Tribune Content Agency has announced that Henry Barajas will be the new writer for
the Gil Thorp comic strip beginning July 11, 2022, replacing Neal Rubin*.
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.”
above: Neal Rubin's first Gil Thorp
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.”
comic books © respective owners; covers recovered from the GCD
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.”
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.
© Tribune Content Agency
Barajas’ first comics are available now, for publication starting July 11.
Read TCA’s full press release here.
* In the Spring of 2022 Neal Rubin returned to The Detroit Free Press after 22 years with The Detroit News. The Detroit News is owned by Media News Group (Alden Global Capital/Digital First). That group also owns Tribune Publishing which controls Tribune Content Agency, Gil Thorp’s syndicate. The Detroit Free Press is owned by rival media company Gannett/Gatehouse. Neal’s decamping to the cross town rival (actually just a different floor of the same building) MAY have something to do with Rubin no longer writing Gil Thorp.
edit to add = Neal says this supposition is way off base.