Sheryl dragged me out of my mountain hideaway to do an interview with the new artist on the even newer volume of Legion of Super-Heroes, always a fave team around these parts. It was great to get to know Yildiray Cinar and what the future holds!
Jason Bourgeois
Your name probably isn't that familiar to many fans, can you tell us a little about yourself and your previous comics work before starting up on LSH?
Yildiray Cinar:
Sure. My first work for the US industry, which was a six page Nothingface short was published in Digital Webbing Presents' 5th issue in 2002. After that in 2004, I drew the Nothingface graphic novel which opened me more doors and led me to Image Comics. I did quite a long run on Noble Causes at Image between issues 27 thru 40. Also there were several pin-ups and cover works on several books plus a back-up story for Savage Dragon.
My first DC gig was a 3 page fill-in in Teen Titans #69 and I started to draw regularly on the book with #72 with the Ravager co-feature.
Also I drew complete issues for Teen Titans #71 and #76.
JB:
What are some of your artistic influences, either in comics or otherwise?
YC:
John Buscema, Neal Adams, Bill Sienkiewicz, Walter Simonson, Ivo Milazzo, Jorge Zaffino...Too many to name. Honestly, as an artist who grew up with old-school stuff, my roots usually come from 70's and 80's style.
JB:
How did you get the assignment on Legion; did you go looking for something, or did DC come to you with it?
YC:
DC came to me with it. It was a big moment for me as I learned that the writer was Paul Levitz.
JB:
Were you familiar with the Legion before getting the job as penciller?
YC:
Actually, no. I was familiar with the starring characters such as Saturn Girl, Cosmic Boy, Wildstar etc. from the old Superman books but I really hadn't got a chance to hook up with Legion in the past. So, it's a brand new world for me. But it looks exciting!
JB:
Have you done anything to prepare yourself for the new book, to learn more about the Legion, like reading any old stories?
YC:
I didn't get into the old books yet. I started with Superman and Legion of Super-Heroes and Legion of 3 Worlds. The stories which are tied into the book I'm drawing right now.
Also my editor sent me tons of old references. I started to regret that I didn't get into the book before because Legion is a big concept.
JB:
You're the man who will be showing us what the future will look like, what is it like designing that vision, and what's your view of what that future is?
YC:
Nothing special. But it's hard! LOL! I'm trying my best. Since the story takes place in 31st century, I feel very much free on designs.
Anything I say about the first issue would be a spoiler so I'm stopping myself now.
JB:
What's it like working with Paul Levitz, who has been in this industry for so long, especially on a book like Legion that he's so associated with? Have you had any input on the stories?
YC:
Working with Paul Levitz is great! It's like a dream! He's very kind, open to ideas and a great gentleman.
I haven't got any input on the stories yet except visual stuff. I already redesigned some of the character costumes. Don't be afraid, they look cool!
JB:
Have you started to leave your own artistic touches on the characters yet, redesigning some costumes, or are you sticking with Gary Franks' designs for the time being?
YC:
They are mostly Gary Frank's designs. Like I said in the previous answer, I have some redesigns too.
JB:
Do you have any favourite Legionnaire to draw yet, or are you still getting used to everyone?
YC:
I'm still working. It'll be much clearer in a couple of issues but Saturn Girl is awesome.
JB:
And finally, what character would you most like to get the chance to draw someday?
YC:
It depends on the story but I'd like to get my hands on some Flash and Green Lantern stuff. And naturally, BATMAN too!
