“Between the Panels” is a monthly interview series focusing on comic book creators of all experience levels, seeking to examine not just what each individual creates, but how they go about creating it.
While her name may be new to comic readers, Suspiria Vilchez has been building a striking portfolio of traditional painted work for other publishers. Now that she’s been “discovered” by the comics world, prepare to see many striking covers on the racks from this creator.
First off, the basics…
Your specialties (artist/writer/letterer/inker/etc.): Artist
Your home base: From Barcelona, but living in Toronto
Website: www.suspirialand.com
Social Media
Instagram: @suspirialand
Twitter: @suspiriart
Facebook: @suspiriaobscura
Fanbase Press Contributor Kevin Sharp: For someone like yourself who’s worked in different media, what about the comics form is appealing to you as a creator?
Suspiria Vilchez: The comic stuff only happened when I started being represented by Cadence Comics few years ago! I’ve always loved comics but more on the horror side! I grew up loving all the great, old collection that my parents had! From Spanish creators to Italian, sci-fi and horror.
KS: Was making art something that appealed to you from an early age, or something you came to later? What kinds of work did you enjoy making when you first started the hobby?
SV: Since I can remember, art has been everything to me. My mom is a well-known artist in Spain, so I always joke about being obsessed with art since the womb. Never been a hobby for me, but the only thing I had on my mind to dedicate my life to!
KS: Looking back, was there an art project you considered a particularly “big deal” that you made when you were younger? Something you were especially proud of accomplishing, whatever age that was and whether or not anyone else ever saw it.
SV: In 2000 when I was very young, I had my first art show in Barcelona with the weird horror toys I used to make. I was interviewed and all! I remember also winning a fashion award presenting a whole clothing collection designs that took me forever! Great experiences!
KS: Wow, please tell us a bit about the horror toys! What materials did you use? What kinds of monsters were they?
SV: My Terror Tots were handmade and hand-painted plushie and fabric monsters. I used to make them for some art shows they were part of. They idea came from Japanese pop culture and vintage Halloween and Carnaval outfits for Spanish children from after the war.
KS: Can you recall roughly when you first had the idea of pursuing art as a career?
SV: To me doing anything artistic was simply my only option, because I wasn’t interested in anything else, but I remember first wanting to try fashion school when I was 16.
KS: What was the appeal of fashion school as opposed to other types of art?
SV: My dream was to maybe one day do weird and spooky haute couture! But fashion is a very “cliquey” world and you need lots of money.
KS: Did you have family support for pursuing this or your other artistic dreams?
SV: Always had full support and encouragement from my family and I couldn’t be more proud and happy about it! Also to help me go full force with it! Don’t get me wrong, they were very clear, especially my mom, about how much of an emotional rollercoaster the road was gonna be!
KS: What would have been an acceptable other career for you if art had never worked out? Some job where you could see yourself as being at least content professionally.
SV: The only thing I could think of was pursuing the psychology career! I was always interested in maybe being able to help others/therapy, etc.
KS: Tell us about when comics first came into your life as a reader. What type of material did you have access to where you grew up?
SV: My parents had a bunch of Spanish comics and horror magazines I used to read! I’m lucky I was allowed at a young age! My very fav was an adult comic magazine called CIMOC.
KS: Was there a comic book story that had a real impact on you when you were younger?
SV: There are two for me. The Metabarons by Jodorowsky and Giménez – that is such an epic and beautiful space saga that I read when I was very young, and then when I was a bit older, 30 Days of Night (Niles and Templesmith). Both very inspiring and still my two favorites!
KS: When you were first able to identify specific artists and art styles, who were your first favorites – in or out of comics?
SV: I probably would have to say again when I had access to CIMOC and other comics from my parents’ collection. The artists’ styles were so beautiful and elaborated traditional art without any digital alterations. Spanish, Latinoamerican, and French artists I loved like Moebius and Juan Giménez specially!
KS: Do you remember the first time you ever got paid for a piece of art?
SV: The very first that I can remember was a portrait of a dog and a cat together that was done in pastels and crayons and it was super corny, of course! But I also was a kid! I was paid very little but that was fun.
KS: Lately, you’ve been doing a variety of comic covers. Please tell us about your first comic cover gig and how that came to you. Did someone from a publisher see your work somewhere?
SV: Two covers happened simultaneously — The Me You Love in The Dark and an exclusive cover of Elvira Meets Vincent Price for GalaxyCon. The publishers contacted me through my reps, and I believe they showed previously my work to them. I was lucky they wanted something traditionally done.
KS: When you look at a rack of comics, what types of covers appeal to you?
SV: Anything horror or sci-fi horror, but especially I’m always attracted to a good cover! Preferably done old school or hand painted! I’m a sucker for any retro comics or stuff like Penthouse Comics, erotica, and horror pretty much!
KS: Do you listen to music or other background noise while you work? If you like music, what kind of material is on the Suspiria playlist?
SV: I can’t do any work without either listening to music or a podcast or audiobooks! Depending on the subject I’m painting, I choose the music but 80% of the times my playlists are horror film soundtracks, ’80s and down! For podcasts, I devour anything good about film analysis.
KS: With so much of your work being horror-themed, I have to ask about your top horror movies. Is it a safe guess that Suspiria is one of them?
SV: My top three horror are 1977 Suspiria, Aliens, and The Lost Boys! I love anything retro and Euro horror.
KS: For readers who want to see more of your work, what do you have upcoming in the comics field or anywhere else?
SV: I have some very cool stuff that I’m so excited to be allowed to talk about! Including a graphic novel in writing and illustrating. Also I can’t wait to attend more conventions in USA where most of my clients are. I been painting lots of DVD & VHS covers, and posters that I can’t wait to share on my socials!
KS: Any hints you can drop about that graphic novel project?
SV: I can’t really tell much except that it’s gonna be a little bit following my cancer treatment journey mixed with horror and comedy.
