3 minute read
From ENMU to DC, Marvel and Dark Horse Comics
By Amy Waltner
Matt Haley (Attended 86-88), a comic book artist, attended ENMU before starting his career.
“I originally went to Eastern to get away from Albuquerque; that’s where I’m from. I really enjoyed the instructors but I was already committed to drawing comics, so I didn’t go to class often,” Haley said.
When he was 20, Haley and his roommate quit school and went to Comic-con in San Diego, which resulted in them being hired. This lead to Haley drawing for the Dark Horse comic Ghost.
He started reading comic books when he was 4. “It was then that I decided I was going to be a comic book artist,” he said. Haley’s favorite super hero is Batman. However, his favorite to draw is Spiderman.
“When I was a kid Batman was still dark and creepy, while it was being drawn by Neil Adams. I read a lot of Spiderman as well, the stuff by John Romita. I was really into sci-fi comics as well,” he said.
Haley has worked for DC, Marvel and Dark Horse Comics, “The business has changed so much, and it’s weird saying this cause I think I’m still 22. The business used to be freer. From about 1990 to 2000 I was drawing Batgirl and Ghost.
“I’m not the greatest inker, but I love black and white. However, if you want to sell comics you should do them in color,” Haley said.
Aaron Lopresti was an artist that Haley had the chance to be mentored by. “He’s lightning fast and it’s really annoying,” Haley says with a twinkle after explaining that he didn’t pick up on that ability during his time with him.
Another artist that Haley had a chance to work with was Steve Rude, who drew Nexus and was Haley’s inker. “In my opinion, he’s probably one of the greatest figure artists,” Haley said.
Haley has also been able to work with Stan Lee on several occasions.
“I’ve worked with him enough he remembers my name,” he boasts proudly. He worked on Stan Lee’s Who Wants to be a Superhero show. How this came about is surprising. “Craigslist, I swear. I was looking through it and saw a posting about it, so I sent them a note saying they were going to need comic book art for it.”
Comics, however, is not the only thing Haley does. “I’ve actually gotten into live action directing. I realized that sitting in my room is what I don’t want to do. I joke that I’m an extrovert with an introvert’s job. Live action directing—that’s where I am going, and I love comics but the business has changed,” Haley said.
