I first wrote this poem, a mash-up of Dia de Los Muertos and Christmas,
back in 2006. Last year I finally got around to illustrating it.
My Christmas story starring El Muerto, The Aztec Zombie.
Thanks
to everyone who's paths I crossed this past year. In person or online,
in one way or another, we've connected in various ways.... Wishing you all the best this Holiday Season!
El Muerto and The Night Before Navidad © Javier Hernandez
Debuting this October 11 & 12 in San José, CA, at the Latino Comics Expo:
Yes, it's my new, full-color, digest-sized Holiday comic! As a young fan back in the 70s I always liked it when Marvel & DC would put out special Christmas-themed comics, featuring the superheroes in Holiday time adventures. So when I realized I had some stories that I could package in a Yuletide collection....
My new book features, for the first time in print, my poem THE NIGHT BEFORE NAVIDAD (which I originally published online back in 2006). And this time, I created full-color illustrations for it's print debut.
I'm also reprinting "Haunted Holidays", my one-page comic originally published as a Poster Comic, starring Jacob & Joaquin: The Wandering Jew and Catholic Boy. Another comic is also being reprinted, but for the first time it's being presented in full-color. My "Manga Muerto" story from 2000, where I presented this alternate version of El Muerto. Here he's a foreign exchange student in Japan given charge of a giant robot!
And rounding out this collection is an 8 page gallery of artwork I've created over the years as promotional pieces, art prints, covers, etc. THE ART OF LOS COMEX:
For the initial release, I'll have all the copies of this book at the Expo, but once I get back, I'll place a new order and put them in my webshop for your Holiday shopping needs. Remember, at 5.5" x 7.75", they make the perfect stocking stuffers!
Twas the Night ‘fore Navidad in the Cemetery,
Not one stray cadaver, save the Aztec Zombie.
His stocking was hung from his tombstone with care,
In hopes that San Nicholas would soon be there.
El Muerto lay peacefully atop his own grave,
No evil to fight, no one to save.
Visions of Maria danced in his head,
Wishing once more, that he were not dead.
The night continued to grow long and cold,
As he lay there, on a bed of marigold.
His most cherished dream would not give a rest,
As he longed for his heart, back in his chest.
Then, a few minutes ‘fore midnight,
To his most welcome delight,
A noise atop the mausoleum!
By golly, he could see him!
A great jolly man, brash and bright red,
Joyous enough to wake all the dead!
And with him, hard to believe, oh Dear,
I kid you not, yes, eight zombie reindeer!
A crimson and white suit made by the elves,
Black boots from Tijuana, straight off the shelves!
A big red sombrero atop his grand head,
Flying about on a magical sled!
“Now Mictlo, now Pepe, now Xotchi and Flaco!
On Cucuy, on Quetzal, on Calaca y Santo!
Away now we go, we’ve done our gift giving,
We’ve looked after the Dead, now to the Living!”
Off into the night, Santa Clause flew,
More presents to deliver, for me and for you.
Diego ran to the tree, decked out with light,
He hurdled the gravestones with all his dead might!
Nearing the tree, searching for his gift,
He thinks out loud, “Was Santa too swift?”
His heart all aquiver, he knelt on his knee,
(If he had a heart, I know! Just enjoy the story!)
Unwrapping his gift, El Muerto did see,
That his present was indeed truly lovely!
Not a heart for his body, or Maria, his treasure,
But something that gave him such wonderful pleasure!
There in the box, all awash in bright light,
Was a large sugar skull, decorated just right!
A cross and some flowers, all blue, red and yellow,
And written on top, his name, “Juan Diego”
He stood, cradling the calavera in his arm,
Sensing no loneliness, fearing no harm.
“It’s good to be remembered, on this festive evening.
Feliz Navidad to all! The Dead and the Living!”
