Brazilian artist Al Rio’s stunning art work has been featured in several titles such as World War Hulk, X-Men Unlimited and Grimm Fairy Tales, just to name a few. The super talented artist takes time out to speak with Major Spoiler’s own Victoria about his career, personal life and working in the industry.
Victoria: First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to speak with me! I’m a big fan of your work and you have quite a following yet so little is known about you. What can you tell us about yourself?
Al Rio: Before I begin, I thank you for liking my work. It is a great honor that I can work for people who love comics, because working for comics is one of my biggest passions. I also paint pictures, sing, play acoustic guitar and adore movies.
Victoria: How do you feel about people who criticize your art work for being too sexy?
Al: I like that the girls that I draw are sexy. Sexy has to have a subtle touch; light and very pleasant. Not all of my girls have exaggerated proportions.
Victoria: You illustrated the cover for Zenescope’s very first issue of Grimm Fairy Tales (Little Red Riding Hood) and have provided numerous covers not only for Grimm, but the Wonderland series and The Living Corpse. How did you come to work for Zenescope?
Al: Zenescope e-mailed Terry to do covers, and started sending him their requests. They ask me to draw many covers and they like my work a lot. I do the best that I can for them. I don’t choose the titles; I draw what Zenescope asks me to draw.
Victoria: Are there any future projects that you can tell us about? What are you working on now?
Al: I am working on two titles at the same time. I cannot give details because we still are not able to but it will be announced soon. Another is “The Curse of Vampirella†from Anarchy/Harris Comics that I am liking a lot. I think this art will definitely please my fans.
Victoria: Who are your personal favorite comic book characters?
Al: My favorite ones are: (Marvel) Spider-man, Iron man, Captain America and Hulk. (DC) Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman.
Victoria: Out of all of the artwork you have done, is there any piece that is your absolute favorite?
Al: I don’t know how to answer that because I like all of my work. To name one absolute one is hard because I love all of them.
Victoria: Do you attend any comic book conventions?
Al: No, I have not attended any conventions since I went to one in Chicago. But in the future, who knows? I would be very happy if I had some invitations.
Victoria: Are there any artists that you look up to or draw inspiration from?
Al: Yes. The wonderfully incredible Brian Hitch. My work now is inspired by his work. But I also have others that inspire me like Adam Hughes, Alan Davis, José Luis GarcÃa-López and others.
Victoria: I saw a picture of your son, Renan on your site. What does he think of your career? Is he a comic book fan?
Al: Well, he doesn’t read a lot of comics. He likes to skate, play guitar, video games and use the computer. I am married for the second time. Renan is from my first marriage, but from the second I have two girls, Andrielle and Isabelly.
Andrielle is an artist and she likes Manga style. She is 10 years old and likes video games and Guitar Hero. Of all my children, the only one that draws comics and likes it a lot is Andrielle.
Victoria: As I mentioned before, you have a loyal following. Would you like to take this opportunity to say something to your fans?
Al: Thank you very much for everything that you have given me all of these years. I will always be studying and researching ways to improve my work and bring to all of you, the best of me. The one love of my life is drawing. I was born for that. And I thank God everyday for such wonderful talent. For those who want to learn how to draw and to enter in the comics market, you need roots in the entire context of entertainment such as video, television, comics and movies. My piece of advice is that we all have to study a lot. Rest doesn’t exist for those of us who want to be the best.
To be a designer is different from being a good illustrator. To be a concept designer is different from being a comic’s designer, to be a painter is different from being comic’s designer. The whole continuation in our lives has a direction. Try to be the best that you can in only one thing. I am only a designer and finisher, in the field of comics and I try to be the best than I can in this area. I thank you for the questions and ask that you please excuse the delay. Thank you very much for everything and good luck to you and to all that love comics.
Thank you again Mr. Rio and I look forward to all your upcoming projects! A special thanks to Terry, who translated this interview from Portuguese to English!
Be sure to visit Al Rio’s official website: http://www.alrioart.com
5 Comments
Victoria, you rock. Your interviews are great.
Also, thanks for picking some pics that show Al Rio can draw more than just beautiful women. Good choices.
Great interview, as always!
Thanks guys! I can’t take credit for selecting the pictures though; that was all Stephen and he made some good choices! Glad you all enjoyed the interview! :)
I like these artists who seem incredibly humble and gracious to be doing what they do. it makes me want to support them even more. (Billy Tucci is another person i admire like this.) Just want to give a shout out to a piece of work that Mr. Rio did that I love … check out the Al Rio cover to The Living Corpse #3. That is one of my favorite pieces of all time!
Terry, Victoria and whoever else,
We need Al to come to DRAGON*CON next year!!!!!! Like Brian said, he falls right in there with many of the greats (Bill Tucci, Joe Jusko, EBAS, …..many more) with his awesome, yet humble attitude.