Andrea DiVito took a few moments from drawing the high intensity 'Annihilation' mini-series to answer a few questions about the project! I'd like to thank Andrea for sharing his time, artwork and answers!

What is your art background and how did you come to choose comics as your profession?

I don't really have an art background, I just picked up a pencil when I was a kid and never let go! I was studying law when I realized that all I wanted to do was to draw comics for a living. I gathered all my money and went to San Diego Con looking for a job. I was lucky enough to meet some Crossgen people and some months and many tryouts later, I moved from Rome to Tampa and started my career as an Associate Penciller, basically I was getting paid to learn from some of the best artists in the field!

Your artwork is extremely detailed. Who were the influences for your art style?

My biggest influence is the great John Buscema, his Conan is what drew me to comics. I absolutely worshipped him as an artist, later, when I had the chance to meet him and spend an evening with him, my respect for the man overshadowed my awe for him as an artist.

How did you get assigned to the Annihilation project?

I was drawing The Thing monthly when Marvel told me the book was going to be cancelled. Luckily Andy Schmidt chose me to handle the main mini for the Annihilation event, and it's been one hell of a ride ever since:)

How does the writer/artist dynamic work between Keith Giffen and yourself for this project? Does Keith's experience as a fellow artist help the process?

We're moving so fast on this project that I barely have time to talk to my wife, so I guess I don't stay in touch with Keith as I would like. His script is very thorough and of course being the great artist he is, Annihilation is all about visual storytelling and character interaction.

And for the reverse side of that question. As a fellow artist who's the writer of Annihilation, does Keith approach you for input on the plot or scripting process?

Not really, he leaves me enough freedom so I can choose how to tell the story, he's very smart. Keith gives me just the right amount of info to get my imagination going . I think Annihilation is going to surprise a LOT of people. It's a very compelling story and it's HUGE!

How does a project like Annihilation differ from your past works such as Stormbreaker and the Thing?

Did I mention it's HUGE? :) Seriously, I don't think I've ever been asked to draw something this complicated. We have a huge cast, cosmic visuals, lots of aliens for me to design, MILLIONS of spaceships, planets blow up, GAZILLIONS of bugs, drama, scope, love and death....

What are your impressions of Nova as a character and how do you convey those thoughts through your art?

Nova has changed a LOT in Annihilation. The Richard Rider I am drawing is much more mature, a boy that went through hell and came out of it as a man, just in time to face the Devil himself. I changed his appearance a little to make him reflect the changes he's been through, he's more of a badass now, with a responsibility so big that would crush any other man.

What projects are in your future after Annihilation?

No idea yet! I'm wrapping up Annihilation #2 right now and I have 4 more to go. Whatever Marvel has in store for me I hope I'm gonna get a breather after this, my hand hurts:)

Special Note: Andrea asked if I could post a special birthday card he drew for Stefano Liggeri (or as Andrea calls him; "the greatest Nova fan in Italy"). Happy Birthday, Stefano!