As announced at San Diego Comic-Con, Danny Miki is a new Marvel exclusive artist.
After more than 17 years working as an inker, Miki is one of the most respected inkers in comics (particularly if this year's Inkwell Awards are any indication). Announced at Comic-Con by Joe Quesada himself
-- with the E-i-C being one of the artists for whom Miki is the inker
of choice -- the artist's three-year contract means fans will continue
to see his inking on a wide variety of Marvel projects, including the
high-profile, universe-changing Ultimatum mini-series by Jeph Loeb and David Finch that's due hit later this year.
Newsarama talked to Miki about his contract to find out more about his
career as an inker, why he loves the craft, and what he's got coming up
as a new Marvel exclusive.
Newsarama: Danny, how did you get started as an inker?
Danny Miki: It all started when I walked into a comic shop and
answered an ad looking for an assistant. I found out later the books I
was to be assisting on were X-Men (Jim Lee) and Uncanny X-Men
(Whilce Portacio) doing blacks and learning to do background inks. At
the same time I was working for Geoffreys Comics in Gardena, Calif.,
where I met Rob Liefeld. He invited me to Extreme Studios to check it
out and the rest is history.
NRAMA: Looking back on your career, what have been some projects that were your favorite or that stand out to you?
DM: I'd say the most favorite and stand out project was taking part in the Brush Off in Wizard #48.
I along with a few other inkers were given a piece drawn by Greg
Capullo. We all had to ink it in our own styles and on vellum. No
bluelines back then. Greg's art took me to a new level. It brought
something out of me that I didn't even know I had. It was then I
realized that depending on who the penciler is and the different
energies they all have, it can bring out a different inking style.
Inking 95 credited issues of Spawn in a row pretty much stands out.
My most current stand-out projects are getting to work with Joe Quesada
and eventually becoming his inker. Much honor there. Working on Daredevil: Father
opened up new doors in my inking style and led to some of the new
techniques I use today. It made me use a brush more. Also, finally
getting to ink such icons as the Kuberts, John Romita Jr. and hooking
up with David Finch. Working on New Avengers and Avengers was a thrill because they were my favorite team growing up.
NRAMA: What books are you inking now? And what are you inking in the near future?
DM: I'm currently on Ultimatum with David Finch and Ultimate X-Men / Ultimate Fantastic Four with Dan Panosian. Also, usually whenever and whatever Joe Quesada needs inked, I'm there for him.
And the Crime Lab Studios current projects are Mighty Avengers with Khoi Pham and Ghost Rider Annual: Mercy
with Mark Robinson. Allen Martinez, my honorable partner in crime, is
the most valuable player in all the Crime Lab Studio books as Victor
Olazaba now has his books of his own, but is always there to help. What
I'm inking in the near future is yet to be known. Although I did hear
something about getting to ink Marko Djurdevic again on some cool
projects.
NRAMA: What is it about inking that keeps you interested as an artist?
DM: Even before I knew exactly what it was in comic terms I was
pretty useful with ink pens, Rapidographs, etc. When I was introduced
to the quill it changed everything. I used to see inks here and there
in comics and thought, man, it's all scratchy. I was pretty much a
perfectionist and couldn't stand even the slightest line protruding out
from anything where it didn't belong. Now I can respect and appreciate
all different styles of inking and understand.
To get back to your question, I actually love inking. I love the fact
that you get to actually touch and see each different artists at the
pencil stage. People that buy the books 85 percent of the time will
never see the pencils. I feel lucky to see the "behind the scenes" part
of the book. But truly, the best thing that keeps me interested as an
artist is getting to ink all the top-notch illustrators I've been
blessed to work with and see the different styles and have a library of
pencils as reference of great art.
NRAMA: What's the advantage of signing an exclusive as an inker?
DM: I used to hate paying to get my butt examined (the old
prostate check-ups). Now that Marvel pays for my health insurance, it
makes it just a tad better to go get my physicals.
NRAMA: It's not common to hear about inkers getting exclusives.
What do you think it is about your work that landed you this contract?
DM: Probably because I can be an ass that inks well?
NRAMA: Why Marvel over any other company?
DM: I've had a relationship with Marvel for a long time. Joe
Quesada has been very loyal to me. They have kept me busy and also have
let me still be part of TMP [Todd McFarlane Productions] if or when
Todd needs something done. Plus, I just love Marvel characters. I grew
up on them and getting to work on some of my favorites is dream come
true.
NRAMA: Was this contract attached to a particular project? If
so, why is this project attractive to you as an artist and is there
anything you can say about it?
DM: No, at least not that I'm aware of. Although I think I
mentioned that as long as I get to stay on Finch and get to ink Marko
Djurdevic it would make it a little easier to sign.
NRAMA: Anything else you want to say about your exclusive?
DM: 'Nuff said. Make mine Marvel!
