Hondo's own Pancho Rio (Da Cap'n) has been an independent graphic novel writer/artist for over 10 years now. His feature title, Blood Bath, received 3 Eisner nominations between 1996-99, the book's highest years of reprinting & circulation.
An avant-garde tale of a handful of youth from the sleepy burg of Cutler Ridge, Blood Bath is many things: a violent action tale, a drama, a comedy, a violent comedy, and so much more, but more than anything, it acted as a catalyst for the personal, coming-of-age story of Mr. Pancho, much like "Blankets" was for Craig Thompson.
The art - much as in the artists' life - experienced many transitions; from a more base style, to an american manga form, to that of an homage to Humberto Ramos (Spectacular Spider-Man).
Featuring an all-star celebrity lineup of Da Cap'n, DJ Ario X, Irish Cowboy, Duado the Deadly, Super Donut, Beatrix Kiddo, Robitussin EF, K-Ron, Red Dog, John "The Irish Ninja" Stevens & many more of Cutler Ridge's finest, Hondo's Bar is proud to present art from perhaps the greatest graphic novel of our time.
I
Premier issue!
II
III
IV
First 3-part arc
V
VI
brother battle...
VII
VIII
(Cap'n finds...love?)
IX
X
Southridge...south..ridge.
XI
Famous first manga cover
XII
introduction of DJ Ario X
XIII
introduction of Queen Reina
XIV
XV
XVI
The Deadpool saga
XVII
XVIII
XIX
XX
XXI
XXII
The Furious Ones arc
XXIII
XXIV
Eisner-awardŽ-winning "Spider-Panch" arc
XXV
XXVI
Brian, the Lost Fighter
XXVII
XXVIII
XXIX
Climactic end of Volume 1...not everyone leaves alive!
For the first time ever, P. Rio allows internet
cheapie-bitches to view a handful of panels, free of charge.
Money made from this sample art viewing will be donated to the Trick Daddy
Dollars "computers in Soufridge" program, the same philanthropy
endeavor of the Florida Lotto.
The critics have heralded it:
"...a
masterpiece...light years above the rest, and all the more relevant in today's
society."
- Frank Miller (Dark Knight Returns, 300)
"The dog's bollocks,
mate."
- Garth Ennis (Preacher,
Hitman)
"@#$%!"
- Quentin Tarantino
"It would not be an
exaggeration to say that my personal style of art...shadows in comparison, when
viewing the splendor that is Rio designs. Jesus, I'm a wank."
- Alex Ross (Kingdom Come, wanker)
"I think it's safe
to say that if it wasn't for early indy work like Blood
Bath, guys like me would never have had a shot at books like Ultimate
Spider-Man (on sale every month for $2.95!).
It's also safe to say that Ross is a wank."
- Brian Michael Bendis (Daredevil,
Powers, fucking anything that's cool)
"..."
- Golgo 13
