Hyperion is back! After playing a pivotal role for a substantial time in Hickman’s Avenger’s run, Hyperion is returning post-“Secret Wars” with his new solo series. One of the Marvel U’s most powerful heroes will be trading in his cape for the next best thing, a big rig. Artist Nik Virella along with writer Chuck Wendig will bring to life the struggles of Hyperion the last known survivor of his universe as he discovers his role on this earth and identity as a man and a hero.
Nik Virella who provided art for the limited series of “Return of the Living Deadpool” and Secret War’s “1872” takes on art duties for her first on going Marvel series with “Hyperion #1”. I was able to talk to Nik about her work on the series, adjusting to an ongoing, what Hyperion we will see in this series and of course her role in killing hot cowboy Steve Rogers. A huge thanks to Nik for taking the time to talk “Hyperion #1” and be sure to check out this new series in stores and online digitally this week!
First, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions about Hyperion. With that out of the way why did you kill Steve Rogers?!?
Nik Virella: I didn’t! It was Gerry [Duggan]! Well… I drew it, so guilty as charged. I’m sorry everyone…
How did your working on the series come about? Were you familiar with the character/excited to be working with him?
NV: I was approached by my current editor, Katie Kubert if I’d be interested in working on a book with one of Marvel’s more traditional superheroes. And naturally, I said yes and was happy to hear it would be an interesting take on Hyperion.
Hyperion is definitely the most traditional style superhero you have drawn in the Marvel Universe so far. Who is the Hyperion we will see in this series? What do you feel you have brought to the character to make him your own in the book?
NV: The Hyperion you will see in this series is a man who is distant and guarded, not so much for his own self-preservation, but mostly for the unforeseen consequences his power and abilities have on the people around him and humanity. He looks like a man but he’s a god among them. So, I think eventually he will have to come terms with that one way or another. Also Chuck keeps saying I’ve brought a lot of sexiness to the character (laughs). I don’t know, but I will let the audience decide. All jokes aside, I hope I’ve brought a humanness to him through my storytelling where people can empathize to some degree or another with a character who is completely out of place, even if on the surface it doesn’t seem that way.
Your art has a very natural and realistic beauty to it, especially your figures and faces. With Hyperion being a pretty big hitter power wise in the Marvel U will we see you draw some big fight scenes? If so how has your approach/transition been to that style of comic art?
NV: Thank you very much! Yes, there will be some pretty big fight scenes where you see Hyperion in full strength and its potentially terrifying for those in his path. He’s definitely one of the most physically powerful characters I’ve drawn to date.
I would say the focus for me the time around has been location as a character. Meaning the settings significance is just as important as the characters themselves. Also, more importantly, I have to mention Romulo Fajardo Jr. who has done the most incredible color work on this book. I had been wanting to work him for a while now and I’m really thrilled we got a chance to collaborate together!
At least in the first issue we see that Hyperion is a truck driver. In 1872 you had to draw people riding horses. Big rigs and horses, what was more difficult and are you just hoping Hyperion starts flying places?
NV: Typically I find drawing automobiles more challenging. And I’m partial to drawing horses and animals in general because I enjoy illustrating them.
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Both “Return of the Living Deadpool” and “1872” were limited series. With “Hyperion” being a scheduled ongoing have you had to adjust the way you work? How has the transition been?
NV: I think the scheduling has been the same. I’m still keeping and maintaining my work pace, just for a longer duration. Also now with an ongoing series there will be more time for character development and story to play out, which will be exciting to see.
With Hyperion out on his own and on the move will we see you getting to draw some pretty diverse settings and characters?
NV: Yes, you will definitely get to see some interesting characters and places. Obviously I can’t give away much, but I think a lot of readers will gravitate towards the character, Doll. She’s a real fun, smart, and spunky kid, in spite of what she’s been through. When I set out to design her with Chuck, I wanted to give her qualities and similarities of friends I grew up with. One example, is Doll’s minty green hair, which she dyed using something similar to Kool-Aid or some other powdered sweet drink. My friend, in high school, for fun would sometimes dye her hair like this.
How much freedom have do you and Chuck have with “Hyperion”? Have you been able to play with a lot of design and looks?
NV: Not too much freedom in the sense we are veering away from who the actual character is, but enough to modernize his attire and costume. We gave him a much more rugged look when he wasn’t clean-shaven and kempt. And his haircut is a short modern hairstyle –think actor, Ryan McPartlin.
Chuck Wendig is pretty well known for his work with novels and being new to writing comics. How has the work relationship been between you two on the series?
NV: Chuck has been wonderful and extremely enthusiastic! I’m always looking forward to each script and what new alchemy we can create by exploring these characters.
Why will readers love “Hyperion #1”? Why do you love “Hyperion #1”?
NV: There’s big rigs, explosions, lush landscapes, carnies, and a dog too! And I love it for all those reasons and more!
