Today, we’re thrilled to welcome back an artist whose work continues to push the emotional and visual boundaries of creator‑owned comics. Valeria Favoccia. Known for their dynamic storytelling and expressive character work, Valeria returns to the world of Comixology Originals By a Thread as Book 2 reaches its gripping fifth issue. Their art has been a driving force behind the series’ momentum—balancing intensity, vulnerability, and the raw humanity that defines this post‑apocalyptic journey.
With each passing issue, By a Thread expands its scope and raises the stakes, which makes Valeria’s visual voice more essential than ever. From kinetic action sequences to the quiet, character‑driven beats that anchor the story, Valeria’s pages continue to elevate Scott and Jack Snyder’s narrative in ways that resonate deeply with readers.
So, as they reach issue 5, we’re excited to dive into their creative process, explore how they approach this latest chapter, and get a behind‑the‑scenes look at what it takes to bring By a Thread’s world to life.
Please join us in welcoming back Valeria Favoccia to GVN Talking Comics.
Artistic Challenges
GVN: Thanks for once again sharing a bit of your time with us, Valeria. When we last connected back in May of 2025, you shared some of your character concept art for this very book. With that in mind, it makes sense that we follow up almost a year later. So, let’s jump right in…
We have reached Issue #5, and it contains some of the most emotionally charged moments in the series so far. Which scene pushed you the hardest artistically, and what choices did you make to convey that emotional weight?
VALERIA: Hi guys! It’s nice to be back, thanks for having me! You’re right, this whole issue is a rollercoaster of emotions and scenes to convey to the reader all the way to the very last page. It’s a back and forth between flashback, revelations and present time, so it was kind of a challenge in and of itself to build the pace, the rising tension and to keep this whole feeling of dread, but also hope.
I think that the double spread was the most challenging one because there is a lot going on in those pages and the whole mood changes in that scene. In the previous page you know that something is off, but I think you’re not quite prepared for what you’re going to face once you flip the page!
Also, shout out to our amazing colorist Whitney Cogar that did a terrific job the whole time, but specifically in this scene, because she gave the atmosphere a second twist and elevated it! Another shout out to Tom Napolitano because his letters and SFX are incredible! They blend with the art perfectly and you can almost hear the sound of them.
The Evolving Work of “By a Thread”
GVN: You’ve now spent (almost) two volumes shaping the visual identity of this world. How has your approach to the characters and environments evolved as the stakes and themes have deepened?
VALERIA: Building the whole “By A Thread” world has been a challenge the whole time, in a good way! Trying to be coherent to the setting and what’s going on in the story, but also keeping it original and fun (for me to draw at least, I hope it’s also appealing to reader haha!) was the hardest part. It’s also my very first original series and I had to create everything that appears in the panels from scratch.
But I think that this second book was easier to build cause it’s a world that was already settled and “alive,” so at this point I knew exactly how a certain character, the monsters (which I love to draw and design), the weapons, the settings, would look like. I just pushed some boundaries, now that I had more confidence towards the story, to do it.
Balancing the Calm AND the Storm
GVN: Throughout the two volumes, “By a Thread” blends intimate character drama with large‑scale tension. How do you maintain clarity and flow when switching between quiet, personal beats and high‑intensity sequences?
VALERIA: I love comics because to me they are like movies or tv series. I’m a super fan of the thriller, true crime, horror, sci-fi genre, but overall, I love very emotional and melancholic stuff, so what I’ve done with this story is to create my very own series that could give you chills, being afraid, having fun and why not, maybe even moving.
What I also love about comics it’s that it’s all about the story, drawing is the fun part, but you’ve to pay extreme attention on how you tell the story: the timing, feelings, sequences and that’s what I truly love to do, telling a story and letting the reader experience it.
Collaborating with Team Snyder
GVN: As you move toward the conclusion of this volume, what does your collaboration with Scott and Jack Snyder look like at this stage of the series? Are the scripts tightly detailed, or do they give you room to experiment with layouts and pacing?
VALERIA: I’m forever grateful to Scott and Jack (and Comixology team) for putting their trust in me and choosing me for this project. Since the very beginning I felt like it was tailored to me and there was never a moment that I felt lost or unsettled about what was going on in the story.
Both Scott and Jack were always open to discuss the story with me and especially in this second book I had the chance to contribute more story-wise and to suggest some scenes or ideas that they accepted willingly.
The script is usually a guide about what’s supposed to happen during the pages, Scott and Jack leave the visual part to me and I truly appreciate it because I have complete freedom to make changes or adjust it if I feel that something could be done differently. It has always been up to me to decide how to make the story happen, in terms of art: the direction, the sequences, even the panels, it’s all up to me and we’re 200% aligned that they trust me completely and I feel this story 200% mine as well, that I can clearly see the scenes in my mind while reading the script.
Scenes that Resonate
GVN: There are several key turning points in Issue #5. Without giving anything away, was there a particular character moment or reveal that resonated with you on a personal level while drawing it?
VALERIA: We’re following Charlie’s POV in book 2, so I was quite attached to her the whole time. She’s super smart, super brave but underneath that, she’s just a teen dealing with world crisis and a dead planet. Her sequences in this issue are my favourite because they give us a background and let us feel the weight on her shoulders.
Also, I’ve put something very dear to me in the story, my own cat Zilla, who passed away 3 years ago while I was making my first step into this project. I wanted to let her live forever in this story and give Charlie some comfort in dire times.
Artistic Inspirations
GVN: Your linework and panel composition have become a signature part of the book’s tone. Were there specific artistic influences or storytelling techniques you leaned on for this issue’s atmosphere?
VALERIA: Very glad to hear that! I’m always inspired by Brenden Fletcher & Karl Kerschl’s Isola for this series and also Death Stranding. For the last two issues I was also very inspired by Valerio Schiti and Jorge Jimenez’s works, Gachiakuta and Ram V & Evan Cagle’s Dawnrunner. I also watch a lot of series while working to stay focused, set the mood and/or also be inspired.
Growing as an Artist and Storyteller
GVN: Thank you so much for talking with us, Valeria. For a final question, as Volume 2 moves toward its conclusion, what would you hope that readers gain from these sagas, and do you feel that YOU have grown as an artist and storyteller on these projects?
VALERIA: I’ve experienced the whole journey in these years alongside the kids in the story: I’ve suffered with them, celebrated with them and grown with them. This is a project that taught me a lot, about resilience, patience, team working, building a story from start to finish and a completely whole new world, and so so much more!
By A Thread gave me the opportunity to truly express myself, to push my limits, to let the others feel and clearly see what I love and enjoy and putting down into panels my love for comics and storytelling.
I will miss those kids and this journey but I will keep it forever with me.
For you guys it’s not the time to say goodbye yet, so enjoy By A Thread issue#5!
Comixology Original’s “By a Thread, Book 2, Issue 5” by Scott and Jack Snyder and Valeria Favoccia
Huge thanks to Valeria Favoccia for taking us inside their artistic process once again. By a Thread Book 2, Issue #5 hits hard, and Valeria’s visuals continue to drive the series’ emotional core and momentum. If you’re not already following this story on Comixology Originals, now’s the time to jump in. We can’t wait to see what Valeria brings to the next chapter.
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.
