Fernando Ruiz

Fernando Ruiz’s artistic journey is a testament to the enduring power of classic comic book craft. After studying Fine Arts at Caldwell College, he honed his technical skills at the legendary Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, graduating in 1994. That same year, he began what would become a decades-long relationship with Archie Comics, initially as a freelance illustrator and quickly evolving into one of the publisher’s most reliable and versatile talents.

Ruiz’s work at Archie is defined by its vibrant energy and keen sense of character. He has been the regular penciller on series such as Betty & Veronica Spectacular, Archie’s Weird Mysteries, and Archie & Friends, and his art graced the pages of the critically acclaimed, Eisner-nominated Life With Archie Magazine. His ability to capture the iconic Riverdale gang with both nostalgia and a modern sensibility made him a fan favorite. Beyond the usual hijinks, Ruiz demonstrated his range by collaborating with writer Alex de Campi on the intercompany crossover Archie vs. Predator, a project that earned a Ghastly Award and showcased his talent for blending disparate genres.

In 2009, Ruiz took on a new challenge: drawing the daily Archie newspaper strip for Creators Syndicate alongside writer Craig Boldman, a role he filled until 2011. His work on the strip required a different kind of precision and speed, further solidifying his reputation as a consummate professional. He has also contributed to other publishers, including Dark Horse Comics, Image, Chapterhouse Comics, and Dynamite, where he was a regular contributor to Boo The World’s Cutest Dog!.

A constant throughout his career has been Ruiz’s commitment to education. He returned to the Joe Kubert School as an instructor in 1995, just a year after graduating, and has taught there ever since. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists was recognized in 2016 with the Outstanding Instructor award, honoring his twenty-one years of teaching excellence. In 2021, he joined the school’s staff as Admissions Officer, and in 2022, he was appointed Academic Supervisor. His passion for the medium is infectious, and his classroom is known for its blend of rigorous technical instruction and deep dives into comics history.

Ruiz’s creative pursuits extend beyond his commercial work. He is the co-creator, with Dan Parent, of the graphic novel series Die Kitty Die, a satirical homage to Harvey and Archie Comics that was funded through successful Kickstarter campaigns. He also self-publishes an independent anthology called EPICS, featuring his own creation, “The Iron Ghost.” He is also a contributor to the sci-fi anthology All We Ever Wanted, showcasing his versatility beyond Archie. His commercial illustration portfolio includes work for agencies like Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide and various book and storyboard projects.

Whether he’s inking a page of Riverdale’s finest, teaching a new generation of cartoonists, or sketching a private commission, Fernando Ruiz’s love for the art form shines through. His style is a masterful blend of clean, expressive line work and dynamic storytelling, making him a pivotal figure in modern Archie Comics and a respected voice in the comics education community.

Perfect for fans of classic, accessible comic art with a modern twist—think Dan DeCarlo meets Kevin Maguire. Ruiz’s work is ideal for readers who appreciate character-driven humor, sharp visual storytelling, and the timeless appeal of well-crafted comics.