The Art of Hector Collazo

Today, I'd like to talk a bit about Excel Comics' lost member Hector Collazo.

I first Met Hector when I was just starting out as an intern at Marvel Comics in 1993. We hit it off immediately and that was probably due to the fact we both came from the same art school (New York High School of Art & Design). At the Time Hector worked as an editor in Marvel’s Special Projects department, which is primarily involved with developing specialized comics for use with snacks, candies, toys, movies, or any company that wants to officially produce a Marvel comic book as a promotional tie-in.

Of course, not everyone got into the comic business to be an editor, so it wasn’t long before Hector began seeking out some freelance work as an artist at both Marvel & DC. Shortly afterward, he landed his first regular gig as the Inker for Daredevil during the now-famous "Fall from Grace" storyline.

But around 1995, the independent comic market was on the rise and overall sales for Marvel and DC started to become stagnant. Many of us at Marvel began discussing creator-owned projects during our spare time. Hector went into the development of his own superhero/crime noir comic titled "Crime Buster", and asked me to provide the coloring design for the visuals. And that was really the first time we had a chance to work together.

But the American Comic book industry suffered a complete collapse that resulted with even Marvel Comics filing for bankruptcy in 1997. There were massive layoffs at both Marvel and DC with many smaller comic companies disappearing overnight. A lot of people lost their jobs and money in the process, and our independent projects never saw fruition simply because we just couldn't sustain them. Hector and I both moved out of New York and onto new jobs, but we stayed in touch from time to time.

The comic industry has since recovered in the 10 year period but it was still a shadow of its former glory. With the continuing rise in cover price and shrinking of the retail market, It didn't seem like a good idea for any of us to try getting back into the business through traditional means. But due to the rapid emergence of Digital Reader devices and online distribution by 2007, I felt there was a chance that we could approach comic book publishing this way. I started discussions with Hector regarding this route of business and he whole heartily supported the venture.

After I took trips in both 2008 & 2009 to China, it had dawned on me that China is a rapidly growing foreign market in need of entertainment properties, and that is when I redirected the company's focus in producing comic books for the Chinese audience. The Captain China idea was conceived and Hector had a direct hand in the early character design process.

Hector's support and contribution to my company Excel Comics are immeasurable. His unexpected passing is a tremendous loss not just to me but to everyone who knew him. Here is the only photo I've ever taken with Hector. This was us having a good time at the York Comic Con in 2009.

Lastly, I would like to share some of Hector's fantastic artwork from his portfolio. He developed this unrefined minimalist style which I thought was completely unique within the industry. Capable of expressing so much power and dynamics with so few lines, his art is truly a gem that is lost to the entire comic book industry and for all the comic fans out there.

Wish you were still here my friend!

Gallery Tribute to Hectors Art

Chi Wang