Art Baltazar at C2E2

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo returns April 11-13. I will be "On the Beat" as usual all weekend meeting celebrities and creators.

As I wrote a couple days ago, one of my favorite stops in Artist Alley is the Aw Yeah Comics booth. Art Baltazar is the other creative genius who owns Aw Yeah.

Art is a funny guy, besides being massively talented. One of his goals is to manage a wrestle one time at some show. We're working on that one. Art would be great in that role.

One of my goals is to have Art do his version of the Johngy character. He is so busy though, I hate to bother him in his limited free time. Some day, it'll happen...I hope.

Aw Yeah Comics is about three blocks away from me in downtown Skokie, Illinois. It's one of three stores they own, along with ones on Indiana and New York. It's a modern throwback. That sounds like an oxymoron, but it is just that. It has that old school comic store feel, with new cool twists. There are bigger comics stores, but none are cooler and that goes right back to Art and Franco.

I look forward to catching up with this dynamic duo and to see their latest creations. It is always a fun time.

For more info on Art, go to AwYeahComics.com and if you live around one, be sure to visit it. Also, go to C2E2.com for more info and scheduling on C2E2.

Art Baltazar and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Franco and Art Baltazar at New York Comic Con 2021

I missed New York Comic Con 2023, but I hope to be back October 17-20, 2024. That means I missed seeing Art Baltazar and Franco, two of my favorite creators.

Art and Franco co-own Aw Yeah Comics, which has stores in New York, Indiana and Skokie, Illinois, about two blocks from where I live. They are usually at NYCC, where I have seen them twice. Of course, I also see them in the Skokie store and at some other area events.

Together and separately with others, they have published several books. Franco even did a version of the Johngy character. Some day, I hope to get Art to do a rendition.

Besides being very talented, they are great guys. They are always good for several laughs.

Go to AwYeahComics.com for the latest news from Franco, Art and their stores. Check NewYorkComicCon.com for updates and scheduling on NYCC.

Franco, Art Baltazar and me in New York, NY-October 2021.

Friend Encounters: Franco and Art Baltazar

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Who is the celebrity? Who is the friend? Franco and Art Baltazar are the answers to both.

Based in New York, Francois is comic book writer and artist Franco Aureliani.  Art is also a comic book writer and artist, but he is based in the Chicago area.

Art and Franco have a lot of chemistry together and it is easy to see why their collaboration produces a lot of entertainment. In addition to owning Aw Yeah, a comic store with three locations (Skokie, Illinois, Muncie, Indiana and New York), they collaborate on many projects. Naturally, they appear at many comic cons together.

I first met them at comic cons, but became friends over the years. I attend many events at Aw Yeah and not just because it's a few blocks from my home. It's like an old school comic books store, but with a modern cool feel. They are a lot of fun solo, but a lot more fun together.

They will be together again at C2E2 in Chicago April 26-28. For more info on this great event, go to C2E2.com. Also, go to AwYeah.com for more info on the pair of awesome creators.

Franco and Art Baltazar in New York, NY-October 2023.

Art Baltazar Loves Johngy's Beat

I had the pleasure of doing an update interview with world famous cartoonist Art Baltazar at C2E2. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2021.

Interviews with Art are always fun. I never know exactly where they will go, but they always go several interesting places.

After the interview, Art was kind enough to do a promo for Johngy's Beat. I appreciate that greatly and encourage all to check out ArtBaltazar.com for all of his awesome work. Also, check out his Aw Yeah Comics Store if you ever get the chance. You might even see me at the Skokie location.

On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2021

My post-event coverage of C2E2 2021 takes me to Art Baltazar. You never know what fun will be had in an interview with Art. Last year, Johngy's Beat Special Contributor Joey Roth had the pleasure of handling the interview, but this year, I talked  to Art. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2021.

The interviews can be informative, but they can also be silly fun. We start off my discussing Art's growing beard. You decide which category that fits. For Art it might be both. His interviews are really some of the most unique ones I have done.

Art has so much going on in his head and on his drawing table, but he always has time to chat and laugh. In this interview, Art does give a glimpse into current projects, with a hint about other stuff forthcoming. Some news he can't reveal yet. Some news he doesn't even know yet. That's part of the fun and why I keep bugging him for more updates.

Art also is co-owner of Aw Yeah Comics, my favorite comics store just blocks from my condo. There are other locations in Muncie, Indiana and New York. How Muncie and Skokie fit in with New York is another mystery I will unravel with Art at some point.

This interview was fun as always. It ended with Art laying out a challenge to Joey for his wrestling championship belt. Some day, that match has to happen.

Go to ArtBaltazar.com for more info on Art and his art (like he never gets tired of that joke). Also, check C2E2.com for news and updates on C2E2 2022.

Friend Encounters: Art Baltazar and Joey Roth at C2E2 2020

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

With C2E2 coming up soon, I am back with another Friend Encounter I orchestrated at last year's C2E2. This time, I have special interviewer Joey Roth joining Johngy's Beat to get the scoop from comic wiz Art Baltazar.

Art is a famous cartoonist, who also happens to co-own Aw Yeah Comics, located in Skokie, Illinois and New York. Art has done work for many major companies and has also self-published. He has also lent his talent to covering some of Skokie's outdoor utility banks with his cool graphics.

As I have previously written, Joey was the perfect choice to do interviews. His work in and out of wrestling rings, as well as on television and stage, shows his versatility and improv skills. I knew he didn't know the creative folks and I gave him very little preparation. I wanted a fresh perspective, coupled with his overall ability. The result was exactly what I wanted and the creative folks enjoyed the interplay, too. 

That interview can be found at On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2020. Joey's other interviews there can be found on the Johngy's Beat C2E2 YouTube playlist.

C2E2 2021 runs December 10-12. Go to C2E2.com for more info and updates. Also check here for my coverage. Check ArtBaltazar.com to learn more about the very talented Art. Lastly, watch for Joey on the Chicago wrestling and entertainment scene (and hopefully on more Johngy's Beat interviews).

Joey Roth and Art Baltazar in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Looking Forward to Art Baltazar at New York Comic Con

New York Comic Con starts on Thursday and I am stoked. I'll be "On the Bear" for the first time at NYCC. I can't wait for the four days of fun, meeting celebrities, creators and friends. Art Baltazar is all three actually!

Art is a famous cartoonist. If you don't believe me, ask him or look at the Art Baltazar - Famous Cartoonist Facebook page.

If that sounds braggadocious, it's not. Art is just a fun guy. Besides, it is a true statement. He is a multi-time award winner, including an Eisner award (with Aw Yeah co-owner Franco) for Tiny Titans.

I have known Art for years and been a fan even longer. Somehow, it took me a while to realize he owned Aw Yeah Comics in Skokie, even though I went there for my random comic book searches.

Art has done work for a long list of companies, including DC Comics, Disney, Warner Brothers and many more. He also self-publishes.

Art is a unique guy. I think his mind is always working. Like a comedian who always sees humor from situations, Art seems to always have a comic idea in his head. He describes comic books as a way of life.

I have interviewed him several times, the last of which was at C2E2 2020 right before the pandemic. My buddy, the versatile Joey Roth handled the interviewer duties flawlessly and got a really fun interview. I think somewhere down the line, Art will challenge Joey for the Joey Roth title belt.

Check AwYeahComics.com for all the news and info on Art's books and future projects. Also, follow Art on Facebook for more frequent updates. Also, go to NewYorkComicCon.com for scheduling and other info.

Art Baltazar and me in Skokie, IL-July 2021.

Art Baltazar and Arkhamaniacs

When I last saw Art Baltazar, Joey Roth was interviewing him for Johngy's Beat at C2E2. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Art Baltazar.

Art is an extremely talented comics creator. His comic book store Aw Yeah is located just blocks from my house. It is as cool of a store as Art is. I don't read a lot of comics, but when I need to get one, Aw Yeah is my go-to spot.

One comic I recently got is Arkhamaniacs, which Art mentioned in the interview. It is a graphic comic novel Art published with creator friend Franco. It is the story of a young Bruce Wayne trying to uncover some fun mysteries at an apartment building in Gotham City. It's mysterious, light-hearted and highly entertaining, just like Art!

If you're ever in Skokie, check out Aw Yeah Comics. If you ever see him at a comic con stop by his booth for fun. Until then, check ArtBaltazar.com for more info on Art and all of his endeavors.

Art Baltazar and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2020

My coverage of C2E2 2020 for Patch.com 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 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.
Check out ArtBaltazar.com for all of the info on Art and Aw Yeah Comics. Go to C2E2.com for continual updates and news. Also, find Joey Roth on social media.
Thanks to Art Baltazar for his time, consideration and friendship. Thanks to Joey for his fantastic mic work. Thanks to C2E2 for the hospitality.

 

Art Baltazar at Wizard World 2015

As we start approaching Wizard World Chicago, we continue to feature some great memories we have had at there. From Thursday, August 23 through Sunday, August 26, we will be making new memories!

I have seen comic artist and writer Art Baltazar at many comic cons, but I finally interviewed him earlier this year. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Art Baltazar.

It's interesting that Art was originally rejected in his attempts to be a comic creator. Fortunately, Art did not give up on his dream or his ability. He eventually self-published The Cray-Baby Adventures. Other comics of his soon followed, including Gyro-Man, Captain Camel & the Space Chicken, Jimmy Dydo, Lunar Lizard, Meteor Mite and Patrick the Wolf Boy. As impressive as that resume is, I really think he has only scratched the surface of his creativity. Art is amazing.

Art is also a super nice guy. He holds no ill will to those who rejected his work, but he does take a gleeful pleasure that they have since come to him for projects. How gratifying that must be.

Art's booth is easily one of the most colorful booths at any comic con. Decorated with many of his characters, his booth often has a line of fans wanted to buy his work and to talk a little comics. Art is happy to comply with both needs.

Check out ArtBaltazar.com for more info. You can also follow Art Baltazar on twitter for daily thoughts, pictures and other fun.

Also, go to WizardWorld.com to get all of the updates and schedules for Chicago and all other Wizard World shows. See you there!

Art Baltazar and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

On the Beat With Art Baltazar at C2E2 2018

I had been in the Aw Yeah Comics store in Skokie several times (usually looking for Aquaman comics or other related stuff). I didn't realize that comic artist Art Baltazar was the owner. (Yes, my reporter skills sometimes betray me). I finally figured it out when I saw his booth at a comic con a few years ago (better late than never).

When I saw Art would be at C2E2 2018, I contacted him about an interview and he replied that we "would make history." I looked forward to learning more about this talented character.

Art talked to us about his start in comics creations, his career, creating his own characters and more. Although he is completely humble, you can feel the joy he has for his work.

One bit really stood out. Having his work rejected by some companies, Art would eventually be on the receiving end as companies called him about his characters. He tells that story not out of vengeance, but more out of almost a kid-like glee. It is great to see that sort of passion and enthusiasm. It's a great story of not giving up, believing in yourself and the ultimate achievement and Art deserves it all and to be proud of it all.

I really enjoyed talking to Art and I hope to talk to him more in the future (that's fair warning, Art!). I had a lot more questions, about his work and the industry, but I don't like taking up too much of an artist's time at the comic cons and I also like learning bits and pieces over the years.

Check out ArtBaltazar.com to learn more about Art. Besides being insanely informative, it is wildly fun (much like Art). You can also follow Art on Facebook and Art on twitter to get quick updates and random thoughts.

I want to thank Art for his time and consideration. I'm not sure if we made history, but I had a great time with him. Thanks, also, to C2E2 for the opportunity!