Ortiz: A Master of Horror Comics
Creepy and Eerie, the legendary magazines by American publisher Warren, brought countless stories that redefined horror comics. It was within these publications that Ortiz created his first masterpiece for the American market—Apocalypse, which can be found on the opening pages of this collection. Alongside it, this book also includes Goblin, The Demons of Jeremiah Cold, The Scoundrel, The Star Child, and The Nuclear Hit Parade of Wild John. These stories provide a glimpse into worlds woven from the very fabric of our deepest nightmares and the finest horror tales describing them—worlds born on the borderline between light and darkness.
Ortiz’s other stories await future publication, while the selected ones in this book are making their global debut.
Ortiz’s Unique Storytelling Approach
In Ortiz’s work, characters are always at the heart of the story. Whether it’s an individual (true heroes are rarely found in Ortiz’s comics) or a crowd fleeing from some catastrophe or demon, every figure carries depth. In his dark tales, there are no extras—every presence has significance and contributes to the all-encompassing atmosphere of dread.
Even the settings in Ortiz’s stories, often minimalistically stylized in the manner of American authors, play a crucial role. His landscapes, degraded and desolate, reflect the post-apocalyptic fates of the characters they depict. These stories leave no room for optimism or solitary victories. The worlds Ortiz creates are hermetically sealed, with no escape, which is precisely what draws readers in.
The Power of Hermetic Worlds
Ortiz’s storytelling brilliance lies in his ability to convince us that there is no way out—that terror is omnipresent, and the logic of these worlds is unbearably elusive yet consistent. The moment he convinces us of this is the moment we fall in love with his stories, as they immerse us in intricate, terrifying universes from which there is no escape.
Prepare to step into the world of Rick Ortiz, where every panel carries the weight of fear, and every story unveils a new dimension of horror. This collection is not only a tribute to a master of comics but also a gateway to universes that only the bravest dare to explore.
Number of Pages: 216
Binding: Hardcover
Color: Black and white/color
Publisher: Darkwood