Artist Ivan Reis has become a DC staple working on books like GREEN LANTERN, BRIGHTEST DAY, BLACKEST NIGHT, and AQUAMAN. Currently, Reis stepped up to draw the JUSTICE LEAGUE series, taking over after Jim Lee's run, and is doing some great work on the Throne of Atlantis story line.
Reis took the time out to talk to us about his new work on JUSTICE LEAGUE and working as an artist in this industry.
Comic Vine: You had a great run on AQUAMAN, and now you get to work on JUSTICE LEAGUE. What was your first reaction when you got asked to work on this book?
Ivan Reis: I had many opportunities in past to work with the League, but due to several reasons it never pan out. And in the end, I think it was for the best. I had the chance to grow-up as an artist, which made me much more confident in doing it now. And when the chance finally presented itself, it was the right time in my career. And the right time to put in practice everything I've learned during the years. All I can say now is... I'm a happy geek artist! :)
CV: Which character were you most excited to draw?
IR: During all my years working for DC, I only had the chance to work with a few characters on MONTHLY books. Superman on Action Comics. Then Green Lantern, which was the series that I drew for most time, and then Aquaman... the other things that I did were only short-time series or one-shots, and I couldn't barely scratch the surface of what I could do with the characters.
But during all that time, the book I'm more proud of is Aquaman.
CV: Overall, how do you feel about your work on AQUAMAN, and how do you feel about leaving the book?
IR: Without a doubt, Aquaman was the most gratifying work I've ever done. Drawing the book was my choice, and then I took it as a challenge. Then, having Geoff(Johns), Joe(Prado), Rod (Reis) and our awesome editor, Pat MacCallum, onboard was a true blessing. being able to work with such fine-tunned team, and share a passion for the job and for the challenge to make the book excel, made everyone gave their best. Leave the book really broke my heart, but we all knew it was time to move on, because we knew that our next challenge wouldn't be so... ehr... easy, to say the least! I'm lucky that all the team followed me to Justice League! :)
CV: How much of a challenge is working on JUSTICE LEAGUE since you're taking on a lot more characters, most of which are considered iconic?
IR: It's a hell of a challenge! Take over after Jim(Lee) leaves the book! Damn! Him and Geoff kept the sales up for the book more than a year, and have to take over THAT responsibility is a LOT! to keep the same epic, iconic and energetic vibe... no easy task, I tell you! To make so many characters visually (and emotionally) different, on the same book, only makes it harder! But hey! I LOVE a challenge! Lol! I'm lucky because, I feel that I'm much more prepared and experienced now, and on top of that I have the whole crew backing me up on this!
CV: Do you have any plans on tweaking or changing any character's costumes during your run on JUSTICE LEAGUE?
IR: Well, so far I only tweaked a little Cyborg. We made him look more "human" shaped, instead of heavy and bulkier. Since he can control his form, this is a way of him trying to get back a little of his lost humanity, you know? Who knows if we'll be able to do him wearing civilian clothes at some point. He only goes all heavy and bulky in "attack/defense mode" now, so he does that when necessary.
CV: How do you tackle a large-scale action sequence?
IR: Ah! Good one! With less hours of sleep, and more hours on the art-table! LOL!
Also, I love to make sound effects emulating battle sounds, just to get in the mood! Truth to be told, I've never stopped too much time thinking about those scenes. I just try to keep them loaded with characters, lots of action, BUT easy to understand visually. That's my only concern.
CV: What character, that you haven't worked on yet, have you always wanted draw and why?
IR: SHAZAM! He's one of my favorite characters since I was a kid! Other character that I love is Conan, The Barbarian! I learned how to draw seeing John Buscema's art on Savage Sword of Conan!
CV: What suggestions would you have for some of the readers out there who would want to get into the comic book business?
IR: You gotta LOVE what you do. Have FUN while working with it. That helps a lot to keep up the energy... and of course, DRAW A LOT! ALL THE TIME!!! :)
Thanks to Ivan Reis for taking the time out to answer some questions and make sure to check out JUSTICE LEAGUE #15 and beyond!
23 Comments