small sampling of her resin/mixed media works at this years Latinx Comic Arts Festival. Visit: IG, Twitter: @thepixieparlor
PERRY CROWE is a writer whose work has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Heavy Metal, The Smart Set, and more. He has reviewed graphic novels for Kirkus Reviews for a decade and is the writer and co-creator of the comic book miniseries Stud and the BloodBlade (featured in the French publication SCARCE) and the upcoming comics Tome and Crumbs of Fortune. (Crumbs of Fortune’s Kickstarter will launch at LCAF.) He is senior managing editor of Entertainment at Chronicle Books and lives in the Bay Area with his wife and family. Visit: perry-crowe.square.site, Bluesky: perrycrowe.bsky.social
PETER J MELLINI is the co-creator, writer, and owner of Nostalgic Comic Shop in San Gabriel, California, and he is the co-founder & lead organizer of the East LA Comicbook Art and Pop-Culture Expo. IG: @TeenageFlyingSaucer, Fb: Gordo The Teenage Flying Saucer, Bluesky: teenageufo.bsky.social
RAFAEL NAVARRO has spent more than three decades in the industry, contributing his talents to animation, illustration, and comic books across various industries. He earned a Daytime Emmy and the Xeric Foundation Award. Presently, he teaches art and film to neurodivergent students. His comic book career includes the sci-fi classic Guns A’ Blazin’ (co-created with Mike Wellman), and the Xeric Award-winning lucha noir masterpiece SONAMBULO, now on its 30th anniversary. Credits include: Batman, Scooby Doo, Spectacular Spiderman, Rugrats, and Mucha Lucha, among others. His work is currently being archived at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts.
IG @rafael_navarro007, FB: Rafael Navarro
ROB LIU-TRUJILLO is an author and illustrator from Oakland California. He started working professionally in the early 2000’s and has worked in murals, public art, arts education, merchandise making, illustration, kids book publishing, and event organizing. His most recent books are Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco which he wrote and illustrated, Art of Rob a 130 page book of sketches, drawings, etc, and We Are Yoga/ Somos Yoga written by Jill Guerra. Visit: Robdontstop.com
IG: @robert_tres
RUDY OROZCO is the Mexican American author behind the captivating horror comic, Devils Reign. Rudy grew up in Gilroy California and graduated from Merced Community College with an AA in Diagnostic Radiologic Technology. As the founder of Wallbreaker Comics, he fearlessly ventured into the realm of self-publishing to bring his dark and gripping tale to life. Collaborating with an all Latino team of artistic visionaries, this dynamic team of Rudy Orozco, David Abrevaya, Eliza Hernandez, and Alexa Lopez has created a truly spine-chilling comic experience that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Visit: wallbreakercomics.com, IG: @devilsreignproject, Twitter: @devilsreignproj, Fb: Devils Reign Project
SAMANTHA CEBALLOS is a PhD candidate in English Literature at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on Latina superheroes in and outside of the conventional superhero genre. She also works as a graduate assistant in the Latinx Pop Lab at UT.
SOFIA S. MOLINA is the owner/artist of Blue Ixi’im Arte and is an East Bay CA Born and raised Chicana Modern/contemporary artist who expresses her creativity in various forms, but her true passion is putting her art on canvas. She has been a creative force throughout her life and enjoys uplifting people through her artwork and personality. Her inspiration comes from her family, culture, heritage, music, quotes, poems, spirituality and history of Latin America. You can find her selling her original pieces, prints, stickers, colorful boxes and ceramics at various festivals, events or on Instagram.
IG: @blue_ixiim_arte, Fb: @blueixiimarte
DR. STEPHANIE BEAVER-GUZMAN is an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. She is a tenured faculty member at Yosemite Community College District, where she has been a Counselor for ten years. She now teaches Ethnic Studies full time at Modesto Junior College. She has worked in higher education for over 20 years. In addition to being a consultant for local tribal nations, County Office of Schools, she has worked to develop Native American and Indigenous Studies curriculum for high schools in California. She coordinates and implements Native-family and community-specific outreach events. Dr. Guzman is a member of the LCAF Advisory.
STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MENDEZ is an Enrichment Artist for San Joaquin County Office of Education and teaches sewing and cooking to high school students. She learned to bake and sew at a very early age with the help of her tias and grandmother. Stephanie loves teaching and says she has the best job! She started her small business in 2016 to help pay for her daughter's education. She loves meeting new people and has made many creative friends. Her sewing is a reflection of her Hispanic, Chicano, latinx heritage. She gets so much joy at providing the cositas to her customers! IG: @sew_mexican
STEVEN PRINCE is the writer and creator of MONSTER MATADOR. Previously he worked in the toy industry, where he managed and developed animation and toy lines for Puppy in My Pocket, Stink Blasters, and Power Buggz. He was also named #3 on Soda and Telepaths' list of 51 INDIE COMICS CREATORS YOU NEED TO KEEP AN EYE ON. Visit: monstermatador.com
TED SIKORA is a Cleveland based comic book writer and filmmaker. He is the president of Hero Tomorrow Comics, and the creator of Tap Dance Killer, Punchline, Regina, Apama, and the newest addition to the universe — from Mexico — Violante The Undead! Visit: herotomorrow.com
VALERIA ONTIVEROS is a Los Angeles-based illustrator and a graduate of the Art Institute of North Hollywood with a Bachelors in Media Arts and Animation. She is the artist, co-creator and character designer of Gordo: The Teenage Flying Saucer, her first comic book work, which premiered at the East LA Cape 2019.
IG: @TeenageFlyingSaucer, Fb: Gordo The Teenage Flying Saucer, Bluesky: teenageufo.bsky.social
VICKY CORDOVA is a Bay Area artist currently pursuing her BFA in Animation. She is also developing My Life as a Magical Girl, an upcoming comic series about Selena, a depressed teenager who gets her life turned upside down when a talking cat accidentally turns her and her classmates into “Astral Weavers.” This series aims to shine a spotlight on the mental health of our youth and the difficulty of discovering your “true self” in a world full of negativity. Visit: vickycordova.com, IG: @Vickycreator1.art
YVONNE DE LA CRUZ SANCHEZ is a full-time MJC English instructor, an all-the-time mother, and find-the-time writer. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from AULA, and her short fiction & artwork has been published in Penumbra and Lunch Ticket. These days, she enjoys teaching creative writing, as well as spending late-night hours working on her first graphic novel, The Andronici, which blends Latinx culture with Shakespearian storylines. Yvonne enjoys singing in the shower, collecting Snoopy trinkets, and crocheting mermaid-tale blankets. She currently lives in the Central Valley with her family and spunky Border Collie, Tsuki. Yvonne is a member of the LCAF Advisory. Visit: yvonnedelacruzsanchez.com, IG: @ydlcsanchez
DR. THERESA ROJAS (DocTeeRoh) is Professor of Ethnic Studies and Professor of English at Modesto Junior College where she specializes in comparative media, multi-ethnic comic studies, and visual culture. She is the study guide author for Quince (Fanbase Press) and Monster Matador (2510 Press); essay contributor to RIPPLE EFFECTS (Fanbase Press); cultural consultant for Starlite; (Overcast) and editor of Dave Ortega’s graphic biography, Días de Consuelo (Radiator Comics). Her comics appear in Tales from La Vida and From Cocinas to Lucha Libre Ringsides. Theresa is the Founding Director of the Latinx Comic Arts Festival. IG: @DocTeeRoh, @LatinxComicArtsFest
PETER J MELLINI is the co-creator, writer, and owner of Nostalgic Comic Shop in San Gabriel, California, and he is the co-founder & lead organizer of the East LA Comicbook Art and Pop-Culture Expo. IG: @TeenageFlyingSaucer, Fb: Gordo The Teenage Flying Saucer, Bluesky: teenageufo.bsky.social
RAFAEL NAVARRO has spent more than three decades in the industry, contributing his talents to animation, illustration, and comic books across various industries. He earned a Daytime Emmy and the Xeric Foundation Award. Presently, he teaches art and film to neurodivergent students. His comic book career includes the sci-fi classic Guns A’ Blazin’ (co-created with Mike Wellman), and the Xeric Award-winning lucha noir masterpiece SONAMBULO, now on its 30th anniversary. Credits include: Batman, Scooby Doo, Spectacular Spiderman, Rugrats, and Mucha Lucha, among others. His work is currently being archived at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts.
IG @rafael_navarro007, FB: Rafael Navarro
ROB LIU-TRUJILLO is an author and illustrator from Oakland California. He started working professionally in the early 2000’s and has worked in murals, public art, arts education, merchandise making, illustration, kids book publishing, and event organizing. His most recent books are Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco which he wrote and illustrated, Art of Rob a 130 page book of sketches, drawings, etc, and We Are Yoga/ Somos Yoga written by Jill Guerra. Visit: Robdontstop.com
IG: @robert_tres
RUDY OROZCO is the Mexican American author behind the captivating horror comic, Devils Reign. Rudy grew up in Gilroy California and graduated from Merced Community College with an AA in Diagnostic Radiologic Technology. As the founder of Wallbreaker Comics, he fearlessly ventured into the realm of self-publishing to bring his dark and gripping tale to life. Collaborating with an all Latino team of artistic visionaries, this dynamic team of Rudy Orozco, David Abrevaya, Eliza Hernandez, and Alexa Lopez has created a truly spine-chilling comic experience that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Visit: wallbreakercomics.com, IG: @devilsreignproject, Twitter: @devilsreignproj, Fb: Devils Reign Project
SAMANTHA CEBALLOS is a PhD candidate in English Literature at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on Latina superheroes in and outside of the conventional superhero genre. She also works as a graduate assistant in the Latinx Pop Lab at UT.
SOFIA S. MOLINA is the owner/artist of Blue Ixi’im Arte and is an East Bay CA Born and raised Chicana Modern/contemporary artist who expresses her creativity in various forms, but her true passion is putting her art on canvas. She has been a creative force throughout her life and enjoys uplifting people through her artwork and personality. Her inspiration comes from her family, culture, heritage, music, quotes, poems, spirituality and history of Latin America. You can find her selling her original pieces, prints, stickers, colorful boxes and ceramics at various festivals, events or on Instagram.
IG: @blue_ixiim_arte, Fb: @blueixiimarte
DR. STEPHANIE BEAVER-GUZMAN is an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. She is a tenured faculty member at Yosemite Community College District, where she has been a Counselor for ten years. She now teaches Ethnic Studies full time at Modesto Junior College. She has worked in higher education for over 20 years. In addition to being a consultant for local tribal nations, County Office of Schools, she has worked to develop Native American and Indigenous Studies curriculum for high schools in California. She coordinates and implements Native-family and community-specific outreach events. Dr. Guzman is a member of the LCAF Advisory.
STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ MENDEZ is an Enrichment Artist for San Joaquin County Office of Education and teaches sewing and cooking to high school students. She learned to bake and sew at a very early age with the help of her tias and grandmother. Stephanie loves teaching and says she has the best job! She started her small business in 2016 to help pay for her daughter's education. She loves meeting new people and has made many creative friends. Her sewing is a reflection of her Hispanic, Chicano, latinx heritage. She gets so much joy at providing the cositas to her customers! IG: @sew_mexican
STEVEN PRINCE is the writer and creator of MONSTER MATADOR. Previously he worked in the toy industry, where he managed and developed animation and toy lines for Puppy in My Pocket, Stink Blasters, and Power Buggz. He was also named #3 on Soda and Telepaths' list of 51 INDIE COMICS CREATORS YOU NEED TO KEEP AN EYE ON. Visit: monstermatador.com
TED SIKORA is a Cleveland based comic book writer and filmmaker. He is the president of Hero Tomorrow Comics, and the creator of Tap Dance Killer, Punchline, Regina, Apama, and the newest addition to the universe — from Mexico — Violante The Undead! Visit: herotomorrow.com
VALERIA ONTIVEROS is a Los Angeles-based illustrator and a graduate of the Art Institute of North Hollywood with a Bachelors in Media Arts and Animation. She is the artist, co-creator and character designer of Gordo: The Teenage Flying Saucer, her first comic book work, which premiered at the East LA Cape 2019.
IG: @TeenageFlyingSaucer, Fb: Gordo The Teenage Flying Saucer, Bluesky: teenageufo.bsky.social
VICKY CORDOVA is a Bay Area artist currently pursuing her BFA in Animation. She is also developing My Life as a Magical Girl, an upcoming comic series about Selena, a depressed teenager who gets her life turned upside down when a talking cat accidentally turns her and her classmates into “Astral Weavers.” This series aims to shine a spotlight on the mental health of our youth and the difficulty of discovering your “true self” in a world full of negativity. Visit: vickycordova.com, IG: @Vickycreator1.art
YVONNE DE LA CRUZ SANCHEZ is a full-time MJC English instructor, an all-the-time mother, and find-the-time writer. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from AULA, and her short fiction & artwork has been published in Penumbra and Lunch Ticket. These days, she enjoys teaching creative writing, as well as spending late-night hours working on her first graphic novel, The Andronici, which blends Latinx culture with Shakespearian storylines. Yvonne enjoys singing in the shower, collecting Snoopy trinkets, and crocheting mermaid-tale blankets. She currently lives in the Central Valley with her family and spunky Border Collie, Tsuki. Yvonne is a member of the LCAF Advisory. Visit: yvonnedelacruzsanchez.com, IG: @ydlcsanchez
DR. THERESA ROJAS (DocTeeRoh) is Professor of Ethnic Studies and Professor of English at Modesto Junior College where she specializes in comparative media, multi-ethnic comic studies, and visual culture. She is the study guide author for Quince (Fanbase Press) and Monster Matador (2510 Press); essay contributor to RIPPLE EFFECTS (Fanbase Press); cultural consultant for Starlite; (Overcast) and editor of Dave Ortega’s graphic biography, Días de Consuelo (Radiator Comics). Her comics appear in Tales from La Vida and From Cocinas to Lucha Libre Ringsides. Theresa is the Founding Director of the Latinx Comic Arts Festival. IG: @DocTeeRoh, @LatinxComicArtsFest
