Good Evening Everyone! It’s still Hispanic Heritage Month and we are still the diverse brand you know and love!
We have a newcomer in our deck, the creator of Aquila The Almighty! Erick Pedrucci. As the legend tells it, Aquila is a young lad with the ability of flight from any winged creature due to the oath he made as the guardian of wildlife. His heroism is put to the test when he embrarks on a quest to find a missing village child. Is this giving Ferngully? Princess Mononoke?
We had to sit down and get the details on this hot commidty, roll the clip!
Saturday AM: Hello and thank you for taking the time to sit down with us. Could you be so kind to introduce yourself?
Erick: Hello! My name is Erick, and I’m from Brazil. I’m an artist and I’m currently working on a new manga series called GUN+BONE. I’m passionate about Manga and everything that surrounds it, and in my free time, I enjoy playing sports and read
Saturday AM: What inspired you to become an artist? What are some of your inspirations?
Erick: I’ve always loved making art, but what truly inspired me to become an artist is its ability to communicate emotions and ideas through still images. In manga/comics, for example, one image can resonate with readers long after they’ve seen it. I find it incredibly cool that a single picture can create a lasting impact on the viewer—something unmatched even by animation or movies, which have more resources to engage audiences.
Saturday AM: Could you tell us what your comic is about? What’s the lore behind it?
Erick: GUN+BONE is a bloody, violent, supernatural western that blends intense action with dark, mystical forces. It’s inspired by Hellsing and Trigun but has its own place within Saturday AM’s diverse manga lineup. The story follows characters battling supernatural threats in a brutal, lawless frontier. There’s also a connection to Brazil’s “Cangaço” western genre, drawing from the harsh landscapes of the northeast and the legendary outlaws of that region. Like the Cangaço’s themes of survival and justice, GUN+BONE combines gritty western elements with supernatural action in a rugged, unforgiving world.
Saturday AM: How do you stay consistent with art? Whats your routine when you sketch? What are some of your art goals?
Erick: I stick to a daily routine, even if it’s just simple sketches. Consistency is key, so I make it a habit to draw, regardless of my inspiration. I begin with quick shapes to warm up, then work on the composition, focusing on flow and energy before adding details. Music helps me concentrate. I aim to refine my storytelling and explore new ideas to push my creative limits.
Saturday AM: Its Hispanic Heritage Month, is your culture apart of your series or art? Whats the comic book industry like where youre from?
Erick: Although Brazil isn’t a Hispanic country—speaking Portuguese rather than Spanish—we share rich cultural connections with our Latin American neighbors. As I grew as an artist, my culture naturally infused my work, making it essential to share my unique perspective. In my comic, GUN+BONE, I explore themes of struggle and resilience, drawing from the region’s vibrant storytelling traditions.
While the Brazilian comic industry is smaller than those in North America or Japan, it’s steadily growing, with creators finding innovative ways to connect with the global market.
Saturday AM: You were featured in Saturday AM #151 how has that shaped you as an artist? How did it feel to be featured? because not many make the cut.
Erick: Being featured in Saturday AM #151 with “Aquila, the Mighty” was a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. It reinforced my appreciation for storytelling and the impact of art. Sharing the spotlight with such talented creators was incredibly validating and inspired me to push my creative boundaries. This experience has strengthened my commitment to sharing my unique voice and stories with the world.
Saturday AM: What are some hardships youve faced as a comic artist? Did you ever want to quit art and pursue something else?
Erick: As a comic artist, I’ve faced challenges like self-doubt and balancing my passion with financial stability. I’ve often questioned my abilities during tough times, but my love for storytelling always brings me back. Each setback teaches me resilience and strengthens my commitment to my craft. Creating art isn’t just a job; it’s essential to who I am.
Saturday AM: Last one, could you give a piece of advice for any of our readers?
Erick: To anyone pursuing their passion, embrace the journey and stay committed. As a saying in my culture goes, “Dripping water wears away stone.” Keep pushing forward, even when it’s tough, and remember that improvement comes with practice. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek feedback, and learn from others. Most importantly, stay true to your unique voice and vision—your perspective is what makes you special.
Wasn’t that grand? Can’t wait to see what Erick has up his sleeve next.
