Jaime Hernandez and his brothers, Gilbert and Mario, started the Love and Rockets comic books in 1981, helping to define the alternative comic scene that focused on independently produced long-form comics for adults. Los Bros Hernandez were also the first to introduce fully developed, complex Latino communities and Latina characters to the comics world.
Written primarily by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, the Love and Rockets stories alternate between the brothers, with each drawing his own characters. Jaime's most recognizable characters are Maggie and Hopey, who early in the series are a couple of punk rockers who live in Hoppers, a Mexican barrio in southern California. Over the years, the women have aged, leaving their youthful adventures behind for more adult ones.
Jaime Hernandez was raised in Oxnard, California in a house full of comics. He and his brothers and sister were introduced to comics and rock and roll by their mother who had been an avid comic book fan growing up. In the 1970's Jaime was active in the Southern California punk rock scene that he beautifully chronicles in Love and Rockets. He lives with his family in California.
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The Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection is located in Sid Richardson Hall, Unit 1, on the east side of campus at the northwest corner of Red River and Clyde Littlefield Drive (formerly Manor Road.) Parking is available in Lot 38, adjacent to Sid Richardson Hall, with entry from Red River Street.
The Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection embodies more than 80 years of The University of Texas at Austin's commitment to create and maintain a specialized research library dedicated to the culture and history of Latin America and of U.S. Latinos. The Benson Collection is part of the University of Texas Libraries.
Portrait photo of Jaime Hernandez and drawing of Maggie and Hopey used with permission of Jaime Hernandez.
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