We’re the first to admit that while we aren’t the biggest Hulk fans but we are die-hard fans of comic book artist, Leinil Francis Yu. This week mark’s his newest comic book, Incredible Hulk, with writer Mark Waid. The best part is comic fans can get to celebrate the release of Incredible Hulk at two signings this weekend! The first will be this Saturday, Nov. 24 at Comics Odyssey in Robinsons Galleria and the very next day, Leinil will be at the newly opened Castle Geek located inside The Collective.
After doing one of Marvel’s biggest crossovers in Secret Invasion, drawing the New Avengers, and the Mark Millar-penned Superior; Leinil is set to make Hulk your favorite superhero yet. We sat down with Leinil and talked about Hulk, his career, and his favorite video games.
YOUNG STAR: Hi, Leinil! Congrats on the new book! What are your thoughts on Marvel’s comics relaunch, Marvel NOW?
LEINIL FRANCIS YU: I think it’s a big deal! I’m really honored to be part of this new movement from Marvel.
What can fans expect in Incredible Hulk?
He’s quite different from the Avengers movie. Personally, I thought that the Hulk was handled excellently in the movie. Our new book is different though. I’m looking forward to you guys reading it! Basically in our comic, Banner struck a deal with S.H.I.E.L.D. He went to them and said I’m going do this and that. S.H.I.E.L.D. will have the advantage of the Hulk. Banner is an inventor and he actually wants to help S.H.I.E.L.D.
What’s with the Hulk and his new armor? Is that going to be explained in issue one?
Hmm... I can’t really dwell on that. It won’t be explained in issue one but Mark Waid explained in our past press conferences that Banner wants to be like Tony Stark. Both of them are inventors but he never gets to invent or contribute anything like Stark. Banner wants to be Stark but he needs S.H.I.E.L.D.’s resources to do so.
Will Hulk fans be happy?
I’m sure they’ll be happy! But just to share, my Hulk is slightly different. I gave him a new haircut and he doesn’t look like a monster that much. Gerry Alanguilan (inker of Incredible Hulk and one of the sexiest men in the Philippines) is a huge Hulk fan and the fact that he’s happy, I think I’m on the right track. He recently e-mailed me and asked, “Did you know I’m a huge Hulk fan?” In the whole team, I think he’s the most excited.
So how’s your workload these days?
I just wrapped issue three last week. So my workload is pretty good. It’s going to be a monthly comic. I’m doing issue four now.
You’ve worked with him on Superman: Birthright before, what’s it like working with Mark Waid again?
He’s such a warm guy. He’s one of my favorite writers. Super bait niya! Coming from his Eisner win, it’s really such an honor.
Any interesting characters we should look out for?
Classic Marvel villains will appear like Quintronic Man. He’s this big robot with five pilots. He’s a classic Hulk villain and I redesigned him for this new comic. I hope fans will like him.
Aside from the Hulk and Wolverine, any character you want to work with?
I really like working on Spider-Man. I really want to work on a long run of Spider-Man. Captain America too!
Yes!!! Away from comics, you’ve recently shown a picture of your studio online and we some really cool things. What are you the biggest fan of? Is it toys? Movies? Video games?
It’s a tie between movies and video games. Without bias, Avengers was the best of 2012. For this year’s video games, Mass Effect 3, Battlefield 3, and now I’m starting HALO 4.
It’s cool that you can manage the time with drawing and playing video games!
Well, playing video games helps my visual vocabulary. It keeps me in sync with the modern look of sci-fi and all that stuff. Plus it’s a good excuse to play and play.
Anything you want to tell your fans?
Thank you very much to all those supporting comic books. I owe you all my career and livelihood. Rest assured I’m giving back by working hard on the books and not having a life. Hope you guys buy the books and hope to see you at the signings!
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You can see Leinil along with Gerry Alanguilan tomorrow at Comic Odyssey in Robinsons Galleria and they’ll sign your copy of Indestructible Hulk #1. Leinil will also be signing at Castle Geek on Nov. 25.