Interview with Chris Torres
as conducted by Chris Buchner

What got you into art?
Those fantastic visuals that surrounded me or caught my attention as a child. Thinking back, I'd have to list posters, painted album covers, paperback covers, comics, painted illustrations on toy boxes, big 70s giant super robot shows and movies. As a stroke of luck, I lived close to a painter who let me watch him work as he made reproductions of religious paintings, the kind you see in modern illustrated Mormon Bibles. I never did get to hold any of his brushes, but to me at that time he was Rockwell. I guess my susceptibility to images and craft at a young age got the spark going.

Have you studied your crafts anywhere or are you simply self-taught?
I sought and attained a Bachelors Degree in Art some years ago, but I've been experimenting with different media for years before I decided to take the creative route.

What is some of the media in which you work?
Oils, acrylic, watercolors, ink and from time to time just to think differently I dabble in a little sculpture.

Do you have a favorite out of those?
Oils and watercolor. I like these best because both mediums act alike to some degree, but at the same time the handle and application goes totally in opposite directions. And the best part is it forces one to draw in color. I like the mess it creates and the physicality that is involved when using these mediums. I also don't mind the smell.

What’s your thought process when approaching a new piece?
Professionally, I pay close attention to the client’s needs and expectations. Then I do research to fill and meet every criterion that was asked. Armed with information, I thumbnail variations of the job first with what the client asked for, and keeping within the confines of the agreed upon idea I thumbnail my own take on the subject. Once something is agreed upon I pick the medium and technique that best carries the job and then I go to work.
Personally, pretty much the same but this time I get to make like an art director using my own critical eye to guide my own ideas.

Do you also do any writing?
I do very minimal writing. But, I do keep a journal.

What is your favorite genre in which to work?
Currently it's action/adventure.

What was your first comic?
It's one of two titles: Daredevil or Moon Knight sometime in the late 70s. I don't recall reading them, though, but I remember sitting and being quiet for hours mesmerized by the art and dynamics.
It wasn't till the early 90s that I started collecting books. I guess you can say I ran into Lobo in a corner candy and beer store and I was "hooked." Then I got obsessed with Martial Law and Judge Dredd, followed by Ghost Rider [volume 2].

Do you have any favorite titles currently being published?
None in particular. The only titles that I seem to have an interest in these days are Jonah Hex, Sgt. Rock and G.I. Joe.

Do you have a favorite genre of comic?
Action without flying, capes, extremely hard to comprehend super human powers, girls who kick butt in dental floss-like bikinis while balancing in stilettos day in and day out, and sword wielding huge gun totting modern day or futuristic wannabe samurais male or female. Vampires! I hate vampires.

Who or what are your inspirations?
To this I'd have to say all people who push themselves and their craft to its limits and then continue on to best themselves. All this and also adhering to moral and ethical standards. Also, my friends.

What are some of the projects you’ve done?
I played my part as one of Tap Dogs NY's muralists for their advertising machine. I also contributed in the opening of the [New York] Museum of Sex. I produced art for album and promos for the beautiful folks at Hypnote Records. I have been credited in putting together various CD packages and a few comicbook covers.

What are some of the projects on which you’re currently working?
Currently: collaborating with some very talented and noteworthy members of CAG East. Personal illustration projects, including next year’s tear-sheets, postcards, promos and samples. Also, a painted 6-issue book of ballet-like collateral damage (more on this when I'm near completion).

How did you get involved with the Comicbook Artists Guild (CAG) and Guild Works Productions (GWP)?
I was visiting an old college buddies table at The Big Apple Con and Mark Mazz (Creative Director of both CAG and [Guild Works Productions]) was sitting behind his table and was looking quite regal, if I may add. We were introduced and I happened to have with me a small portfolio of my capabilities. Through him I met other members, and I have to say I was quite impressed with their work and even more impressed with their drive and the love they pour on their individual media of choice. Right then and there, I pretty much decided that CAG would be a great creative organization to be affiliated with.

What was your approach to your cover of Guild Works Production’s Psychosis! #2?
Keeping the art directors’ instructions and expectations in mind, we both agreed to go with an up and in your face iconic stance with a composition that screams of frantic immediacy in ink and watercolor.

Each cover is related to a story inside. How did you get that particular cover; was it assigned or did you get to choose?
I didn't have a choice. I got a call from Mark Mazz one day with an offer to do a cover specifically tailored to compliment one of the stories and I gladly accepted.

What got you into teaching? Where and what do you teach?
I started teaching out of necessity some years ago and took an offer to be a substitute art teacher. And what do you know? I actually liked it! Currently, I'm in an after school art program in Queens. I teach and help young people in the process of putting together images that best represents their ideas and imagination visually on paper. I also help them explore different mediums to work with.

What is your dream project?
To build the biggest, baddest, giant super robot so I can beat the crap out of the next person who claims that their super robot is bigger and better than mine.
But, seriously...I haven't come across it yet. I’m not in the habit of dreaming that far ahead but I always keep myself open to other art-related opportunities. Who knows; maybe one day I'll know what it is.

What advice would you give anyone looking to break into the field?
Be persistent and realistic and do as much research as possible.

If you were a superhero, your catch phrase would be…?
“It's a go! Take em down!”

Free ad space! Do your part to boost commercialism:
Check out CAG at , GWP at and stop on by my good buddy’s comicbook store where I’ve hung out and joshed around every Wednesday afternoon for the last 15 years:

MAGNUM Comics & Cards
3723 Riverdale Avenue
Bronx, NY 10463
718.884.0714