Current Interviews & Features | Interviews & Features Archive

Allan Jefferson: War Machine's Got a New Blacksmith

In this, our Final installment, of our Space Goat Productions Interview series, we sit down with Allan Jefferson. Allan gives us a glimpse at the foundations of his love for comics and art.

You can check out the first 7 installments in our Space Goat Productions Interview series by clicking on the names below.

1. Shon C. Bury
2. Jason Metcalf
3. Roger Bonet
4. Martin Montiel
5. Javier Tartaglia
6. Gabriel Guzman
7. Jheremy Raapack

Also, check out our Exclusive look into a day in the life of Shon C. Bury! Click Here!

Enjoy!

Alex Rodrik: How’d you get involved with Space Goat?

Allan Jefferson I was introduced to Space Goat Productions through a Brazilian studio that I work through, Sequential Studios. I had done some work for Marvel and DC before joining Space Goat Productions, but I wasn’t happy with my agent. About the time I was introduced to Sequential Studios by a friend, they were beginning a partnership with Space Goat and it made sense to have them represent my work. Especially with Shon C. Bury’s track record at scoring big jobs for his artists.

Considering I immediately began regular work on Marvel’s War Machine as Leonardo Manco’s back-up penciler, I think I made a good business decision.

AR: Tell us a bit about yourself, how’d you get involved in the industry? What drew you to comics?

AJ: I was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I was a very happy kid, but not the Geek type. I liked to study, had good friends, was friend of all teachers and was quite popular in school.

I always loved comic books and drawing. My uncle was an illustrator, and I loved Daredevil and the X-Men. My mother used to draw beautiful horse drawings. Only horses. My brother and I loved them. We both followed in her footsteps.

When we watched a movie, we wanted to draw the characters. This used to happen with cartoons and comics as well.

I used to buy comics, but I was too young and never thought about being a pro. All that changed when I saw Jim Lee’s X-Men. I was very impressed. I started drawing Manga for a local paper. I loved Anime. It was funny because they allowed me to do what I wanted. The money was little, but they loved my work. In ’97, at a book convention, I meet some other people who were making a living off their art. The contact with people who had the same passion I had was really exciting. I went back to drawing, trying even harder. My brother gave up, but I kept going.

When I felt I was ready, I took some of my pages and went to another con here, with my former girlfriend who was very supportive. She speaks English and it helped a lot. I knew people from DC were reviewing portfolios and I thought "it´s now or never." The room was full and I was last in line. There were 30 guys, and we were allowed to show only 7 pages. I had 50 pieces of art! [Laughs] I had no idea what to show. They took a look and I was invited to do an issue of Justice League. From that moment my life changed.

AR: I understand you have a two issue stint on War Machine, soon to be released by Marvel. What can you tell us about that project? Did you pencil and ink it? This may seem redundant, but you’d be surprised, do you prefer to ink your own work?

AJ: Yes, it´s different. I always loved to draw superheroes with tight suits and mutant powers... But I like machines as well, although they are harder to draw. I love to draw, and it´s been very, very fun! It´s a new experience and I am enjoying every minute of it. The deadlines are tough, but I always try to do my best. I like when they say my work is good. [Laughs] You cannot please everyone, but I try my best. And I am happy with my work. Besides, War Machine is part of my childhood as well; it´s different from the one I used to read, but I liked.

I used to pencil and ink my own work, but in this project I am only penciling. I rather prefer to ink my work. I had a hard time learning how to ink and I plan to ink all my work that I can. Penciling and inking is hard, but the final result is good. It´s not always the case that another inker understands what you want, so when you ink over your own pencils the result is much better. I love to ink my pencils.

AR: How has Space Goat affected the way you view and exist within the industry?

AJ: I always loved comic books and everything in the industry... I like the way Space Goat works with their Brazilian studio, Sequential Studios. They give me the attention I need to do my work without having to worry about anything.

AR: What are some of your current projects that our readers should keep their eyes open for?

AJ: There is some work I did with the old agency that is not published yet. An issue of Teen Titans and a short story with Thor. Some small press stuff. Issues 6 and 7 of War Machine will be out in the next few months, and I’m beginning issues 9 and 10 shortly. But my dream project? I would love to pencil Fantastic Four or Supernatural. They are my favorites.

Discuss this interview on the Feature Fiends Forum!