Figuring out Don Figueroa

Almost a year ago, I interviewed Don Figueroa about the first volume of the amazing War Within mini-series. Now Don’s career has taken another leap as the artist for the ongoing Transformers: G1 series written by Brad Mick which hits comic book stores January. And once again he’s taken a moment to answer questions about his life and work.

Supreme Convoy: First of all I gotta say how much I enjoyed the look of your work evolve. To be honest, I remember looking at the humans in Macromasters and they look a bit "fake." But I can see in the GI Joe vs. Transformers #1 cover you nailed the GI Joe crew.

Don Figueroa: That was a Jam-piece, I only did the TFs, and Dan Norton did the Joes/Cobra. Glad to know what you really think of my work though :(

Supreme Convoy: Oops, guess I was mistaken on that one :(

So how has your life changed since working with Dreamwave? Has it become a "rock star" lifestyle or still a "starving artist" lifestyle?

Don Figueroa: More of a hermit. But besides the lack of human contact. I'm glad I have a job that I enjoy working on. I guess the only down-side is that I'm stuck in the house more than usual.

Supreme Convoy: How did it feel to have completed a series like War Within that seems to be an instant fan favorite to whomever reads it?

Don Figueroa: Glad to hear people enjoyed it. I'm really proud of that series and I hope I get to do another one that is as successful.

Supreme Convoy: After the success of War Within, have other publishers asked you for projects? I'd like to see your work on a superhero book, maybe even Iron Man for obvious reasons.

Don Figueroa: I'd like to work on Iron Man someday, but it's been a while since I've read the comic. But for now, I'm happy working on Transformers.

Supreme Convoy: Is it a bit weird to see your artwork on Transformers merchandise like shirts, books, DVD covers?

Don Figueroa: Not really, I haven't seen much of my work in other merchandise. I did do a cover for the TF:TM DVD for the Australian release, but that's it. I haven't seen a shirts or anything like that with my artwork. There's probably a few out there though.

Supreme Convoy: What are you most looking forward to on the G1 series?

Don Figueroa: Just getting to work on the originals is great. There's no pressure of having to redesign them.

Supreme Convoy: And I'm assuming there'll be many easter eggs in the series just like you did in War Within?

Don Figueroa: Most Likely. Keep an eye on them

Supreme Convoy: Is there any particular reason why you weren't on board for War Within II? Was it because you were already signed on the ongoing G1 series?

Don Figueroa: Yeah, and because I was already working on Armada: Worlds Collide.

Supreme Convoy: Oh, and I have to say I enjoy the designs you did for GI Joe vs. Transformers and War Within II, especially with Skyfire who looks a lot like Strikefire from Macromasters.

Don Figueroa: Thanks. I'm always proud of that design.

Supreme Convoy: What can we expect to see in the new G1 series? Perhaps introducing new characters?

Don Figueroa: It's really up to Brad. If he wants to introduce a new bot. That's cool. I'm always up for it.

Supreme Convoy: Can you give us a quick rundown on the ongoing series?

Don Figueroa: I can't sorry. You'll just going to have to get the book ;)

Supreme Convoy: Any regrets in terms of what you wanted to do in the comics but just could do because of time or practicality?

Don Figueroa: Probably the way I laid out the panels and pages on the first War Within series. Looking back, I could have done it better and less confusing. I also wanted to do some "Director's cut" stuff in the TPB, but due to time, we never got to do it.

Supreme Convoy: What is your favorite piece of art that you have done so far?

Don Figueroa: The Convention exclusive cover for TF:G1 #1.

Supreme Convoy: What do you think it is about the Transformers saga that makes it so appealing to people even 20 years later?

Don Figueroa: Great Characters and great toys.

Supreme Convoy: Any other projects you are currently working on?

Don Figueroa: I have a couple of other projects I'd like to do if I have some extra time. As for now, they're just ideas.

Supreme Convoy: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Don Figueroa: Hopefully still working on comics, TFs or otherwise.

Supreme Convoy: Have you had a chance to play our Heavy Metal War game? From personal experience, it's quite addicting.

Don Figueroa: No sorry, I haven't played a lot of games, especially video games, ever since I started working on comics. It just takes up way too much time.

Supreme Convoy: In the upcoming year, is there anything you're looking forward to? Like Energon, Masterpiece Optimus Prime, Alternators?

Don Figueroa: Yes, but I can't tell you what it is;)

Supreme Convoy: Just out of my fascination of Batman, is the image of Grimlock jumping off a cliff in War Within #2 suppose to be an homage to Dark Knight Returns?

Don Figueroa: Yep an homage, That Batman silhouette just looked so damn cool.

Supreme Convoy: And I have to ask, what's the status on Macromasters? Is it still on the backburner? I'm always dying to hear any Macromasters news since it's been along time.

Don Figueroa: I can't work on it anymore, basically because I'm too busy nowadays, and I'm sure the storyline and art is out of date by now. if I ever decide to work on it again, I'd probably start over again.

Supreme Convoy: Speaking of Macromasters, someone has archived the site here. I'm still marveled at the level of work you put into those figures.

Don Figueroa: Thanks, I'm itching to get back into making a couple of new "Toys" just for the hell of it. but I used to get all cut-up and bruised working with plexiglass and I'm worried I might get injured and not be able to draw for a while. I'm thinking of using other materials like clay or more epoxy putty.

Supreme Convoy: I’d like to thank Don for another great interview. And just like last time for War Within, I’ll be definitely looking forward to the Wednesday when Transformers: G1 #1 comes in January.

Interestingly enough, when I was in high school Don's Macromasters was my favorite Transformers fan fiction. Currently in college, War Within is my favorite Transformers comic book. I wonder what Don will do next after I'm done with college... (*crosses fingers* Come on, Hasbro/Takara toy designer!)

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