Comics have long been a space for creative storytelling and vibrant art. For creators Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo, it’s also a powerful way to represent Latinx culture, often overlooked in mainstream media.
During a recent talk at the University of Houston-Downtown, they discussed their journey into comics, collaboration, and the importance of authentic storytelling.
Growing up with Comics
Both Anta and Salcedo found their love for comics early in life, but their paths to creating them were unique. “I grew up with comics, anime, and cartoons,” Anta recalled.
“But growing up, I didn’t see much Latinx representation in the medium. So, I started writing stories from a Latino perspective.” For Salcedo, the drive came from an innate passion for drawing. “I’ve always loved drawing,” he said. “My mom pushed me into art college, and that’s when I began creating my own comics.”
The Power of the Comics Medium
When asked what makes comics a powerful form of story telling, Anta highlighted the unique way they can engage readers. “With comics, you can read at your own pace,” he explained. “You can slow down and really di gest each individual scene.” Salcedo pointed out the close-knit community of creators. “It’s a small community of great people, which makes working in comics even more special,” he said.
Collaborating as Creators
The duo’s collaboration has been an organic process built on mutual respect and shared interests. They began working on mini-com ics together, using smaller projects to hone their teamwork and craft. “We share ideas and stories back and forth, brainstorming on what we can create together,” Anta said. Salcedo agreed, adding, “It’s very natural for us to collaborate. We have the same interests and ideas.”
Research & Reality in Their Work
Research plays a key role in their creative process, especially for Anta. “All my writing comes from personal interests and emotions,” he said. “Whether it’s fantasy or super hero stories, they’re all grounded in real events.” For Salcedo, the visual aspect requires accuracy.
“Real places make drawing easier. I use Google Maps and his historical photos to ground things like character designs and clothing.” When asked about the challenges of designing characters, Salcedo admitted that creating a new Blue Beetle suit was tough. “It’s alien tech, so it was hard to balance that with a sense of realism,” he said.
Representing Latinx Identity
For Anta, writing about Lat inx identity is crucial. “We make up 20% of the population but are only about 6% of the creators in media,” he said. “I feel a responsibility to tell these stories authentically.”
One way Anta incorporates Latinx culture into his work is through language. “My focus is always on what’s authentic—what language the characters would realistically be speaking.”
Comics as Tools for Social Change
Both creators see comics as a platform for social change. Anta recalled how, after his first comic, readers reached out to say it was the first time they’d seen themselves represented in the media.
“Art should reflect the real world,” he said. “It’s a tool to shatter pre-existing notions of marginalized groups.” Salcedo, too, spoke about the power of telling stories that matter, particularly their work focused on the U.S.-Mexico border. “It was the first time I’d seen a story near the border, and it was important to respect and share that story,” he said. Anta emphasized the importance of confronting the realities of the border.
“The border is a highly politicized place, but migration has been happening forever,” he said. “If we want this global economy to continue, we need migrants. It’s important to inspire and educate people about this.” For Anta, the overarching message of his work is about understanding and sharing stories.
“What’s happening at the border isn’t new; it’s just evolved,” he said. Despite the challenges and pushback, including frequent rejections from publishers, Anta remains committed to his vision. “These books are for social change, so pushback is expected,” he said.
Moving Forward: Authenticity and Representation
Anta and Salcedo’s dedication to telling real, grounded stories from a Latinx perspective is clear in everything they create. Whether designing new characters, working on bilingual books, or confronting social issues like migration, their work reflects their belief in the power of comics to teach, inspire, and spark change. In a world where Latinx representation is still limited, creators like Anta and Salcedo are leading the charge, ensuring that their stories—and the stories of their communities—are heard
