E.C.-Dukes and Ronnie Dukes are the creative force behind DUKEScomics, an independent comic books publisher. E.C. is a writer. Ronnie is an artist. The duo met in Minneapolis, Minnesota. E.C. is from New Mexico and Ronnie from Chicago. They’ve been married for over 15 years. Their first graphic novel “A.W.O.L.” was published in English in 2016 and premiered at El Paso Comic Con. The Japanese edition of “A.W.O.L.” was published in 2018 and premiered the same year at Tokyo Comic Con in Japan. The Spanish edition of “A.W.O.L.” came out in 2020 and premiered at virtual MexAmeriCon. Elvira and Ronnie have just released their second graphic novel, Daizee and the Dukes of Chuco: Chuco-Juárez World Rally and have launched into a world tour to promote their new epic adventure.
“Embrace the journey because every step, whether big or small, takes you closer to your dreams.” Ronnie & Elvira Dukes
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Ronnie Dukes is a Black artist from the south side of Chicago. His first professional artist experience began at Gallery 37 while in high school. Ronnie earned a degree in computer animation in Minneapolis before relocating to Harlem in New York City where he began to paint and exhibit work. Ronnie created his publishing company DUKEScomics with his wife, partner Elvira Carrizal-Dukes, featuring their first major print project “A.W.O.L.”, a full -color graphic novel available in English, Japanese and Spanish. Ronnie past work includes collaborations with the Department of Tribal Empowerment Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, the Alzheimer’s Association West Texas Chapter, and the El Paso Museum of Art.
#CONSTANTER
E.C.-Dukes (a.k.a. Dr. Elvira Carrizal-Dukes) is a Xicana writer from Chaparral, New Mexico. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film from Columbia University in the City of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Journalism and Chicano Studies and a minor in Theatre Arts. Dr. Dukes writes comics, graphic novels, screenplays, plays for theatre production, and academic scholarship. She is a writer, filmmaker, and teaching artist. To learn more about Dr. Dukes’ work, visit her online portfolio at: https://ecdukes.wixsite.com/multimedia-portfolio
Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!