We have been so fortunate lately to be able to interview some very talented creators in the last few months. During that time, we have found that not only are creators extremely gifted, they are often very charming people whose personalities come through, even in the written word. With the upcoming 4 issue series, IDW‘s Scarenthood, we had the pleasure of talking to the Irish born creative team behind the tale: Artist/Writer Nick Roche and in this installment, Colorist Chris O’Halloran.
In the Beginning
GVN: So tell us about how you got started? Did you have an interest in art early on or were you introduced to it at a later age?
COH: When I was young I was pretty obsessed with Batman, Spider-man and X-men (anything related around that time basically). This was because of the cartoons, the toys and some of the comics. Although those were a little hard to get a hold of in Ireland then. I drew a lot and read comics until my late teens but fell away from it for a few years. In my later college years, I got back into reading comics and started to find an interest in the creators from there. I learned about all the different aspects and how some artists made the journey to being professionals.
Inspirations
GVN: During that time, who were your artist heroes? Whose work inspired you?
COH: When I was younger I honestly didn’t take any notice of who was writing or drawing. But, when I got back into things, I was really drawn to Mignola on Hellboy and that universe (a lot of that is due to Dave Stewart’s colours I now realise looking back). Mazzucchelli and Richmond Lewis on Year One was another favourite.
GVN: Who gave you your first comics job and how did that come about?
COH: My first gig was on the german Star Wars Rebels magazine and other Star Wars stuff with them. Ruairí Coleman, another Irish artist, drew it and I think both of us were recommended by Will Sliney (yet another Irish artist and big shot Star Wars artist is own right these days)
Marvel vs. Independents
GVN: You have worked for Marvel and for the independent comic companies. What are the positives and the negatives (if any) in both situations?
COH: So with Marvel, it’s wonderful to work on all those classic characters and in that world. I never thought I’d do so much there in the beginning so that’s been great. On the independent side, there is more freedom to do what you want. Or rather, come up with something different that hypothetically wouldn’t work on a super hero book. Especially if it’s an established book/character, with an established look, etc. You also have some freedom to discuss your deadlines and things there. There’s other pluses and minuses but doing a bit of both sides is what suits me.
Star Wars Age of the Rebellion
GVN: I couldn’t help but notice your impressive work on Star Wars Age of Rebellion. What was it like working on the iconic Star Wars franchise?
COH: I think that is the Han Solo and Chewbacca one right? I felt very lucky to work on it. I was a massive Star Wars fan and Matteo Buffagni’s art is so great I really couldn’t believe my luck. I’ve done other SW stuff before and since but that one had Han, Chewie and the millenium falcon. Those are the best bits! (Sorry porgs)
GVN: As only the second colorist I have talked to (Pippa Bowland was recently the first), what is your preferred setup art wise? Photoshop? Some other software? I assume it is all digital in format.
COH: Pippa’s great, I love her work. Yes, I use photoshop and have a 13 inch Wacom Mobile Studio that provides all I need to work on for the moment.
GVN: When it comes to selecting a project to work on, is it the artist that draws your attention, the subject matter or a bit of both?
COH: Ha, well I need to get asked first but it’s usually a combo of the artist or writer involved. There’s a lot of artists I would jump to work with and luckily a few of those situations have come across my inbox. But of course, things like Star Wars or a marvel character hold their own weight and make you want to work on things.
Scarenthood
GVN: How did you hook up with Nick on Scarenthood?
COH: I’ve been a fan of his for years and following his career. There’s not that many Irish people working in comics so eventually we all get to know each other to some degree or know a friend of a friend. Nick was putting Scarenthood together and asked me to colour it, which I was more than happy to do.
GVN: Did he have a vision for you as for as color work or did he give you some artistic freedom as far as color pallets go?
COH: It was a long time ago now when we put those first few pages together for the pitch I think but Nick pretty much left me to do what I wanted with his pages and trusted me, having had some idea of what I do. There were small notes on things like characters clothes and such but other than that I don’t think he had to direct me too much. I think I got what he wanted from our discussions before I had started anything.
GVN: I asked Nick if the book becomes a success does he have more to tell story wise. If he did, would you be open to continue working on the series?
COH: Nick owes me €2.50 for a coffee I got him but once that’s settled and he wants to do more I’d love to keep the story going. Let’s hope everyone buys a copy and an extra one for their mothers.
What’s Coming Up?
GVN: Do you have any new projects upcoming that you are in a position to talk about for our readers?
COH: Ice Cream Man should be back soon I think. Each issue is a done in one story so it’s worth checking out if you like your comics a little weird, psychological and veering towards the horror side of things. The first volume of Folklords is now available as a trade. There is a Stranger Things Halloween special coming out. I’m relatively sure everything else I’m doing has not been announced as of now, unfortunately.
GVN: Suppose you were the most in demand colorist in the business…and maybe you are..😉 And you have could have any assignment you could choose from any company. What book would you like to give your special touch to?
COH: Don’t do any fact-checking on this, but I 100% must be the most in demand colorist in the world, ever.
GVN: Just as I suspected. Nick doesn’t know how lucky he was to get your talents AND a cup of coffee. However…what do you think?
COH: I really don’t know. I feel very lucky to have worked on some of the things I’ve done already. Something in the Bat world perhaps or Daredevil but honestly I really like new creator-owned things and would like to do more of that.
GVN: Thank you so much for talking to us and we look forward to seeing your work on Scarenthood.
Be sure to check out IDW’s Scarenthood when it releases in October. We will be there to share our review when we get closer to its release. Also look for our interview with Scarenthood Artist and Writer Nick Roche, here on GeekVibesNation.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
