Iain: Can you describe a typical workday for you?

Henri: I get up around 9am- Work until about 2am the next day.

Iain: How and when did you start seriously drawing/painting?

Henri: I seriously started about 3 years ago. Just brought some paint and over time developed my own style.

Iain: What tools do you use to create your work?

Henri: I use pencils, acrylic paint and brushes.

Iain: Your latest work ‘Venge’ has just been released in which you do both the story and the art. Did you enjoy the freedom of being able to write for yourself as an artist rather than having to follow someone else’s vision as most comic book artists do?

Henri: Yes. The freedom is great. The story and the art go hand in hand. There are many aspects that I, and I'm sure a lot of people, can relate to.

Iain: So what’s the main premise in 'Venge’?

Henri: It is revenge, but love, friendship, hate, forgiveness and so on also plays important roles.

Iain: What’s coming up in the future for this project?

Henri: Oh, many things. The book needs to be finished, but we are already looking at other related merchandise like clothing, an animated movie or TV-series are also in the pipeline.

Iain: Where will people be able to get hold of ‘Venge’ and when is the official release date?

Henri: The official release date was on 20 April 2004. The book can be bought directly from me or at:

Readers Den-Claremont
Outer Limits - Cape Town
Outer Limits - Mellville
The Bell Roberts Bookstore
Clarkes Book Shop - Long Str.
and some selected coffee shops & Internet Cafes in Cape Town.

The book should be available through all major book stores nationwide soon - Exclusive Books, Wordsworth etc.

Iain: You’ve got your own website and seem to be up to date with what’s happening online, what do you think of the future of online publishing?

Henri : Hmmm. I personally don't like online publishing and it seems that most people still preffer buying an actual book.

Iain: What other stuff are you currently working on?

Henri: I'm working full time on Venge or while expanding my fan base and introducing Venge clothing.

Iain: What presents the biggest challenge to you?

Henri: To keep pushing the artistic envelope.

Iain: What's been your favourite project to date?

Henri: Definitely my own title Venge.

Iain: What would be your dream project?

Henri : The making of a movie based on my story and characters.

Iain: Who are some of your biggest influences?

Henri : Liam Sharp, Simon Bisley, Jeff Jones, Frank Frazetta, Greg Staples etc.

Iain: How long have you been creating comic related artwork?

Henri: Since the beginning of 2001. But I've been drawing comic book characters since school days.

Iain: Are you keen to work exclusively in the comics world or keep branching out into other areas?

Henri: Oh, whatever presents itself. The comic field is very diverse.

Iain: Ok, name me 3 things you hate about being an illustrator/artist?

Henri: People who don't take you serious.
People who expects or try to get artwork done for nothing.
The difficulty of finding sponsors in S.A.

Iain: So, if you weren't an artist, what would you be?

Henri: A pro mountain biker.

Iain: Are you collecting any comics these days?

Henri: Not that many, mainly for the artwork.

Iain: Your favourite comic character is?

Henri: Hmmm... Batman.

Iain: What do you think of local South African comics and what of the future for the medium in this country?

Henri: I think most locally produced comics lack strong stories & characters. I find local content very boring. Quality is key. Do work that can compete internationally dammit.

Iain: Thanks for your time Henri and best of luck in the future.

Interview by: Iain Duncan