Comic books are as much mythology as they are fine art. Growing up, most children had to only walk into their neighborhood candy store and with a relatively small amount of money to find adventure in every beautiful illustration and dynamic storyline. Not all artwork nor literature has been as accessible. Just as magical as the accessibility of these wondrous pieces of art were how they made (and continue to make) their audiences feel. And with the creation of characters like The Black Panther, Storm, Luke Cage, The Falcon, Blade and War Machine many children and adults also found images that directly mirrored, represented and inspired them.

We need not have been working class and poor families growing up in New York City to relate to the escapades of Harlem's Luke Cage or The Falcon, but to those of us who were (and are) it is invaluable to see ourselves as heroes too. We aspired to rule kingdoms and soar through the skies like Black Panther and Storm because on paper we could. We even had a voracious beast slayer in Blade and a knight in shining armor in War Machine.

The artists who have helped to tell the stories of these characters have created truly amazing and often underrated art. Their technique, precision and dedication is astonishing. As you move throughout the exhibit, please note the diversity in the interpretation of each character from artist to artist and generation to generation. Each style is distinctive in nature, stroke and design.

It is our honor to bring this show to you so that you too may enjoy the diversity of these legendary characters via the amazing work of these talented artists. Our company name, Somos Arte, means "we are art", and we are not only a creative services studio that provides branding, campaigns, commercial photography and shows for our clients; but we also celebrate art in all its forms and invite you to celebrate with us. Welcome to our second show in this genre and it is our hope that you leave as enthused and awed as we have been in developing the show for you to enjoy.

• Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, Curator
  
• Shirley Miranda-Rodriguez, Executive Producer
  
• Reginald Hudlin, Associate Producer
  
• Riggs Morales, Associate Producer
  
• David Medina, Muralist
  
• Eric Battle, Key Artwork
  
• José A. Gutiérrez Rivera, Digital Painter
  
• Johanna Silfa, Intern
  

Pencils/Inks: Eric Battle
Digital Paints (Classic): Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez
Digital Paints (Modern): José A. Gutiérrez Rivera

TM & © 2009, Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved.