Since the relaunch, ANIMAL MAN has been a stand-out series, thanks to the epic storytelling and some fantastic and creepy artists on the book. Starting in October, with issue #24, AMERICAN VAMPIRE artist Rafael Albuquerque will be taking over and bringing his unique art style to the book. Rafael answered some of our questions about the series.
Comic Vine: How did you get the job to draw this book?
Rafael Albuquerque: Jeff [Lemire] and I have known each other for a few years, and we really appreciate each other's work. Since then, we've always trying to find a way to work together, but for a reason or other, it just never happened. ANIMAL MAN came to me in a really convenient time, where I'm on AV [AMERICAN VAMPIRE] hiatus, so the opportunity to finally work with Jeff, in such a special book, is blessed.
CV: What do you hope to bring to this series?
RA: The previous artists, Travel [Foreman} and Steve [Pugh], were both pretty great, establishing a really rich visual ground. I just hope I can bring my own vision to that, and pretty much do my best to keep up the art as good as they did.
CV: ANIMAL MAN is known for having some pretty crazy looking characters in it. Without spoiling anything, what's the most bizarre thing you've had to draw so far?
RA: It's hard to say, because everything is really bizarre, indeed. There is a really cool creature (I can't talk who is it, yet) in issue #27, that is really fun to draw.
CV: What is your process when working with Jeff Lemire on this book?
RA: Pretty much the same as always. I send layouts for everything I do, for him and my editors, Joey and Kyle. Since he is an artist as well, we geek out about it, though. The coolest thing, though is when he gives me feedback asking how did I do this or that. He is a great storyteller and the fact that he is also an artist really makes my job easier.
CV: What's coming down the road for Buddy Baker?
RA: Well, after Cliff's loss, Buddy is pretty much trying to fix things up with Ellen and find Maxine, who's lost in the Red, because he knows she is in danger. That will lead us into a really bad ass showdown with Brother Blood and the new ruler of the Red.
CV: Will we see the return of any characters or villains from earlier in the series?
RA: Kinda. There is one familiar character that will show himself in a different way. He has a very important role in the whole story. I cannot say much more about it. :)
CV: What are you most excited about with this series?
RA: First, the idea of working with Jeff. Its been a great experience. Also, Animal Man was one of the coolest books in the 80/90ties, so being part of that legacy somehow, is a big honor.