On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2020

My coverage of C2E2 2020 has featured interviews with artist Ali Cantarella, author James Finn Garner and parodist Paul Erickson. Today, Johngy's Beat Special Contributor (and IPW Chicagoland champ) Joey Roth interviews Art Baltazar.

In 1994, Art entered the world of comics with his self-published comic book, The Cray-Baby Adventures. Since then, he has created several comics and worked on many more.

I actually first came across Art when I wandered into Aw Yeah Comics, his comic book store in Skokie, IL. I learned a little about Art then and met him at the next comic con. Since then, I stop in Aw Yeah Comics for all of my comic book needs. It is a cool place loaded with comics (obviously) and what they don't have, they can get. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Joey learns more about Aw Yeah Comics in the interview with Art.

Art's awards and achievements are too many to list, but they include, 2009 Eisner Award Best Publication for Kids! (Tiny Titans), 2011 Eisner Award Best Publication for Kids! (Tiny Titans), 2012 Columbia College Chicago Alumnus of the Year Award, 2014 Eisner Award Best Publication for Kids! (Itty Bitty Hellboy), 2019 Kids’ Comics Award Nominee for Most Epic Adventure! (Encounter) and many more.

Art's creativity extends beyond his illustrations. Having previously interviewed Art, I know first hand how funny and entertaining he is. I figured Joey and Art would be a dynamite combo. Luckily, I started recording before the interview officially started.

I now present Joey's interview with Art.

I hope you enjoyed the interview with Art and the rest of my coverage of C2E2. I have more recaps coming. That means more of Joey interviewing some of the most creative, fun people at C2E2. Stay tuned.

Thanks to Art Baltazar for his time, consideration and friendship. Thanks to Joey for his fantastic mic work. Thanks to C2E2 for the hospitality.