Interview: Artist Alejandro Aragon

Great Cover huh? Boomstudios have really captured the  look and feel of the 28 Days movie franchise in their ongoing series. Alejandro Aragon’s stunning art is a part of that success. What i enjoy most is Alejandro’s ability to express a variety of emotions in his human:

“Selena”

As well as the infected subjects:

“Infected Guys”

I recently had a chance  to Interview Alejandro about his work. Enjoy!

 Tell me about your Artistic education Alejandro. Were you self taught? Or did you attend art school?

I studied sequential art, illustration and everything about comics with professional comic artists and illustrators of my country. Here, in Argentina, it is pretty common to find professional artists teaching courses and classes. So, I started with Esteban Tolj. A few years later, I got the chance to work like artist assistant of Leandro Fernandez (Punisher Max, Hulk, Wolverine, Stormwatch, Northlanders, etc) and that was the key about my education. I worked with him almost for two years and it was really fun and worthy. I learned a lot from him. Leandro is a brilliant artist and great person.

  Was the comic book industry your first career choice? How did you get involved in comics?

A long story.

No, it wasn’t. I went right to the College. I graduated in Psychology, spending 5 or 6 years of my life drawing almost nothing. I was lost in a world of everyone except mine. But fortunately, I learned that one of the most important things in your own life is your desire, and one of the most stupid things you can do in your life, is escape all the time from yourself. So I came back. After my Psychology graduation, I decided to hold my desire with both hands and began to draw comics again. It wasn’t easy, but fortunately, I am happy with my present. I am working for a great company like BOOM! Studios, on a brilliant title, talking with you… I’d be a fool if I am not glad.

 I’m a huge fan of the 28 Days franchise What was your experience with the movies before working on the book?

Me too! I love 28 Weeks Later but I am a big fan of 28 Days Later. Well, the truth is, I love Danny Boyle’s movies (Trainspotting blew my mind)

When my editor, Ian Brill, wanted to know if I was interested about work on this title, just, I couldn’t breathe for a few seconds. I was really crazy and happy with that chance. I love what Declan Shalvey did on the title and it is a great honor for me to be part of the new 28DL’s team.

   I’m curious about the Artist/Writer dynamic. Do you work solely from the script? Or do you guys bounce ideas off each other?

I am always in contact with my editor. Everything I need, just I have to write an email and send it right to him. We have to make sure everything is clear, and the best way to get it done, is informing to your editor every time you need anything. Of course I know Michael and he is very willing to answer my questions, but he is very busy with a lot of work and we have to do our job on the easiest way.

   What character or characters would you like to work on in the future?

What I really love on this business is work on great stories. I don’t mind what kind of character. I like when people who hired you respect your style. Do you want me to draw Spider-man? I will but in my way, if not, just find another artist. My style is not negotiable.

I enjoy working on crime noir and horror stories. That is all I want to do.

  Besides your continuing work on 28 Days are there any new projects   coming up you can discuss?

No, there aren’t. I am really happy working on 28 Days Later and still have a few issues ahead. So, at the present time, I am focused on my issues and don’t know what is going to happen next. But I am sure it will be something good .

What are you reading right now? comic book  and non -comic related?

I am reading Scalped, Luna Park, Punisher Max, Daredevil (I recently found a hardcover edition by Bendis/Maleev which is really awesome), Echoes and a lot of stuff. I still am a big reader and when I say “big” I mean “a big one”

Non –comic related: Everything I find about Poe, Lovecraft, Bradbury and many others.

   What artists do you admire? Comic and non-comic related?

Well, a lot, man.  I am a big fan of British artists like Sean Phillips and Laurence Campbell (I still remember how happy I was when I got my copy of “Girls in white dresses”) and of course Frank Miller, Mignola, Alberto Breccia, Risso, Leandro Fernandez and Zaffino.

 Thanks so much Alejandro! Thanks also to Boom Studios.

You can see more of Alejandro’s art at http://www.alearagon.blogspot.com

About the Author: Yogikai  (95 Posts)

An East Coast Native, Kai has lived and loved the Sunny West Coast for the past 15 years. Raised by avid readers Kai received her love of Comic Books from her Father. Her Passions include : Star Wars, Zombies, Manga, Anime and Fiction Novels of all Genres. She hopes to share all these passions with the ComicBookTherapy team , focusing primarily on DC and Independant Comics.