Top Cow Productions announced the October 2025 release of Death to Pachuco, a Chicano noir crime series by Henry Barajas, Rachel Merrill, and Lee Loughridge.
During the summer of 1943, Los Angeles became a hotbed of tension and conflict as a series of fierce clashes erupted between U.S. Navy members and Mexican American youth stemming from the murder of Carlos Urbano. Private eye Ricardo “Ricky” Tellez needs to find the Sleepy Lagoon Killer before the racist mob kills him in the Zoot Suit Riots.The clock is ticking—and it’s a bad time to be a Mexican.The syndicated team of Henry Barajas (La Voz De M.A.Y.O. Tata Rambo) and Rachel Merril (Izzy n’ Jean) uncover a Chino Noir rooted in the shameful parts of LA’s history!
The graphic novel marks Barajas’s return to Top Cow with his most urgent and personal work yet. He draws from deeply researched historical events and culturally resonant storytelling to illuminate a dark but vital chapter of American history that remains shockingly relevant today. “All the research and digging I did to make this comic a reality with the best team and cover artists in comics,” says Barajas. “I’m lucky I get to tell this story with Rachel, Lee, and Will. We’re swinging for the fences.”
Barajas intends for this story to offer more than entertainment. “I hope it brings context to what is happening today,” he explains. “It was just shy of 80 years ago that Japanese Americans were being forced into concentration camps—and Mexican people were targeted and harassed for existing. It wasn’t an accident that the first line from the protagonist’s mouth is ‘Now’s not a good time to be a Mexican.’ We tell these stories so history doesn’t keep repeating itself, and I believe comics have the power to make a difference in the world no matter how bleak it looks.
Death to Pachuo #1 arrives on October 8, 2025.
DEATH TO PACHUCO #3 (OF 5)
STORY HENRY BARAJAS
ART RACHEL MERRILL, LEE LOUGHRIDGE
COVER A TULA LOTAY
COVER B TONY PARKER, LEE LOUGHRIDGE
COVER C TULA LOTAY (1:25)
Dick for hire Ricky Téllez finally comes face-to-face with the Sleepy Lagoon Murderer, only to be interrupted when all hell breaks loose between Pachucos and Sailors in an East L.A. jazz speakeasy. The unshakable air of looming danger is normal to Ricky. But can he get his man before the sailors do?
DECEMBER 10
32 PAGES • FULL COLOR
M (MATURE) AGES 18+ • $3.99 US
Arriving: November 12, 2025
Lunar Code: 0925IM0305
Page Count: 32
Cover price: $3.99The criminal trial has begun to find the 13th Street Gang guilty of killing Carlos Urbano, but the evidence is thinner than a communion wafer. P.I. Ricky Tellez needs to find the real killer, or his client’s daughter is going to take the rap.
Writer
Henry Barajas
Artists
Rachel Merrill, Lee Loughridge
Cover A
David Lapham, Lee Loughridge
Cover B
DaNi, Simpson
Cover D
David Lapham
Cover G
DaNi, Brad Simpson
