About the Artist

About Me

Hello there. I’m Luis Mendoza — a veteran of 23 years in the U.S. Army, a husband, a father, and a comic book artist who decided it was never too late to chase the dream.

For as long as I can remember, comic books and comic strips fascinated me: exciting illustrations of my favorite heroes, drawn by the artists who would become my biggest influences. Bill Watterson, Neal Adams, John Byrne, Walter Simonson and Jim Lee all played a part in lighting the fire to create heroes of my own. But life happens, and responsibilities follow close behind, so for a while the dream had to wait.

After my military service, in 2023 I decided to pursue illustration for real — to become a comic book artist — and enrolled at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, majoring in Illustration with a concentration in comics. It wasn’t long before I landed freelance work with an independent studio, Street Team Studios, doing character designs, logo designs and page layouts. I illustrated three issues of their published legacy title, Rage City, one issue of Stalker Journals, and multiple pin-ups — all available in print and digital.

23
Years Served
4
Issues Published
1
Dream
After seeing how that work was received, I decided to build something of my own: Cold Mountain Comics. The goal is simple — bring back the excitement of turning the page, with good stories and art that ignites someone’s imagination the way comics did for me as a kid. The studio is under construction and officially launches in Q4 2027, and I’m hard at work on the flagship title, Deserters, a sci-fi epic I can’t wait to share.
When I’m not working on my own books, I take freelance illustration work and commissions. I like connecting with friends and readers — seeing my work through their eyes is always worth it. Just as much, I like sharing the excitement and the happiness that comics bring me. So come along for the ride, and enjoy the pictures along the way.
Who Got Me Here

Bill Watterson · Neal Adams · John Byrne · Walter Simonson · Jim Lee

Timeline

The Road So Far

23 Years
U.S. Army
2023
Academy of Art University, San Francisco
2023–2025
Street Team Studios
2027
Cold Mountain Comics Launches

Come Along for the Ride

See the Work →
Work With Me