Wilkes ComicCon Spotlight: Matthew Atchley

ComicCon 2022: Spotlight on Matthew Atchley

Wilkes ComicCon 2022 takes place on February 26, marking the third time this fun event will be held at the Stone Center. Each year the event gets bigger and better, with more special guests and great vendors and artists added to the Marketplace. This year, Matthew Atchley headlines the list of special guests. An artist well-known for his work that intricately depicts subjects spanning across a variety of fandoms and pop culture including film, comics and popular TV, his portfolio is diverse and inspiring. In addition, he is an actor with credits in over 50 productions, rubbing shoulders with other popular actors on the set of shows such as “The Watchmen,” “The Gifted,” and “Ozark.”

We sat down with him to talk about his work, what inspires him and what he’s most looking forward to in attending his second Wilkes ComicCon.

* You have a wide and fun range of subject matter, from recent Marvel characters to Burt Reynolds. How do you choose what to draw?

Some of my work now comes from celebrity actors who hire me, and they have their own visioin at to what they want so I’m not always in charge of the subject of my drawings and paintings. That’s why when I get to pick myself, I honestly go with my heart as far as picking what to draw next. When I get to choose, I do something I love. My favorite example of that right now is my pencil drawing of Keanu Reeves as John Wick.

* Speaking of that, what is your favorite drawing and why?

My all time favorite hand-pencil drawn piece is my work featuring Batman and Robin, which was inspired by the famous DC storyline “A Death in the Family.” What made this drawing so special was that it actually features a “real” father and son in the piece.

A mom had hired me to draw it as a birthday surprise for her husband, who is part of a father and son cosplay team. She had them pose for what she told them was a publicity photo, and I used that as a reference photo. In enjoy this one not only for the personal connection, but also it is one of my most detailed pencil drawings. You can actually see the nails in the floor.

* In addition to a successful art career, you are also garnering quite a reputation as an actor. How would you say being an actor has helped with your art, or vice versa?

I think all of the creative arts flow together. There are many people who work in all sorts of avenues in that respect. There are actors who sing, dancers that sculpt, artists that act, sing, dance, and paint. It isn’t that uncommon. I think each expression opens up your creativity in regards to the other.

* This is your second time coming to the Wilkes ComicCon. What are you most exited about your return trip?

The people! I really do enjoy meeting new people and catching up with ones I’ve met at previous shows. I just love getting out with the public and encouraging everyone’s unique creativity. Whether it’s baking cakes, writing books, doing crafts, or acting, everyone has creativity in them, even if they don’t recognize it in themselves.

* DC or Marvel?

Up until recently, I’ve always considered myself a Marvel guy. But I have to admit, I’ve always loved both, and I’m leaning towards DC more nowadays, oddly enough.