Hailing from Barcelona, Maria Llovet is an especially exciting name in comics nowadays. Perhaps best known for collaborating with Brian Azzarello on Faithless, Llovet’s other comics include Porcelain, Eros/Psyche, LOUD!, and Luna. While each remain their own distinct effort, they all paint a picture of Llovet as this inventive and evocative artist capable of capturing something primal and profound about the human form and the world at-large.
As much great work as Llovet has done already (and will likely continue to do), we wanted to know even more. So, we caught up with Llovet ahead of Violent Flowers, a new vampire-starring tale of “vengeance and acceptance, and the importance of embracing who we really are.” We spoke not only of that book but also Llovet’s style and approach to work, breaking into the U.S. comics scene, her thoughts on collaborations, and even possible work with the Big Two, among other topics and tidbits.
Violent Flowers #1 is due out September 25 from Image Comics. (The FOC is this Monday, September 2.)
Artist portrait courtesy of Jorge Quiñoa.
AIPT: How would you describe your art or the kinds of comics you make?
Maria Llovet: It’s hard for me to answer this question. I think sometimes we, as authors, are the least qualified to talk about our own work—it’s like we’re too close to it to really see it, you know? I guess for me, the most distinctive thing is my fluid, almost cinematic visual storytelling. I think it’s pretty personal. Let’s say it’s the “how” you tell the story you’re telling. It’s the step that bridges the script and the drawing, and it’s one of the things that fascinates me the most.
AIPT: What are your main influences? Is there one comic book that made you an artist?
ML: I don’t think it was any one thing in particular. I’ve always known I wanted to create, I’ve loved writing and drawing for as long as I can remember. Plus, I was fascinated by art from a young age; I’d spend hours looking through some art history books my parents had at home. At the same time, they had comics like Asterix, and they’d take me to the comic convention in Barcelona when I was little.
Then, when I was almost a teenager, the manga boom hit Spain. That was what really got me into reading comics. Later on, I explored some European and American authors, but my beginnings were pretty much all about manga. I think that’s created an interesting mix in my work.
My biggest influence right now is film and literature. I try to watch as many movies as possible, old and new, because I learn on every level — visually, narratively, and in terms of scriptwriting.
From Faithless II. Courtesy of BOOM! Studios.
AIPT: I feel like you’ve been gaining popularity here in the States as of late. How has the process of “breaking in” been for you personally?
ML: It’s incredibly thrilling! I’m so grateful! Plus, I’ve always wanted to publish in English because I think it’s the universal language that can take you anywhere. I love the idea that someone, anywhere in the world, can buy my comic if they want to and actually understand it!
AIPT: Coming from the European comics scene to the one stateside, how do you think your approach to making comics differs?
ML: For me personally, it doesn’t make much of a difference because I focus on creating my own work and try not to limit or censor myself. But I do think there are cultural differences that can affect certain things, especially when it comes to depicting sensual elements or nudity, particularly on covers and such. In Europe, it’s much more relaxed in that sense; it’s seen as something more natural.
AIPT: Reading your stuff, I get the sense that it’s all part of one grand, shared umbrella universe. Is there something to that, or do you consider each project its own thing?
ML: It’s funny, I agree that it can be seen that way, even though most of them were created independently! On the other hand, I do have a few half-developed projects that are separate but set in the same world. We’ll see if they end up coming to life or if they stay in a drawer!
AIPT: Of all your recent projects (Crave, Faithless II, etc.), is there one you’re especially proud of? Or one that says the most about who you are as an artist?
ML: Usually I’m pretty excited about the project I’m working on or even the next one. Like, “the one I’m working on will be the best!” haha. But right now, I’m really happy with Crave and also with Violent Flowers. I’ve been developing this world for a long time, and it’s really exciting to finally get it up and running!
From Crave #1. Courtesy of Image Comics.
AIPT: Do you prefer collaborating with others or doing your own thing as writer and artist?
ML: Without a doubt, my personal projects as a creator are the reason I do this and what brings more meaning and happiness to my work. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy collaborating with others, of course! But it’s a completely different experience. Personal creation makes me feel alive and aligned with my life’s purpose. It ignites a fire in me that can’t compare with almost anything else in this life.
AIPT: You’ve done some work for DC. Would you like to tackle even more projects with the Big Two?
ML: If the opportunity arises, why not? As long as it’s something short and fits well with my other projects. When it comes to collaborating, I need to be very selective right now because time is limited. Often, you have to say no to things you’d like to do, but it’s about organizing your mind and knowing your priorities and where you want to go.
I think this is very important, especially when you’re starting out. To think, to take your time to ask yourself, “what do I really want?” I personally need to prioritize my personal work.
AIPT: Are there any folks you’re dying to work with? Maybe a character or series you’d like to try your hand at as well?
ML: The truth is I don’t think in those terms. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to collaborate with amazing writers like James Tynion IV, Brian Azzarello, and Patrick Kindlon, so I feel completely grateful in that regard! But what I really want is to dedicate myself fully to improving as a creator in every way, giving my absolute best, and taking my characters and stories as far as I can.
Variant cover by Maria Llovet. Courtesy of Image Comics.
AIPT: You’ve got another new Image title dropping in September with Violent Flowers. What can you tell us about that book?
ML: It’s a story of revenge. It’s about an ancient vampire clan that comes together after centuries when the Sentinel, a vampire who watches over all supernatural beings, is killed. His unpredictable self-called sister, Carnelia, is determined to get revenge, even though she’s been given the task of looking after a human. Carnelia has stayed old and wrinkled for ages by resisting her vampire urges. But her craving for blood might be stronger than she thinks.
This is a story of vengeance, but it has a bit of everything to give a small taste of what this world has to offer: introspection, sensuality, and some bloody action! I’ve spent years developing the world in which the story is set, and although this miniseries consists of four issues, my plan is to create several self-contained arcs that tell the stories this same group of characters have experienced through the ages, where ancient secrets, intense violence, and timeless beauty collide.
AIPT: Do you have any other upcoming projects that you can tease?
ML: Right now, I’m working on my next project. It has a bit of a Crave vibe since the world of technology and internet celebrities plays a significant role in the story. I’m also developing a couple of short stories, and of course, more Violent Flowers! There are also a couple of very exciting things cooking up, but I can’t say anything yet!
AIPT: What comics have you been reading lately that stand out to you?
ML: I recently read Corto Maltese: The Queen of Babylon and enjoyed it a lot. And aside from comics, some films — old and new — that I’ve enjoyed lately are: La Cérémonie (Claude Chabrol, 1995), Klute (Alan J. Pakula, 1971), Spellbound (Alfred Hitchcock, 1945), and Challengers (Luca Guadagnino, 2024).
The following pages, all from Violent Flowers #1, are courtesy of Image Comics.
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