From August 4-6, Steve Orlando, Gerry Duggan, and other writers and artists from the colorful world of comics descended on the Boston Seaport for FAN EXPO Boston 2023. Directly to Gerry’s left was rising star Marguerite Sauvage, whose been making a name for herself the past few years via striking covers (Jean Grey, Archie) and interiors (DC Bombshells, Faith).
In addition to being a fan of Marguerite’s illustration work, I pride myself on being one of comics journalism’s chief defenders of Scott Summers and Jean Grey‘s relationship, so you better believe I’m excited to read Marguerite and writer Rainbow Rowell’s upcoming short story in Marvel Age #1000 (on sale August 30) spotlighting the X-Men icons’ blossoming relationship in their younger years.
Fortunately, Marguerite was happy to discuss the story, as well as her art style, inspirations, and more. (And, as you’ll see below, Marvel was nice enough to share an exclusive look at one of Marguerite’s pages from Marvel Age #1000!)
Marguerite Sauvage at FAN EXPO Boston
AIPT: So what can you share about your Cyclops and Marvel Girl X-Men story for Marvel Age #1000 with writer Rainbow Rowell?
Marguerite: Oh, wow, it was actually great to work on this story. Editor Tom Brevoort chose me, and I think he perfectly understood what my art style is made for.
First of all, it’s a romance. Then, it’s very interesting characters — Jean Grey and Scott Summers. I really enjoy the romance and the characters. And finally, it’s Rainbow Rowell writing. She’s amazing. So I was the perfect fit for working with her on this story and I really enjoyed it.
What I especially like is the pacing of the story. It’s really like this little inch of intimacy between the characters. It’s really subtle. There’s not a lot of action and I do love this kind of basic, 14-page short story. It was a treat to work on.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: You mentioned your art style, which is so fresh and unique, and really stands out in the current comics landscape. It’s seemingly simple, clean line work that’s so elegant and emotive. I love it. Who or what would you say inspires your style?
Marguerite: Thank you so much. I think that my uniqueness comes from my background as an illustrator who didn’t start in comics. I worked for press, fashion magazines, and advertising, and I did work in animation too. So I really feed myself by going to museums and looking at graphic design, decorative art — things like that. So I don’t know if I’d say my style is unique, but it’s a personal kind of art that people recognize easily.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: And as you mentioned, you didn’t start out in comics. How did you break into the industry?
Marguerite: Basically, they gave me a chance. I was advised by friends to do some fan art because they told me the comics editors probably know my style because I was illustrating for some American clients in the United States. So the editors probably already knew my style. Fan art was a way to show them that their license can be applied outside of their characters’ usual styles.
And actually, it worked and it was all through Twitter — which isn’t Twitter anymore. It’s very sad that social media is dying slowly because it was what helped me get into comics. And then I got my first cover for Ms. Marvel #13.
AIPT: And now Marvel and artist Lucas Werneck are doing an homage to that cover for Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant.
Marguerite: Yeah, yeah, I saw that too! That was my first cover for Marvel about 10 years ago.
AIPT: Instantly iconic — they’re already paying tribute to it!
Marguerite: Well, Ms. Marvel’s amazing and it was such a good series.
AIPT: Finally, I know you have a Madelyne Pryor variant cover coming for Dark X-Men. What else are you currently working on?
Marguerite: I’m actually trying to write more and more. I’m currently pitching some graphic novel projects that could be produced within Marvel, DC, or any kind of imprint company.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Well, hopefully, we get to read those soon. Thanks for taking the time to chat, Marguerite, and keep up the great work!
Marvel Age #1000 goes on sale August 30, 2023. Click here for more information about the one-shot and additional preview art.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
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