What did you have this special project for you?
It was a lesson in how to do, what to do and also what not to do. One way to adapt myself to meet deadlines, trade commitments. When I started drawing comics I was still quite young, I was 18 and had little experience with work in businesses and things like that. I was also studying and ended up being a lesson at all levels, mainly for the social marketing behind comics.
What is your perspective of the national market for young people like you? Is there a public to read?
The first question to ask is the public. It is a question we all must ask ourselves, if there is public? And my conclusion is that there isn't. And the other question is why there is no public in Portugal? There is no public disclosure because, if it doesn't exist, people do not like something they do not know. Or rather, people do not know if they like or dislike, they do not know. There are many people who tell me that until they read my comic books only knew Timtim. This can not be, this implies that people read comic books published years ago, before reaching mine. There is a huge gap and we have to think about it, so it is important to do all types of outreach initiatives and passed then around. For the dissemination of artists. And back to the original question, there is a vast array of fine artists in Portugal and the proof is that when they go abroad, they are published and be successful. And I'm not even talking about me, there is a giant flaw in Portugal, which is a huge doubt over the unknown, what is new. Is not exclusive to comic books, or art. It is general know fact in Portugal is more likely to bet on which it is established, rather than something new. Do not take risks in all that is artistic, especially now with comics that moves the market and involves a certain risk. So in conclusion I would say that there is quality in Portugal, but there is a failure to expouse the work. The editors included, city halls and even the authors themselves. There is also the public it is intended, we are not winning it and know it is a work of us all.
How did began the American adventure?
Began in 2007 when contacted by a friend, he saw in a newspaper that was coming to Portugal a person associated with Marvel to see portfolios and Ithought that was very strange. I thought it was impossible, how someone of Marvel could come to our country and I do not know. I was already connected thru BRK to an environment where people had access to such information. I made a series of telephone calls, some people knew, some not. I talked to the person who actually brought him here, José Lebre, he was indeed one of the people. And organized a portfolio in a half of an hour. I took my work there, not even speaking any English, that was in 2007. It was the first time I showed my work to someone outside. In January 2008 i've show it again, he returned in 2009 I showed him improments, there was a closeness to the person that did the search for new talents to Marvel internationally and what ended up happening was to have a opportunity to go study in the U.S. already speaking English . I ended up in Amadora spook with him again in a different way and he gave me my first opportunity, it was him believing I could do what they wanted.
Was it the dream?
The first dream I had was to do what I enjoy doing, drawing, been an artist. Then I discovered that it was comic. And then, in this area what i've really liked to do? Working for Marvel. It was a succession of dreams.
Who where you favorite Marvel heroes when you were little?
Never had a favorite. At times is only a detail, but I don't have a profile. I have a first row of my favorites, Wolverine, I like the Cyclops, the X-Men, Spider-Man. I love villains and the Green Goblin. I like some heroes, even when I was young, but I didn't read any comics, there was a gap. I saw many Disney cartoons and a lot of Marvel on television.
How is working at Marvel?
It's stressful, very stressful. It's something a lot of responsibility because there is big money involved. And then it's gratifying because, apart from doing something we like, we are being paid for it. We are being recognized. There is a huge recognition that is why we are working to reach the general public.
The American public is more aware of comics. There's a great tradition of comic book heroes. Have you ever been invited to go to some of those conventions that they organize?
It's the top consumer. I've been there 3 times. I went to San Diego in 2009 yet looking to meet the talent hunter. After that I was there as an artist in New York in 2010 and two weeks ago went to Miami and has been growing. That is, nobody knew me in New York and in Florida the last publication has been the focus of public attention, there were many people who knew my work, it wasamazing. Like in a very short space of time people knew me. It is the market, things turn out.
Have you meat Stan Lee?
I have seen it at least. Not met, the person I knew Marvel was joe Cuezada, who is the executive director and also chairman of Marvel.
How is the working environment at Marvel?
I work from Portugal, I send everything by computer. But, I've been on the premises and it is chaos. They explained how it worked when I was there to close a contract. So it's in an old building, an open space on Fifth Avenue overlooking the Empire State Building and with a normal office environment, each one has its own space, your island. But it is a confusion of people, a hundred or more to working in full steam, phone, papers flying and lots of comic book course.
What is the comic character you like to draw?
It's a bit like the previous question, I have no favorite. I would liked to draw Wolverine. And the Bandit. I also will liked to draw for Batman because he has the best villains. The best of heroes is always the great evils character that surround them. The spider-man is only good because it has the best villains.
Which is you liked least?
Captain America.
