FCBD 2014 Interview with Creator of Itty Bitty Hellboy, Art Baltazar

 

 

FCBD: For those who might be new to your comic book, give a quick rundown. What can we expect to see in terms of story and art?
AB: "AW YEAH! You are going to see the awesomest of awesome of Itty Bitty Hellboy! We have a two page story where Hellboy terrorizes Rasputin! And by "terrorize" I mean Hellboy really really gets on Rasputin's nerves! Me and Franco had a lot of fun coming up with this story and it was coolest of cool to draw! Hellboy ROCKS!"

FCBD: What has been your favorite part of book or character to tackle?
AB: "I love developing and creating new characters! I love writing stories and sketching new ideas! So, I think my favorite part of making comics is...all of it!"

FCBD: Tell FCBD fans why they should pick your book first on Free Comic Book Day!
AB: "AW YEAH FCBD! My comic for FCBD is just a sample of the awesomeness that is Itty Bitty Hellboy! Its kind of like a preview into a much bigger world! I hope my FCBD Hellboy story can grab new readers and intrigue them and keep em reading more!"

FCBD: What other titles would you associate with your FCBD book? “If a comic reader likes _______ , they should pick up my title"?
AB: "Wow! That's a good one! If a comic reader likes "Tiny Titans" or Superman Family Adventures" or AW YEAH COMICS!" then Itty Bitty Hellboy is the book for you! It all seems like one universe to me! Plus the character is really cool!"

FCBD: What’s your favorite part about working in comics?
AB: "The FANS! My favorite part is meeting the fans! I am home all the time working on comics. I go on with my everyday life...coffee...kids go to school...take out the garbage...make comics...more coffee... BUT! when I visit different cities and different comic stores...BAM! the rockstar status begins and I realize how many people read what I create. It still amazes me! I LOVE IT!"

FCBD: Many newcomers will pick up comics for the first time on FCBD—what was the first comic you remember reading?
AB: "I remember reading SPIDER-MAN for the first time! The one where Spidey fights the Jackal! Also, I read lots of Casper and Richie Rich! Those were awesome!"

FCBD: Where will you be for this year’s FCBD? Do you have any annual FCBD traditions?
AB: "YES! I will be drawing and signing at my very own store this year! AW YEAH COMICS 4933 Oakton street in beautiful downtown Skokie, IL!www.awyeahcomics.com."

FCBD: Looking to the future of the book, is there anything you can tease about what's upcoming?
AB: "YES! Watch out for ACTION CAT and ADVENTURE Bug! they will be "crossing-over" with some familiar and unfamiliar characters! And they may be dabbling in a bit of wrestling! ...AW YEAH COMICS!"

FCBD: Tell us why everyone should read comic books?
AB: "EVERYONE should read comics! They are awesome! They are Hip and cool! They are also a way to escape and let your imagination become part of the world you are reading about! They are filled with Mystery and Suspense, Action and Adventure, Humor and Awesomeness! PLUS! its a gateway for any and ALL young readers! and...reading is cool!"

  To see more of Art's comics, go to www.darkhorse.com.
You can also follow Art on Twitter to see more of what he is working on and talking about.

Find a comic shop near you at www.comicshoplocator.com to celebrate Free Comic Book Day!