One of the biggest reasons for Invincible‘s unprecedented success is Ryan Ottley, who illustrated the bulk of the groundbreaking comic series. Skybound was fortunate enough to host a Reddit AMA with Ottley yesterday, in which he took time out from his busy schedule to answer fans’ questions. But if you didn’t have the time to take part in the AMA, then no worries — we’ve got you covered with a recap of the conversation’s highlights! Here’s what Ottley had to say…
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
On his tips for aspiring comic artists…
Remember, an artist has to choose the visuals, and with that, the acting, the lighting, etc. You basically get to act like a director and direct the scene to make it how you want. I recommend to artists to learn some cinematography, by reading about it and simply watching great cinema, and also watching how great artists do compositions for certain scenes. Jack Kirby, Greg Capullo, Erik Larsen, all are extremely good at dynamism and getting the point across in the panel. An artist needs to figure out the best composition for each scene. You have to know when an upshot or down shot, or a close-up or a full wide shot with location details is appropriate for what the writer is trying to say. I’d also recommend a book called Framed Ink. Really good composition tips. But basically you’ll find a lot of great ideas within good movies and comics. Just need to be inspired by a lot of quality content to up your game.
On what he’d do differenty, in hindsight, re: succeeding Cory Walker as Invincible interior artist…
If it was now, I’d simply draw the way I draw. Back then I was hungry and accepted the suggestions to keep my style minimal etc. I’m much more set in my ways now. Back then I did less detail to keep the vibe Cory set. But no one can draw like Cory, he’s skill is intensely strong and style all his own. So I basically did my best to draw like me but with less of the detail I was known for at the time. Then my goal was to grow as an artist and only compare myself to myself.
On the most difficult panel he’s created for Invincible…
[It’s] difficult to me has always had to do with time. Not actual difficulty in drawing. Because this is a deadline based series, I had to rush everyday to get enough done to meet the deadline, so when a page came along that required lots of figures, it really made things more difficult. So the biggest most difficult pages were in the Viltrumite war with the exploding of Vilturm double page splashes. And then the page of Thragg with his thousands of children. That one took over a week. Which definitely slowed me down. But in the end it was absolutely necessary to get the shock I wanted across.
On his favorite piece of art he’s drawn…
That is a difficult question. I’m terrible at choosing favorites of anything. I see problems here and there with things I draw, it’s how I’ve trained myself to become better, so it’s hard to pick a favorite of my own art. Let’s change the question to favorite arcs to create the visuals for. I’d have to say Conquest arc, Viltrumite war arc, and what I’m working on right now are my faves!
On how he gets into the zone for drawing…
I start doing. I am a firm believer in motivation and creativity always happening in the act of doing, rarely before. Once you get discipline down, you forget to care about how you feel. I could feel completely unmotivated one morning but since I have things planned to get done, I simply start doing and then after some time my motivation kicks in, creativity follows, and I’m in my zone! Music and podcasts, or tv shows that aren’t too visual can help keep me at the table!
On his favorite character he’s created for Invincible, after Tech Jacket…
I’d have to say characters I co- created. The act of creation can be very difficult but so enjoyable once you get the visual down where both of us like the outcome. Battle Beast, Conquest, Dinosaurus, Anissa, Powerplex, Shapesmith, to name a few.
On the arc he’s proudest of art-wise…
“Conquest” arc will always have a warm place in my heart. But I am proud of so many arcs Robert and I created together. I love the flaxan scenes that was portrayed in season 2. Dinosaurus arc was insanely fun. Even as far back as the initial fight with Nolan and Mark, I’m proud of it even though I kinda wish I could draw it all over again. Old art is hard to look back on with admiration.
On the crossover/team-up he’d like to see happen with Invincible...
Oh, definitely Superman. And it would be a gore fest like you wouldn’t believe. Viltrumites would get Batman and Lobo on their side and they’d construct a plan to take down Clark and his entire Kryptonian race. Clark would hire Lex Luther out of desperation to help him survive. Let the bloodbath happen, DC, don’t be afraid.
On his favorite current and all-time favorite comic book series…
Favorites questions are hard! So I’ll say a few. All time fave: Battle Angel Alita, Akira. Current: Saga, current Transformers!
On seeing art he drew years ago becoming memes now…
It’s definitely amusing seeing the memes for sure. I’d say the surreal feeling comes from seeing our property expand so much, I never thought it’d become something that would be so pop culture popular. I doubt I’ll ever get used to it! But I love it all!
On putting Easter eggs and characters from other series in Invincible panels…
While laying out a scene I like to add little things that amuse me since I’m the one spending so much time drawing the scene, the more ways I can entertain myself while doing it, the better!
There’s probably so many things I’ve forgotten, I’d have to go through it all to remember them all. I’ve drawn friends in there, comic characters and movie actors, I even put in a lot of religious things because I used to be very religious at the time. I should compile all the Easter eggs. Too many to count!
On his favorite battle in Invincible…
Thragg and Battle Beast was beyond fun. I loved Robert’s idea of showing the fight scene every once in a while which implied a months long fight. And the ending was tragic but so impactful.
On whether he ever foresaw the series becoming such a hit…
It’s still beyond surreal. I’ve gone to conventions every year as the Invincible artist for the past twenty years and every time there would be con-goers that would ask what this unknown independent superhero comic is about. Now no one asks! There’s a whole new age group wildly into it and it still blows my mind. I’m not used to it, and probably won’t ever be used to it, but I am enjoying the ride!
On the work he’s proudest of…
A lot of people do look at Invincible as one project, but for me it was my full time job for most of my career, so each arc felt like a new project. Credit to Robert for keeping the scripts so interesting and fun for me month in and month out. So there are arcs I’m more proud of than others, so many things hold a special place in my heart, and it’s usually the scenes that are ripping hearts out which is the best definition of irony.
On his tip for overcoming art blocks…
Quit! But only for a little while! Then get back to it. Doesn’t work? Quit again! But only for a little while. Go for a walk, destress. But a lot of the feeling of art block doesn’t go away until you start. So be sure to get back to drawing and a lot of the time creativity and inspiration come back while you are in the act of doing. Rarely before.
INVINCIBLE™ © 2023 Robert Kirkman, LLC & Cory Walker. SKYBOUND and all related images are owned by Skybound, LLC. IMAGE COMICS and all related images are owned by Image Comics, Inc. All rights reserved.
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