Carlo and I agreed to meet in SM Megamall for two reasons, one for this interview and second is to scroll around and windowshop for the latest cellphone from Nokia or Sony-Ericsson and computers.
We share some common interest like computers, website designing, flash and cellphones and of course comicbooks.
Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
I was born in Pasig, Metro Manila, learned to walk and talk in Pangasinan, and later moved to Batangas when I was eight and that's where we've been since.
How about your schooling? Had you gone under any art training?
I took up Industrial engineering and most of my drawing skills were self taught. I've never been in any formal art training, I just copied a lot of stuff.
How long have you been working professionally in comics?
I first started after the September 11 event, when David was looking for someone to do a few pages for a benefit book that Dark Horse was sponsoring. SO I took it. That was way back in November 2001
What things -- both in art and otherwise -- have you worked on, besides comics? Are comics a full-time gig for you or part-time?
My family owns a network gaming café, so on idle time, I go to helping out there…
I guess penciling is now a full time job, on the side I try to learn a few things about Flash, 3d rendering, coloring… anything I could play with artistically. I've tried my hands on web page design but unfortunately the site's down now.
Talk about how you broke into the business --was it easy? Hard? Ups? Downs? Any interesting anecdotes? When you held your first published work in your hands, how did you feel?
Ooooh, it was hard! It took me almost 2 years after attending Glasshouse' first seminar. It was several months before I graduated, and in the middle of our mid terms when we saw the ad, I had to go. However back then I was one of the “unfortunate ones”, and after graduation I got a job as a supervisor in a semicon factory.
After 7 months of alternating graveyard shifts, I got back to trying out and finally I got a good review, and as David put it, Joe Q said he'd be watching out for me!!! Hows that for a once downtrodden frustrated artist!!! But things didn't really come rolling until the benefit book and the lucky pin up that landed me Elektra.
How did you settle on the style(s) you're currently using? If you have multiple styles how did you develop them?
I'd like to say I have a variety of styles, but I just want to do it in a way that's comfortable for me and satisfies me, hence this style.
I guess my style evolved from a lot of artists; Joe Quesada, Marc Silvestri, Brandon Peterson, and right now my eyes are locked onto Andy Kubert, Travis Charest and Leinil Yu's work; quality and storytelling.
Did you work as an assistant to any other artists? If so, please talk a bit about those experiences.
During my first year in highschool, I work for an artist who runs a graphics studio. He saw my drawing and hired me, he taught me some of methods in printing, which proved to be helpful in my course in college.
Although he's not someone who sees any future working in comics. He has left the country a couple of years ago so I can't make a convert out of him. heh
How did your parents take to the idea of working in comics?
Well I can assure you they are pretty happy about it now.
How would you describe your work space? Is it part of your home, or do you go "to the studio"?
My work area is between the kitchen, the sala, my bedroom and the computer. My chair has wheels so you can imagine how I travel in the house… I'm actually thinking of putting a motor and a joystick on it hahahaha
What job are you the proudest of? What's your most embarrassing?
I'm proud of my drawings for Rogue, hopefully you can see it in print. The mediocre works fortunately are all tryout samples. whew
What are you currently drawing? Comments on that project?
An X-MEN Title. Can't comment yet.
What is the interest in comics where you live? Do friends and neighbors know you draw comics for a living? How do they react?
Local comics aren't frequently read in my area, let alone foreign comics. What's popular here are Telenovelas, sporting characters who doesn't know how to wipe tears, dang!
Quite very few knows what I do for a living, they don't even know who I am… A friend of mine was asking around where I live, and those they've asked don't have a clue.
So they joked around that I was probably better known in the States rather than in my own village! haha They eventually found my place.
What's 1 thing you'll always find in your refrigerator?
Pineapple juice. I'm always up late, and they say it would do me good.
What's your favorite food?
Chicken and Chopsuey, I love that combination
What are your favorite interests --Movies? Music? TV? Any hobbies? Sports?
I watch movies whenever I get the chance, and every time I work I switch on my MP3's. I also like to play Table tennis, and some RPG.
Have you ever thought of writing your own stories?
A lot. They're all in my head. I just hope I don't hit it on something
Do you have any great, unsold projects in your files that nobody's gotten to see published?
Yep, in an alternate universe hahah Like I said they're all in my head, I'm just waiting for the right moment
If you weren't a comic-book artist today, what would you be?
A drone in an Industrial conglomerate.
Have you taught comic-book art or had any assistants? If so, talk about that.
We formed an organization back in college where I share some tips and still do. They don't offer fine arts there or anything that teaches art, so we thought it was a good idea to form that org.
The single thing you'd most like to be remembered for in your life is...?
Hmmm I just hope that NOW they know and remember where I live hahaha …I guess with what I helped create, I don't know… all will be revealed
Any closing words for your fans?
For those trying out, don't try to commit suicide on the worst critique you receive. Listen and keep practicing.
LIST OF CREDITS (as penciler):
Pages for Dark Horse' benefit book
Elektra
Icons of Evil: Trap Jaw
Superman
Emma Frost
X-Men Unlimited
New X-Men
HULK
