Earlier this September, Inside Fullerton announced a comic contest opportunity for Fullerton College artists to have their work featured on the Fall 2023 issue. After carefully looking through a number of submissions, the Inside Fullerton editors decided on “The Little Vatos” by Matthew J. Mego.

Artist’s Note:

“My name is Matthew Mego. I’m 39 years old. I’m attending Fullerton College for my computer animation certificate, and it’s my first year and semester.

What inspired me to make this comic was that I was fond of the short funny scenes from ‘The Little Rascals,’ which the characters were great and funny in, and another that was my favorite was the 90’s show ‘The Wonder Years.’ So while I was brainstorming for the comic, I remember seeing a documentary of these little toys called ‘Homies’ created by David Gonzales (kinda sad that it ended). So I wanted to create something from the Latin culture for all ages so that everyone can enjoy my comic. It wasn’t easy as well because I only had 9 days to create my comic.

So after putting a lot of thought from ‘The Little Rascals,’ crossed over with ‘The Wonder Years,’ I finally started writing and sketching the characters and the perfect city of East Los Angeles where I visit some of my friends there, I finally have a story. It’s about faith, friendship, taking care of each other and most of all, love for each other like a big familia. No gangs in the comics only some cholos, but good guys. I hope people will like ‘The Little Vatos.'”

Thank you for all your submissions this semester! We plan on reintroducing another art feature opportunity in the spring, so stay tuned and follow us on Instagram (@insidefullerton) to stay in the know!

Taken from the Fall 2023 print issue of Inside Fullerton. Read it here.