THE SOURCE: How do you draw a first panel of a first issue? FERNANDO DAGNINO: Actually the first panel I draw usually ends up in the dustbin. The second or third version of that panel is the one that you will finally see in the finished book. It usually takes me some time to warm up the mind and the hand. In the case of RESURRECTION MAN #1, I first searched for the correct references of the items featured in the panel – in that particular case a Coroner´s Office building – then I tried to make a nice composition of the panel using the storyboard as a reference, but focusing now in putting as much energy and narrative elements in it as possible. How do you introduce a new hero? It depends on the script, but if I have enough space to show off, I prefer to handle it with a cover-like approach rather than dealing with it as just another panel. How do you introduce characters? It usually depends on the amount of information I have about the character, but most of the time I use a simple, clear, but powerful shot of the character. If I have some extra info, I will try to focus on his expression and make an attempt at portraying his personality. How do you draw a first appearance? Appearances in comic books, like in colloquial language, are a set of formulaic phrases/poses well defined so the reader understands it’s the epic presentation of a hero saying, “Here I am.” Depending on the type of hero, he or she may be coming out of a lurking alley or appearing among the clouds half eclipsing the bright sun. But it certainly should transmit his or her personality, power and determination. The scene itself should be a hyper-concise iconic summary of who this hero is. What was the first comic you ever worked on? Tales of the Black Spain (La Factoria de ideas 1998) What was the first series you collected? Mr.Men. Who was the first writer you followed? I remember being (and am still nowadays) quite intrigued by Bill Mantlo. His stories have left such a huge impact in me. Who was the first artist you followed? There were so many that it’s really hard to just choose one. I remember buying everything I could afford of what John Byrne was drawing. Craig Russell is amongst my favorites too. Bill Sienkiewicz, Brian Bolland, Alan Davis, Butch Guice, Walt Simonson, and so many others. What was the first convention you attended as a fan? Ficomic Barcelona in 1993. What was the first convention you attended as a professional? Ficomic Barcelona in 1999. What was your first job in the comic book industry? I suddenly remember I got paid one summer, many years ago for tying up bundles of comic books in a comic book shop in Madrid that were supposed to be sent to the coast. So there I spent that July with my friend Eduardo, listening to Tanika Tikaram’s first album over and over, while packing up comics.