Originally published by First Comics News.

Gilbert Monsanto started his career as a comic book writer and artist in the Philippines in the ’90s. He later became the chief instructor for Whilce Portacio’s comic creation school in Manila for three years. He penciled Hellcop and Houdini: The Man from Beyond under Image Comics. He has worked on other projects such as the 50th Anniversary Trilogy of Darna (Mango Comics), Hands of the Dragon (Black Ink Comics), and independent titles such as Bayan Knights.

Geo Aria: When did you first discover comics?

Gilbert Monsanto: I was too young to read then. Initially, I saw my big brother George’s comics. I usually flipped through the Sal Buscema HULK run. I never realized people actually made them until my brother and I went to his classmate’s place. Then I saw FF #250 by John Byrne. I heard them talk about it and carefully read and handled it. My brother would have gotten mad if I didn’t. After a few years, I learned about more titles and reread the other issues.

Geo: What attracted you to them?

Gilbert: The storytelling. Since I started without understanding the dialogue, I relied on the visuals. Actually, I loved even the smell of the print. I don’t think new comics smell the same, though. Maybe it’s the ink used? It was expensive, so it would take time before I could actually afford to buy my own comics. I actually thought those images were bigger, but it might be because I was small then. Now, I would like to get some of those artifacts, artist editions, just to get that grand effect again.

Geo: When did you start drawing superheroes?

Gilbert: Living in the Philippines, I never thought it was possible. I just liked to draw for fun. We had our local komiks publications, but the format was different. We had our own komiks superstars as well. Again, it was my brother George who one day stormed in and took some of my drawings to show to an editor. I was in my second year of high school. We were able to get our superhero in a kiddie komik magazine. His name is MID-GUARD, Super Strong Protector of Earth. I think most of my body of work is superhero stuff. I love creating and drawing anything superhero.

Geo: Where did you study art?

Gilbert: Self-taught. The usual “copy your idol” artist kind. When I was doing more work at the publications, I met a lot of artists working there, and they let us watch how it was done. It was surreal, getting to see actual pages done, learning about the tools, and getting professional tips from the pros. Years later, I was lucky to be included in Whilce Portacio’s Manila studio. He would teach us a bit each time. So he was my mentor.

Geo: What was your first published work?

Gilbert: Hmmm, locally, it was that kiddie comic, For Children’s Only. I can’t remember the issue number, but it was around 1986. For work outside the country, I would say a few pencil pages for Top Cow’s Tales of Darkness #1 and Avalon/Image Comics’ Hellcop, a four-part miniseries around 1998.

Geo: How did you get your first break into comics?

Gilbert: I think I mentioned how, but I’d like to say that Brian Haberlin convinced Whilce to let me do Hellcop. I might not be where I am without the gift of trust from him. I’m always grateful for that.

Geo: How did you get involved with G-Man Comics?

Gilbert: Slowly but surely. I have this FB group called the ARENA, where I do commissions that turn into a voting thing for fun. Rik Offenberger would let me do stuff. And like all things, the offer was made, and I surely wouldn’t say no to a great offer like that.

Geo: What do you like most about the G-Men?

Gilbert: G-Men is easy to love. It has lots of room to grow, quick and free-flowing. I like that kind of environment. I think they trust me enough to do my thing. Changes will be made, but I like it. I like fun.

Geo: How much freedom do you have creatively with the comics?

Gilbert: From my point of view, my duty is to make the pages work. I hope to understand what I need to show for the G-Men characters to work. There will be “oops” moments along the way. It will always be a part of this job. I aim to do it well, with their approval, of course.

Geo: What is it like working with Rik, Jim, and Eric?

Gilbert: The best people around: easy to work with, professional, and straightforward.

Geo: What else are you working on?

Gilbert: Anything new G-Man Comics throws at me. Currently finishing Judah “the Hammer” Maccabee #1. I regularly do commissions here and there. I am not sure which titles I can mention. I am waiting for the American Bladerunner #2 script. Bill Raupp’s Tribulation Taskforce gigs. I guess we will just see them when we see them in circulation. I have been a freelancer all my life. So I’d like to say thank you, guys, for the trust.