Rob Ruffolo
interviewed in: October 2006

Rob Ruffolo had highs and lows during the Dreamwave era, colouring the now classic first volume of War Within, but also illustrating the widely rather less well-regarded Micromasters. The former Art Director of the Canadian company has now transferred his talents to IDW, and he makes his debut there on the Sixshot issue of the Spotlight series.

1. Were you a fan of the Transformers before joining the team at Dreamwave?

Oh yeah, that's mainly the reason I wanted to work with the Dreamwave crew. It brought back a lot of old childhood memories.

2. You came to the attention of most fans with colouring stints on celebrated titles like War Within. What was the experience like in those early days?

It was an exciting time, my first published work. I guess simply put, it was a fun time.

3. What did your duties as Art Director for the company involve? Can you give us any insight into the 'house style'?

To be honest, it wasn't much fun, partly because I wasn't doing much artwork other than correcting other peoples but mostly because of the state of Dreamwave at that time. The house style colours were influenced by the anime cell cut style, but I think after awhile it became overdone. Many of the books were turning out muddy and dark.

4. What did you think when you first read the script for Micromasters?

Too many characters, too much going on. It just wasn't a good story. I did however learn a lot about the lives of our favorite little 'bots and how they enjoyed hanging out at an all guys club armwrestling. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

5. It proved to be one of Dreamwave's least popular titles, with both the script and art coming under heavy criticism, at least from the vocal online community. Did fan reactions surprise you? How would you approach the same assignment if you were to draw it today?

No, the reactions didn't really surprise me, I knew it wasn't my best work but there were several cicumstances that didn't allow me to have the quality I would have liked. I knew from the beginning it would be tough sledding but it was a chance to pencil my own book and I knew it would be a good experience for me no matter the reaction. I'm not sure I would appraoch it the same way - you have to approach things given the situation at that particular time.

6. What are you proudest of from your time at Dreamwave?

It's not one specific thing, I think it would have to be coming through the whole Dreamwave experience unscathed and able to continue on my own.

7. So how were you affected by the demise of the company, and what projects have you been working on since?

At the time it was difficult for everyone and in times like those you really get to see peoples true colours (no pun intended) but the experience has actually been very good for me and I learned a lot. I've been able to work on several different projects in and outside the comic book industry since then.

8. How did you get involved with IDW and the Spotlight comic?

I started off colouring a few covers here and there, and after that I pencilled some of the characters for IDW's Tranformers guide book. Dan Taylor at IDW asked me if I would be interested in doing the Sixshot Spotlight. It was a great oppertunity because I would be pencilling inking and colouring the whole book.

9. Sixshot has the distinction of being one of the more popular characters that never played a large part in Western comics or cartoons. Did that bring additional challenges to getting his character across to readers, and did you look through Japanese material for references or decide on a clean slate?

I did look at a lot of different material but I wanted to bring my own style to Sixshot's character. I think it's important to put your own spin on things. I had a lot of fun with this book because all of the art was mine, pencils inks and colours.

10. Can you give us any hints about the storyline?

Hmmm, I don't want to give anything away but I will say there will be a few new characters.

11. What other future projects can we expect from you at IDW?

I'm not exactly sure. Hopefully I can work on something with IDW in the near future.

12. What other characters, Transformers or otherwise, would you like the chance to draw professionally?

Ahhh, well, I would love to do a Wheeljack story. He's my favorite Transformer and the first one I ever got . Maybe a story of how Wheeljack created the Dinobots, a take on the old G1 cartoon episode.

13. Given that you have an alliterative name, are you in fact a Marvel superhero?

Ha ha, no, I'm not, but lets just say my super powers wouldn't be having exceptional grammar skills. I had to look that word up.

14. And finally, some Word Association...

Monopoly

Bald old guy with a tophat.

Snakes on a Plane

What happened to you Samuel L? A far cry from the Pulp Fiction days.

Countdown

New Years Eve, ummm, I mean a Micromaster.

Brad Mick

Oh, you mean James McDonough?

James Bond

Sean Connery. Do any of the other guys come close?

Thank you very much for your time!