Gabriel Hernandez, a passionate writer and producer, is the creative mind behind Coywolf, a cultural comic featuring an indigenous Afro-Latina female warrior. Drawing inspiration from his Native American and Mexican heritage, Gabriel has infused Coywolf with elements of ancestral power and mystical storytelling. The titular character, Coywolf, harnesses supernatural abilities in the spirit realm through her connection to her coyote-wolf lineage.
Early Life and Inspirations
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Gabriel now resides in Dallas, where he works as an Account Executive at a major logistics company. His love for storytelling began early, deeply influenced by the works of legendary horror writers like Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Alfred Hitchcock, Dean Koontz, and Anne Rice. Gabriel fondly recalls devouring King’s short stories, including Silver Bullet, which became a bestselling book and cult horror movie. These stories inspired him to pursue writing, crafting his own short tales as a tribute to the masters of the genre.
The Birth of Coywolf
Gabriel’s first visit to Comic-Con in Austin during his early 30s opened his eyes to the lack of modern Latino superheroes. This realization sparked the idea for Coywolf. Tragically, in his first year after moving to Dallas, Gabriel lost his mother. To honor her memory, he turned his grief into creativity, developing Coywolf in 2016. The character became a tribute to his mother’s strength and spirit, while also filling the void of Latino representation in comics.
Collaboration with Illustrator Robert Arista
After years of persistence, Gabriel connected with Robert ‘Bert’ Arista, a Dallas-based illustrator with a background in comics and graphic art. Bert, a St. Mary’s University alumnus, is known for his creations like Rattler Man and his artistic work for major brands like the Dallas Cowboys, UFC, and Miller Lite. Bert’s Dia de los Muertos-inspired pieces and love for Marvel and DC comics made him an ideal collaborator for Coywolf.
The duo’s shared vision led them to the Sierra Vista desert in Nogales, Arizona—a mystical setting that inspired the vivid landscapes of Coywolf. Over a weekend of sketchboarding, they finalized the first installment, Coywolf: Spirit of the Coywolf.
Legacy and Vision
Gabriel Hernandez’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. With Coywolf, he seeks to redefine superhero narratives, spotlighting the
beauty and strength of Latino culture. Alongside Bert Arista, Gabriel is committed to bringing Coywolf to life, a project that celebrates family, heritage, and the power of storytelling.
More info at coywolfcomic.com @txlatinoscomic
