First Comics News: What is the very first comic book you read?
Dennis Calero: The earliest I can remember is some sort of DC compendium featuring Batman. Now, I knew Batman from the 60s show. My favorite part of the show was the intro credits, which featured art modeled after some Carmine Infantino stuff, to be the best of my recollection.
So seeing Neal Adams’s Batman was like having a lightning bolt shot through my child’s brain.
1st: Why do you enjoy creating art?
Dennis: I don’t always enjoy it. It takes a lot out of you, not just mentally, but it’s also intense physical labor. But when it’s good, it’s great. The moment an image goes from being a bunch of lines to being a drawing of SOMETHING is a great thrill.
1st: Where does your inspiration come from for writing?
Dennis: Most classic science fiction and comics, films too. The usual suspects: are Bladerunner, Star Trek, Star Wars, Asimov, Bradbury, and Frank Herbert. The list goes on and on.
1st: Do you prefer doing both writing and drawing on a comic book or just one at a time?
Dennis: They are very separate experiences. Writing is one thing, but then you put your artist hat on, and you see all the mistakes, all the places where the scene is not being presented visually.
1st: How do you feel “Tales of Science Fiction Interference Pattern” turned out and what was it about?
Dennis: I think it’s very close to what I envisioned. It’s really about not thinking so much about what could have been, but to appreciate what you have.
1st: You have worked on both Marvel and DC characters do you have a preference?
Dennis: Both have their charms.
1st: You draw one fantastic-looking Rey from Star Wars, what do you use for references?
Dennis: Photos from the films of course!
1st: Do you do many commissions, and what has been the strangest?
Dennis: There was one commission of Sauron and Rogue engaging in…unsavory activities. No.
1st: Do you ever just find yourself randomly doodling and if so drawing what?
Dennis: Just crap, lol!
1st: Why did you and Kristin Sorra create an Atomic Paintbrush?
Dennis: I had started coloring comics even before I graduated high school. Computer coloring had just become a thing, and every company wanted to jump on the trend. At some point, we were so busy, that it made sense to share the work.
1st: What are you currently working on or will be in the future?
Dennis: A YA thing I’m super excited about.
1st: What do you think you would be doing if you had not had a career in comics?
Dennis: I was cursed with a love of comics.
1st: Would you like to have a real lightsaber to play with, what would you cut first?
Dennis: No! I’d lop my own hand off!
1st: What would you like to say to the many fans of your work?
Dennis: Thank you.
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