Will Conrad’s love affair with comic books started at the tender age of 10. Even before he hit his teenage years, he was illustrating and writing comic books. Pursuing his passion, he has worked with both rival biggies in the comic world— Marvel and DC— for comic series such as The Avengers, Justice League, Spider-Man, Batman, Captain America, The X-Men, Aquaman, Captain Atom and more.
The artist has impressive experience in penciling, inking and creating the cover art for many editions. On his visit to India as a guest at Mumbai Comic Con that starts today, we catch up with him about the comic world.
How was the process of getting to work with DC?
I’ve been working for the American comics market for the last 19 years. I started in 2001 on my first important work for Dark Horse Comics, inking Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After four years as an inker, I started working with smaller companies where I was pencilling until I got more important titles. After completing a six-year exclusive contract with Marvel, I got a good deal from DC, and I’ve been working with them for the last few years.
What was the experience of drawing your first superhero?
It was great. It’s amazing working with characters I grew up reading and admiring, and following the steps of great artists that I had as reference.
Which characters have you worked on?
I’ve worked on so many! Red Sonja, Conan, Kull, Serenity, X-23, Wolverine, X-Men, Black Panther, The Avengers, She Hulk, Elektra, Captain America, Iron Man, Nightwing, Stormwatch, Suicide Squad, Aquaman, Justice League, Cyborg, Batman, Superman
— it’s a long, long list.
Aquaman recently released in India. What are your thoughts about the film considering you’ve worked on the comics?
I’ve read great reviews. I can’t wait to go watch it!
What are your thoughts on the popularity of women superheroes now?
I think it’s growing. There are so many great female super heroes out there, not only in comics. And let’s not forget the growing number of women reading and working on comics. It’s a very good thing that is happening.
The DC universe is getting more inclusive, would you say so? And how important is the representation of diversity in the comics?
I think the more we can include different personalities and minorities in the comics context, the better. It helps in making the audience understand the necessity for more compassion and tolerance towards those who are different from us.
Who are your favourite characters?
Conan, Batman, Superman, Spider-Man and Wolverine.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you want?
Invisibility and flight.
What plans do you have for your visit to India?
I want to see as much as I can in this beautiful country which is so different from mine. I would love to have the chance to see an elephant up close.
What are you currently working on and what are your plans for 2019?
I just finished a participation on Nightwing and Suicide Squad. I’m currently working on a Superman story. For 2019, I hope to keep working on many more fun characters and I’m planning on putting out a creator-owned project.
ST Reader Service
The 8th edition of Mumbai Comic Con is being held at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, December 22-23, 11 am-8 pm
