Mike Del Mundo
Mike Del Mundo has been producing exceptional work for various publishers, including Boom Studios, Concrete Jungle, DC Comics, Epic Games, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Marvel Comics, Oni Press, and Red Bull. He had me with his Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. poster “Turn, Turn, Turn.”
He is best known for his work with Marvel. Including covers and interior work for titles like X-Men Legacy, Elektra, Avengers, and Immortal Hulk. This impressive portfolio is featured in the next Clover Press’s “The Marvel Art of” series, aptly titled “The Marvel Art of Mike Del Mundo.”
Set to launch on Kickstarter, this remarkable collection includes over 200 pages of Mike’s artwork for Marvel. In anticipation of the campaign, we had the opportunity to speak with Mike about his artistic beginnings, his collaboration on building a universe at 3 Worlds 3 Moons with Jonathan Hickman and Mike Huddleston, and the process behind creating this collection. We also discussed how the standout pieces were selected for highlighting. Join us in welcoming the talented artist Mike Del Mundo to GVN Talking Comics.
The Love of Comics
GVN: Thank you for sharing just a bit of your day with us, Mike. Because this is our first opportunity to converse, let’s start with some of your creative beginnings. When did you first take an interest in comics and drawing them, and whose work inspired you to pursue that profession?
MIKE: My love for comics started when I was about 10 years old, right in the golden era of Marvel. I was instantly captivated by the X-Titles, and that’s where my excitement for drawing these characters began. What hooked me was the energy, the way each artist brought these mutants to life through their unique styles and pen techniques. I spent hours trying to emulate legends like Jim Lee, Whilce Portacio, Rob Liefeld, and Todd McFarlane. When I later discovered that Todd McFarlane was Canadian and that Whilce Portacio, like me, was Filipino, it solidified something inside me: you can do this, too.
Marvel Takes a Chance
GVN: The list of publishers you have worked for is long and impressive. From Boom Studios, DC Comics, Epic Games, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Marvel Comics, and Oni Press, to name a few. Who was the first publisher who gave you work, and what did you learn during those early years that you took with you until now?
MIKE: I’m truly blessed that Marvel Comics was the first publisher to take a chance on my work. From the start, I made it a priority to focus on creating covers with a stronger sense of storytelling that approached the process in a clever, more thoughtful way. Part of the reason for this was that I didn’t feel fully confident in my draftsmanship at the time. To compensate, I leaned on my ideas, believing they were strong enough to make the covers stand out while I continued to improve my technical skills along the way.
It took time to earn the editor’s trust in this approach, but I never held back, and over the years, it paid off. Now it’s a staple in what fans know me for. What I’ve learned is simple: if you work hard, stay true to your vision, and have a little patience, eventually the planets align.
Creating New Worlds
GVN: One of your endeavors was the creation of 3 Worlds/ 3 Moons with Jonathan Hickman, Mike Huddleston, and Nick Spencer. When did you decide to take this leap, and did you have any trepidation in launching this enterprise?
MIKE: I dove into this world around 2020 with no hesitation. The idea of building an entirely new universe alongside the most insanely creative minds, people who hold such deep respect for the craft, for creativity, and for storytelling, was everything I needed to take the leap. And honestly, the fact that they’re all genuinely nice guys? That goes a long way too.
GVN: So, the main reason we are chatting is your upcoming art book through Clover Press: “The Marvel Art of Mike Del Mundo.” (Great title). How did this opportunity come about, and did they have to pitch you very hard to lend your art to this exciting project?
MIKE: I reached out to Hank Kanalz over at Clover Press to see if he’d be interested in making it happen. To my surprise, he was all in. Hank’s been deeply involved with 3W3M, and those Marvel Art of… books have been floating around our conversations for a while, so the timing just felt right.
Having worked with Hank through the 3W3M process, I already knew how great he is to collaborate with. So when it came to choosing a partner to bring this book to life, Clover Press was the clear choice. Plus, the Marvel Art of… books are insanely beautiful, featuring a legendary lineup of artists and I’m honestly flattered to be included among them.
Making the Hard Choices
GVN: So, they are creating this collection of your Marvel Art. How hard was it to decide what to include, and was there any piece that didn’t make the cut that you regret in hindsight?
MIKE: It was definitely tough but honestly, that’s a good problem to have. I’d much rather have too many great options than none at all. My good friend Jason Sorrenti has been a huge help throughout the artbook process. We’ve gone back and forth countless times over which covers to include, and it’s great to have someone you trust (and can debate with) to make those tough calls.
In the end, I think I did a pretty good job picking the covers I truly wanted in there. That said, there are a few I wish could have made it in, but due to licensing, they didn’t. Two that stand out for me are the Darth Vader #1 Variant and the Captain America: Winter Soldier MCU cover—both personal favorites I regret not being able to feature.
Kickstarter Campaign
GVN: This project will be funded through Kickstarter under the auspices of Clover Press. Is this your first experience with crowdfunding, and if so, what have you learned about the process?
MIKE: I’ve done a Kickstarter with my crew over at 3W3M, but this is my first solo campaign. Thankfully, I’ve had a lot of help—especially from my good friend Jason Sorrenti, who’s been leading and organizing the book on my end. Clover Press has made the process feel really smooth, but I can see just how much work and moving parts go into making this Kickstarter a reality. There’s so many moving parts, I’ve learned you need a well-oiled machine to make it happen.
The Marvel Art of Mike Del Mondo
GVN: Thank you once again, Mike, for your time and generosity. Before we conclude, I would love to allow you to share more about this amazing art collection and any exciting projects you have upcoming.
MIKE: Thank you so much, it’s been an absolute blast putting this together! This artbook is 200 pages of my best work, celebrating 15 years of pouring my heart, soul, and every ounce of creativity into this thing we call comics. To finally see all these labors of love collected in one BIG volume feels like a dream come true.
To all the readers and fans who’ve supported me along the way, this book is for you. I can’t wait for you to hold it in your hands. Back it, share it, and I promise… you won’t be disappointed!
Be sure to check out this impressive addition to Clover Press’s The Marvel Art of Series. You can visit Mike’s Kickstarter Campaign here.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst 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 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
