In this review of Rafael Garcia: Henchman #1, we meet Rafael, who’s considering trying to become the new squad leader. But can he get through the interview?
RAFAEL GARCIA: HENCHMAN #1
Writers: Peter Murrieta, David Schrader
Artist: Ben Herrera
Main Cover: Kit Wallis
Variant Covers: Orlando Arocena, Dan Mendoza, Kit Wallis
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: March 18, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Rafael Garcia: Henchman #1 opens on a typical job for the henchmen of Maverick Inc.: guard duty while a shipment’s being secured. Rafael and a coworker of his discuss a few things: their squad leader Danny is retiring soon, some speculation about what’s in the shipment, and possible candidates to replace Danny. The idea comes up for Rafael to apply (as he knows how to have fun and isn’t a complete brown-noser…like Scott). And then an explosion goes off.
After work, the guys are out of uniform and grabbing coffee with Danny. They’re the only ones that made it out of there. During their conversation, Raf’s coworker from earlier (Kyle) is a bit disappointed to find un-asked-for caramel in his drink, Danny expresses a bit of frustration with the job (hence his retirement), the job title of henchman brings a certain amount of disrespect to those who bear it…
But Rafael appreciates the travel aspect of this career. He also goes to get Kyle a new drink, in a calm (yet vaguely threatening) way. It’s also revealed, in this whole scene, that his girlfriend Lita left him two years ago. He’s certain she was just trying to motivate him to do better. Danny 1) offers to put in a good word for him at his exit interview, and 2) reveals that his real name is Tony.
The interview is set up, and Rafael, for his part, seems to be awkward, sweaty, and nervous throughout most of it. But despite this, he says that he’s only ever been shot once during his six year stint as a hench, and he goes to help the interviewer with her tablet (a MaxPad rather than an iPad). When she confides that she has an iPhone, he promises not to tell anyone. And that’s what gets him the squad leader position.
The scene shifts to a local dispensary, where we meet his ex Lita. He shows up, and Rafael Garcia: Henchman #1 ends with her glaring at him, informing him that she’s still mad.
Now, something I’ve definitely picked up on with this title so far is that there’s a great sense of comedic timing. For example, the scene with Danny/Tony, Rafael, and Kyle at the coffee shop. The beat between the latter two revealing that they’ve been using their real names this whole time (and the realization that “Ooh, yeah, that wasn’t the best idea” is perfect for the genre. One can basically hear that awkward silence as the realization washes over these guys. Another well-done beat is when Rafael is asked to submit to drug testing, and if drugs are a problem for him. The “theoretically” after he asks about how long it takes weed to get out of one’s system is probably the cherry on that one.
The characterization is pretty well done, as well, particularly with Rafael. When he’s first introduced, he’s dancing during guard duty, thus establishing him as maybe not the most serious guy out there. Yet at the same time, he’s fairly observant. He’s the one that theorizes that they’re dealing with shipments of grenade launchers rather than a generic medicine. He comes across as a bit of a goofball, but can get serious when the situation calls for it (like, say, asking for a new drink for his friend in a calm, but firm, and slightly intimidating manner). That’s a sort of duality that would help him with his job as a henchman for a shady organization and as a likeable main character.
The character designs in Rafael Garcia: Henchman #1are quite fitting, as well. First off, even in uniform, there’s no way someone’s mistaking Rafael and Kyle. Two entirely different body types, and I appreciate that. Out of uniform, when we see their faces, Kyle definitely looks like the type that’d be nervous about correcting a mistaken order. He just gives off a naturally nervous vibe, the type that’d feel safest behind a mask, toting a weapon. Danny feels a bit dangerous as a person, befitting the (former) squad leader. And somewhere in the middle of intimidating and approachable is Rafael: kind of a bit dude, face looks vaguely non-threatening, and digging the hair fringe over one eye.
I am rather curious about the rest of the world of this comic, though. With Rafael becoming the new squad leader, will we see more of what an average day for the henchmen of Maverick Inc entails? They mention the possibilities of radioactive lava, heat vision, and various other things one would see in superhero media. But would that remain as primarily tell without show?
Also, using fake names in this organization makes absolute sense, for the same reason a superhero would use a secret identity of their own: protect those close to them. The fact that Rafael and Kyle have used their real names for this job comes up, and it’s making me wonder: will this become a full-on plot point down the road, or would it be kept in running joke territory? Honestly, with the way this title is going so far, either of those possibilities would work.
Rafael Garcia: Henchman #1 is an excellent start, showing a likeable protagonist who I’d love to see succeed (hopefully a weed detox doesn’t change him for the worst), and I’m hoping to see a bit more world-building woven in later on.
Final Thoughts
If you need a good laugh, definitely check out Rafael Garcia: Henchman #1. It gives an enjoyable view of the superhero world from the other side of the conflict.
