Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Hell Paso

Based on the true, violent story of Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire, and his fight to enforce the law in El Paso, Texas, from 1881-1882.

 Launched: May 4, 2013
 Funding ends: Jun 6, 2013

“El Paso...was a gathering place for all types of gamblers, common thieves and desperadoes. At that time it was called Hell Paso and...the title was justly earned." From "Former Mayor Sol C. Schutz Saw El Paso Evolve From Village to City in Half Century,” El Paso Morning Times, June 25, 1916.

“I believe that when a man is born, the time when he is set to die is fixed and appointed, and he can’t be killed before that time comes around. I don’t believe the bullet was ever molded that will kill me.” From “Ex-Marshal Studemeyer,” El Paso Herald, April 9, 1895.



El Paso, Texas, 1881. Corruption runs rampant, crime and violence is high, and El Pasoans are scared. Who can turn this city around? There is only one man who can, and his name is Dallas Stoudenmire.

You've heard of famous Western lawmen such as Wyatt Earp, Pat Garrett, and Wild Bill Hickok. Now discover El Paso Marshal Dallas Stoudenmire, the one man who had the courage to tame the most violent city in the Old West. Read the greatest western time has forgotten, and learn why the city earned its nickname: Hell Paso. Based on the violent events from El Paso, Texas, between 1881 and 1882.

From the Author:

Hello everyone,

My name is Jaime Portillo of Jimmy Daze Comics, and I am the writer and creator of Hell Paso: The Story of Dallas Stoudenmire.

The series was originally released as a six issue limited series starting in 2010. I wrote the story while a number of friends contributed to the art and colors. They are Arturo Delgado Molina, Dany Morales, and Adrian Dorame of Death Moon Comics, and Ricky Martinez and Chris Shehan of Badassery Studios. I myself also contributed to the artwork for the final issue.

I am now planning on reprinting the series as a special edition, trade paperback flip book. Not only will it collect the first six issues of Hell Paso (144 pages), it will also contain a special bonus section of over thirty bonus pages, making it a 186 page trade paperback.

Since the story is historical fiction, I decided to add a “Hell Paso Facts” section, which will discuss the actual people and events that occurred in El Paso during that time. I researched this subject, and even wrote a thesis paper based on one of the killings, which helped me earn my Master of Arts degree in History at the University of Texas at El Paso in the fall of 2012.

The special edition also includes original newspaper articles, photos, and sketches of the people involved. It will conclude with a pin up gallery containing work from Death Moon Comics, Badassery Studios, and Urban Myth Studios. (I have been granted permission to reprint the photos by the the institutions who own the copyrights.)

What’s also going to make the book stand out are the two covers that were created for it. The original series section will have cover art created by Javier Saltares, who is best known for his work in Marvel’s Ghost Rider, Dark Horse’s Predator, and IDW’s GI Joe. He currently is working on his own series, David’s Mighty Men. The bonus section cover will feature art work created by Rudy Vasquez. He currently does work for Jazan Wild’s, Carnival of Souls. Kate Finnegan, who currently does colors for Legend of Oz and Mark McKenna’s, Combat Jacks, has contributed her colors to the art work.

Interested in helping Jaime make this book a reality? Head on over to the Kickstarter page and start clicking those funding options!