The superheroes of comic illustrator Patrick Fillion have something, which certainly every porno star would love to have: Cocks even bigger than their arms. But some of them also have cat ears or a tiger tail. And all of them are insatiable, when it comes to Sex. In other words: Patrick's new book "IlLUSTrations" is all about exaggeration and making the impossible possible. But Patrick wants his works also to be a hymn to the beauty of the male body. Read more in our interview.

Patrick, what inspired your new cartoons?

My characters are a huge inspiration to me.  I love drawing them and their exploits.  With each new comic and illustration, I feel that I can further depict their lives, and share them with my readers and fans.  That is so important to me.

But beyond that, I really love the idea of pushing the erotic envelope.  An image doesn't always have to push the blatantly sexual aspects, but I like to infuse as much sensuality into my artwork as I can. Sensuality and masculinity really can go hand in hand, and quite beautifully.  I am always inspired by this, and love to depict it every chance I get.

And what's your message?

My goal when I draw comics or pin up art is always to entertain in a positive manner.  I like to give my readers and fans characters, stories and images they can feel good about.  If my work is used for escapism, then so much the better.

We live in such a crazy world and there are so many dangers out there. Sexually, you have to be very careful and play it safe in order to protect your own life and the life of your partners.  Sometimes real life can be a bit of a downer.  In my comics I like to depict sex without consequence.  I think it's great for readers to have the opportunity to enjoy a fantasy that does not involve life or death decisions sexually speaking.  That being said, I always advocate safe sex and like to point out that my artwork is a fantasy... and even if there are no consequences attached to those fantasies it's important to take care of yourself in real life.

What are your influences?

I grew up reading comic books. My family moved to British Columbia from Quebec Province in Canada when I was only five years old.  I learned to speak English by reading comics as a kid.  So from a very early age, comics have been my biggest influence.  The medium fascinates me.  The way you can tell a story through several small illustrations all one page is amazing to me, and incredibly exciting.  Likewise, I think it's so wonderful the way you can tell an entire story with one single pin-up.

So when you consider how much I love comics, and the fantasy and science fiction aspects of pop culture, my work starts to make a lot of sense.

And then of course there is my love of the male form.  Men are beautiful, and the masculine physique is in my opinion, one of the most beautiful things in nature. For me it transcends the sexual aspects of the male physicality.  Sure I love the erotic nature of it, but first and foremost it's the artful beauty of the male physique that drives me.  I love to capture that in any way I can.  I love to amplify it and to put it abashedly on display.  Society still has such a fear of male sexuality and sensuality.  Male nudity is still such a taboo to some.  I like to put it all out there, because it's time these antiquated attitudes changed.

What does the title - "IlUSTrations" - mean to you?

With "IlLUSTrations" I wanted to emphasize the lustful aspect of my art.  It's all about the erotic side of male physique, but it's also me trying to make the statement that it's okay to desire it.  Often, people are ashamed of their desires, of their lust, when really, there is nothing more natural.  We all want, we all need, and expressing that is very healthy.  Whether you express it by drawing your lust, or by viewing lustful images, or in some other healthy, exciting way, it's all part of who we are.  For me this book is truly about embracing the hunger and being at peace with it, because it hasn't always been the case.  It took me a long time to be comfortable with myself and my artwork.  Now that I am I love to share it with others.  Who knows, maybe my comfort with it all will help others be okay with themselves and their desires as well.

posted in General, Interviews, Comic & Art on 20.07.2010