Daniele Di Nicuolo

Daniele Di Nicuolo is quickly becoming one of the new artists to watch in the comic book industry. You may recognize his work in books for big name publishers such as Marvel, Dark Horse, IDW, and Boom Studios. He is also credited with co-creating one of the cutest sidekicks in comics - Jeff the (baby) Land Shark.

Daniele - Thank you for taking time to chat with me today! 

Thank you for reaching out to me!

In the past several years, your name has become increasingly known and recognized in the comic book industry. Congrats on the well-deserved success!
Can you tell us the story of your “big break” or first gig in the industry?

Thank you! I had been working for Italian publishers for a couple of years before starting with North American comics, but my very first gig in the USA industry was with Dark Horse on the latest Mirror’s Edge tie-in. I was already in contact with Boom! Studios, but I was offered my first mini-series on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink after they saw my work on Mirror’s Edge. I couldn’t imagine that it was just the beginning of my career - on both MMPR brand and in the USA comics industry, as well.

Your published work ranges from a comic book prequel to Mirror’s Edge, to the original sci-fi series Infinite Loop, to licensed properties such as Adventure Time and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. (And it’s all wonderful!) Do you have a favorite genre or subject matter to draw? 

Power Rangers really satisfied my thirst for big battles, martial arts and strong emotions, so I must admit that I’ve been pretty lucky. After a little journey on West Coast Avengers, I realized how much I love stories with a lot of characters and family dynamics between them. And my editor Dafna Pleban must have realized that, too, ‘cause she prepared the ground for me and Tom Taylor working together on Seven Secrets, which is simply the kind of story that I’ve always wanted to tell and draw. It’s perfect.

Last year, you worked with Kelly Thompson on West Coast Avengers. What I would give to have been a fly on the wall for the conversation that resulted in Jeff the Land Shark! What inspired the two of you to bring a little-known species (first appearing in 1991’s What The - - ?! #15) into mainstream Marvel comics? 

I could tell incredible stories about the creation of Jeff, but sometimes the reality is simple as the strong ideas are. It was simple as a line of text were Kelly just told me that there was a four-legged, cute Shark called Jeff. And that was it — Jeff came out naturally, and that’s why I think he is so loved. ‘Cause he is “just” a cute, tender, land-shark puppy.

Supergirl has Krypto... Gwenpool has Jeff. In your opinion, what makes a duo like this such a great pair? And what are your favorite aspects of the superhero-super pet dynamic?

The same of a “human” duo: they have to complete and comprehend each other. Who could better understand and support someone like Gwenpool than a puppy land-shark?

Jeff has gained quite a following among Marvel readers. (Myself enthusiastically included!) Hasbro even included him in their Marvel Legends line of action figures this year. Even though Gwenpool left Jeff with Deadpool (whose title, according to Gwenpool herself, is safe from cancellation), do you hope to revisit their team-up at some point?

I'm really amazed by the success that our dear little puppy has gained. I never thought that one day we'd have the chance to have Jeff as an action figure, so... sure I do! Working for Marvel has always been a great experience, and I LOVE to work with Kelly, so it would be great to do it again!

Tell us what you have coming up next! Where should we be looking for your work?

My upcoming, new project is Seven Secrets, a co-created series by Tom Taylor and me, colored by my pal Walter Baiamonte, published by Boom! Studios. We've been cooking this new adventure for quite a long time, and we can't wait to show you what the Seven Secrets are. I'm working on a story that I always dreamed to tell, with a stellar writer as Tom. I'm quite a lucky boy.

This has been a pleasure - thanks again!

Thank you and see you soon!

Seven Secrets #1 will be available at your local comic shop on Wednesday, August 12th.

Follow Daniele on Tumblr (https://danieledinicuolo.tumblr.com) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/imkota).

Mel Lang is a self-proclaimed nerd. Currently located in Topeka, KS, she lives with her husband Matt and their three Labrador Retreivers. A life-long reader, she spent 20 years as a bookseller - 7 of which were managing a comic book store in Wichita, KS. She has previously been published on StashMyComics.com and was also quoted in Wizard magazine. Her “to be read” pile is ever-growing, but she wouldn’t want it any other way.