Pedro Andreo is a name that most of you are likely unfamiliar with unless you read Bloodshot #8 or Aartha, Chronicles of the No Lands. The talented Spaniard is a new face in the North American comics scene, and we got a chance to sit down with him via the magic of the internet and ask a few questions about his work on Bloodshot and how it came to be.

In the lead up to his return to Bloodshot with issues #10 through #12, we talk to Andreo about his upcoming run.

And check out some of Pedro Andreo’s work from Bloodshot #8 and Bloodshot #10 below!

Graphic Policy: How did you come to work on Bloodshot?

Pedro Andreo: It’s been an exciting ride! Back in December 2019 I was trying to get some interviews with editors at a local comic convention here in Madrid and my portfolio caught the attention of Senior Editor Heather Antos. After a lovely chat and exchanging cards, I did some samples. I was super happy! Not long after, Senior Editor Lysa Hawkins approached me to see if I was available to do Bloodshot 8 (BOY, WAS I!) and it seems my work on it was well-received cause I’m still working on the series! 

GP: How does working for Valiant differ from what you’ve done in the past?

PA: I would say it’s mostly about the style and deadlines. I try to do my best work in every page and every issue, so, to me, the only difference is sticking to a more realistic tone and delivering everything on a tighter schedule!

GP: We’ve seen quite a few talented artists on this series over the course of the last ten issues – do you feel the need to alter your style to keep the comic’s visuals consistent?

PA: Not so much as alter the style completely, but definitely I have some big shoes to fill! Given that my style is influenced not only by US authors but manga and European artists too, I’ve had to alter it slightly to keep it more or less similar to the other great artists that have been working on this series. It’s been a pleasure, though, and a challenge that I’ve fully embraced and keeps me learning, improving and enjoying page after page.

GP: When taking on issues with a gap as you’ve done with #8 and #10, did you get to see the script of #9 to make sure you’re aware of any visual nuance?

PA: I didn’t get the script on issue #9 itself, but that’s mostly on me, because I didn’t ask for it (I know for a fact that Lysa and Tim would have sent it to me within minutes). Reading the script for #10 I got the whole picture fast (Tim is an amazing writer and everything is super clear). The plot itself happens a little after the events of issue 9, so there’s little to no elements that carry over from one to another. In any case, they provided me with enough visual references and the materials I needed to get issue 10 rolling.

GP: With Bloodshot introducing characters, KT and Wiggins, from the Vin Diesel led movie in the tenth issue, was there any pressure (internal or external) to capture the actors’ likenesses or were you able to put a little of your own spin on the characters?

PA: Mostly internal, since Valiant didn’t pressure me at all about it. I’m not a very realistic artist when it comes to facial likeness!

GP: You’ve done some work in Spain and Italy – how does the process differ when working on an American comic?

PA: Not a lot, really. The process itself is practically the same, with a few differences on stylistic choices or mediums. I’m going fully digital on Bloodshot, but I worked on traditional pen and paper (no inking!) for Italy for 5 years, so, although the process of the page and the drawing are the same, there’s some stuff you can and cannot do depending on the medium you’re working on. 

GP: You’ve said that fantasy tends to be where you excel at – is there any character that you’d love to get your hands on?

PA: Oh! Great question! I think I would love to work on Shadowman or Punk Mambo. There’s always so much creativity involved when you have to design magic, other dimensions and such weird stuff. Doctor Mirage would be amazing too. Even X-O Manowar or Eternal Warrior have some fantasy side I would love to explore!

GP: Do you have any other projects for Valiant you’re currently working on you can tell us about? 

PA: Not at the moment! The whole COVID-19 situation has thrown a wrench on all the publishing schedules, as you know, so I’m only working on Bloodshot at the moment. I hope we get back slowly but surely and make some more awesome stuff for you all to enjoy soon enough!

GP: Thanks for chatting and looking forward to checking out the issue!

Bloodshot #8

Bloodshot #10