Artist Pepe Larraz is one of the most important artists in the 'Dawn of X ' team - according to X-Men group editor Jordan D. White , if Larraz draws an X-Men comic book, it's a sure sign that the story will be meaningful enough.
Newsarama s Interviewed with Larraz ahead of the One Time Out to get some perspective on what it's like to be a go-to artist for the X-Men, how his working relationship with writer Jonathan Hickman went evolved and all the work that went into the character and world design of 'X of Swords. '
Newsarama: Pepe, you helped kick off the 'Dawn of X ' era. How does it feel to come back to help launch the next big? X-Men crossover in X of Swords: Creation?
Pepe Larraz: It 's really awesome, Actually. I still feel at home in Krakoa and I also couldn't wait to draw some of the new places that appear in 'Dawn of X '!
Nrama: How does it feel to work with Jonathan Hickman now after working with him on House of X? How has your working relationship evolved?
Larraz: Well, Jonathan is not a writer who looks over your shoulder to check every line you make, he gives you some clues as to what he wants - very specific but also very open to interpretation, really inspiring, and leave you enough space to work.
(Image credit: Marvel Comics)
Also, this project is much bigger than House of X / Powers of X, so Jonathan had to coordinate with several creative teams.Chef Jordan D. White and Annalize Bissa did a fantastic job coordinating all of us. It has not been easy, especially in these difficult months. It was a little crazy, I can tell you that.
Nrama: Without getting too spoiler, what's your favorite thing you drew for this one-shot?
Larraz: Each story has its own challenges, a Hickman story in particular, and this one is no exception. I must have drawn things that are incredibly large or made up of thousands of small parts.
This forced me to find new graphical solutions to represent these things credibly and fairly quickly. I 've played around a lot with grayscale and textures, much more than in House of X. There are also a lot of new locations and characters, it has been a great trip creatively!
Nrama: Solicitation for X of Swords: Creation doesn't reveal much about the story. What can you tell us about what's going on in this issue?
(Credit from 'image: Marvel Comics) Larraz: It A story that began thousands of years ago , which still resonates and hasura consequences now and in the future. I can't really say anything else because everything is a spoiler!
Nrama: How has your approach to drawing the X-Men evolved since House of X?
Larraz: A friend of mine says working in Marvel is like playing with another kid 's toys, in the end, you must return them to their owner.
But after House of X, having collaborated to create something that will stick around, at least for a while, I feel like I'm part of it in a way . It 'sa really comfortable feeling and makes me more confident when drawing the pages.
In addition, working with the same characters for a long time allows you to become familiar with them. The way they talk, the way they move around seems more natural.
(Image credit: Marvel Comics) Nrama: You also draw X of Swords: Stasis # 1, another one-shot in the crossover. How much design work have you done for the Swordbearers of Arakko, who are on the coverure the number ? What is your thought process when describing these characters?
Larraz: Ah, if only it was the Swordbearers! These pages are full of designs, new places, new characters ... It was fascinating to help Tini and Jonathan shape it all.
Swordbearers must inspire fear and threat at first sight. But also tell a story of ancient times and wild lands. I had to put it all in the drawings. I wanted something alien, elegant but futuristic, wild but sophisticated. Egyptian motifs provided a link between the designs.
Well, Pogg is the result of my obsession with drawing giant animals. The deion just said "a monster" so I brought the Nile crocodile to the table. There is no scariest monster on Earth!
(Image credit : Marvel Comics) Nrama: After X of Swords, can we expect more X-Men from you?
Larraz: Drawing the X-Men is the reason why I wanted to draw American comicsines. I prefer to leave project announcements to Marvel, but I can say that I would love to stick with these characters for as long as possible.
Nrama: In summary, what can fans expect from X of Swords: Creation?
Larraz: A journey, a revelation, fantasy, battles, stratagems, all mixed in the heaviest If people are to describe it in one word, hopefully the word would be 'epic '.
