Zombi Mexicano by Keith J. Rainville

There is not enough literature on Lucha Libre movies and comics. Fortunately for us, we have amazing people like Keith Rainville who gushes with enthusiasm over the subject matter. Just in time for El Día de los Muertos, Mr Rainville has released his newest book, Zombi Mexicano. This book talks about how the "momias" of Mexican decent aren't as equivalent to their Egyptian counterparts, and are a closer kin to the American zombie. From there, he dives in to history, and into the great movies featuring these hideous undead. I just received my copy today, and I'm pretty thrilled, it was well worth the money!

Such a slick cover. Love the warm tones, and the creeps whom I think were in La Mansion de 7 Momias.  

Some snippets of color and black and white pictures from the book.
You have to do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Any lucha libre nut, or foreign horror fan should have this in their library! Buy your copy here at Keith Rainville's site: http://frompartsunknown.net/

Born and Raised: El Hijo del Santo

Hey everyone, sorry for the giant time lapse since last post. Rather than a long winded apology, let me simply say I've been obviously busy, but lucha libre is still in my heart, and this blog is always on my mind. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

But now, let's talk about this great little interview I found!

I don't know much about Born + Raised with Chuey Martinez, but I find it amazing that he was able to sit down with the legend, El Hijo del Santo!! Only slightly jealous that he gets to dine with the man! This one is also subtitled, so kick back and enjoy!

Guacamelee!

Yes, I spelled that correctly, Guacamelee. I just heard that there is another lucha related game coming out very soon! I don't know much about it, but from the screenshots, it looks as though you play as a Blue Demon clone, and it's a side scroller scifi action game.

Check out these screenshots and a video:

I'll be keeping an eye out for more info about this intriguing game!

The Rock and Blue Demon

Recently, The Rock went to México to promote the opening of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island aka El Viaje 2: La isla misteriosa. While there, he took a photo with my favorite luchador chaparrito, Blue Demon!

La Roca y El Blue Demon

I've read a few websites that have mentioned a possible new Blue Demon film. Maybe The Rock could come and make a cameo, or is that too big of a dream?

Lucha de Sound: Espectaculo en la Universidad

Do you live in Washington State, and crave some lucha libre excitement in your life?! Well look no further than Lucha de Sound: Espectaculo en la Universidad! Saturday, February 18, 2012, starting at 7pm (doors open at 6pm). at the University of Puget Sound - Memorial Fieldhouse in Tacoma, Washington!

This is an event not to be missed! CHiSPA (Community for Hispanic Awareness) and Lucha Libre Volcánica (formerly Luchadores Independientes de Washington) are putting on this wonderful event. Ticket prices are $9 for the public, and $6 for campus community members! Tickets can be purchased online here! Where else can one get raw excitement of masked wrestling in Washington State? This is it! Clear your schedule folks!

For more updates, check out the Facebook Event page!

Lucha Libre in Seattle August 20th

Heads up my friends in Seattle, Washington (If you didn't know, I'm residing in Spokane, WA)!! Looks like you have some lucha libre goodness heading your way!

ECOSS, the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle presents "Lucha Libre" in South Park Aug. 20. West Seattle wrestling and lucha libre fans can witness flips, flying kicks, headlocks, and other moves in person.

If you are a part of this event, please contact me and I'll do what I can to share more information on my lucha blog! I am an activist for all things lucha libre! If you are attending, take some photos for me, and I'll share them here as well!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011 4-8 PM
14th Ave S & S Cloverdale


JOIN US for Lucha Libre in the Street. Kids activities start at 4 pm with free lucha mask face painting, bouncy house and more. The Mexican-style wrestling, featuring Luchadores Independientes de Washington, begins at 6 pm. Cheer on your favorite wrestler weather it they be good or evil. There will be a contest to win adult Lucha Libre masks.
The event is FREE for all! We ask you come, have fun and help us support our local merchants. Plenty of time to eat at a local restaurant, fill up the gas tank, take home some of the best Latino baked goods around, buy a pinata for your next party, grab that much needed bag of dog food, or even come early and get your oil changed.

Lucha Key Chain Toppers

This is what every inspiring luchador needs! Lucha Key toppers!

 Puedes prestarme tu carro por favor?

I believe the company that makes these is PerpetualKid.com, but I'm not certain. They are available at all sorts of novelty shops, and I must order a set! My girlfriend has a set of owl key toppers, so I have to match her with something even more cool!

You simply slide the masks over the top of the key, then slide them back on your key ring, and you'll be set for a battle royale! Neither faces are copyrighted characters sadly, but they are pretty fun! Could you imagine a set of Santo, Blue Demon, y Mil Mascaras keys?

The Lucha Libre Taco Shop

There's a taco smack down going on in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego if you haven't heard. Yes, that's right! THE LUCHA LIBRE TACO SHOP! Why hasn't this place been on Food Network or Travel Channel yet (or has it, and I've just missed it)?

Isn't it glorious?

This place is jam packed with lucha libre memorabilia. Also, the word en la calle is that they play classic lucha films on the televisions throughout the taquería. Sounds like my kind of place! These aren't sissy tacos from your local Taco Campanilla, these are fancy, tasty beasts! You can also order from a plethora of jarritos if you dare (tamarindo if you're a brave gringo). The prices are reasonable as well, which is nice to hear in this economy.

I'm not a fan of pink, but I hear it's the new black

I'm not sure the luchador from his mask, but his pink tights scare me

Ooh, a collage of some of the most famous!

Look at all that memorabilia! Estoy celoso!

Only word of caution that I know about this place is that it's tiny! So if you go, plan a good time so you can get in. Also, I hear parking is sometimes an issue. Other than that, this sounds like a great stop for a lucha libre tour of the USA.

The location is:

Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop
1810 W. Washington Street
San Diego , CA 92110
(619) 296-8226

If you're lucky enough to go, let me know how it is! I was extracted from California 25 years ago, and rarely make it back!

Lucha Fury - XBLA Game

Lucha Fury is a brand new game for Xbox Live Arcade, and I'm stoked. For those that know me, my foundation in video games is built on the shoulders of Final Fight, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, and Double Dragon. I'm an ultra fan of side-scrolling beat-em-ups. Last year, the Scott Pilgrim beat-em-up was released, and now this summer we get Lucha Fury, and it's totally up my alley!

This game is very much like a comic book, with bright colors and tons of action, along with the feeling of Mexican lucha-libre. The game has tongue in cheek backdrops, characters, and ridiculous fun. You can play one to four plays, on or offline. What is even more fun is that you pull off moves by working together, which really enhances the multiplayer cooperation.

The plot is that these amazing luchadores are on a mission, there's a shortage of energy drinks! They are now on the hunt for the evil doers behind this heinous crime.

The Characters:

 


Screenshots:


 Culo de Fuego? Ass of fire?


 La banda esta borracha!


 Rumble en el parque.

Los Luchadores Exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Institute of Los Angeles

"Los Luchadores" hits the Mexican Cultural Institute of Los Angeles from
From June 11 through July 23. They will be featuring the photography of Richard Ehrlich, consisting of a series of 40" x 50" photographs of masked wrestlers.

The mission statement of the MCI is:  "The Mexican Cultural Institute is committed to being a leader in providing education, programs, resources, and presenting historical, cultural and contemporary arts of Mexican heritage, and to advocate for Mexico-United States social, cultural and historical art preservation as an important part of strengthening Los Angeles’ communities."

Considering that lucha libre has been a major part of Mexican culture, being a favorite sport of the people, this is a wonderful exhibit for the MCI. If you are in the area, check out the gallery!

An artist reception, screening of classic luchador films and music program to be announced! I'm very excited to hear what they plan on screening. I love to spread the word on lucha films being screened all over, it's a fun opportunity for everyone to enjoy some lighthearted action!

Exhibit runs from June 11 - July 23, 2011
Gallery Hours: Noon-6PM, Thursday -Sunday

125 Paseo De La Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213)624-3600
http://mexicanculturalinstitute-la.org/
E-mail:  info@mexicanculturalinstitute-la.org 

Link to the facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135823219825895

They also forwarded me a few preview images for you all to see! They are truly a spectacle, my favorite is of Tinieblas!!

Icons of Lucha Libre Stamps

My good friend Roberto emailed me with some info on a stamp series in México. In 2008 they started with El Santo, and now they are releasing Mil Máscaras.

Here are some images:

These are pretty impressive. I'm hoping they will also honor my favorite luchador, Blue Demon, as well!

Luchador Building?

I took some photos today of a very interesting building. I live in Spokane, Washington, and today I went to Luigi's for an early dinner with my girlfriend. Across the street, we saw this building:

It used to be the old TechGroup building, but now it's a graphic design company Seven2, but it would be way cooler if it were a luchador shop. One can dream, right?

Interestingly, it looks a lot like Huracán Ramírez's mask. It looks like the mask is their logo or mascot perhaps at the place? Not sure the correlation between lucha libre and web design.

Luchadores get thirsty too

I spotted this the other day at my local Yokes Fresh Market grocery store:

click here for details

In the pursuit of presenting you all with everything lucha inspired, I had to share this cup! I'll be definitely buying this come payday, it's too cool not to own! This cup is an acrylic tumbler made by Vessel Drinkware, it can contain up to  16 ounce, weighs in at a mere 7 ounces, and can manage a drink up to 160 degrees. The entire thing, from the straw, to the lid, to the cup itself is entirely acrylic. You'll be the envy of everyone around the water cooler with this cup! Be warned, drinking from this cup may inspire you to perform some high flying lucha maneuvers on your coworkers!

PS, I don't work for Vessel, nor do I get any money from these guys. But if they want, they can get a hold of me, and send me whatever cool products they want!

Lucha VaVoom - Cinco de Mayo Spectacular

Lucha VaVoom just had their Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Mayan Theater (photos below), as well as a show in Chicago! For those of you who don't know, Lucha VaVoom is probably the best event for lucha libre within the US borders! Not only is it masked Mexican wrestling, but it also combines burlesque dancing, comedy acts, music, and a party-like atmosphere. It's something more out of yesteryear Hollywood with vaudeville style vignettes of different skits, and performances, sandwiched between muscled men duking it out in the ring. How can you say no to all this fun?
Lucha VaVoom started in 2002, and has been going strong, and now is branching outside LA, into San Francisco and Chicago. It's definite the show that people talk about weeks, even months after attending!

Aztec Dancers in celebration!

The following photos are from the LA Weekly slideshow, all photographed by Timothy Norris. More amazing photos from all the Lucha VaVoom's history can be seen at their official website: http://luchavavoom.com/ Also, before you get to the photos, if you'd like to hear a story on Lucha VaVoom by NPR, check out this link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103797887

As a word of caution, some of the following photos may not be suitable for a work environment. No nudity, but there will be scantily clad women, bare chested wrestlers, and all sorts of entertainment below: