Interview with a Comic Artist: Louis Small Jr
Happy New Year’s Eve Everyone,
Skylar here. I’m back with one last 2013 blog post, my second interview from the 2013 VA Comicon.
See you in the new year, folks!
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(¸.•´ (¸.•’* Skylar Jade
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In Louis’ Repertoire:
Vampirella
Good Girl Art
Codename: Knockout
A little bit about Louis…
Louis Small Jr began his comic illustrating career with Vampirella for Harris Comics in 1992. Since then, he has contributed work for Valiant, DC, Marvel, Continuity, and Vertigo as a freelance artist.
THE INTERVIEW:
I’d like to start by introducing you to my readers:
How did you become a comic book artist? How long have you been doing this?
In 1992, I was in the military and deployed to Saudi Arabia. [I co-created] an underground newsletter called Kamel Krack with one other artist and two writers. [With no formal training], I learned to draw from an art book.
Four months after getting out of the military, I was hired by Harris Comics to do freelance work on Vampirella.
I’m familiar with the Vampirella series. Could you enlighten me about other projects in your repertoire?
With Codename: Knockout, Rob Rodi described the female character and originally wanted a Danger Girl-type character. I suggested that we go another route and drew a girl of Puerto Rican descent that I knew.
What is your absolute favorite comic series that you’ve worked on?
Vampirella because I read the comic as a kid. I grew up in New Jersey and remember being too young to get a copy, but I [managed anyway.]
Who is the most influential person that propelled you into this career?
Neal Adams, the founder of Continuity Comics and the man responsible for [establishing] comic artist rights. He also [revitalized] Batman’s dark, tough mode.
If you weren’t a comic book artist, what job would you have probably taken up?
I was going to own a gym or became a forest ranger.
This next question is vital—well, at least to me. Are you a Trekkie or a Jedi?
I’m somewhere in the middle. But if I have to choose…I’m a Trekkie.
Finally, what upcoming projects do you have in the works that my readers should know about?
I’m working on a children’s comic book called Cap’n Mojo with a team in Raleigh, North Carolina.
To find out more about Louis, access the following link: Comic Vine: Louis Small Jr or follow Louis on his community Facebook.