Interview: Lewis LaRosa talks new art book, CARBON BASED

8 hours ago 2

Celebrated comics artist Lewis LaRosa currently has an art book that serves as his first-ever career retrospective currently funding on Kickstarter.

The book, which is being published by Oni Press, is an oversized hardcover that clocks in at 10X12″ with more than 250 pages of fantastic LaRosa artwork. LaRosa has had a wide and varied career, illustrating projects for Marvel Comics, Valiant Entertainment, Epic Games, and more. The properties he’s worked on include Bloodshot Reborn, Divinity, Punisher MAX, Transformers, Uncanny X-Men, and more.

The new book also included appreciations of LaRosa’s work from prominent collaborators and colleagues, including Lee Bermejo, Dave Johnson, Matt Kindt, and Jeff Lemire, among others. In addition, it features page-by-page commentary from LaRosa, as well as former Valiant editor-in-chief Warren Simons, along with a brand-new introduction by Oni Press president and publisher, Hunter Gorinson.

The Beat recently had an opportunity to send LaRosa some questions about the book, and you can find his answers below, along with some preview art from the book…enjoy!

The Lewis LaRosa Interview

THE BEAT: What makes now the right time for this artist edition?

LaROSA: Hi, thanks for having me and letting me talk about my art book Carbon Based! I’d been wanting to do an art book for years, I just lacked the time and executive functioning skills to put one together! I’d mentioned this to my ol’ buddy Karl Bollers, editor supreme, and he said why not let Oni handle it? That was such a relief! This might not have ever happened without them, at least not anytime soon. They’ve been so nice and professional, they’re making me look good while I just focus on drawing. The book will be headed to the printer this fall and ship in March.

THE BEAT: Do you have a favorite piece in the book, and if so, what makes it your favorite?

LaROSA: This is a real Sophie’s Choice question. I’m never 100% happy with anything I do, but I’d have to say my Savage pages from Valiant might mean the most or be the most important. Getting to co-create the character with the gifted B. Clay Moore and draw the book with my buddy, the disgustingly great Clayton Henry, really helped break down the door to what I’ve really wanted to draw all my life: DINOSAURS.

THE BEAT: How do you think your artwork has evolved during the 25+ years you’ve worked in comics?

LaROSA: I like to think I’m better able to execute the kind of work I’ve always liked and wanted to be able to create. Looking back I see all my limitations in my early work. There was so much I wanted to be able to achieve on the page that I just could not. Now I feel like I’m finally able to get close enough to those goals that I’m not embarrassed by work. Hell, sometimes my ego gets the better of me and I actually feel a little proud! All I have to do to remedy that though is scroll through social media and have my mind melted by all my peers. It is inspiring and soul crushing all at once. But it’s all about the journey mannnn, there is no destination. There’s no one right way to do this. Just keep striving and growing.

THE BEAT: How did it feel to have your friends weigh in on your work?

LaROSA: Having my friends weigh in on my work is incredibly touching, especially since I’m fortunate enough to be friends with some of the most brilliant artists and writers alive. It really flares up the ol’ imposter syndrome, the I don’t deserve this mentality, but it is very very heart warming and I just feel extremely fortunate. What has been really great about being a professional artist and getting to meet and know some of your heroes is when you see that they’re as kind and generous as people as they are gifted as artists.

THE BEAT: Looking ahead, can you give us a little tease about the next comic you have coming out?

LaROSA: I’m wrapping up the last couple pages on the long in the works Megalith for Bad Idea. After that I have some covers to do but I haven’t thought or planned very far ahead. I’d love to be able to get more treatments for my back problems I often whine about, they make drawing and life in general very difficult. I’ll also be able to focus on clearing the commissions list over the next year. There’s a lot I’d love to do but there’s only so much I’m able to do so I’ll have to pick carefully. Whatever it is there’s a good chance it will involve dinosaurs!

Carbon Based: The Art of Lewis LaRosa is currently funding on Kickstarter