Relampago

Superherobox|

caption=Cover art for
"Relampago" #1 revival series by Azteca Productions.
Pencils by Efren Molina, Inks by Richard Dominguez.
comic_color=background:#cccccc
character_name=Relampago
real_name=Marcos Zapata
publisher=Azteca Productions
debut="Relampago! #1" (1977)
creators=Margarito C. Garza
alliance_color=background:#cccccc
alliances=
aliases=
powers=Superhuman strength
Super speed
Near invulnerability|

Relampago is a fictional character, a comic book superhero featured in publications from Azteca Productions. Originally self-published by creator Judge Margarito C. Garza, the character made his first appearance in "Relampago! #1" (December 1977) making him the first Mexican American superhero in the American comic book industry. [ [http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/a/aztrelam.htm RELAMPAGO! at International Hero] ] [ [http://web.mac.com/enrique.diaz/PCBR/Podcast/Entries/2008/2/7_pcbr_020508_dominguez2.html Planet Comic Book Radio- Richard Dominguez talks RELAMPAGO!] ]

Marcos Zapata, once a petty thief, was fatally wounded in an attempted robbery. Near death, Marcos managed to drag himself to the home of La Bruja Mendoza, an infamous curandera of South Texas, where he pleaded for her help. Upon finding him dying on her doorstep, Mendoza revived the criminal by bathing him in special lotions and feeding him bitter broths. Upon recovering, Marcos discovered he had superhuman abilites. Resolving to use his new-found powers for the benefit his community, Marcos adopted the alter ego of Relampago, the same name of Emiliano Zapata's legendary steed. Relampago's main base of operations is his hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas, which has earned him the nickname of "The Sentinel of the City by the Sea", although he is more prominently referred to as "The Invincible Man". As for his civilian life, Marcos works as a para-legal assistant for and devotes his time helping troubled youths avoid gang life.

The character's debut series only ran for three issues, ultimately ending with the passing of Judge Garza 1995. All rights and trademarks of the Relampago character belong to the Judge M. Garza estate which has given their consent to a revival series published by Azteca Productions. [ [http://www.myspace.com/aztecaproductions RELAMPAGO at Azteca Productions] ]

Publication history

Creation and conception

District court Judge Margarito Garza conceived of Relampago shortly after attending a comic convention. Garza, who had grown frustrated with seeing the same crimes being committed, had created the hero as a way to exercise fantasies of stopping crime. Noticing a lack of representation at the time, he also decided to make the character Tejano, believing that the Mexican-American youth needed a superhero of their own. With the help of his wife Jean, Relampago became a more well-rounded character embodying both Catholic and Mexican folklore. As the character further developed, Judge Garza sent letters to Marvel and DC Comics telling them of his creation, but both companies showed little interest. [ [http://www.conexionsa.com/ Conexión Magazine - RELAMPAGO!] ] Garza would later try to get a listing in a comic pricing guide, but the publishers said the character was "too obscure". The Judge decided to maintain the comic in a self-published print, becoming more of a personal project than a money-making venture.

elf-publishing

Garza published the first issue of Relampago in 1977. Only 1,000 copies of the original book were printed and many of them destroyed soon after due to concerns of possible copyright infringement, making it a rarity among collectors. Garza enlisted the aid of Sam G. Gonzales for the next two issues, all released later in the same year with all publications coming to a halt soon after the release of the third issue. Several years later, the comic attracted the attention of Richard Dominguez, a Dallas illustrator, who found an issue of the comic in a half-price book store. Intrigued, Dominguez contacted Garza through his comic book shop and the two formed a close friendship. At this time Relampago hadn't been in published print since its last issue in December 1977. Judge Garza had wanted to revive the series for some time and Dominguez offered his services as an artist. To prove himself to the Judge, Dominguez created his own comic book titled "El Gato Negro" in 1993. Garza realized how serious Dominguez was and agreed to collaborate on a new Relampago series with a planned cross-over issue featuring their respective heroes. [ [http://web.mac.com/enrique.diaz/PCBR/Podcast/Entries/2008/2/7_pcbr_020508_dominguez3.html Planet Comic Book Radio - Richard Dominguez interview part 2] ] This collaboration never came to be however, with the death of Judge Garza in 1995.

Azteca Productions

The third issue of Relampago was later reprinted professionally by Dominguez through his own imprint Azteca Productions. Relampago made his first published appearance after two decades in the fourth issue of the El Gato Negro series entitled, "Enter: The Dogs of War". The storyline featured the Invincible Man on the trail of two vicious mercenaries known as the Briones Brothers who were on a mission to assassinate El Gato Negro. His progress was shown to be hindered by the overuse of his powers, causing intense agony and loss of control.

Dominguez is currently working on a revival series, slated for a release sometime in late 2008:

Fictional character history

Shot while robbing an elderly man's home, Marcos Zapata He escaped from the scene of the crime severely wounded. Having heard of the dark arts practiced by La Bruja Mendoza, Marcos stumbled to the Mendoza's doorstep. Pleading for help, the young bandit died on her doorstep. Realizing an opportunity, La Bruja revived Marcos before death could claim him. She bathed him in special lotions, fed him bitter broths, and applied herbs to his body. Soon after, Marcos discovered himself to be an "invincible man", having super strength, super speed, and invulnerability. His physical appearance changed as well, making him more athletic and physically attractive. His life now belonged to La Bruja Mendoza, who bade him to steal for her. Believing he owed her that much, Marcos stole for the old witch. He eventually grew tired of stealing and was intent on leaving the witch. Mendoza herself was brutally beaten by thieves intent on stealing her ill-gotten goods. Left for dead in her burning home, Marcos managed to save La Bruja Mendoza. In her final moments of life Marcos pleaded, "These powers, this strength, are these gifts permanent or are they only temporary?" But Mendoza's pain proved too great to bear, her last words being "The powers are as permanent only as..." The following week, Marcos would arrange a proper burial for Mendoza with the aid of a local church. Renouncing his checkered past, Marcos decided to use his new-found gifts for good, creating the alter ego of Relampago and fighting against crime.

Relampago’s creed

Relampago is also known for his creed, which he created in the first issue:

cquote|":"Let the barrios be your mountains;":"the streets your trails;":"Let the night be your friend,":"the thieves, muggers, and killers your enemies,":"let the world know the friendship and might of RELAMPAGO!"

Powers, abilities and resources

Relampago’s powers include superhuman strength, increased speed and agility, as well as near invulnerability. The extent of his superhuman strength and invulnerability are not known but he has been shown to stop a speeding vehicle with his bare hands as well as recovering quickly after falling from tremendous heights. While unable to fly, Relampago is able to leap to great heights and distances and has been known to use a grappling hook to scale tall buildings.

Costume and equipment

Relampago’s costume design is directly inspired from the Mexican flag, sharing its colors of green, white and red. His emblem, an eagle consuming a serpent, is emblazoned upon his chest and has roots in Aztec legend. It is unknown what type of material the suit is made of, but shown to be light-weight and highly durable.

upporting characters

Among his many supporting characters, none is more important than Father Peña. It was with the Father whom Marcos Zapata confided his miraculous abilities and who ultimately persuaded Marcos to become Relampago. Another consistent supporting character included Oralia, newspaper reporter and Marcos’ budding love interest.

Enemies

In early storylines, much of Relampago’s foes were shown to be common criminals or misunderstood creatures such as El Pajaro Grande. His appearances in the Azteca Productions’ Universe have him pitted against more outlandish villains such as The Dogs of War.

References

External links

*myspace|relampagocomics|Relampago, The Invincible Man
*myspace|aztecaproductions|Azteca Productions