Hot Mexican Love Comics

Just a reminder....

2011-07-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

As always, all purchases made at this year's Comic Con will be accompanied by either a free hug from Bean Robot or a free punch to the face from Angry Bob*.

Find us at:

Small Press Pavilion

Table N8

Don't forget to stop by and get your free gift!

*Our choice

Any minute now

2011-07-19T22:01:00.001-07:00

you will be standing at our booth and DEMANDING one of our exclusive

HOT MEXICAN LOVE COMICS t-shirts.

(and I'm talking to you Monelle)

but I give you fair warning, these are extremely limited.

We poured a ton of passion into making them, and then used these actual shirts to wipe the sweat off our sexy chests to infuse MAXIMUM PASSION!!

And where can you find them?

We will once again be in the Small Press Area

Table N8

in attendance:

L-Dogg

Angry Bob

Senor Ira

& of course Beanrobot

(The Lady Janice will be at home this year caring for the littlest member of our passion posse, sorry fellas)

note: due to prior obligations, we will not be at Preview Night (Wednesday).

The heat will rise starting Thursday morning around 11 am

It's been a long year, Lovers, and our juices are flowing.

We can't wait to see you.

(Bring protection, if you know what I mean)

This week...

2011-07-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, we will be there

WEHO BOOKFAIR THIS SUNDAY

2010-09-23T23:30:00.001-07:00

Hola Amigos.

The Season of Fall has fallen into our laps,

and though the leaves may be leaving the trees

there will be HEAT... you know what I'm talkin' bout!

Hot Mexican Love Comics will be making its return to the

9th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair

Sunday, September 26, 2010

10AM to 6PM

West Hollywood Park

647 N. San Vicente Blvd.

FREE Parking at the Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Ave.

scheduled to attend:
L-Dogg
Senor Ira
Lady J
Beanrobot
(while they are wearing the newest in guyaberras, you may refer to them as
"The Tangerine Dream")

We will be in the Comic, Arts, Sci-fi & Horror area
(the green area on the map above)
Section D 13- 16
Table F
(The "F" stands for "Fantasy")

As usual, we will be there selling the latest issue of Hot Mexican Love Comics, in addition to shot glasses. Our crew will also be signing, sketching, giving advice on Love and raffling off hugs! AND we will also have a fresh batch of HMLC shirts for sale! ¡ARRIBA!

So keep your Sabado Noche pequeño to insure that you will have enough energy to get your rump out of bed and shake that thing over to WeHo and face the love.

(Damn, am I FUNKY!)

See you Sunday!

HOT Diggity DOG!

2010-08-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos!

Some dreams really do come true, and some happen when you least expect it. This particular dream happened right after Comic Con. Some of you may have heard about it, or perhaps even seen a photo of it. But how many of you have had the opportunity to experience the world famous

"Oscar Mayer Wienermobile".

Three weeks ago while I was eating my lunch, I was alerted that the Wienermobile was parked behind the studio where I work. I went to check it out (finding it empty) just as the drivers returned from their lunch break! A wink and a smile later, I found myself being given a tour of the famous Frank on Wheels.

And being the passionate Lover that I am, I did not arrive empty handed.

It's not a Taco, but it goes just as well with HMLC.

and check out the custom embroidery on the seats!

Sharing the Love, I figured one good turn deserves another, so I happily gave "Pepper Jackie Cheese" and "Nacho Cheese Nikita" a tour of Rough Draft Studios (where I work).

Notice the hot dogs on the dash.

And the Vanity Plate.

You can check out more info. on the Wienermobile at the Hotdogger blog. Thanks again to "Pepper Jackie Cheese" and "Nacho Cheese Nikita" for the tour. Safe travels (which are now also "passionate travels" with their own copy of HMLC 2010).

Y'know, sometimes I do wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener.

That is something I never thought I could be.

But since I am a Hot Mexican Lover,

everybody is already in love with me!

Gracias a los amantes

2010-08-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

HOLA AMIGOS

Another round of thanks goes out today to the contributors of the 2010 edition:

Phil Allora

Ted Blackman

Alex Campos

Susy Campos

Mick Cassidy

Liz Climo

Rodney Clouden

Keith Conroy

Valerie Fletcher

Michael Kenny

Shawn Murray

Caleb Meurer

Rod Mojica

John Roback

Stephen Sandoval

Ethan Spaulding

Paul Wee

No one man can make an anthology. And as talented as any artist is, the fact remains that no lone individual can accomplish as much as 17 Mexican Lovers. These bleeding heart romantics devote their time, skills and artistic soul so that your lives will be all the more pleasurable, profitable and passionate!

My lips are so parched from the kisses I have bestowed upon them, I have bought stock in "Chap Stick". So please do this humble editor a favor: if you see any of the Gaupos or Chulas listed above, stop them in their tracks, hold your head up high and kiss them as passionately as Ricardo Montalbán would.

This is MINIMUM of thanks they all deserve:

Front Cover Artist Paul Wee with Senor Ira and The Lady Janice.

Freshman Lover Phil Allora poses for the camera and with a camera and then helped work the booth!

Back Cover Artist Rod Mojica and Model Celeste P. pose with the Nucleus.

Back Cover Model Celeste P. poses with her painting. She created many smiles as she signed copies for fans.

Not to be outdone by Celeste, but Keith Conroy's return to the book made quite an impact. His story rocked, he worked the table with us and he drew original artwork which was raffled off for our fans! Arriba!

La Reina Blanca also stopped by to audition for the role of next year's cover model. Place your votes here or on our facebook page.

con Amor Y Besos,

Senor Ira

Once again, we are Blessed

2010-08-03T13:49:00.001-07:00

Hola Lovers

We are finally back in the swing of things now that our annual visit to San Diego is over. As such, there are many thanks to go around. And the first round is to you, our loyal fans and readers.

This was our fifth consecutive year exhibiting at Comic-Con and I am proud to say that we had more return customers than ever before! We are a bit humbled and glad that we are doing something right in the ways of Love. But we have always been confident in out content (we are more than just a sexy cover).

Here are a few shots from the Con (with more to come), while even more can be seen at our Facebook page.

The above shot is "The Space Pope". The power above has sent him and his presence graces our booth EVERY YEAR. A million kisses goes out to you, your Holiness!

Monelle, we love you. And your shirt is on the way.

The Blues Brothers mix their soul with Amor

May you all have a most Sensual Siesta.

A day to recoup

2010-07-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

Wow.

What a passionate group. And so handsome too!

Hola Amigos.

San Diego International Comic-Con 2010 has come and gone.

And thanks to you, it was one of our most successful shows. There's a lot of thanks to go around, but they will have to wait.

We dispensed so much passion over the past five days that we need a break to recharge the love batteries. But if you need a little fix, you can check us out at our Twitter site (http://twitter.com/hmlcomics) or at our Facebook Page.

AND if you become a member of the Facebook Page, the passion in your life will increase approximately 17.5%!

How can that happen? Because we love you.

The above photo is the Nucleus/booth crew for the con this past year: Beanrobot (Albert), Senor Ira (aka The Thrillionaire), The Lady Janice (Lady J.), KeyCon (our N.Y. based Lover) and L-Dogg (LarryDigital). Collectively known as

"The Tangerine Dream"

Goodnight Sweet Lovers,

stay warm under the covers.

details and guidelines

2010-07-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos!

We are using every last moment prepping for the "Big Show". What surprises do we have in store for all you faithful Lovers?

Not even we know because we don't know what we will be able to finish before we depart for San Diego.

Here is a map so you can find us at Comic-Con.

Once again, we will be in the

Small Press Area - table O14.

Share this map and info with all your friends.

Schedule of events at our Table:

Wednesday (Preview Night): Sorry Amigos, Wednesday is Hump Day. No HMLC for you.

Thursday: sell comics & shot glasses, sketch for fans, give advice on Love and perhaps a hug or two

Friday: sell comics & shot glasses, sketch for fans, give advice on Love and perhaps a hug or two

Saturday: sell comics & shot glasses, sketch for fans, give advice on Love and perhaps a hug or two

Sunday: sell comics & shot glasses, sketch for fans, give advice on Love and perhaps a hug or two,

raffle off Albert's phone number

We may also be calling "Angry Bob" intermittently throughout the con since he decided to recharge his Canadian batteries back in his homeland instead of being with you, our fans and followers. For a small fee, you may be able to actually speak to Angry Bob in Canada (That's another Comic-Con exclusive!)

Lovers scheduled to be at the table:

Senor Ira

L-Dogg

The Lady Janice

The Space Pope (not a Lover, but a Saint)

and everybody's favorite... Beanrobot (Albert)!

Friends of Love and Lovers unto themselves

Here are a couple of shout-outs to some other passionate people who deserve your attention (and your disposable income). They are all friends and animators and have their own tables/booths at Comic-Con. Be sure to tell 'em "Hot Mexican Love" sent ya.

Louie Del Carmen - table G04: Louie is a frequent contributor to our anthology, an obsessed workhorse, an amazing artist and a good friend. He self publishes comics and sketchbooks and has a great ongoing blog "Random Anomalies", which you should definitely check out

Paul Wee (Red Eye Art) - table D04: Paul is our Cover artist and if you read our blog, you would be saying "Haven't you kissed his ass enough already, Senor?"

No , I have not.

Go to his table and buy some of his stuff.

Conduct Happiness - 4830: Chris Sonnenburg (along with partner Joe Moshier) has reinvented the "Pea" in "Happiness" (or is it "Pee"?). Chris is another huge talent and his wares are adorable. In addition to their usual stuff, C.H. has published it's very first "Golden Book", get it while it lasts. And you can also go to his website to see what is making everybody so damn happy.

Vaya con Amor, Amigos. Hope to see you all later in the week.

THIS WEEK!!!

2010-07-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

Here you go Amigos.

Take this image off our blog and spread the word of Love.

We will be there, will you?

Visitors will be rewarded... with passion!

In Transit

2010-07-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos,

Just over one week left until Comic-Con and the tension is on the rise as we anxiously await the arrival of our book. I have been in touch with our printer in Canada and they have shipped. The real question is what day will it arrive?

In the meantime, let me tease you with another entry from the 2010 addition. This week brought to you from another freshman lover, the uber-talented Phil Allora. I must give extra credit and kudos to Phil. Here is a list of his Hot Mexican Love trials and accomplishments:

-I met Phil at last year's Convention (he bought our book and also works with Albert). I was unfamiliar with his work and he asked to be a contributor in the book. And although I gave him a hard time about it, Albert assured me he was a good kisser. Knowing that Albert is also a good kisser (so I've heard) I trust him, and yet I still vetted Phil more than McCain vetted Palin.

-he took the comic and deadline VERY seriously

-he was the first person to turn in a submission for the 2010 edition

-he did one of the longer stories in the 2010 edition

-his story totally ROCKS! It looks and reads AMAZING! Sincerely.

If I didn't know better, I'd say Phil did an amazing job just to make me feel sheepish for giving him a hard time when I first met him. But this is HOT MEXICAN LOVE. We don't hold grudges, we share the love and spread the passion.

So Muchos Gracias to Phil. You are top-notch in my book! Amigos, you should also check out his Blog and Deviant Art Page. And if you see Phil, do what I plan on doing, ask for one of those muy feugo besos that Albert was raving about.

Hope to see you all next week!

(small press: table O14)

¡Convention Exclusive 2010!

2010-07-09T23:59:00.001-07:00

Hold onto your sombreros because we've done it again!

It's clean. It's green. And it can finally be seen!

Hot Mexican Love Comics is proud to announce the third in our series of shot glasses (affectionately known as the "Sombrero Series"). This year featuring our very own "Padre Prick"

Be the envy of all your compadres as you drink a shot from the only drinking receptacle guaranteed to increase the potency of what it contains by a minimum of 17%. How do we do it? The answer is simple...

because we love you.

Available only at Comic-Con, this is one exclusive you will not want to miss. Other exhibitors at the con limit their exclusive items to a few thousand... HOGWASH! To keep up the value, we limited our production run to less than 200! The first of our series sold out. Don't be left behind this year too! Be sure to swing on by our table of Comics, Romance & Machismo and demand your shot glass. On second thought, you should buy two. Why? Because we love you.

See you in the Small Press Area: table O14

Evolution of a Cover

2010-07-06T23:43:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos

Well, we are just two weeks away from Comic-Con 2010,

so I thought it would be a good time to reveal the cover for our next pulse-pounding edition:

We think it is "Outta this World!"

We can't thank the Artist/Contributor/Mexican-Lover, Paul Wee, enough for painting another spectacular image to grace the cover of our book. So in honor of Paul, I thought it'd be nice to show a few of the steps it took to create the oven mitt that holds in all the heat.

It all starts with a discussion between Paul and the Editor-In-Chief (that would be me, Senor Ira) about what we'd like to show and what Paul would like to paint. As the E-I-C, priority one is having an image to catch the eye of people walking by our book (or booth as it may be). Our book title contains it all: our lifestyle, credo, attitude. One would think with a title like that you might not need an image, just text. But it is our image that speaks to the illiterate, for even those remedially challenged can speak the international language of Love.

Paul had requested to doing something with a "Pulp Novel" feel to it, a bit retro. Maybe a crime scene. I mentioned that I was thinking about something with an "Outer Space" feel, and perhaps we could combine the two. Well, Paul LOVED the idea and immediately drew up some concepts to play around with. The first two were basic space ideas with strong silhouttes of a sexy Latina:

But the third concept is what really got the ball rolling:

HML planting a flag for interplanetary love had a nice feel to it. Outer Space with some lovelorn Aliens added a touch of whimsey. Paul then fleshed out some other poses and ideas for the nucleus to look over.

Beanrobot saw these and said "That pose with her ass is the $#!t"

I agreed. Even the Lady Janice said "I like the one with the girl showing her tushy". But we also wanted to show more of outer space, and maybe a planet. To which Paul combined all the elements for this sketch:

And thus, we had our cover sketch! I gave Paul the green light to move forward and paint the cover.

As much as I like to control various aspects of the book, I always want the contributors to have fun and be proud of what they are creating. I like to keep things within a certain guideline for our style and I'm happy to toss ideas around with them. But ultimately, it is the artists name that goes on the final piece and I want them to do it as much for themselves as they are for the whole of the book.

If you'd like to see more of Paul's work and possibly meet the man himself, he will be on hand at Comic-Con this year at

the Red Eye Art table: D04

He will have his own sketchbooks available there and will also be willing to sign your copies of Hot Mexican Love Comics!

See you soon Lovers!

Worked to the Bone

2010-06-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos and fans of Amor.

Another quick little update to keep your addiction healthy and viable. We are a mere three weeks away from delivering the goods to you, and to say that we are excited about it is putting it mildly.

Once again, we will be in the small press area: table O14

(this is a different spot than the last few years, same aisle, but now in the middle, not the corner. More details to come. But don't worry about not finding us, much like "the Force", Love knows the way)

For our returning customers, who possess and cherish all of our wares, fear not, because not only will we will have the new 2010 edition of our guide to love and romance (with a splash of comedy) available, but also a new convention exclusive shot glass! (details on that coming soon). Also available will be our dwindling number of past issues for those who need to complete their collection.

The above image is brought to you by Stephen Sandoval, Animation Director/first-time contributor who really captured the theme of the book with his submission. Can't wait to show you the whole story.

Stay passionate my friends...

The PROOF is in the pudding

2010-06-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

... and the proof sheet is in my hands!

This past Friday I received the inspection copy of the book. And do you expect me to report anything less than CALIENTE' when it comes to our book?

We really are pleased with how it came it out. Truly one of the best editions we have put together. And although this was the quickest we put the book together, in no way did we just crap it out. You'll find out for yourself soon enough.

This month's teaser image is brought to you from another Freshman Lover who is also a Protege to our very own founder/Beanrobot, Albert.

Valerie Fletcher take a bow and enjoy your anonymity while it lasts. Because as soon as the book comes out, the Passion Paparazzi will be on you like Black on Beans.

Downs and Ups

2010-06-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Buenos Dias Muchachos Y Muchachas

As open as we are here at HMLC central, we also have our dirty little secrets. Everybody does. And revealing them has become profession for many people and websites. Curse you world wide web!

But without the internet, how would you get your irregular fix of digital passion and Latin heat?

Why am I telling you all this, using our blog to complain? Because I feel compelled to tell you something...

We missed our deadline for the printer.

My apologies amigos, sometimes life gets in the way.

BUT FEAR NOT!!

We were not about to let another year go by without delivering the goods. Being as diligent as we are, there was a contingency plan set up and activated a few weeks ago! What the hell am I writing here? A long drawn out way of saying...

THE 2010 EDITION OF OUR BOOK IS LOCKED, UPLOADED AND AT THE PRINTER!

In just a few weeks, we should have it completed and in our hands and then off to San DIego to sell it to you! Once again, muchos gracias to the nucleus for pulling together and getting everything done.

Beanrobot, L-Dogg, Lady J...Te quiero a todos

The above image is brought to you by Keith Conroy, one of the original contributors to our book back in the mid-nineties. His return was more than worth the wait! You'll find out for yourself next month.

Everybody LOVES Paco

2010-06-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos

Another quick update and some kudos.

The book is just about ready for print and I am quoting Beanrobot when I write

"This is one of the best editions ever!"

But I want to give a shout out to Mexican Lover, Artist and Friend

Shawn "Calves" Murray

There are a number of people who have contributed to five issues of the book, but no one else has featured the same character each time. Shawn is the creator/artist of "Paco" who has become one of the mascots of our book. With the exception of the premiere issue back in 1996, Paco is the only character to appear in every issue (making this his fifth, consecutive appearance).

There was a moment , due to time constraints, when Paco wasn't going to make an appearance for the 2010 edition, but as usual,

Passion trumps time!

I know many people out there are huge fans of our silent and stout, sombrero wearing hero. But I really want to thank Shawn for devoting his time and talent to our book. His Love shines like a beacon that cuts through a foggy night in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mucho Besos Hermano, the next round is on me!

Hungry for something?

2010-05-26T08:12:00.001-07:00

Well here's another tidbit to satisfy your craving for love,

HOT MEXICAN LOVE (comics that is).

Our 2010 edition will be 48 pages

The front cover will once again be painted by fan-favorite Paul Wee!

We will not be distributing through Diamond this time around (at least not yet) so if you live outside of the Los Angeles area, the only way to get this issue is at San Diego Comic-Con.

The capital of Mexico is Mexico City. The main export: Passion.

The above illustration is from Senior Lover, Master of Romance, and Wrangler of the 14" Python... Rodrigo Clouden.

Working FOR and ON the weekend

2010-05-21T09:02:00.001-07:00

WOW

two posts in one month

(told you all I would update)

Senor Ira here to let you know that 90% of the artwork has been viewed by yours truly

(why not 100%, because passion takes time amigos)

The above image is from our fire-haired lover, Ethan Spaulding.

It is not only a tease from his latest story,

but it best conveys my mental state as I compile the book...

I AM GOING LOCO!!

Love carries a price tag,

and it is not always on sale.

May your weekend be filled with hugs, kisses and tequila

(do a shot for me as I will still be working... for you).

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

!Hola Lovers!

Hope you are all having the most festive of celebrations this Fifth of May.

We are working very hard on the next issue, seriously. And promise you an update of all things HMLC very soon. In the meantime, my gift to you is a tiny peek of one of the stories from our next issue. Provided by Freshman lover, Caleb Meurer!

His name is "Burrito", and his passion will become YOURS.

con amor y besos,

Senor Ira

Feliz Neuvo Ano 2010

2010-01-05T08:52:00.001-08:00

Hello again faithful lovers and readers of our comic and blog. To answer a few questions:

YES - this post is delayed

YES - I must show more photos from Comic-Con 2009

YES - we are hard at work with ALL that we do

YES - we still love you

And while we are involved with the multi-tasking of life, love and the creation of great comics books, I hope this brief entry will satisfy you for the time being.

The above photo is of our nucleus: Angry Bob, L-Dogg, Beanrobot, contributor "El Climo", yours truly (Senor Ira) and the sugar on top of your churro, The Lady Janice.

Let us know if you want an autographed copy of the group shot to show off to all your amigos.

APE this weekend!

2009-10-14T23:34:00.000-07:00

Buenos Noches Lovers!

This weekend in the City on the Bay is the

Alternative Press Expo: APE Con!

And Hot Mexican Love Comics will be there! Be sure to get a booster shot of Love by stopping by our table. Lovers on hand include:

L-Dogg

Senor Ira

The Lady Janice

Beanrobot

We will have our expanding library of books available for purchase including a new sketchbook from cover artist Paul Wee (his first solo book, those are in limited supply folks)

Also available are the convention exclusive HMLC Shot Glasses!

This year featuring "Senor Hot Stuff"

(last year's shot glasses were gobbled up quick, you don't want to be left out this time around Amigos)

And once again, we will be auctioning off a

"Date with Albert (BeanRobot)!"

The auction is free with purchase, but the memories will last a lifetime.

So stop on by table 528 for

Music, Laughter, Sketches,

tips on how to pick up women,

tips on how to pick up men (L-Dogg' s specialty),

and most of all: comics!!!

Still alive

2009-10-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Fear not faithful Lovers! We have not gone AWOL, we are just busy.

A quick update for all of you who are located in the Bay Area: L-Dogg, Beanrobot, Lady J & myself will be making our annual appearance at the APE Con in two weeks! (Angry Bob will not be joining us. He has yet another anger management weekend to attend. Mandatory, of course).

More details to come soon!

The Hottest Romance EVER!

2009-09-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Talk about a passion that knows no bounds! Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar (leaders of the brewing Duggar cult) proudly announced the impending arrival of their 19th child! Way to go you two! You certainly know how to keep passion alive.

One would think that after 25 years of marriage and 18 children, the fires may grow a little dim in the furnace, but not for these two. They keep things super hot! I can only imagine the type of hedonistic unions these two join in when behind closed doors. And are there any accompaniments to help them keep the romance in the stratosphere? Literature perhaps? Literature of the Latin-based anthological kind?

If anybody has any information regarding the Duggars having possession of our book, PLEASE let us know (they have not returned my calls or emails). And for more info. on this enormous family, check out this article on the Huffington Post.

So Mazel Tov Duggar family. You are an inspiration to lovers everywhere!

(editor's note: while the staff at Hot Mexican Love Comics thoroughly encourages the art of romance and the act of love-making (both with a partner and by yourself), we also encourage safe-sex and are supporters of the Pro-Choice movement)

SDCC 09 Review: Part Uno

2009-08-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos ¿Como esta?

As the love courses through our veins, so must we blood-let ourselves to share the passion with you.

Comic-Con is always fun. We had a good year filled with laughs, music and sales (Fiesta!) Sadly, the winner of the "Win a date with BeanRobot" was a no-show. But never fear, although Albert was disappointed, many other lover-wannabees were delighted, knowing that their chance at love is only a smile away.

Part of the fun at the show is making new friends, and even better is re-aquainting ourselves with "former customers". We are tickled that you make room in your heart and time at the convention for us.

Preview Night

First off, a huge thanks and kiss on the cheek goes out to artist, friend and contributor, Robert Goodin, for helping me unload my truck and set up the HMLC table at the con. Be sure to check out his blog at Wood Paneled Basement for all things Goodin. While your at it, click over to his second blog, COVERED, which is one of the best new blogs in years. Featuring all kinds of interpretations of Comic Book Covers from every age. It's a Hit!

As for the show, Senor Ira sat alone for three hours, but did as well as could be expected being that most attendees on Wednesday evening were running around for convention exclusives... which we had. The "Senor Hot Stuff" collectible shot glass was a big hit for us. So big that it guarantees a series of shot glasses! Where can you get one? Only at a convention (it's a convention exclusive... duh?) But we will be at APE Con in San Fran in Oct. More on that later.What will number three in the series look like? Well for that you'll have to check here in about 10 months.

Thursday

No more lonely nights or days here, thanks to the arrival of the cutest Belgian you could ever meet. Rudi-riffic, our Belgian Mexican Lover, came down to help spread the love and work the table with yours truly. This was Rudi's second year helping us out at the big show and it was much appreciated. For all of you who requested one of his authentic Belgian Waffles, we apologize for running out so early. But damn are they tasty! If you've had one you know how addictive they are. They are so good they may become a convention exclusive in the future.

Enough words, feast your eyes on some Pics.

Dearest Monelle, your support of our love is better than any brassiere could ever provide.

(And thanks for the Hot Sauce)

Dr. Mrs. The Monarch is believed to be the winner of the

"Win a Date with BeanRobot" contest.

Some people feel it was a fix. For her, I think it is just a loss.

Sweet Christmas! Powerman knows where the love is!

Comedian and Silk Spectre.

Awesome Costumes, Terrible Movie adaptation.

(Great taste in Comics though)

Orale' Harlow. Keep it real 'til next year Hermano.

Oops, my bad, THIS is a pic of the winner of the "Win a Date with Beanrobot". Perhaps he wasn't macho enough to go out on a date with a real Mexican Lover.

That's enough for now. Stay tuned for review: Part Dos!

The Last Convention

2009-08-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

... last WEEK that is.

Sorry for the delay in updates, Lovers. After a long five days of spreading the love, it takes almost a week to recoup. (Jeez Louise, we may be super romantic but we are not Super human).

Until I have the proper time alloted for a more detailed update and commentary, the above photo of the Nucleus with the Space Pope, must suffice. Yes, once again the "Pasion Index" was HIGH. Overall, we had a good show and thank all of you, our loyal readers, followers and R.I.T.'s (Romantics-in-Training) for stopping by and continuing to spread our gospel of Latin Love.

may vestri vita exsisto repletus per perturbatio quod comic libri,

Senor Ira

Let the Games Begin!

2009-07-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Comic-Con is here!

HOT MEXICAN LOVE COMICS

Small Press Area

Table N8

Angry Bob!

L-Dogg!

Senor Ira!

The Lady Janice!

Rudi-riffic!

Beanrobot!!

YOU!!!

Be There.

(Dress Casual, our crimes of Passion are legal)

¡CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE 2009!

2009-07-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Due to the OVERWHELMING success of

last year's Shot Glass,

we're doing it again!

Only at San Diego Comic-Con 2009 will you be able to purchase the second in what may become a series of collectible shot glasses brought to you by your favorite Banditos de Amor. The Hot Mexican Love Comics shot glass (numero dos) features our very own " Senor Hot Stuff " on one side, and a personal invitation inscribed on the other.

Hailed by both dignitaries and alcoholics as "The most satisfying non-organic object to touch their lips", the Hot Mexican Love Comics Shot Glass is the best way to reminisce your time of unbridled pasion.

As with all of our products, this drinking receptacle was crafted with the sweat of our love, the tears of our romance and an internet manufacturing company. How can you pass that up? Bonus with each purchase: you get to actually touch the flesh (a handshake, a hug or ???) of the HMLC team member working the booth at the time!

HMLC team members scheduled to attend:

-Senor Ira

-L-Dogg

-Angry Bob

-The Lady Janice (handshakes only hombres)

-Rudi-riffic, Our Belgian Casanova

and everybody's favorite, Beanrobot... ALBERT!!

So be sure to make your annual pilgrimage to our sensual little booth and purchase yours before they run out. (And purchase a couple extra to resell on eBay while you're at it.)

See in the Small Press Area table N8

As always, con amor,

Senor Ira

p.s. we will NOT be doing shots at the booth this year (Comic-Con Org. slapped our wrists for doing that last time), but feel free to buy us a drink after convention hours!

Senor Hot Stuff wants YOU!!

2009-07-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos!

The San Diego Comic-Con 2009 is right around the corner and things sure are HOT here at our HQ.

What type of things you ask? Well you'll just have to check back here for updates regarding our return to the Big Show in San Diego Next Week!

See you then Lovers.

Hot AFRICAN Love!!

2009-05-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here it is, true believers!

Proof that our modern day "Kama Sutra/Personal Improvement Life Guide" knows no boundaries, plays no favorites and transcends cultural, economical & technological ways of life.

The above photo was taken in Tanzania, in the famous Serengeti Nat'l Park! No, these are not people in costume, they are authentic Maasai Tribespeople, whose age-old way of life has just become,

you guessed it... MORE PASSIONATE.

(to learn more about the Maasai, click here)

One may figure that perhaps our multicultural magazine was given to our indigenous friends, due to the fact they are holding the latest issue. But as the astute viewer can tell, by presence of the baby being held on the right and the expectant mother on the left, the Maasai are obviously quite familiar with our book and it's romantic results. Viva Amor!

Now I don't deny being present to take the photo. I mean, let's be serious. It's one thing for the Maasai to own copies of our book. But to think that they not only have a digital camera, computers AND a reliable internet connection in the middle of a region which spans approx. 30,000 square Kilometers and whose names translates into "endless plains"...bah!

This other photo is of yours truly, during the same excursion, at the base of what is the highest peak on the whole continent,

Mount Kilimanjaro!

It had been a dream of mine to see the famous peak with my own eyes. And with the assistance of Hot Mexican Love Comics, another one of my dreams came true. So be sure to run down to your local retailer and pick up the latest issue if you haven't already. And then sit back and let your dreams become reality.

con amor, esperanza y sueños,

Senor Ira

MORE Love around the world

2009-05-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

Happy May Lovers!

Team Sherak is back from its world travels and happy to show the Love has spread even further. Pictured is my wife in the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland, with its famous castle high in the background.

Now, although I admit to keeping a copy of the most passionate comic-anthology on the shelves today with me at most times. The photo is being posted to prove one of its other features (aside from enhancing the passion in your life). It was approx. 40 degrees F at the time this photo was taken (note my wife's apparel). And at this point, she was not carrying the book to show off our location, but to keep warm! If you're reading this, you know how much heat this book radiates!

Many of our loyal readers already know of the magical properties contained within our home-brewed literature. But here is some non-photoshopped proof of why people should keep a copy of Hot Mexican Love Comics with them at all times.

Keep spreading the love amigos,

Senor Ira

Love around the World

2009-03-02T21:29:00.001-08:00

Bonjourno Lovers,

Sorry for the delay in posts. Mind you I am not apologizing for myself, but for the other members of our Comic Nucleus who should be posting to keep the love flowing.

The above photo was taken in the city of Venice, Italy, at St. Mark's Square. And as I am about to embark on another world travel which will bring EVERYBODY'S favorite Latin-themed Comic Anthology to yet another continent, I decided to post some fun photos from last year's adventure, where our Latin-themed Comic made a splash in another country with a Latin-based language.

The photo below was taken by yours truly, it features my good friend and loyal fan of passion, Steve Holand, with a gondola driver who claims that if he held the romance within the pages of our periodical, the pure energy of the book combined with the atmosphere of this most romantic of cities would singe his hands and prevent him from earning a living.

I believed every word. As did Steve, which is why he is wearing gloves while holding the book.

Look for my next update from across the globe next month.

Amor Y Besos,

Senor Ira

Feliz Nuevo Ano!

2009-01-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

Buenos Dias Friends & Lovers of all shapes, sizes & sexual proclivities!

Welcome to 2009. Last night the HMLC Nucleus (minus Angry Bob who was temporarily deported north of the border to his Motherland) gathered and celebrated the New Year of many different countries every hour, on the hour, all the while spreading our Latin Cheer! We hope that your celebration was as festive as ours.

Big things are in store this upcoming year and we hope you will all be on board for our journey. What kind of things you ask? Well, first and foremost, we are working on a plan for World Peace, which is a subsidiary project of our "Spread the Love Foundation". Stay tuned for more on that.

There will also be a shift in the editing of the book for our next issue. Larry "L-Dogg" Reynosa will be returning to the frontlines of the publishing/editing side of the book, with Canada's own "Angry Bob" Bowen co-helming the project and adopting the title "Editor-In-Chief". Utilizing his furious disposition, Bob is quoted as saying "J. Jonah Jameson is gonna seem like Mahatma Ghandi compared to me." Remember Bob, this is Hot Mexican LOVE.

Why the shift in control? The reasons are varied, but mostly, to devote time to my upcoming nuptuals. And after three consecutive years of donating our spare time to passion, Albert "Beanrobot" Calleros and myself could use a break. (Albert can also use a date after the rejection he got at the pub last night. NO LADIES, he IS NOT impotent.)

Looking back at the past few years, they've been good. I will miss heralding the book this season. I will also miss the holiday glasses people wear on New Years since 2000. You know the ones, where the lenses are put in the centered, double zero slots. It will be another 900 years 'til society gets to enjoy those again.

I will continue to do some posts here now and again, so stay tuned. May your New Year be a joyous one filled with Amor, Besos Y Pasion (I know mine will be).

And look for "Hot Mexican Love Comics 2009" coming this July.

Viva Romance,

Senor Ira

Feliz Kwanzaa!

2008-12-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

Buenos Dias Amigos,

All of here at HMLC Central want to wish you and your Lovers the most Passionate Kwanzaa ever.

Con Amor Y Besos,

Bean Robot

L-Dogg

Angry Bob

the Lady Janice

Senor Ira

Wet APE doesn't disappoint

2008-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Buenos Tardes Lovers

Sorry for the delay in posts, especially since our return from San Francisco. I know you have been lonely and craving a digital shot of love, and we here at HMLC central are happy to be your internet pimps.

As previously mentioned, HMLC has a great relationship with the denizens of the City on the Bay. And it really showed this year as the bulk of our sales came from former customers! It was overwhelming and flattering at the amount of people who came by the table looking for us and the latest issue of our graphic comedy romance. And to all of you, I bid you Muchos Besos & Muchos Gracias.

Leaving Friday Afternoon (Halloween), Lady J & myself stepped into our rented Chevy Cobalt to make tracks for what would be our third consecutive appearance at APE Con. Beanrobot (Albert) rode up with freshman lover, Chris Bennett, and we actually passed one another along the way. Lady J was in the drivers seat for the bulk of the ride and when she saw Mr. Bennett casually pass by on the 5 Freeway, she broke the speed limit (by over 30 mph!) to catch up. Exclaiming "No way am I gonna let those Candy-Asses beat us to San Fran!"

The weather for the weekend was not favorable, but nonetheless we endured. It rained most of Saturday, which we feel inhibited sales, but we still did well. By the end of the day, the rains had stopped, but by then it was also dark. My memories of anecdotes that day are now fuzzy, but I do remember Beanrobot shouting out to what looked like a woman. He yelled "Excuse me Sir!" as Lady J & myself went wide-eyed and began to laugh. Albert then hid his embarrassed face behind a copy of our book.

Another surprise that happened that Saturday was getting a call from "Angry Bob", stating his parole officer was too busy to meet with him and that he could join us in San Fran for the second day of the show. I don't know what time he left L.A., but he appeared at the convention about 15 minutes before closing. Having Bob join is a big help, and also allowed Lady J & myself to leave early on that Sunday for a prior engagement.

Sales were good, not San Diego good, but this is a much smaller show. And we did do better than the previous years at APE. But more importantly, we were thanked MANY times over for "Sharing the Love" Thus guaranteeing our return north for next years convention. We hope to see you all there.

Enjoy these photos of some of YOU, our loyal fans:

Shawn & Chris were the first of our fans to find us and sing the praises of our love.

this couple were a little too into their passionate outfits and insisted on flogging your truly

This is Scott, he showed up with our classic 90's issues to get them signed by Albert & me. Our loyal customers know no bounds!

Matt Groening shared the love and showed support by purchasing the latest issue.

He mentioned he always wanted to do a book of "Art by Simpsons Artists". Too bad we beat him to it.

Things got too hot too handle at times, so the San Francisco Fire Dept. had to stop by.

No citations were issues, only advice on Amor.

Carin, one of our most loyal fans. We love you.

And finally, no, this IS NOT HMLC lover & contributor John Fountain. I think his name was "Bryson" But Albert & I did a double take as he approached. His look, his dress, even his speech pattern emulated the unflappable artist of the water trilogy. We took a video to prove it. Perhaps one day I'll figure out how to upload it.

Adios Amigos!

APE Con San Francisco! This weekend!

2008-10-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Buenos Noches Lovers!

Well, it's been a few months since our last convention, and despite having two re-orders from our distributor (not two issues, but two orders of multiple issues), we have gotten reports of a decline in love nationwide. I have no idea what disease has taken hold of the emotional deprived in this nation (perhaps the upcoming election), but your Bandoliers of Love are gonna start spreading the cure... THIS WEEKEND!

And what better place to do that but San Francisco!

The Alternative Press Expo returns this weekend, Sat & Sun, Nov 1 & 2
at the Concourse Exhibition Center located at 620 7th Street, San Francisco.

San Francisco has always been good to Hot Mexican Love and we're gonna be good right back! (side note: the only reason Tony Bennett left his heart there was to insure a return trip). In attendance shall be myself, my Bonita Senorita, Lady J, and the most macho hombre I know, the co-creator/co-publisher of Hot Mexican Love Comics, Beanrobot himself... Albert!

We will be located at table 561 (see below)

We will be on hand with our entire library (featuring our 2008 edition), signed prints of the 2008 cover and our limited-edition, convention exclusive shot glasses (click here to catch a glimpse at earlier post). Get to our booth early because the shot glasses are sure to run out. We will also be happy to sign copies and perhaps even do a little sketching for our most passionate customers.

Also on hand (at their own tables) will be Contributing Lovers: Louie del Carmen, Rob Goodin, Chris Bennett and Rafael Navarro (be sure to look them up when you get there).

For further info, click here

Hope to see you all there!

p.s. due to an anger management session and an argument with his parole officer,
Angry Bob will NOT be in attendance
(Lo Siento Amigos)

APE is coming

2008-10-15T23:24:00.001-07:00

Just a little tease until I have more time to properly inform all of you, our passionate fans and wannabee lovers.

(For those who are completely in the dark, the light will shine in San Francisco)

Sneak Peek at New Hot Mexican Love Sensation!

2008-09-17T09:07:00.001-07:00

Author-Artist Tom Welch let the HMLC blog have this world exclusive sneak-peek at his top-secret new project. We call first dibs on the movie rights!

Del Carmen Delivers on Design!

2008-09-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Buenos Dias Lovers and Fans across the net. The HMLC Nucleus continues to recoup from San Diego and prep for APE in San Francisco, but our contributors keep spreading the love!

Louie del Carmen has been a contributor with the book since its inception back in 1996, and has contributed to everything we have published (except for our 2006 issue). He has two of his own blogs (check out the link on our sidebar), self-publishes his own books, storyboards like a man possessed and is a great kisser (so his wife tells me). So it was no surprise that the Character Design blogspot, chose to interview him recently.

Louie gives a glimpse of everything del Carmen and gives a proper shout-out to HMLC, mentioning that we were around before all these other recent studio anthologies. Huzzah!

To read the interview CLICK HERE.

And gracias to you Louie, your friendship and love continue to be an inspiration.

Comic Con Report, Pt. 2

2008-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

You know, Ira brings up a great point in his update below. I have never understood the "I have no money" excuse. If you don't want a book, fine. There's no need to lie. Why not just admit that you hate love and have no interest in re-igniting the passion in your life? That's a perfectly acceptable reason as well and it's much more honest. Look, I know we have high pressure sales tactics and sometimes when we lock in on someone it can be difficult for some people to walk away. So they just come up with the simplest excuse possible (to them) to walk away. All I'm saying is that a simple "No" will suffice.

It's been about 15 years since I actually worked in the comic book industry so another thing I love about the convention is that it gives me an opportunity to reconnect with old friends. And unlike Albert and Ira, I don't really know too many of the creators personally. Sure, I know who they are and what they do for the book but often times I can't really put too many faces to names. Even the lovely and talented Mr. Ethan Spaulding of Operation: Gutterball fame, the man who illustrated my "Encuentro de la Semana" love letter to luchadores in the latest issue is someone who I've never actually met (we have, however, spoken many times on the phone). Getting the chance to actually talk to some of our creators face to face is always a nice treat. Almost. Angry Bob is shockingly less interesting then you'd think he'd be. Go figure.

And then there's the usual cast of characters. Friends that I see a little more frequently but I was still happy to see them nonetheless, namely HMLC contributors Rob Goodin, Louie Del Carmen and Rafael Navarro, who, as previously mentioned, shared our table. These creators in particular are usually at the various shows pushing their own individual products so they're hustling just the same we are. By the way, be sure you click those links and check out their books too!

Here's another round of pics for your enjoyment....

The Teen Titans' Hawk & Dove were very excited to find our booth. Very excited. Especially Dove there on the left.

And while we're on the subject of thinly veiled phallic symbols.... here's Plastic Man.

Chewbacca? More like COOLbacca.

Hellloooooooo Kitty

These little ladies were at the con promoting the cosplay café, Royal/T in Culver City. According to their flyer, Royal/T is Los Angeles' first meido kissa restaurant which basically means that the service staff there dress as, and I quote, "elegant maids." I'm told that the café primarily caters to otaku, aka obsessive anime fans. Sounds positively pedo-rific to me.

Oh, hey. What's up, Michelangelo?

Wonder Woman and Awesome-X. Booosh!

I've already talked about this someplace else but I want to go ahead and mention it here. I want to give a very special thanks to Señor Ira. He's the taskmaster that's responsible for putting all of this together, which I'm sure can be like herding cats sometimes. From cracking the whip on the creators, to making sure we're registered for the various conventions, to dealing with the tax collecting section of the City's Office of Finance, Ira is the guy that makes the magic happen. Playing the bad guy can be a thankless job but without him, Hot Mexican Love Comics never would've emerged from it's 10 year hiatus. It may seem like some of us need a break from each other by the time an issue is published but we've all had a tremendous amount of fun because of the book and it's all due to Ira. So thank you, Señor.

So what's next for Hot Mexican Love Comics? In the short term, nothing. I think we're all going to just take a break for a moment. There's the West Hollywood Book Fair coming up in September but I think we're going to skip that one (right, Angry Bob?) so can concentrate on November's Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco. As far as new products are concerned, I believe we may have a new sketchbook ready for APE. We shall see.

Until then, stay tuned. Any new updates will definitely be made here. Thanks for stopping by and we hope to see you all again soon.

Excelsior!

San Diego Comic-Con Review: Day Tres Y Quatro

2008-08-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

The heat was ON!

The rise in temperature came in the form of Larry "L-Dogg" Reynosa, co-founder of the book, who joined us Friday night and worked the Con on Saturday. It was a BUSY day, but manageable with Four of us working the table in shifts, as detailed in his post (see below).

It's been three weeks since the con, so my memory is getting a little fuzzy. But hIghlights included the visit by PLAYBOY.com (see previous posts for links and photos) and visits by various friends, co-workers and lovers.

Speaking of which, Saturday afternoon also ushered in the arrival of my darling, "Lady J". Traveling solo via train to meet up at the convention, my fiancee was worried about getting in the way, knowing how crazy Saturday can be. We already had a full complement of people behind the table and space does become an issue. But contrary to her worries, Janice was a great help. She allowed for longer breaks of the nucleus, kept items and funds in order when behind the table, and got lunch and snacks for the crew during very busy times. MOST important, she became the official photographer of scantily clad MEN, the type which L-Dogg would want to photo himself, but his machismo would never allow.

So for one day of the 2008 Convention we had the full nucleus: Beanrobot, Angry Bob, L-Dogg, the Lady Janice and yours truly, your Ambassador of Amor and Editor-In-Chief, Senor Ira. Yes... Saturday was the biggest day of sales for HMLC. FIESTA!

As a treat to our hard-working crew, we celebrated at a fine dining establishment in the Gaslamp district of downtown San Diego. Special shout out to writer/producer Joss Whedon (of Buffy the Vampire/Serenity fame) he was at the table next to us at the restaurant and took the photo attached below. (Okay, he WAS there, and we did want him to take the photo, but our waiter did it instead).

Sunday, the final day. Larry left Saturday after dinner. Bob had left that morning. We were down to three. But it was a special trio. Albert, Janice & myself worked the first convention of the modern era of HMLC together in San Francisco We were veterans by now. And feeling confident after three solid days of sales, we figured we could relax a little this final day. So much so that we even showed up late (we needed to catch up on some sleep).

The day started a little slow and we started to hear more excuses. One passerby made Albert go through his whole pitch before he revealed "I have no money". Albert's response:

"I'm sorry sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Much to Janice' chagrin (who hates that I push myself and the crew hard for sales), Albert & I agreed that once we hit a certain number of sales for the day we would slow way down, but something unexpected happened. A flurry of activity by people who were waiting for last day sales. Some purchased on previous days and wanted issues from other years, some saw us and promised to come back (and they DID!), some were seeking passion and some just stumbled upon us. But they all did come. And they came to buy! ARRIBA!

One of my favorite sales of the day came in the form of two young men who were looking a bit lost. I offered to assist. They said they were looking for the booth that was giving away "Threats". Let me inform you, dear reader, in the program for the convention which lists info about booths and locations, our submission mentioned "Our talented staff of lovers and artists will be on hand signing, sketches and giving advice on Amor! Special Bonus, Canada's own "Angry Bob" will be on hand this year dispensing hugs and threats!" When I write blurbs like this, which comes from the heart, I don't know who is gonna read or pay attention. But the fact that these two guys came looking for our angriest lover made me happy. They purchased two issues apiece.

So we had a ton of sales, and easily passed our projected number. We were doing so well, that I quickly upped the goal for the day and stayed on focus. Albert agreed as long as he could take a break. DONE! Unfortunately, the last hour of the convention slowed way down. I was hearing far too many excuses of no cash and became surly. I was on a mission of sales. So when someone would stop to talk about the book without purchase, saying "I'd like to buy but I have no money" my new response was "And I have no more time for you", and would turn my back. I apologize friends and future lovers. That was not very considerate. But I was getting punchy after four straight days of selling, and Janice & Albert kept giggling when I would do that.

Albert was also getting desperate. His new tactic was this: he would draw his new character "Chicano Cat" on a post-it along with a note that said "I love you" (it looked something like this):

Then surreptitiously walk over to someone and whisper "hey" and hand him this note. This actually worked a handful of times and people would buy a copy. Albert, you are an artistic genius.

5:00 pm... quiting time was quickly approaching. People were leaving without buying. we were three sales short of our new goal. Janice sat behind the table as Albert & myself pounced on everybody and anybody who passed by. Success came in two forms. My friend Adriana saw us and made a last minute purchase of our convention exclusive shot glasses. And Albert lured in a lovely young lady with his adoring eyes, did a quick sketch and a sale of two books. HUZZAH!

The convention was now over. Our biggest year yet. A lot of work, a lot of passion and a lot of fun. This entry is long enough. Please enjoy this attached photos.

I think we all know EXACTLY "What's goin' on" in this photo

These young lovers met us at last years convention and wanted to keep their relationship HOT!

Stacy Jo... the basement still has some room for you.

(fill in your own comment here)
(Larry edit: "Please, for the love of God, someone call Child Protection Services immediately")

Lady J is practicing for her proctology exam. Albert is a willing patient.

A visit to the consulate is required to insure the love flows.

Despite not being at the convention center, our visit produces some very passionate results.

Comic Con Report, Pt. 1

2008-08-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ahh, July.

Each year, not only does it supply us with horrible stories of illegal fireworks and mutilated teenagers, it also brings with it the San Diego Comic Convention. Which is great because that means it's time to get off my ass and start hustling the last issue of Hot Mexican Love Comics.

We've had a new book each summer for the last 3 years so usually I head down to San Diego for the whole weekend in order to pimp the book to its fullest but this year, with the addition of Jazzy Jake to the Hot Mexican Love family, I knew that I wouldn't be able to go for the entire weekend. Picking my spot, I figured that I'd be able to be the most help on Saturday since that's usually the busiest day. I wanted to get there bright and early as soon as the doors open on Saturday so I left my place around 9:30pm on Friday night.

It's usually a two hour drive from the San Fernando Valley to San Diego so I wasn't too worried about the trip. I had a recently renewed Sirius radio contract, a fully stocked iPod, a bottle of Dr. Pepper and a large packet of Skittles (mmmm, sugar rush) so I was good to go. Traffic's light around that time so I was making good time until I hit Long Beach where the 405 turned in a single lane due to unforeseen "police activity" (thanks KNX 1070) It only pushed me a hour back turning my two hour drive into a three hour drive which normally wouldn't be a huge deal but I popped the Skittles early into my trip so by the time I hit downtown San Diego, I was crashing fast. It's now 1:30am, I'm tired, cranky and in need of sleep. Or a beer.

I got the hotel address from Albert the day before I left but apparently I forgot where it was. No worries, I'm a resourceful guy, I'll use my navigation system. Brilliant! .....or not. The hotel we were staying at was recently purchased by another local chain so at that particular time, there were two hotels with the same name. Not paying attention to this, I park my car five blocks from where I'm told the hotel was. I sling my bags over my shoulder, grab the awkwardly-sized box of comics I brought with me and start walking. I get to the properly named hotel and call Albert who informs me that I went to the wrong location. The correct hotel, one with the same name mind you, was literally across the street from where I parked. I was just too tired to notice.

Once everything's straightened out I quickly realized that I'm now even more tired, even more cranky and even more in need of sleep. Albert suggests we go to the hotel bar, which sounds like a fantastic idea to me. But by the hotel mess got figured out, it was now well past 2:00am. In other words, it's off to bed.

The next morning, we seemed to get off to an slow start. Four of us were working the six foot table which meant that we were a little cramped. This was Angry Bob's first full convention with us and I've got to say, he did a great job. He worked the West Hollywood Book Fair with us last September but the San Diego Comic Con is an entirely different animal. It's the biggest comic convention in the country and over the last few years, it's grown to encompass far more than just comics and it's packed with so many people. The aisles are just packed with people so the convention is a pain in the ass just to attend, to work it is even worse.

Truth be told, every single year I dread the convention. Because like I said, it's a pain in the ass. We're usually stuck there at our table, pushing the comic and we rarely get the opportunity to actually see the rest of the convention of meet up with friends who we know are at the convention as well. But this year, Angry Bob changed all that. Having a fourth person there really freed us up to work in rotations, something we never really had the chance to do. I think all of us got the opportunity to stretched our legs and walk around for a bit. Which was really cool.

The show itself was cool. Like I mentioned, it started out slow to us but after a while we realized that it only seemed that way. Before we knew it, we were on pace to sell more issues than we'd ever had before. But none of seemed difficult. We were all so.... relaxed. Man, the difference an extra body makes. That is the power of Angry Bob.

We met some really interesting people too. I got interviewed by a Spanish language newspaper from San Diego that wanted to talk to me about racism in comics. I tried to rope Albert into the conversation but I think he exited stage left as soon as he realized that it was semi-serious. I don't blame him, I was planning to do the exact same thing to him. I'm interested to see how the article came out but I'm not exactly holding my breath. Last year, we got interviewed by four different outlets, including NPR, and none of those ever surfaced. To my knowledge, at least.

As always, my favorite feature of the convention are the costumes. Every year, a large number of convention goers show up dressed as their favorite comics/film/animated character, sometimes with fantastic results, while attempts go horribly awry. In either case, I figure one reason these people dress up is a little shameless self-promotion so if they're going to whore themselves out anyway, why not get them to promote our book at the same time? It's a win-win!

Here are a few of my favorite pics this year....

Angry Bob with a personal convention favorite, the authentically Mexican star of Futurama, Bender B. Rodriguez.

The White Queen didn't need her psychic powers to see what was on Albert's mind. His thoughts were written all over his pants.

Playboy.com's Melany Denyse. Click here to see a shot on Playboy.com of the hard-working HMLC crew with Ms. Denyse. Warning: Don't click that link while at work, kids!

Our latest celebrity endorsement! Diedrich Bader, formerly of The Drew Carey Show, and the voice of Batman in the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold animated series shows off his HMLC fanhood.

This guy asked if we wanted his wings on or off for the photo. Oh, on, definitely on.

I have plenty of more shots available so I'll have more pics up over the next couple of days. I just wanted to upload these relatively quickly or else I'd never get around to posting them.... which is what happened to the pictures from last year's San Diego Con. Much like our many interviews last summer, those shots never saw the light of day either.

Hot Mexican Whodunnit?

2008-08-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

Buenos Tardes Readers, the Hot Mexican Love crew needs your help! This past weekend, at the HMLC 2008 Fiesta, there was an accident involving alcohol and hard-wood floors. No blood was spilled, but there was another type of fluid with quite a pungent aroma spread out across the living room leading to the bathroom. And it was up to Beanrobot to clean up the mess. (Oliver the dog tried to help, but the result of that would have been even more of a mess).

Now even though there were a large number of people in attendance, there were no eye-witnesses. A familiar story was one of people laughing and cavorting one moment, and the next they were stopped cold by an absolutely disgusting smell, followed by a glance to the center of the living room floor which was no longer dry.

The most detailed account we have was from one fire-haired attendee standing adjacent to the living room. She said "I noticed a friendly-looking guy sitting in a chair, turned away to a conversation and then heard a sound similar to a bucket of water being tossed out. When I turned back around, the friendly-looking guy appeared as if he was heading to the bathroom and there was vomit all over the floor."

When further questions were asked about who it was, the reply was "I don't know his name, but he's really friendly. He was wearing a dark shirt. He's a friend of Albert"

EVERYBODY is a friend of Albert!

Mind you this was in no way an accusation of somebody making a party foul (the person was not caught in the act of regurgitation), but it is the best lead we have. This event did not in any way spoil the party, but the mystery of who it was DID become a hot topic. If you were in attendance of our alcohol-filled celebration, and you have any leads or info. that can help solve our 2008 mystery, please contact us here in the comments section. Pertinent information will be rewarded...

...with love.

San Diego Comic-Con Review: Day Dos

2008-08-08T08:32:00.001-07:00

Hola Amigos, and welcome to the review of Day Two. Albert made it down to San Diego early Friday morning and he brought the HEAT with him. This was another busy day at the con, and with three Hot Mexican Lovers at the table (Angry Bob, Albert and myself) to sketch, sign and swoon, it seemed like there was no time for breaks. EVERYBODY wanted a a taste of our homegrown passion.

A big reward for appearing at the convention three years in a row, is that we are finally starting to build a reputation and have repeat customers. People remember us from prior years and want to reconnect, share a story of passion and insure another year of romance in their own life with purchase of our book. We are so confident in our product that this year we gave a money back guarantee to the attendees. If the passion in their own life did not increase by a minimum of 16% (after purchase) they could come back to the table for a full refund. I am happy to say there was absolutely no refunds needed. In fact, one customer from last year actually sought us out to thank us for an unforgettable evening after the con last year... after purchase of our book. NO, Albert did not have a rendez-vous with mentioned individual, he met someone on his own and shot off some skyrockets. KA-POW! (true story).

We'd like to thank these repeat customers, our growing fleet of romantics, for their support, purchases and love. I am ashamed to admit that I do not remember the name of the woman in the photo below, but I will give her kudos. She read about the convention exclusive shot glasses online and bee-lined her way to our booth for purchase Friday morning. If this is you, dear fan, please leave us a comment and your name so we can sing it with joy and echo your name in the annals of HML history.

Enough with the gab, here are some fun photos of fans and heroes with our book:

Psylocke from the X-Men

Mara Jade, Slave Leia & Senator Amidala from the Star Wars Universe. The hottest broads in the galaxy holding the hottest book at the convention.

Cobra Cmdr. & The Baroness have no reason to fight while they hold pages of passion.

The HMLC crew love the Venture Bros. & the Monarch

Above is our favorite type of fan: he finds us, buys the entire HMLC library and smiles.

ARRIBA AMIGO!

MEE-OOWWW! The Black Cat. 'nuff said.

Our final photo for the post is especially for Albert. A picture can speak a thousand words. This one left us speechless. Until our founder gently whispered " call me... "

San Diego Comic-Con Review: Day Uno

2008-08-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

Is this photo any way to start a post for one of the most exciting events of the year? When it concerns "Angry Bob" it is. This is the room that Angry Bob and myself shared our first night in San Diego. Comfort Inn my ass. The short of it is this, we reserved the room last minute, and despite reserving it for two people, we got a tiny room with a full size bed (smaller than a queen size). FAR TOO SMALL for two such passionate men as myself and Canada's own Angry Bob. Luckily, I brought my inflate-a-bed for just such an emergency. But the room was so small, we had to rearrange it by removing the chair and nightstand and rotating the bed 90 degrees. Strike One. The photo was taken in the tiny foyer next to the toilet. Just about all the floor space is covered by the two beds here.

Due to time constraints, we passed on preview night and showed up to start the fires on Thursday morning. Thinking we had enough time, we ate a good breafast at the hotel and thought we could park at the convention center... we were wrong. We sat in a line of traffic for a nearby parking structure for an hour. Bob drove as I kept running out to the car to unload what I could. This second strike for the trip was not a good way to start a long working weekend.

So we finally got parked, unloaded and set up as the doors were open to fans. Bob & I braced ourselves for the throngs of people to coming rushing in toward us... and we watched them run right by. They were all rushing to get freebies and convention exclusives. No worries though, it was just opening hour.

For Day One it was just Bob and myself working the table. This was Bob's first time working with us outside of L.A. He was slow to start, but by lunch he was charming ALL THE LADIES, as well as dispensing his patented Canadian threats to non-passionate riff-raff. His anger helped fuel his selling frenzy for the ultimate goal of beating the number of sales from Thursday last year. Oblivious to the passing of time, Bob only saw red. Then, as his "Wolverine-like Beserker Rage" subsided at the end of the first day, he glanced at our sales ledger and produced a toothy grin while bearing witness to his achievement. We beat last year by almost 50%! In all honesty, Bob was a great help and I was lucky to have him at the table to help sell the book and sketch characters for fans.

After the final sale was made, Bob & I went to our next hotel, the Westin San Diego, whose "Heavenly Beds" were true to form. Unfortunately, as I plopped down on mine, a leg broke off. We dealt with the hotel engineering staff for an hour before finally going down to the hotel restaurant for a meal... just as it closed. We ate at the bar, which was fine cause it had the same menu. Wow, I know it sounds like a harsh first day, but it all turned out good. I am at a loss to think of any good anecdotes right now, except for the one of the Latin woman who asked me if I knew what she was. I looked deep into her eyes and replied "Beautiful."

Needless to say, another fan and another sale was made.

Enjoy this handful of photos mi amigos.

This here is the "Coupon Kid" a walking, talking, free advertising space which we took full advantage of.

Lobster Johnson stopped by to display his new favorite periodical.

These two cuties are part of the ever-expanding fan base of Hot Mexican Love Comics.

We hook 'em while they are young to insure a lifetime of passion. Actually, they are Hazel & Charlotte, products of true Hot Mexican Love, being that their padre, Anthony Vukojevich, has been a contributor to the book since 1996.

ARRIBA!

We dug this kick-ass Rorschach costume. He dug our passion.

The Boys of Hot Mexican Love on Playboy.com

2008-07-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

The hottest guys in Mexican Comics show off their stuff on the official Playboy site!

Nuff said!

See the passion here!

Blessed with your Love

2008-07-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Buenos Dias Lovers,

Just a quick post as we continue to cool down and wipe off the excess passion produced from our most successful convention yet.

I will attempt to post day by day reviews over the next week, but for now I just wanted to thank all of you, our loyal romantics, for helping to spread the love.

Special shout out to our new friend, loyal fan, and spiritual advisor...

"The Space Pope" for making another appearance at our table. He discovered our love last year and is eternally in our debt. He helped repay that debt by blessing this years fans after purchase. Gracias Padre.

COMICON 2008!

2008-07-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

The staff of HMLC will again be manhandling a table at the 2008 San Diego Comicon. We will be greeting our adoring and ravenous fans from Thursday morning to Sunday evening. Rumor has it that we will be breaking new records in excitement and passion levels, so stop by... unless you have something against love!

CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE!

2008-07-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here it is Lovers, for the first time ever you can now drink some of our love in the official

"Hot Mexican Love Comics"

Shot Glass.

Straight from Mexico (by way of China) comes the first non-comic item produced by the nucleus of HMLC. Our two sided shot glass depicts our icon on one side, and our hopes on the other.

Other potential slogans:
Please Swallow
Open your mouth and taste the Love
Straight from the "Angry Bob" factory
Passion in a Glass

This limited edition collectible was hand crafted and when used properly, simultaneously raises your passion while lowering your standards! FIESTA!

But it will only be available at the San Diego Comic Con. Be sure to get there early and pick up yours before they run out.

See you in the Small Press Area (table N8)

-Senor Ira

P.S. HMLC does not condone drinking and driving, so walk back to your hotel after you have a drink with us.

The "OCHO" has landed!

2008-07-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Buenos Noches Amigos! And check out how large our library is getting!

Just in time for the big show, the latest offering from our merry band of Artist, Hooligans and Lovers has Arrived!

We received our shipment this past weekend, and we are now officially available, and INTERNATIONALLY as well! No, mi amigos, not because you can purchase the book in the homeland of Mexico, but in choice spots across Europe too (courtesy of Diamond Comic Distributors).

Coming in at a lean 48 pages, the book looks awesome! And not just because of our beautifully painted cover by Paul Wee. Although Paul, you really kicked ass this time around. Interior story and art was provided by these passionate individuals:

Chris Bennett
Rudi Berden
"Angry Bob" Bowen
Liz Climo
Rodney Clouden
Louie Del Carmen
John & Leigh Fountain
Shawn Murray
Rafael Navarro
Shannon O'Connor

Larry Reynosa

Alex Ruiz

Ira Sherak
Ethan Spaulding
Cesar Spinoza
Anthony Vukojevich

Kudos and Kisses to you all.

Let me say that this issue has it all. New characters and some of your returning favorites featuring:

the return of Samurai Slug
Paco
Chupa & Goat
Pacho Clokey
and many more!

And if the usual assortment of stories wasn't enough, this edition contains a bonus feature. For all you sleepwalking fans who need your fix, a brand new SONAMBULO story by our own Rafael Navarro! The only Sonambulo story to be published this year. Wow! How can you say no to that?

So if you can't make it to the San Diego Comic Con next week (we will be located in the Small Press Area table N8) go to your local Comic Shop to grab a copy. If they don't already carry our "Passion on the Pages" demand that they order it for you.

Arriba!

NEW YORK feels the Heat!

2008-07-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Buenos Dias one and all, and welcome to Senor Ira's Inaugural Post! I will keep this short and sweet because it is early for me.

Now this post is VERY LATE considering the subject matter it contains, but I vowed to talk about this chapter in HMLC history so here it is.

Back in April, HMLC Lover and creator of "Sonambulo", Rafael Navarro took a pile of books to the 3rd Annual New York Comic Convention. He had a table and did some true representin' for Mexican Lovers and Artists everywhere.

Being that NY is my home town, Lady J and myself just happened to be visiting at the time of the convention, so we worked the table with Rafael on Sunday, April 20. This was a new crowd for us, but their hearts were just as big, as they opened them (and there wallets) and welcomed literary passion in. Below you shall find some snapshots of ourselves and new fans.

Fiesta,

Senor Ira

Even true patriots like Captain American go south of the border for some Love.

Lady J and myself working the table at the Con.

2008-07-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that Larry Clark Reynosa is taking over as the Webmaster / Webeditor-In-Chief© of the HMLC website. Larry said that he will "Bring HMLC into the modern age of Dreamweaver, as it was built with the now-extinct GoLive programme, and I will EXPAND THE WEB PRESENCE of Hot Mexican Love Comics across many internet, usenet and other friendly channels using my proven experience of over 10 years at LarryDigital.com".

I congratulate you, L Clark Reynosa: the job of Webmaster / Webeditor-In-Chief© is filled with passion, glory and women. Don't let it taint you with its wicked charms. Stay the course, my friend, and the course will stay with you.

-Albert J Calleros

Super*Market @ Meltdown

2008-04-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Señor Ira and myself made it on down to Meltdown Comics in Hollywood to participate in their Super*Market showcase. We didn't really have anything new to push since our 2008 book is still being put together but we decided to show up anyway.

It was a pretty relaxed show. Very small, but enjoyable. Sales were less than spectacular, I think we made a grand total of $34, a dollar less than the $35 entry fee but still, it was fun. Our friends Louie Del Carmen and Rob Goodin were there pushing their own books too so at least we knew some people there.

We made a new friend in Jose Cabrera who publishes the supremely awesome Crying Macho Man series. Check out Louie's and Jose's pages for more pics from Super*Market. I also scored a sweet stuffed piece of bacon from Dan Goodsell, the genius behind the very, very fine Mr. Toast.

Anyway, thanks to all of our friends, old and new, for their support. Thanks to Meltdown for letting us squeeze in on short notice. Hope to see you all again at the San Diego Comic Con in July.

IRA GOES GAGA for WEHO BOOK FAIR 2007!

2007-09-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Buenos Noches Lovers One & All...

As if you didn't already know, we here at HML Central are equal opportunity lovers. And we proved it by having a table at the 6th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair this past Sunday. Being unfamiliar territory, we weren't quite sure how passionate the locals would be to our particular kind of love. But I am proud to say compadres...

West Hollywood loved us right back!

Being on location before 8 am was no easy task, but I achieved it with a fully loaded truck, courtesy of our angriest lover (who happens to hail from NORTH of the border), Canadian Bob Bowen. Co-Founder Larry "L-Dogg" Reynosa met us on the spot as we set up and we all waited for our fourth corner to arrive. Senor Albert Calleros made his appearance just shy of 10 am with the passion of 1,000 suns and a desire to sell our comics to match.

Donning our matching Guyabera shirts, displaying our sombrero and setting up the "Pasion Index", we were ready to release our passion for the first time in our home town, el Ciudad de Angelos. And passionate it was. Our customers came in all shapes, sizes and proclivities. There were peaks and valleys throughout the day, but for the most part, we sold an average of ten books an hour. And remember, this was a book fair, not a comic convention.

Our usual antics were in effect, from flirting to playing music to sketching characters, whatever it took to make the sale. Sometimes that included giving away Albert's phone number with a wink and a smile (I'm not gonna say we had to do that alot, but let's just say there are probably 6 excited young ladies and at least 2 excitable men).

Before I continue, I must mention that never before have I seen such confusion and excitement in one man's face (Albert's) as he was making acquaintance with a new male "friend" by means of a two-handed hand hold. No, not a hand shake, this man gingerly grabbed each of Albert's hands and held them as they made introductions and spoke. I believe it was this same new friend that labeled us "the most handsome booth at the book fair".

And it wasn't just the guys who loved us, new friends also came in the form of some erotica novelists who also had a booth at the fair and invited our crew to dinner with them. Our love has no boundaries!

As we all know, the book is a team effort. So once again I must express my thanks:

Bob Bowen, although you have been a Mexican Lover since our revival, this was the first convention you worked with us and you were a humongous help. An extra person to man the table, an extra set of hands to sketch, an extra pair of blue eyes to lure in the customers. Thank you for keeping the anger at bay.

Larry, you have the smile worth a hundred pennies and the heat to warm a hundred planets. It is no wonder why so many men had to have a photo with you at the Fair. You keep it real and I am so glad to be part of the HML Nucleus with you. True Dat. (Double True) Stay Brown Brother.

Albert, if it were socially and culturally acceptable to write love songs about a friend and comic partner, then I would expect you to write one for me. Meanwhile your passion at the fair set the index on fire!

And lastly, thanks to all of you, the contributors, who help make the book possible.

Hot. Mexican. Love. Comics.
Individually, they are just words.
Together, they are a way of life.

Always and forever,

Senor Ira

International Hot Mexican Love

2007-07-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Even in the hinterlands, the crazed savages know a good thing when they read it. By the way, the tender term "crazed savages" comes from an insensitive friend in the White House who shall remained unnamed.

You can't keep a good thing secret. Let's just hope it doesn't get into the hands of our Commie Chinese brothers...madness and democracy may break out, just as it has in Iraq!!!

Muchos Besos Amigos!

David Lee Roth rocks HMLC!

2007-07-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovers!

The love keeps on flowing and stretched across the Rockies to the south over the holiday weekend. I was in Nashville, TN, visiting with family, and decided to bring a couple of issues of the book along. And it was a good thing I did, because not only are we available in Tennessee now, but I had a star sighting and passed along an issue of our masterpiece.

With the help of fellow lover, John Achenbach (and his Rock N Roll connections), I was able to get this shot of "Diamond" David Lee Roth with some Hot Mexican Love. The encounter was brief but very rewarding. I have no doubt he'll enjoy what as become the Hottest issue of Mexican Love yet.

Muchos Besos Amigos,
Senor Ira

Señor Ira Sounds Off on HMLC 2007

2007-07-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Buenos Noches Lovers,

Let me start by saying, that when I wrote the promo for the Comics Journal stating:
"The passion will be furious surrounding the table at Hot Mexican Love Comics, where the brand-spanking new 2007 EDITION will be released!" I wasn't kidding.

It was a whirlwind of a week, and to answer the question you were all wondering...

YES!

Success. Our biggest Con ever. Each day bringing more and more sales. Our numbers were in the hundreds. That's right, the hundreds. (The low hundreds, between 300 - 400, but hundreds nonetheless).

Wednesday afternoon I drove to San Diego solo and met up with our only European contributor and master waffle-baker, Rudi Berden. We unloaded and set-up as fast as we could and were ready just in time for the mobs who started pouring in, just shy of six o'clock. In the rushed three hours of preview night, we sold 14 copies. It doesn't sound like a lot, but that's one copy every 13 minutes. And almost as good as we did all of Friday of the previous year.

Before I continue, let me give extra thanks to Rudi, who at the last minute asked to get time off from work to help out. He was the best helper anyone could ask for. And contrast to my over-the-top, loud sales techniques, used his sweetness and personal flair to speak for his normally quiet disposition to help with sketches and sales. His Hot Mexican passion is undeniable.

Muchos Gracias from all of us mi Amigo.

Thursday

Thursday was super busy. We had a regular flow of traffic in front of the booth and grabbed plenty of attention. Posters of last 2 issues, a picture of Frida Kahlo, plastic miniature cows, our sombrero, a pi?ata and a bottle of Tequila were all part of the traffic stopping objects that adorned our table. As a result, we were two issues short of our best sales day ever (our best day being this past April). That would change the next day.

Rudi left Thursday evening, just before the two creators of our book arrived. Albert and Larry came down with all the tools to really expand our love and make the passion flow. An ipod with speakers for Latin music, matching Guayabera shirts, and our latest, most brilliant prop: the "Pasion Index" A large thermometer with movable meter hanging behind the booth to measure the passion of convention goers who stopped by.

Game on.

With three prior conventions under our belt, Albert, Larry and myself continue to finely tune the fun chemistry we share and it's a treat when people tell us how much they enjoyed our company. There are too many anecdotes to tell from the activity around the booth the following days, but our sales kept getting better. Mind you, these all weren't for the 2007 issue. Our 2006 edition is as hot as ever. (The cover alone is a crowd stopper, thanks again to Paul Wee. But it was Rodney Clouden's 2007 cover which somebody commissioned to have drawn in their sketchbook). And completists wanted our classic '96 & '97 issues.

It was a real treat when people would return from one day to the next asking for the issues they didn't buy the previous day. And there were no disappointed customers when I gave them a money back guarantee if the passion in their life did not increase by at least 35% (with a maximum increase of 65%) after purchase. One happy customer thanked me the next day because his purchase helped "seal the deal" the previous night. De Nada.

Friday and Saturday

Friday became our most successful day ever, and I wasn't sure how much better we could do on a regular day. But for Saturday we had a secret weapon. Between the hours of noon and five pm we hired a Latina Booth Babe to walk around, handing out coupons and directing desperate, lonely men to our booth.

That helped a bit, but the Big Gun and huge help turned out to be Contributor/Cover Artist Rodney Clouden himself, who also put on a matching Guayabera and worked the booth with us for a couple of hours. I'd like to also send out gracias and besos to Rodney's girlfriend, Sabrina, for finding and managing our boothbabe and for help behind the booth. Saturday became our biggest sales day ever, moving over 100 issues.

Sunday

So with 3 and 1/2 days down, Sunday was gonna be tough. Already exhausted from the energy required to sell, I had less than 4 hours sleep Saturday night (and I wish I could say it was from partying too much). All of us were wiped out and were late to arrive Sunday morning. That's where Rob Goodin came through and opened up the booth for us. At the time, I was a bit delirious from exhaustion but wasn't too worried, expecting the floor to be less crowded, that way I could relax and perhaps walk the floor a bit. I was wrong. Sunday seemed busier than Saturday. The saving grace this time was my girlfriend, the Lady Janice, who came down by train Saturday afternoon, and helped us out behind the booth throughout the day Sunday. Muchos Besos Mi Amore.

Highlights

As previously mentioned, there are tons of anecdotes from the con. I'm still tired and can't write them all, but here are a couple of highlights:

-(Rejection #1) asking a young couple (16-20 yr range) if they were looking for more passion in their life and getting the honest, offended response of "NO, we're quite happy with our celibacy thank you"

-getting interviewed by two podcasts, a website and a local San Diego TV show

-having people from last year search us out to purchase the new issue

-having people search us out because they read about us in the program

-getting reprimanded by the people who run the convention for displaying alcohol and clogging the aisles. (Our love was so thick, mobs of people swelled around the table, making our neighbors jealous and bitter, so they reported us. They obviously have NO passion)

-having one fan call "Angry Bob" Bowen, in Canada, for some Love advice

-Rejection #2) asking a young latin girl (18?) "Buenos Dias, Senorita, Como Estas?" in a very deep, seductive voice. Her response, with terror in her eyes, she clutched her boyfriend's arm and buried her face in his chest, while he is yelling "What happened? What did he say? etc." en espanol

-GuataMELON: A woman from Guatemala whose breasts were each larger than my head, wearing a very revealing outfit, who Albert managed to keep at the table to embarrass myself and Larry. She was giving us colorful commentary about true Latin love.

-Harry Fagel, a Jewish cop from Vegas, who liked my Jewish themed story and kept announcing (in front of his 10 yr old) his wife had "A great rack"

-Rejection #3) saying to a potential female customer "I thought I had the bluest eyes in the convention...I was wrong." Most women smiled or blushed.

One of them said "Yes, YOU WERE."

A couple more thanks before I wrap up.

-Rob Goodin: Co-founder of the book and friend, whose 2007 submission was shown to most people as an example of the book and led to MANY purchases. If you haven't already, check out his solo work with his Robot Publishing

-Rafael Navarro: part-time contributor and creator of Sonambulo, who inspires, advises and cross-promotes with us.

-Melody Severns and the "Girls Drawin Girls" for cross-promoting.

-Joy Reynosa: Larry's wife, the Joy in his life and she helped us break down the booth at the end of the show.

-Louie Del Carmen: A gentleman, an artist, a friend. A constant professional and a real class act. His blog ( http://www.randomanomalies.blogspot.com ) always mentions us (check it out) and he cross-promotes with us at the cons.

-Larry Reynosa: I drove you crazy, you kept me up most nights in the hotel, but bought me the coolest fucking drinking glass featuring "Luke Cage - Power Man"
Stay Brown brother.

-Albert Calleros: Creator, Computer Wizard, Mexican, Lover. If you don't know Albert, you should. If you do know him, then you know why he gets special thanks. My Ablutions are now complete. Make it rain.

I didn't take many pictures. Albert and Larry did that and will hopefully post soon. Here are a few though. The first is the three caballeros with our Booth Babe, Nichole.

Next is "Reno 911!" creator and lead actor Thomas Lennon, who bought 2006 & 2007.

Finally we have Dyanna and Joseph, who also bought '06 & '07, just as the show was closing for the year (you can see the Pasion Index behind us, Notice it is as high as you can go, which is why they shut us down on Sunday...Too much Passion).

Yet, they weren't our last sale, that went to some guy on the street on the way to the parking lot who made a comment about the sombrero I was wearing.

Fiesta Amigos!

Con amor,

Senor Ira

P.S. We have already received some fan mail from our appearance at the convention. The Love has spread!

Ira Toots APE '07 HORN

2007-04-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings Lovers One and All,

We have returned from San Francisco with smiles on our faces and love in our

hearts (as always). As for APE-Con 2007...

SUCCESS!

On Friday, the Lady Janice (my Latin Senorita), L-Dogg Reynosa (Co-Founder
of the book) and myself braved the inclimate weather and drove up to attend
our second APE-Con. Having some knowledge of what to expect this time around
we were better prepared. Arriving late afternoon, we enjoyed the city on
Friday Night and got a good nights rest, praying to Santa Maria and the
almighty Goat that the book would be well received over the weekend.

Saturday morning we made it over to the Concourse Exhibition Center and set
up as Albert (Co-founder and the true Mexican heart of HMLC) arrived (he
took a 7am flight). Once again it was a blast. Displaying posters of the
covers of both the 2006 and 2007 editions, our table was covered with our
signature sombrero, all three editions of the book, PLUS the 2007 sketchbook
we whipped together special for APE. We came in charged and truly shared the
love with all who passed by. It is always fun to make a sale, and sketch for
our new friends/fans. But what was even BETTER were the people who
remembered us from last year and sought us out for another dose of our
homespun printed amor.

We definitely had the flavor of fiesta at our booth. Everytime we sold a
copy of the book, we hit play on our ipod (connected to speakers) and "The
Mexican Hat Dance" would play as we would clap and celebrate sharing the
love. Despite annoying some of our neighbors (as usual), we created interest
at the table drawing over even more customers.

I must admit, we did not move as many copies of the sketchbook as we had
hoped, but we definitely helped generate the buzz for the upcoming 2007 edition!

APE has now become a favorite among the nucleus of HMLC, and you will have
to attend next year to see why. But for a hint of this year, go to Larry Reynosa's site.

For those of you who don't know Larry, let me give a brief
intro: Larry Reynosa was an Editor at Malibu Comics in the early 90's. It
was there he met Albert Calleros and a Love like no other blossomed. It was
from this forbidden bond that the concept of HOT MEXICAN LOVE COMICS was
born. Both true Mexicans with passion for comics. As time passed, Albert had
left the comics field to enter animation, leaving Larry behind as Malibu Comics
went belly up. Unemployed and rejected, Larry took a job with the
city and continued to collect comics, but not create them.

Larry did help publish the first issue in 1996 (along with Albert and Rob Goodin), but
my knowledge of his history for the next ten years of his life
is limited. Flash forward to 2006, I had taken over the reigns of HMLC as

Editor-In-Chief and pubisher and begin work on the 2007 edition, Albert
recommends getting back to the roots of HMLC and we bring Larry back into
the fold. For more details on Larry, Albert, Rob and the history of the
book, you'll have to ask them.

As for San Diego in July, I have already mentioned that we secured a table
in the small press area. I do hope that you can all attend and perhaps help
out at the booth for short stints to meet our fans and do some sketches for
them. Albert, Larry and myself could use the help when things get busy.

We are now only days away from getting the order number from Diamond Distributors.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed for big numbers. The more
issues we sell, the more exposure we have. Plus the contributors can
hopefuly get some kick back and a better release party. And if you are
curious about what people truly think of our masterpiece, you can always
check out our websites for links and updates. Otherwise, here is an
AUTHENTIC fan letter which I just received today! (Yes, this is the real
deal. I was floored how they even quoted from my submission!)

Hola,

Thank you Ira, Albert and everyone else who I met at APE 2007. Just finished
your Hot Mexican Love Comics 2006. The guy sitting next to me on the plane
was pretending to read his boring Wall Street Journal but I know what he
wished he were reading instead.

Best $5 investment that I've come across in a long time.

Much continued success you amigos.

Also, thank for the sketches. They wore off a bit which only makes them that
more authentic.

"GROWL is an anagram of the acronym." You guys rule...in a smart way.

Ever onward,

Carin

So there's your update. Let's all keep the love flowing.

ARRIBA!

Senor Ira

Editor-In-Chief HMLC07

Inaugural Post

2007-01-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Hot Mexican Lovers across the world!!!

Hot Mexican Love Comics

Just a reminder....

Any minute now

This week...

WEHO BOOKFAIR THIS SUNDAY

HOT Diggity DOG!

Gracias a los amantes

Once again, we are Blessed

A day to recoup

details and guidelines

THIS WEEK!!!

In Transit

¡Convention Exclusive 2010!

Evolution of a Cover

Worked to the Bone

The PROOF is in the pudding

Downs and Ups

Everybody LOVES Paco

Hungry for something?

Working FOR and ON the weekend

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Feliz Neuvo Ano 2010

APE this weekend!

Still alive

The Hottest Romance EVER!

SDCC 09 Review: Part Uno

The Last Convention

Let the Games Begin!

¡CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE 2009!

Senor Hot Stuff wants YOU!!

Hot AFRICAN Love!!

MORE Love around the world

Love around the World

Feliz Nuevo Ano!

Feliz Kwanzaa!

Wet APE doesn't disappoint

APE Con San Francisco! This weekend!

APE is coming

Sneak Peek at New Hot Mexican Love Sensation!

Del Carmen Delivers on Design!

Comic Con Report, Pt. 2

San Diego Comic-Con Review: Day Tres Y Quatro

Comic Con Report, Pt. 1

Hot Mexican Whodunnit?

San Diego Comic-Con Review: Day Dos

San Diego Comic-Con Review: Day Uno

The Boys of Hot Mexican Love on Playboy.com

Blessed with your Love

COMICON 2008!

CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE!

The "OCHO" has landed!

NEW YORK feels the Heat!

LARRY REYNOSA named Webmaster / Webeditor-In-Chief© of the HMLC website

Super*Market @ Meltdown

IRA GOES GAGA for WEHO BOOK FAIR 2007!

International Hot Mexican Love

David Lee Roth rocks HMLC!

Señor Ira Sounds Off on HMLC 2007

Ira Toots APE '07 HORN

Inaugural Post