SCC's Comics Talk

Comic books are basically fully illustrated story books. To tell the story well in this media, comic book writers not only have to decide on the prose, but also on the way their stories are told graphically. To do this well, the writers at the major comic publishers would typically have to collaborate closely with their co-creators (pencilers, inkers and colourists) much in the same way that movies are the result of a team of scriptwriters, directors, cameramen and actors. While some may think that grown-ups have no need of pictures to get into stories they read, many adults still marvel at visual interpretations of written prose, such as those adapted to movies and television. One other characteristic of comic books is that they tend to have quicker turnaround times compared to some other modes of modern story telling such as movies and television series. They could be published on a...

Adam, which of your past projects did you enjoy doing the most? Why? Adam: My 4 year cover run on Catwoman, because Catwoman can be both dangerous and funny, and I found that combination appealing. While you are known for the ladies on the covers, what male character do you love to draw? Adam: What's a Male Character? (Joking) What is the best cover you have drawn? Adam: huh- I don't know quite what to say. Tell them Supergirl on the meteor. It's near the top - I don't look at it and hate it. But I don't really have a favorite or one I'd consider the best. Do you love Star Wars? If so, which is your favourite character? Adam (turning to the life sized replica of the Darth Vader helmet in our living room): A little. As for favorite character: It's gotta be Luke. Hi Adam, I love your...

Who are the artists (both within and outside of comic books) who influenced your style? I tried to emulate a lot of the comic artists I read, as a kid, from John Byrne to John Romita Jr, and others. It was pretty much how I learned to draw, though eventually I realized that I needed to do more than just copy, and moved into trying to understand the structure of things before applying that final surface layer of 'style'. It's what I try to tell everyone who asks me to look at their portfolio of work. It's important to understand the foundation of something. I tell them not to focus on the cool rendering details because if the underlying drawing is broken, it won't matter how you dress it up, it'll always be broken. All the brightest paint colors won't mend a crooked wall. Do you think that comic book artists...

Ariela is an accomplished artist who recently started doing some work for Marvel (Death of Wolverine: Logan Legacy #2 and upcoming issues on the new Wolverines title) as well as working on the new series Deep State with Justin Jordan at BOOM! Studios (which had been optioned for TV after just one issue!). Despite her many successes, she remains down-to-earth and friendly (editor's note: And a joy to inter-view!). She currently resides in Jakarta, Indonesia, with her family.1. We know you are currently based in Indonesia. Tell us a little about how you became a comic book artist. Have you always wanted to be one?I had always wanted to be one. I think by 11 or 12 years old, I knew I wanted to do comics and never wanted for a second to be a doctor or architect. When I had to choose my major in college, I did think about...

By Myron Tay, STGCC 2014, August 28th 2014. Who are the artists (both within and outside of comic books) who influenced your style?One of my greatest influences was my Dad. He was a painter who believed that with skill or talent, a man can bring one to a place or a journey he could never think of. When it comes to style, I have grown up in the Jim Lee era. Michael Turner made me believe that comic artists can create beautiful women. Leinil Yu is one of the rare people who have shared his knowledge on comics. Carlo Pagulayan, Ariel Padilla and Lui Antonio are the artists who never stop teaching drawing comics in any way possible and whom I consider my brothers as we develop together in the industry. Stephen Jorge Segovia influenced me both in attitude and creativity. So, I am an artist, illustrator, who have been guided...

By Myron Tay, STGCC 2014, August 28th 2014. Adi Granov is a comic book artist and conceptual designer who is best known for his work on Iron Man. In particular, he was the artist for the Iron Man: Extremis miniseries and concept artwork for the Iron Man movie in 2008. Who are the artists (both within and outside of comic books) who influenced your style?I think Jean Giraud "Moebius", Drew Struzan and Hajime Sorajama had the most influence on my art style. Over the years I've been influenced by countless other artists, but those three really stand out as far as my technique and style go.Do you think that comic book artists should make changes from time to time? Why or why not? What factors should determine changes (if any) should be made?I think artists progress and change over time as we learn new things and techniques and our tastes change....

By Myron Tay, STGCC 2014, August 28th 2014 Philip Tan is a comic book artist who has worked on major titles such as Uncanny X-men, Batman and Robin and Spawn. He was born in the Philippines, but is currently based in the US. In his teens, he's finished one of the 90's 'Romance of the 3 Kingdoms' games more than 200 times... Who are the artists (both within and outside of comic books) who influenced your style?Grew up with a lot of Yoko-yama Mitsuteru, Takehiko Inoue and Kia Asamiya. Then as a teen it's a lot of Jim Lee, John Byrne, Todd McFarlane, Bengus and Katsushiro Oto-mo. But you really don't ever stop looking at stuff that inspires you, and on top of new influences, we always looks back again and again to those who inspired us in the past. So even when I im-merse myself with Katsuya Terada, Travis Charest...