San Diego resident Billy Martinez has been working in the comics industry since 1996. He’s an artist and writer, as well as the owner of Neko Press, which publishes his successful Wildflower and Kick Ass Girl comics. Martinez also runs an art studio in La Mesa specializing in classes for young people (although adults and advanced students are also welcome). I’ve had Martinez come into my Anime and Manga Club to provide art instruction to students, and he’s great working with kids, He inspires them because he finds ways of easing them into the process of drawing so it doesn’t seem intimidating. He had kids afraid to draw anything except stick figures starting to sketch faces before class was over. That’s impressive, and so is his work. He specializes in bold, hip art that features tough, sexy chicks who exude confident attitude. In 2004, Martinez began a line of paintings for galleries and live art shows, and in 2006 released a compilation of his works titled Girls. In 2003, he spoke about his work and about the Con.
You can check out his comics, books and other cool products at the Neko Press website. You can find Neko Press and Billy Martinez at Booth 1622 at the Comic-Con. Thanks to Comic-Con for access to the interview for our news coverage. All images of Martinez' work are copyright Neko Press.
