1) On what project are you currently working?
I am currently working on a series about graffiti. I do not have an official title, however, I have been posting it on my social media. It’s basically a comic processing some of my past trauma through graffiti and addressing systemic issues. I would say I am trying strive for a “Boondocks” feel.
2) Whom in your field do you admire most and why?
There are so many people I look up to but if I have pin one, it would probably be Takehiko Inoue of “Slam Dunk” and “Vagabond” fame. His art expresses so much and has impacted me greatly.
3) How did you get into the comic book field?
I decided to self-publish my first comic “The Dark Star” on Webtoons. I wanted to make an epic multi-series story inspired by Metroid, but unfortunately I later realized the scope of the project was really too huge for my current skill set, so I scaled down to tackle a smaller series about graffiti. With the smaller scale I can hone my craft to better tackle more elaborate stories I want to tell.
4) On which title would you most like to work and why?
I definitely would like to work on a Spider-Punk book actually. My style would work well with the frenetic pace of the punk rock superstar! Alternatively, I would love to work on a comic book adaptation of No More Heroes. I am a big fan of the games and I know I will pour my heart out in them.
5) On what project will you be working next?
Currently I am working on my untitled graffiti comic. I believe it would be best to work on that particular project before moving on to another one. I would like to return to “The Dark Star”, but only when I have a few projects under my belt first. In the meantime, I will be working on some mini zines for people to enjoy online and at conventions.
Links to Mateo’s work:
Website: https://www.elmateoarte.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/elmateo_arte
The Dark Star (oneshot): https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/the-dark-star-one-shot/list?title_no=820934
