Blog | Big Red Hair

Motecuhzoma’s Bedroom

What did the Mexica emperor’s bedroom look like? No one knows for sure, but here's how the design was determined for our graphic novel series, Aztec Empire.

In the first episode of Aztec Empire, the Spanish conquistadors formally read aloud a document to a group of perplexed and angry Maya. As far as the conquistadors were concerned, this document—the Requerimiento—legally sanctioned their actions in the New World.

Historic Horses

For 10,000+ years, horses did not exist in the Americas. That changed in 1519, when the Cortes expedition brought horses with them to Mexico.

Myths of Malinche

The story of the Aztecs’ downfall has often been told replete with myths. But it’s Malinche, Cortés' translator, who suffers most from mythologizing: as both the mother of modern Mexico and the great betrayer of her people.

By Any Other Name

The Aztec didn’t call themselves Aztec, and Spaniards didn’t call themselves Spaniards, during the Conquest of Mexico. So why do we call them that?

Comic Book Learning Portal

Redesigning our website gave Anina an opportunity to expand and update an old page built around her comic book writing guide. It’s now a whole section devoted to resources for comic book creators, educators, librarians, students, and young readers.

Tenochtitlan: Size of a City

The exact population of Tenochtitlan has been a subject of debate for centuries. Here's a brief history of informed guesses.

Ida B. Wells: Tell the Whole Truth

Our short comic book biography of activist Ida B. Wells, with an introductory article on hope, history, and connecting the dots. Plus a peek into Paul’s visual reference process!

Podcast: “Diversity, Inclusion & Respect” Panel at Multnomah County Library

Why are diverse perspectives in fiction important? Why are so many diverse books targeted for censorship? What can we do about it? These are just a few of the thorny questions we tackled ...

Podcast & Video: “Comic City, USA” Exhibit at Oregon Historical Society

Paul and I are honored to be included in the Oregon Historical Society’s exhibit “Comic City, USA.” We joined the curator to talk about this unique exhibit on OPB radio, and we gave a presentation called “From Geek to Chic: The Comic Book Revolution.”