Ballycotton in county Cork wouldn't be the first place you'd think of if I mentioned the word 'Marvel' to you, but it has a strong connection to the enterprise.
That link is in the form of professional comic book artist Will Sliney who has drawn some of the biggest comic book heroes in the world - including his favourite, Spider-Man.
(His drawing of Spider-Man 2099)
Chatting on Dermot and Dave, the Corkonian described his journey from having a huge interest in drawing as a kid to third level and where he is today, "basically what I did when I finished college, I googled how to get a job in comic books".
After a loan, a trip to California and rejection from the San Siego Comic-Con, he worked hard, built up his portfolio and powered on. His motto is pretty straightforward, "the more your practice, the better you get".
Speaking of Spider-Man!
Here is my cover for Spider-Geddon
Awesome colours by Frankie D'Armata pic.twitter.com/6pCwDTPO7B
— Will Sliney (@WillSliney) September 5, 2018
But now that he's at the top of his game, he's not getting complacent, "I live in fear that someone better will take my job". It's a great way of keeping him honest.
Will has recently started working on some new characters and reveals "there's a whole new level when you're working with Star Wars".
Spidey is his #1 though and is his real life hero because without the web slinger having entered into his life, he doesn't think he'd be where he is today.
Over the past four years, Spider-Man has helped me build a home for our new son here.
Basically the character was my moral compass as I grew up, but back then I could never have believed that the character could have done so much for me and my family.— Will Sliney (@WillSliney) September 5, 2018
He also offers his advice for any aspiring cartoonists and admits that he's not as good of a gamer as he thought he was. Best stick to the drawing so.
If this isn't a perfect 'follow your dreams' story, we don't know what is.
Check out the Will's story in full be pressing the play button in the image at the top of the page.
