The American in the Chronicle Chamber crew, Scott Waldyn, jumps on the podcast this week to interview Juancho Vélez, the incredible colorist behind Defenders of the Earth, Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny, The Phantom vs. The Sky Band #1, and the upcoming The Phantom vs. The Red Dragons #1 from Mad Cave Studios.

For comic book fans, Juancho Vélez has made a name for himself by contributing beautiful and rich colors to titles across the Mad Cave Studios slate, as well as work at DC and Marvel Comics. His eye for detail and knack for creating lasting moments through the use of light, darkness, and color informs readers' understanding of a scene. 

In this interview, Scott and Juancho talk about the art of coloring, including some behind-the-scenes of what went into creating some of the more colorful moments in Defenders of the Earth and The Phantom vs. The Sky Band #1. 

Questions asked:

• How many comics would you say you’ve colored?
• You’ve worked on both Defenders series at Mad Cave Studios. While very much in sync with the cartoon series, it has a grown up tone. I attribute that to your coloring work. How do you find the right tone to hit?
• Do you receive directions from editorial or communicate with the artist?
• Are there color palettes or preferences you have to keep in mind when working on licensed characters?
• With The Phantom vs The Sky Band, there are big contrasts between light and dark, from Baroness’ mansion to a battle surrounded by flames, and a nighttime water rescue. What’s your approach to balancing and juggling these colors?
• What’s something you think readers should pay attention to with coloring?
• Where do you draw inspiration from? Whose art inspires you?
• What are some of the books you’re most proud of? What are the standouts that surprise you?
• Are there characters/titles you’d love to work on that you haven’t yet?
• Where can comic readers find you?

Find Juancho Vélez on his Instagram profile at: https://www.instagram.com/juancho.velez25/. Look for his work in The Phantom vs. The Red Dragons #1 coming in June 2026!

We are looking to interview more creators from the Mad Cave Studios comic book series, please contact us if you have any specific questions you would like to see asked. You can email us at [email protected] or chat with us via our social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram. We love comments and feedback from the Phantom phans from around the world. Make sure you stay with us, and do not forget to subscribe and leave a review on our podcast on our YouTube Channel.

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