Seven comics to summarize the unforgettable career of Carlos Pacheco

Drawing by Carlos Pacheco for DC Comics.

Anyone who has read superhero comics in Spain knows Carlos Pacheco, who died on Wednesday at the age of 60, as confirmed by his publisher, Norma.

All of his compatriots who have dedicated themselves to drawing comics of guys in disguise (and not only) have the Cádiz-born artist as an absolute reference.

Through his hands, after all, the most powerful myths in the history of Marvel and DC have passed: the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Thor, Spiderman, Batman, The Avengers, Superman ...

Pacheco was born in San Roque, a town of 30,000 inhabitants, and managed to become famous with millions of readers around the world, on both sides of the ocean.

His pencils shaped hundreds of adventures, he collaborated with some of the best screenwriters in the business and even created his own stories, including his own heroes.

Here's a guide to some of the most memorable works from an unforgettable career:

Cover of the first issue of the 'Dark Guard' series, drawn by Carlos Pacheco and edited by Marvel.

'Dark Guard' (1993)

Pacheco's first job for Marvel.

Perhaps the series will not remain in the history of comics, but it did put the cartoonist on the map.

The argument is summed up in that of many other occasions: a group of heroes, Death's Head II, Motormouth or Killpower among them, come together to face a threat that they cannot contain alone.

But the main result of their struggle is that the comic begins to discover a star.

So much so that, from now on, the two US publishing giants will not release the Cadiz creator again.

Cover of one of the Marín and Pacheco issues of 'Fantastic Four', edited by Marvel.

'Fantastic Four' (2000-2002)

Pacheco has portrayed dozens of myths, but with some his relationship has lasted over time.

With The Fantastic Four, the artist has had several farewells and reunions.

But in the publication of the series between 2000 and 2002, in addition to the artist's talent, his ability to start writing is also shown, since he signs the plot together with the Spanish Rafael Marín.

Among other episodes, he dares with a silent cartoon;

The Thing, Reed Richards and Susan Storm are sent on a journey to the Negative Zone, while Johnny Storm is forced to assemble an alternate formation to deal with Namor's threat.

In the so-called Abraxas Saga, the quartet battles this terrifying new foe.

Vignettes from 'The Life of Captain Marvel', drawn by Carlos Pacheco, edited in Spain by Panini (Marvel).

'The life of Captain Marvel' (2018)

Moviegoers discovered the devastating Carol Danvers just a few years ago, for her role in the epilogue of the film's battle against the evil Thanos.

But in the comics, Captain Marvel was already widely known as one of the most powerful creatures in the galaxy.

In this comic, Pacheco puts his pencil at the service of Margaret Stohl's script, applauded for her originality and creative risk, to recount the origin and journey of the young woman to become a key member of The Avengers.

Vignette from 'Absolute Power', drawn by Carlos Pacheco and edited by DC.

'Superman' (2004, 2012...)

Another character with whom Carlos Pacheco has met several times throughout his career.

In 2004, among other portrayals of the Man of Steel, he signed

a series that imagines an alternative world where both heroes have become tyrants who take advantage of their abilities to run the planet at will.

Total security, yes, in exchange for loss of freedom.

The comic is also relevant because it is written by Jeph Loeb: as he built his career, Pacheco demanded to work with the best Marvel and DC writers.

Not for nothing, in another of his famous Superman creations

in 2012), the text is by Kurt Busiek, a true star of superhero comics, who was a friend and regular collaborator of Pacheco.

Detail of the cover of 'Arrowsmith', drawn by Carlos Pacheco and published in Spain by ECC Ediciones (DC).

'Arrowsmith' (2015)

Pacheco and Busiek come together again for one of their most celebrated creations.

From his ideas a new hero is born, Fletcher Arrowsmith.

And an initiation story set during World War I, or rather an alternative version: you fight with magic blows and strange creatures appear.

'The X-Men (X-Men)'

Pacheco accompanied the X-Men on all kinds of adventures, over many years.

From

to

from

to

the cartoonist was also present at several of the key events in recent mutant history.

Cover of 'Iberia Inc.', drawn by Rafa Fonteriz and written by Carlos Pacheco and Rafael Marín.

Edited by Dolman.

'Iberia Inc.'

(nineteen ninety six)

The drawing, here, is by Rafa Fonteriz.

But Pacheco was responsible for having created and written, together with Rafael Marín, this six-episode miniseries that invented a comic strip of Spanish superheroes in the style of comics from the other side of the pond.

It was a sales success, and public.

It told the adventures of Thunder, Lobisome, Melkart, Aquaviva, Drac de Ferro, Dolmen, Trasnu and Traka, characters with special powers placed at the service of the Spanish government.