Angela Rufino is the assistant editor on the Minx books, football fan, and all round good egg. I thought I’d ask her some questions about what that job entails and how much time she spends on trains.
1. Who are you, where are you from, where are you going?
My name’s Angela Rufino and I’m an assistant editor for Vertigo/DC Comics. Originally I’m from Italy but now I call Philadelphia home. Where am I going? Usually to and from work since I have a four hour commute.
2. A four hour commute? Is that two hours each way, do you take the train? How do you pass the time on the journeys, listen to music, do some work, read comics?
Yes, luckily I take the train and don’t have to drive in to New York City. I actually don’t mind it. It gives me time to catch up on my reading and rock out to my sweet iPod playlists. By the way, I have a question for you: Why is it that Brits create the best music and have the greatest bands?
It’s often said that the UK’s generous unemployment benefit has allowed musicians to hone their craft without the pesky interference of working a day job. But I think the days of living it large on the dole are long gone.
3. Why comics, what’s so great about them for you?
I was always fascinated by comics and Japanese animation. I grew up reading a lot of European comics such as Tin Tin and Asterix and Obelix. I also loved the Shogun Warriors Mazinga and Goldorak. Honestly, what isn’t great about comics? Anything imaginable can be achieved in them. Because of this, comics can offer stories and art that can’t be found in any other medium. Plus, you can’t beat being surrounded by creative and distinct artists and writers who delve into the weird and wonderful.
4. What does an assistant editor do? What makes up your day?
I deal with about 25 projects, which include both Vertigo and MINX books. A normal day consists of checking emails and messages, calling the talent, reading scripts, approving breaks, proofreading, looking at color, ballooning issues, sending out packages, making copies, filling out vouchers, turning in covers and then going to lunch. Seriously though, at the end of the day I just want to make sure that everyone is busy, happy and that our books are the best that they can be.
5. 25 projects! That sounds like an insane amount of work, shouldn’t you have an assistant?
Nope, I’m that good 
It sure does make the day fly by fast though.
6. You’re of Italian descent? Which part of Italy? You speak Italian? Has that been a useful skill to have in your job?
Yes, I was born in Foggia which is a major city in the region of Puglia. It’s smack dab in the middle of the spur of the boot and it’s a quick twenty minutes to the beautiful Gargano peninsula. Some are even calling it the new Tuscany. I lived there for about eight years before coming to the U. S. of A. Being able to speak Italian has actually come in very handy in my career. I’ve noticed an influx of hot new Italian talent and even work with some of them. So, if there’s ever a time when we can’t convey our ideas in English, we can always use Italian to better understand each other. Nothing can be lost in translation.
7. Was there major culture shock moving from Italy to the US as a kid?
Oh, sure. It was a bit tough to adjust at first. The language aspect was actually the easiest. Italian schools teach English at a very early stage. So that was a piece of cake. I even had a cute Italian accent but ended up losing that and replacing it with an outrageous Philadelphia one instead. Ha! Everything was different though. Just the way of life. I was used to a more laid back atmosphere. Things move slower there. Here, it felt like you had to cram so much into one day. Everything was rushed. Everyone was in a constant hurry. And the food…the food was definitely different.
8. Do you feel like you’re still a European, do you have a European sensibility, whatever that might be?
I still consider myself to be somewhat European. I don’t think any of my European sensibilities have changed. They were ingrained in me from the very beginning. That never changes. The way I feel and act, the opinions I have and the things that I like they’re still pretty much the same. Being able to go back to my house there and see my family and friends keeps it alive. And working with super cool European artists and writers doesn’t hurt either!
9. You like footy? Which local Italian team do you support? Did you weep when the national side won the World Cup?
Forza Roma! Forza Azzurri! Yes, as a matter of fact I did weep. Being from Philadelphia, I’m not used to the taste of victory. So, I’ll be savoring that one until the next World Cup…when we’ll win again!
10. Are you crazy, of course England will win the next World Cup. Actually, that’s about as likely as the Italian hockey team winning the Ice Hockey world cup ;P
Never say never.
11. Philadelphia have the Flyers, you’re not a hockey fan?
Actually, I’m a big Flyers fan. In a way, I feel as if soccer and hockey are somewhat similar. Minus the ice skates and the fact that hockey players actually deserve their penalties. There’s no crybabies in hockey.
12. What about that Zidane, eh?
Someone only the French could support.
13. I suppose I should ask you about comics, your current faves, all time faves, best comic book EVER!?
Well, there’s always the classics like Sandman, Watchmen, V for Vendetta, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and the list could go on. I’m currently digging The Walking Dead and Girls. I heart Fables and Jack of Fables. Another classic favorite of mine would have to be Justice League International. I laughed out loud constantly and Batman knocking out Guy Gardner…priceless! Oh, and there is this one graphic novel, you may have heard of it, Clubbing. It’s the bees knees
Thanks to Angela for adding project number twenty six to her day by answering these questions.
