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San Diego Comic-Con is a vibrant celebration of pop culture, creativity, and community, bringing together fans, creators, and industry professionals from around the world. Among the many voices shaping this dynamic landscape is Ricardo Martinez—a filmmaker, comic book writer, editor, and colorist whose journey from aspiring artist to published creator and TV writer offers an inspiring look into the evolving world of comics and storytelling.
A Journey Rooted in Passion: From Comic Book Fan to Creator
Ricardo Martinez first experienced the magic of Comic-Con back in 1993. At just 11 or 12 years old, he wandered the halls, portfolio in hand, eager to connect with comic book creators and learn from them. “You could just grab anybody, talk to them, and show your drawings,” Ricardo recalls. This early exposure ignited a passion that would shape his career path, starting as a comic book artist and eventually evolving into a writer and filmmaker.
Though the scale of Comic-Con has grown exponentially since the early ’90s, Ricardo still cherishes the unique energy of the event. While the crowds and commercial aspects have expanded, he highlights the enduring joy of artist alley—the place where genuine connections happen. “If you talk to someone for more than 30 seconds, they might remember you the next year,” he shares. This personal interaction remains a cornerstone of the comic community experience.
Bloodstone: A Comic Series with a Cinematic Vision
One of Ricardo’s proudest achievements is Bloodstone, a comic series that blends horror and suspense with the mystery of the U.S. border. Inspired by shows like Tales from the Crypt and The X-Files, Bloodstone explores a secret organization investigating unexplained phenomena along the border, from eerie creatures to unsolved cases.
“Bloodstone is essentially Tales from the Crypt meets the X-Files set at the border. It’s about monsters and those who hunt them, and it plays with the idea of who the real monsters are.”
Ricardo’s involvement goes beyond writing; he also lettered the comics himself, carefully crafting the visual storytelling. Although Issue 4 has been delayed due to exciting developments—namely, the comic’s adaptation into a TV series—the project remains close to completion. The TV adaptation promises to expand the story with more gore and monsters, offering new dimensions to the original comic’s world.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
Ricardo emphasizes how creating a comic book allowed him to share his stories in a way that a traditional script could not. “You can’t just hand a script to a producer—it’s a legal and practical issue. But with a comic book, you have a tangible, visual pitch that shows your vision.” This approach helped him break into the industry, making his ideas more accessible and memorable.
The LatinXorcists: Building Community Through Horror
Beyond his own creative work, Ricardo co-founded LatinXorcists, a Latin horror writers group dedicated to supporting Latino voices in the genre. The group provides a free platform for writers to submit scripts, receive feedback, and connect with peers, helping to overcome barriers in an industry where representation and access can be limited.
Since its inception two years ago, LatinXorcists has read and workshopped nearly 60 scripts from 57 writers, fostering a vibrant community that celebrates horror and genre storytelling. The group offers an invaluable resource for emerging writers who might not have the means to access paid script services.
“LatinXorcists is 100% free to join, to submit, and to read. We want to help Latino horror writers get their work out there and improve through community support.”
The group’s impact is evident in the success of its members, some of whom have gone on to land spots on The Black List, staff writers’ rooms, and feature sales. As Ricardo puts it, the collective is like a graffiti crew—individual artists with unique styles who are stronger together, sharing knowledge and lifting each other up.
Comic-Con Rituals and Reflections
When attending Comic-Con, Ricardo has a few rituals that keep him grounded amidst the hustle and bustle. First and foremost, he always hits the artist alley to discover new talent and reconnect with familiar creators. He also enjoys visiting booths like Hasbro and Bandai, indulging in ice cream to beat the San Diego heat, and taking the convention train for its convenient, air-conditioned ride.
One practical tip he shares with fellow attendees is to always bring deodorant and an extra T-shirt—essentials that help navigate the intense crowds and heat with a little more comfort. And while the convention can be overwhelming, Ricardo values the chance to express appreciation to creators in person, whether by saying a simple “thank you” or asking for an autograph.
Looking Ahead: Publishing, Production, and New Stories
Ricardo’s enthusiasm extends beyond his own work. He is actively involved in publishing the LatinXorcists’ first comic book, The Halloween Club, by Gerardo Maravilla and Anastasia Longoria. This project exemplifies the group’s mission to spotlight diverse voices and stories within the horror genre.
Working with indie publisher Comics Wellspring, Ricardo is committed to supporting independent creators and maintaining creative control. His goal is to build a cooperative production company that nurtures talent and helps bring more diverse stories to life, from comics to films and TV.
Follow Ricardo and the LatinXorcists
- Instagram: @ricarddude (Ricardo Martinez)
- Bloodstone Saga on Instagram
- The Halloween Club on Instagram
For fans, creators, and anyone inspired by the intersection of comics, film, and culture, Ricardo’s work offers a compelling example of how to carve out space and make an impact in today’s creative industries.
