Hi Mike, thanks for having us. First of all let me say that all our editorial staff is a big fan of yours, especially Stefano, our art director. Our first question is an easy one.
Do you have a special thing for one of your characters?
I really love Wolverine, because we have something in common. I like a lot Batman too, because he lives in shadows and shadows are one of my strongest points in drawing. Another one could be Captain America because he comes from the 40’s and he is a really honest guy.
What do you think of the renewed popularity of comics among young people?
Marvel has being doing a great job, trying to boost their franchise and gave us the opportunity to widen up our audience. Right know we approach very different people with different products. Movies are the biggest part, but they are not the whole thing.
You are an inspiration for young illustrator. Do you look at yourself as a master?
I don’t think that I’m a master, maybe I’m just old. I still have a lot to learn and I’m happy with that.
Which are your greatest inspirations?
In my youngest years they were Neal Adams, Dick Giordano and Bernie Wrightson. The list is very long. You can see something in each one of them, even if I try to change my style in the years.
Do you have a favourite Italian artist?
I saw on Facebook a guy doing Tex, he was amazing but I can’t remember the name. I also like Manara, Guido Crepax e Ugo Pratt. Simone Bianchi is one of my favourite among the youngest. Ivo Milazo’s Ken Parker is unique too.
You mentioned Milo Manara that recently was at the center of a big discussion among fans for his Spider woman. What you think of this particular episode?
I think that everyone criticised his Spider woman is stupid!
How is your relationship with fans?
I communicate with everybody, even if at some point I will not have the time to answer eveyone. If somebody insult me, I just pretent to have not seen the comment. Simple as that.
You changed your style a lot and matured a totally personal trait. Was hard to develop your own way to draw?
It comes with time. You evolve and comes naturally if you are up with experimentation.
You have skilled in analogical and digital drawing. Do you think that digital could replace analogical?
If you think that digital is not natural, you should go back in caves and draw with mud and sticks. After that nothing is natural, everything was invented by someone as an improvement of the tools you use. I will keep using both of them for specific purpose.
Is it hard to work with Major publisher? Do they cripple your creativity?
I came from advertising where clients are very demanding. I make my best to be innovative and still be a professional. Working on your stuff is better because you have a lot of freedom, but the team work you get from Majors improves your drawing.
Will you work on Guardian of Galaxy or something new?
I have no idea on what comes next! I gave them a couple of ideas, like Caesar but they will never let me do that!
Last question, Which Marvel hero would you like to see in the next blockbuster movie?
Caesar yes! Would be great!
Edited by Raffaele Giasi and Stefano Manieri
