Interview with a (Fan) Artist - Calavera666 on Diablo Comics


Calavera666 discusses his recent work on a series
of super-stylized Diablo-themed fan art pieces

If anyone can be considered a fan of the Diablo franchise, perhaps we should look to the talented individuals bringing their own flair of creativity and ingenuity to a series loved by many since childhood. The first in a series of low-profile interviews, Interview with a (Fan) Artist will expose the creative minds of dedicated Diablo artists.

This week, we had a short interview with Calavera666 (Ismael Bergara) on his series of super-stylized comic entries, as well as his projected plans for his work. For even more of Ismael's work, check out his profile on DeviantArt.com.

Also, Ismael has recently uploaded his newest comic strip, a parody on the beta patch five updates. Stay tuned to through the interview for this latest piece of his unique comical style!

DF: Last weekend, you posted that you're working on an exciting new project: a comic strip series including some cynical takes on three Diablo III characters. Will your work be more comical shorts, or can we expect some kind of cohesive story for some, if not all, of these entries?

Ismael: I've been considering this project for a while now. I'm very passionate about web comics, and I spend most of my free time diving through them. There's something special, unique if you will, that I've always loved about free web comics, and it's the fact that artists work on them purely based on the desire to craft it, and to deliver it to the community. There's no money behind it, so there's no restrictions. You make comics because you want to, and you make it grow with your most pure and basic humor. In the end, you become your own boss. That means you can completely ruin a storyline, and don't give a f*ck about it!

But yeah, there will be some kind continuity in the strips. Some will be made in two, three, or four parts.

DF: The Diabolesques, as you've labeled them, are plays on controversial topics (such as player-named "moon physics.") Was it difficult coming up with these witticisms?

Ismael: Oh yeah, it's really hard to come up with a monk named "Pillar." I've gathered a council of experts on gaming culture and controversial silliness, just to craft the artful names you see on the characters.

I have to be honest, my one secret is to lurk through the Diablo III forums. The material writes itself!

DF: One of your comics, which plays on the handful of DiabloWiki.com - Azmodan Azmodan's generals mentioned at this year's BlizzCon, plays on Monsters, Inc. to convey its silliness. Do you think that cultural references like this alienates potential reading audiences?

Ismael: There's always the possibility that some readers don't get the meaning of the strips. If you haven't seen Monsters, Inc., you probably wont get the Azmodan's strip. If you haven't been around for the last week, you wont get the "Pillar" strip, either.

I'll do my best to give some hints on the obscure references, yes, but I don't want to explain the jokes. That would kill the whole spirit of the thing.

Tip: If people don't get the reference, they'll ask around about it. Free advertising.

DF: It looks like basically everything you've posted on DiabloFans is comic work. Have you ever worked with other mediums?

Ismael: In fact, comics are the only thing I've never done before! I do illustrations, I do wall paintings, I make sculptures, I forge armor--I ruin lots of materials while forging armor because I suck at it--I do animation, I make 3D modeling, I cook, I write scripts for low budget movies, I do acting.

I do lots and lots of stuff, but comics are not on the list. Well, at least not on the everyday list.

DF: What drew you to comics in the first place? Do you happen to have any inspiration for your humor, or does it all just come naturally?

Ismael: As I've mentioned before, I'm fond of web comics. I've never hopped on the comic bandwagon before, because my work is oriented to illustration.

Making illustrations, like a book cover for example, takes a lot of time and effort, but you work on a very specific picture. You have take care of the lights, the design, the shapes of the figures. To make an illustration is to make a sculpture out of a painting.

Comics, in the other hand, are a completely different matter. Comics need humor, they need constant movement, and they need scripts and fresh ideas.

The process of making comic strips is very exciting to an artist. It forces you to break down your own traditional barriers in order to come up with a funny but graceful result. It's pretty much like dancing with a pencil.

But, just like dancing, comic making is a tricky art. Very difficult to master. That's why I've always wanted to give it a try. And you need humor. Humor has to come out of you like water. If you have to force it, then it's not gonna work. You'll end up working out of commitment and obligation, and not from the heart.

DF: The DiabloWiki.com - Lord of Terror Lord of Terror tries to pass through airport security. What are your thoughts?

Ismael: Nothing happens. His family owns the company.

DF: Aside from some great entertainment, do you think there's something to be said for the messages of some of your comics? Do you hold strong opinions on some of the content of your work, such as a female Diablo (Diablette) or the Monk summoning pillars ex nihilo (Monk's Problematic Pillars)?

Ismael: I may have some opinions about this and that, but that will never show in the comics. If you look closely, I've never taken a stand to attack or defend any of the subjects. I try to make fun of things from a neutral point of view.

But in the end of the day, I must say that I love every single thing about Diablo III.

Yes, even the ferrets.

DF: Do you have anything you'd like to share with the Diablo community at large, besides more great humor and iconic artwork?

Ismael: Feel free to comment, rate, send suggestions, ask questions--all of those things that would make me feel like I'm important. Look, Ma! I'm on Diablofans!

And last, but certainly not least, Ismael has finished his latest piece in the Diablo world. This strip takes a light-hearted look at one of the notes included in beta patch five. See if you can figure it out (click for full strip):


That's all for this time. Once again, we highly encourage you to check out his profile on DeviantArt.com for even more of his unique work. Tune in some indefinite point in the future to see our interview with Richwood666, famous on the board for his continuing work on the female DiabloWiki.com - Demon Hunter Demon Hunter!

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