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Interview With Chris Batista
by Geoffrey Mosse

I met Chris Batista, the artist of such titles as JLA, Legion, and most recently DC's 52, when my job was to pick him up at the airport for a small comic book convention held by Larry's Comics in Chelmsford, MA. Chris was a fountain of information and stories and remains not only one of my favorite artists, but a really good friend. He graciously took time out of his busy work schedule for this interview.

GM: Can you give me some background on your education?
CB: I went to Laguardia School of Music and Art for high scholl and afterwards went to the School of Visual Arts. I majored in Illustration and Animation.

GM: Can you talk a little bit about how you broke into the comic book industry?
CB: At SVA I took a course with Klaus Janson as teacher. Under his wing I found myself with an interview at Marvel comics.

GM: Who were your influences that made you want to work in comics?
CB: Garcia Lopez, Jerry Ordway, Michael Golden, Gil Kane, Alan Davis, Yasumi Umetsu, Kevin Maguire, and numberous others. These had the most impact on me.

GM: Do you work in comics exclusively or do you also rely on other outside income sources?
CB: I luckily work exclusively in comics.

GM: How long is your work day when it comes to comic/comic-related projects?
CB: Hard to say. It always depends on what the writers ask for.

GM: How much do you depend on digital means to produce your work, or are you strictly a "traditionalist"?
CB: Strictly a "traditionalist."

GM: What comics/graphic novels are you regularly or sem-regularly picking up and enjoying?
CB: Fables, Ex Machina, All Star Superman, Hellblazer, Astonishing X-Men, Battle Angel Alita, to name a few.

GM: What has been the most effective way you've found to promote your work?
CB: Not really my specialty. i just have to hope that the end result does that for me.

GM: So far, who have you really enjoyed working with as an artist/writer in the field?
CB: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Geoff Johns and Alan Heinberg, the 52 crew…

GM: At this point in your career, what is the one thing you've worked on that you are most proud of?
CB: Hard to say. Most of what I'm proud of rarely makes it into the final product. Be it horrific inks or bland colors. I guess I have yet to do it and am still hoping I don't endlessly nitpick my next job.

GM: And finally, what piece of advice can you offer anyone who is currently trying to break into the industry?
CB: I would have to say to always persevere. A lot of luck also helps. It will also help to really know the basics. That way your work will always have a strong foundation; don't rely on just style.

You can find original artwork from Chris Batista at Spencer Beck's Artist's Choice website, and make sure you pick up the books he is working on.

More interviews by Geoffery Mosse:
TJ May
Ken Knudtsen
Todd Dezago
Robert Tinnell