Question: What inspires you as an artist? Where do you take your inspiration from?

Débora Caritá: Well, many artists don’t like the term “inspiration,” because it sounds like there’s no hard work and technique involved in making art. But I understand perfectly what this word means! My inspiration has always come from the brutal admiration I have for great illustrators because they can express what photography cannot. They manage to synthesize pages of text into a single, striking scene. All this intellectual work fascinates me and makes me want to be part of it. The visual arts can convince crowds when done well. This is the goal and the inspiration at the same time.

Crafting Yaira: Strong and Feminine

Question: You draw the most beautiful women. They’re strong but also very effeminate. What goes into drawing Yaira? I couldn’t imagine a more perfect artist for the job!

Débora Caritá: Thank you! Well, I’ll tell you what I really thought when I went to draw her. I needed Yaira to be a beautiful woman. And for me, there are no beautiful women without a beautiful face. I tried to put delicate physical features but well-defined expressions. Yaira should be able to express a huge range of emotions and actions. She’s a chameleon, a warrior, and a lady at the same time. That’s why I needed a face and a body that could be used for all these situations. Yaira was the combination of the most classic and functional elements that we look for in a female figure. Imposing but with many subtleties.

The World of Yaira and the Rippaverse Experience

Question: What do you like about Yaira and her world?

Débora Caritá: That’s exactly it, the fact that Yaira is able to move through a wide range of actions and appearances. It’s as if Yaira is capable of surprising everyone at any given time. She’s not predictable, and that’s very engaging.

Question: What has your experience been like working with the Rippaverse, and how does it compare to other companies you have worked with?

Débora Caritá: The Rippaverse manages to let artists be free but without losing sight of the big goals. As an artist, I have the license to make observations about the creative process that I might not be able to make elsewhere. I also love to hear criticism from other talented people involved because, when it comes to creating, the next idea might be the best–hahaha. So, there’s a frank and honest back-and-forth between everyone. That’s very inspiring.

Advice for Aspiring Comic Book Artists

Question: What advice would you give artists wanting to break into the comic book industry?

Débora Caritá: I advise you not to give in to the pressures of Artificial Intelligence and to trust your creative instincts and personal techniques. I also advise you to always study, be humble, and not take criticism personally. There are a lot of incredible people drawing, but there will always be room for committed and serious people (even though drawing seems like fun, hahaha). I advise, above all, a professional attitude for those who want to enter this industry.

The Joy of Drawing Comic Books

Question: What is your favorite thing about drawing comic books?

Débora Caritá: That’s exactly it, lol, the part about everything seeming like a lot of fun. And also about building a foundation through hard work that nobody sees, and watching things take on a life of their own in the eyes of the public and manage to become pure entertainment. That’s invaluable.

Personal Favorites and Recommendations

Question: Are there any comic book characters that you grew up loving, and can you tell us why?

Débora Caritá: I can say I’ve had phases, haha. In my childhood, I loved Superman because I thought he was beautiful and perfect, and that was it! Then, as a teenager, it was Spider-Man. I think every teenager who grows up a bit nerdy and weird (which was also my case) identifies with him. Recently, I’ve had an almost endless phase of liking Harley Quinn and Black Widow. I think my weakness is good guys (for male characters) and villains (for female characters). The idea of being beautiful and dangerous always works (lol).

Question: What projects have you worked on that you’d recommend to readers to pick up to see your work?

Débora Caritá: Start with Yaira! This is my best work to date. By the way, in the professional world, we always say that the right thing to do is to present our portfolio from the most recent pieces so that we can show our evolution. The greatest artists have had different phases, and so have I.

Future Aspirations and Favorite Yaira Moments

Question: Are there any other characters in the Rippaverse that you like and would like to draw in the future?

Débora Caritá: I think Ingrid Valdez, from Alphacore, deserves her own comic book, at least a single issue. She must have an incredible story to have deserved to join the mighty Alphacore.

Question: What is your favorite part of Yaira?

Débora Caritá: From Yaira #1? Can I give a spoiler? I really like the Except that was chosen for the Yaira Live Action Trailer, the press conference where we begin to see Yaira’s power and influence in the human world. It’s remarkable how she stands out from the crowd and from the intellectual world without much effort. And I like her other, more sensitive side, her emotions when remembering her past and the people she loved. Yaira really is a must-see!

This interview with Débora Caritá, a brilliant comic artist, sheds light on her journey, inspirations, and experiences, particularly her incredible work on Yaira for The Rippaverse. Her passion for art and storytelling is evident in every project she undertakes, making her a remarkable figure in the comic book industry.