Beto Hernandez, Love and Rockets issue 1 page 4 Fantagraphics

The first issue of Love and Rockets from 1982! (ok, the first issue published by a publisher - the Hernandez brothers had self-published an earlier, smaller magazine in 1981 that caught the attention of Gary Groth, who had them rework and expand that initial effort into L&R 1).

The very first story begins with a sci-fi based tale about a giant monster called "BEM" by Beto. This page is #4 - 3 pages later on page 7, important recurring character Luba makes her first appearance (although similar in voluptuous physical appearance to the later, ongoing Luba, the origin and story of the character were significantly reworked).

BEM is the first story in the continuing L&R saga. While early, it contains many of the hallmarks of Beto's later work, including magic realism, inventive names for people and objects, and clean, black lines.

I am very pleased to add this page to my collection. I believe the Hernandez brothers and the more than 40 years of amazing storytelling should be recognized as one of the great literary and artistic achievements in American culture.