Donegal professional comic book artist gets booked for Dublin Comic Con

By Dionne Meehan

DONEGAL man Reese Hannigan is gearing up to make his Comic Con debut next weekend in Dublin.

The Lifford man is Ireland’s youngest professional comic book artist, working on major projects such as ‘Star Wars Hyperspace Stories: A Bad Batch’ for publishers across the pond.

Growing up in Lifford, Reese attended St Patrick’s National School, Murlog before continuing his studies in Deele College, Raphoe.

Having an interest in animation, cartoons and comic books from an early age, he was shocked to find this love of his could be pursued as a career.

Pushing towards securing his dream job, Reese underwent a Foundation Diploma in Art in North West Regional College, Limivady Campus before completing an Animation Degree in ATU Donegal.

Reese is currently working on ‘Star Wars Hyperspace Stories: A Bad Batch’.

Backed by his lecturers along the way, Reese secured his first job in 2017, after impressing Northern Ireland publishers ‘Back Pocket Comics’ at Comic Con in Derry.

“They gave me a job drawing a graphic novel called Black Spot for about a year,” Reese told the Donegal News.

“It was great experience.”

After this, Reese worked on a second book with them called ‘Terminus’, before taking up a post with Irish artist Ruairi Coleman from Armagh.

“He was working on a book for Amazon,” Reese said.

“He was running a bit behind and needed some help, so I came in and inked over his pencil work for two issues.

“That got me into the realm where American publishers started looking at my work.”

Going from strength to strength in the industry, five months ago Reese secured his biggest job to date.

“I am currently working on a Star Wars book,” he said.

“This is the first big start for my career. More people are seeing my work for a change, rather than the Irish market, which is pretty small.

“It’s a five issue series and I am on the last issue now.”

An example of Reese’s illustrations.

With many big opportunities up ahead for the Lifford man, one of those came sooner than expected when he was asked to appear at Dublin Comic Con next weekend.

“I have been going to Comic Con since 2016,” Reese said.

“This is the first time I have ever been invited to go and it felt pretty good. I was going every single year to get other artists to look at my work.

“Now, to be someone whose name is mentioned is rewarding.”

Comic Con is taking place in The Convention Centre, Dublin from March 15 to 16.

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