06/29/2022
Welcome to the team! Gil Thorp comic strip welcomes new author Henry Barajas
For loyal fans everywhere, Gil Thorp is more than a comic strip. It’s the story of sports and vital issues for young people including race matters, teen pregnancy, girlsʼ athletics, dating woes, drug abuse and parental and teacher conflicts. As a result, Gil Thorp has become welcome reading and a close “friend” to many: sports and comics page readers, men and women, boys and girls alike.
The unique storylines of Gil Thorp will have a new voice starting in July — graphic novel author Henry Barajas, a Latinx author based in Los Angeles. Barajas takes over for Neal Rubin, who wrote the strip from 2004 to 2022. Barajas says of following up Rubin: “Gil Thorp is a classic, timeless comic strip. Neal Rubin and Rod Whigham have done an incredible job keeping this series going. Neal has set the bar. I hope to do Gil justice to keep current fans engaged while introducing new readers.”
Barajas is best known for his graphic novels published by Top Cow & Image Comics: “La Voz De M.A.Y.O. Tata Rambo” and “Helm Greycastle”. Barajas wrote the Marvel Comics & SOMOS Healthcare “Avengers #1” issue aimed to inspire the people of New York City to get vaccinated — particularly the Latinx community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID — and a short story for DC Comics’ “Batman: Urban Legends.”
Passion for this classic serial is shared by Barajas: “I grew up reading the paper daily. I would read the front page, check the movie times, and skip to the comics. Writing Gil Thorp is truly a dream come true.”
He will bring sharp dialogue and contemporary storylines that reach a new generation of comics page readers. “I’m passionate when it comes to comic strips — and Gil Thorp holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to tell the best story while putting the titular character and his loved ones through some tough times. Let’s say Gil Thorp will face 2022 real-world problems.”
Fans can look forward to the new adventures Milford High will encounter as Barajas is teaming up with Rod Whigham, the veteran illustrator of Gil Thorp since 2008. Together they will continue to reach out to readers by dealing with the contemporary concerns of kids and parents, whether on the field, in the classroom or at home.
Barajas’ first comics are available now, for publication starting July 11.
» View samples starting July 11th at tribunecontentagency.com/gilthorp
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