Broken Frontier

Some comic fans hardly realize what goes into producing a seemingly simple 22-page comic book. Often dismissed by the broad public as mere ‘floppies’, the production process behind the monthlies we all hold dear is a stressful one. So stressful, it’s even difficult for creators to focus on much beyond honing their craft. One may be the next Brian Bendis or Jim Lee, but being able to write or draw someone’s socks off, doesn’t mean you know how to sell your game.

That’s where Shon C. Bury comes in. As the man behind talent agency Space Goat Productions, he’s all about putting his creators in the best situation possible, allowing them to focus on what they do best: be creative.

Shon let us have some insights in his way of working here and here and now it is up to his artists to speak! First up is Roger Bonet, artist on Incredible Hercules, Avengers: The Initiative and War Machine!

BROKEN FRONTIER: When did you first get interested in comics?

ROGER BONET: I became interested in comics at a very young age, around 8 or 9. Even then in school I was always telling people that I wanted to be a comic book artist.

BF: How did you know you wanted to become an artist?

RB: I knew I wanted to become an artist when I realized I was taking the comics my mother would bring home for me and I’d copy all the art inside. I’d draw for hours making superheroes with ridiculous names.

BF: Who are your artistic influences?

RB: I was charmed with Mike Zeck and John Byrne. In the 90s, I liked Dale Keown’s Hulk and Mark Bagley’s Spider-Man. Especially the composition. I was incapable of not buying those books.

BF: Is there a specific piece, issue or run you’re most proud of? Like, if you want fans to go check out your work, what should they pick up?

RB: I’m usually most proud of the project I just finished, but sometimes the deadlines make it tough. Mostly, I’m proudest so far of Incredible Hercules, which is out in trade right now. We’re just finishing a good run on Avengers: The Initiative that I really enjoyed working on, but I think the best is yet to come. My friend and penciling superstar Rafa Sandoval and I just got assigned a Brian Michael Bendis project that looks to be very fun and challenging.

BF: How has having Shon Bury as your talent agent helped your career?

RB: Thanks to Shon my dreams of making comics in America has come true. That is no exaggeration. He’s so easy to work with. You can talk to him about anything—and he takes care of everything. There’s no worries about future jobs or payments, because Shon just takes care of it all.

BF: How did you first started working in comics?

RB: I began working for Marvel Italia when I was 18—sixteen years ago. I was inking Paco Diaz on Euroforce and other books.

BF: What are you working on now, and where can people see your work next?

RB: Nowadays I am inking Avengers: The Initiative where I work with Rafa [Sandoval]. We’ll finish our run on that book with issue 31. After that…a fantastic Bendis project awaits us! Namely Marvel's Ultimate Enemy, where I ink over Rafa Sandoval!