Rafael García: Henchman #1 Review

 

Rafael García: Henchman #1 Review

Story: Peter Murrieta

Writers: Peter Murrieta & D.E. Schrader

Artist: Ben Herrera

Colorist: Emmanuel Torres

Letterer: Clay Adams

Cover Artists: Kit Wallis, Orlando “Mexifunk” Arocena, Dan Mendoza

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: March 25, 2026

 

Rafael works for Maverick, Inc. He enjoys hanging out with his coworker Kyle and trading gossip about the boss they’ve never met. Scott may be a pain, but Danny is a cool squad leader. But what happens when Danny decides to retire? Will Rafael get ideas above his station? And even if that throws him into danger, might that be good for his life? Let’s strap on our combat armor, leap into Rafael García: Henchman #1, and see!

 

Story

At Maverick Inc, Rafael and Kyle stand on guard as other employees load the plane. They don't know what stolen goods Maverick plans to sell, or where the buyer lives. But as Scott keeps everyone updated on the loading progress, Rafael lightens the monotony with a little dancing and singing. Kyle urges Rafael to look the part of an armed guard and not draw attention to them. Assuming Maverick exists, Kyle doesn't want their boss blaming them if things go wrong.

 

In Rafael García: Henchman #1, Danny’s decision to retire prompts Rafael to reevaluate his life. His landlord belittles him. His girlfriend left him because he lacked ambition. Rafael doesn’t understand why people don’t esteem him. He’s traveled around the world, and his boss has the potential to change it. He enjoys his exciting life. Yet other people have the security of regular paychecks and health insurance. Rafael wonders if people would regard him differently if he earned more money and held a management position.

 

Peter Murrieta and D.E. Schrader's story covers the risks and potential rewards of advancing through the ranks. While Rafael wants to know more about the company he works for, he yearns for the good life. Maverick may work for a villain, but he'd like nothing better than for everyone to be happy and work together harmoniously. But in Rafael García: Henchman #1, being a boss can get you killed.

 

Art

While a woman directs loading, Rafael dances in place before the airplane. Dramatic up and down angles enhance Rafael’s positive energy amid the routine duty. At Josh’s urging, they move apart and resume proper defensive stances. But when trading intelligence, the two friends in uniforms and combat armor draw nearer again.

 

As Emmanuel Torres lavishes bright and cheery colors on Ben Herrera’s art, blue dominates the first half of Rafael García: Henchman #1. The soldiers stand in their blue uniforms before blue backgrounds. After their duty shift, they gather in the blue-dominated coffee shop. As Rafael and Josh sit with their departing boss, Danny epitomizes "coolness" with his ponytail and handlebar mustache. The dark bangs hanging over Rafael's left eye enhance his easygoing appearance. Of the three, he smiles the most. And only Rafael wears a shirt adorned with the blue Maverick logo.

 

Clay Adams fills white balloons and boxes with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation. The balloons grow spiky when people communicate via radio. Enlarged letters dance in a joyful moment. Yet sound effects signal that worse trouble than an exploding plane lies in Rafael's future. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Rafael works for a secret organization. Yet he's oblivious about the need for secrecy. And while his boss adapts to changing times, Rafael is trapped by his yearning for the good old days. His love for people and his desire to help others could help Rafael improve his life. Or they could complicate his future when he gets "too close to the flame" in Rafael García: Henchman #1.

 

Rating 9/10

To look inside see my preview of Rafael García: Henchman #1.