By Jim Beard
INCREDIBLE HERCULES artist Rafa Sandoval knew he was bound for comics practically from the get-go and took inspiration from a few legendary sources.
"After only a few years reading comics I knew that this was the kind of work that I'd love to do," says Sandoval. "Some of the books I loved were, among others, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN by Todd McFarlane and EXCALIBUR with Chris Claremont and Alan Davis.
"During that time, everything I read had a big influence on me artistically."
Sandoval gained his first professional work in an animation company, a job he describes as simply "paid art classes" for him. Then came his dream gig: Marvel Comics.
"Through a friend and agent, I was put in touch with a Marvel editor and sent them some samples I did with Captain America," Sandoval reports. "They liked them and gave me an opportunity to do IRON MAN ADVENTURES.
"But the very best thing has been to draw INCREDIBLE HERCULES."
The artist's interest in Greek mythology stems from a childhood dreaming of gods and monsters and most precisely the myths of that son of Zeus, the irascible Hercules.
"His is the wonderful adventure of someone wanting to be a hero," enthuses the artist. "It was great news for me to find out I was going to work on Hercules' own book. What a coincidence!"
It's no coincidence that Sandoval's art impressed the title's readers. Fans can trace his Marvel career-to-date through the Hulk universe, and such projects as WORLD WAR HULK: AFTERSMASH, WHAT IF? PLANET HULK, and WORLD WAR HULK: WARBOUND.
"As an experience, the best thing has been to work with great teams, including the editors, and to work with some of my most favorite Marvel characters," he says of his time in orbit around the Incredible Hulk's world.
Interestingly, Sandoval claims humor as a prime motivating factor in what draws him into a project, the type of tone well-struck in INCREDIBLE HERCULES.
"Yes, humor is interesting," the artist points out. "I imagine that due to my working in animation it's something that I've developed and become aware of, that people like to have a good time and to laugh.
"I think humor is important but in a good measure. If a script doesn't give me that feeling of humor, I leave it out. For example, in Fred [Van Lente] and Greg [Pak's] INCREDIBLE HERCULES scripts they use humor well and it helps to bring something different to the book. In other more serious titles, humor wouldn't be right."
Sandoval definitely sees several Marvel costume designs as worthy of admiration, too, including the classic Spider-Man look and the current Iron Man armor. But he finds it a bit daunting to decide which ones he might like to redesign, given the chance.
"That is very difficult," he replies in regards to the question posed. "I think they
all have a great design, but I've always loved the character of Nightcrawler and would love to do a different design on him—but simply because I'm curious to see what I might come up with."
The up and coming illustrator may have that chance and more, with the early acclaim attributed to him by fans and pros alike. His future in comics looms large, encompassing numerous creative avenues.
"I'd love to work on anything Spider-Man, as he's another one of the Marvel characters I've always loved," Sandoval proclaims. "But I must say I'm having so much fun right now with Herc!"
See Rafa Sandoval's next flight of fancy with everyone's favorite demigod in INCREDIBLE HERCULES #119, on sale July 16! Also, check out more adventures of Hercules on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited!
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