KCET documentary series Artbound is kicking off its 13th season with a celebration of one of the most influential comic books of the 1980s alternative movement – Love & Rockets. For its 40th anniversary, the comic will be the center of a new titled episode Love and Rockets: The Great American Comic Book which looks at the work of The Hernandez brothers over the years as they have showcased different stories to audiences around the world and have constantly evolved their writing over the years to meet the times. The episode premieres on Southern California’s flagship PBS station KCET first on October 5th before arriving on PBS SoCal on October 7th and Link TV on October 11th.
Love & Rockets began its management in 1981 under Gilbert, Jaime, and Mario Hernandez, becoming an elder statesman for the alternative movement. With their stories often set in Los Angeles or the fictional Central American village of Palomar, they sought to highlight diverse perspectives, particularly those of the Latin American and LGBTQ+ communities. They stood out significantly from other series thanks to their extremely complex characters that evolved over the course of the comics with new generations joining the fold over time. The stories also reflected modern issues and challenges, keeping the comics fresh for 40 years.
The new episode will be directed by Omar sheet AND Joseph Figueroa of Dignicraft which produces. Alongside Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, the filmmaker duo will also participate in a panel moderated by Los Angeles Times arts columnist Carolina A. Miranda on October 4 after an early private review of Artbound premiere. Fans of the comic series will have a chance at a limited number of tickets via social media and KCET’s Instagram page.
Image by The Hernandez Brothers
Artbound has launched since 2013 with the goal of highlighting artists and practices from across Southern California in its short documentaries, winning a slew of Emmys since its debut. It was only a matter of time before he was based in Los Angeles Love & Rockets emerged given her influence and the Hernandez brothers’ own influences from their hometown of Oxnard.
Season 13 of Artbound will consist of six episodes highlighting six important figures, publications and other influences within the art world. Following Love & Rocketsthis season will also explore the prominent Dada artist Marcel Duchampthe influence of Works Progress Administration (WPA), the influential leader of Asian pop culture magazine Giant robotanother well-known artist in Ruben Ortiz Torres, and the modern artists of “Arte Cósmico”. In addition to the new season, Artbound has a new collection of short films on their site from the director Dolly Lee (The opinion of the historian) to extend fans until October.
Love and Rockets: The Great American Comic Book debuts October 5 exclusively on KCET.
