ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Harvey Tolibao

The High Republic Adventures Phase III has brought so many artists on board for covers and interiors alike, however, today we are highlighting our long-time THRA artist Harvey Tolibao. Harvey has worked on all phases of THRA, but this 2023 run has brought something we hadn’t done for this series yet—have two artists on one issue. Last week Sketchbooks and Scratchpads interviewed Nick Brokenshire on his process creating the first arc of THRA III, and today you get to read Harvey’s point of view on such an amazing collaborative opportunity.

SKETCHBOOKS & SCRATCHPADS: Hi Harvey! For our readers who haven’t had the pleasure of knowing your work yet, can you introduce yourself?

HARVEY: My name is Harvey M. Tolibao. I was born in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, here in the Philippines. I’ve been a comic book illustrator since 20087. I've worked for several comic book companies, including Marvel, DC, IDW, Valiant, Titan, Zenescope, and Legendary Studios. I am currently working on Star Wars High Republic Adventures under Darkhorse Publishing Company.

S&S: Fantastic! We are so glad to have you on the team. We’ve got a lot of artists this run, all with unique and brilliant styles. If you could describe your art style in one sentence, what would you say?

HARVEY: I have a very distinct art style which is mixed up of manga, Filipino and Western styles.

S&S: Every time we get your inks in our jaws drop at just how detailed everything is! Every page is stunning. What made you want to get into illustrating comics?

HARVEY: Back in my childhood, I remember my Lola (grandma) Rosing collecting local comics since the 1970s and 1980s, and it opened my eyes to how creatively the stories told in every panel connected to each other to form a visual of drama and action.

S&S: Well then please thank your lola for us! What piqued your interest in signing on to THRA specifically?