Gene Kong Graphic Novel (Page #18)

By Pepe Moreno 1987

Title: "Gene Kong" Published by Albin Michel in Special USA in France in 1987 and Heavy Metal later on in the USA (2015).

Inspired by true events in NYC during the 1980s, a time when crime was rampant (before Rudy Giuliani), Gene Kong was my take on the "superhero" vigilante concept that has always been part of the chaotic crime folklore in America—the idea that we need superheroes to deal with those who escape justice. The subway vigilante story captivated New Yorkers at the time and sparked the idea for this project.

I wanted to tap into the superhero trigger that's so deeply ingrained in American culture, but without the usual nonsense (honestly, what's with Spider-Man? How silly can that get?). I took inspiration from characters like the Hulk and King Kong, blending this with genetic engineering to create a scenario grounded in scientific fact rather than magic. I projected this into the future, with New York City itself, along with the people who call it home, playing a significant role in the story.

From an artistic and technical perspective, Gene King was unlike anything I had ever done. When Tannino Laboratory introduced markers to the comic art scene, I was eager to put my spin on it, using non-toxic Bristol markers instead of the ones in advertising that could get you high. I think the work speaks for itself—I aimed to hit the mark with both the art and the character design and the story that unfolded. But in the end, you;ll be the judge.

Limited edition, original reproduction Glicee Museum-Quality Print. Available framed or unframed, original size (16x20), and overblown poster size (20x30).