TELL THE DAMN STORY, ep 365: How To Balance Creativity with Real-World Impact and Sugar Cookies!
Here we go again!
In today's episode, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan are joined by acclaimed comic book artist Eric Battle for an in-depth, wide-ranging conversation brimming with heart, honesty, and humor.
From Eric’s earliest memories of being transfixed by comics on the spinner rack as a six-year-old, to the pressures and passions of telling powerful, real-world stories on the page, this interview is both a roadmap for aspiring artists and a celebration of where creativity and impact intersect.
You’ll hear about Eric’s battles (pun intended!) to find his voice in industries slow to accept comics as art, his leap from illustrating for newspapers to making his mark at DC, the emotional toll of tackling the graphic novel about Emmett Till, and how balance comes from everything from bike rides to—yes—baking epic cookies.
Along the way, there are throwbacks to Eric and Alex’s Tarzan/Blackjack crossover, deep dives into hidden chapters of American history, and tributes to the inspirational giants upon whose shoulders they stand.
Whether you’re a writer, artist, or passionate about storytelling, this episode offers hard-won wisdom, vulnerability, and plenty of laughter.
So settle in for a moving, motivating, and mouthwatering conversation—we’re talking cookies after all! This is one creative journey you won’t want to miss.
Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?
Then please leave them in the Comments Section.
Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com
And follow us on ...
@Tell The Damn Story
www.TellTheDamnStory.com
www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story
If you're enjoying these episodes, take a moment to help wet our whistle and click on the link to ... Buy Me A Coffee!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tellthedamnstory
00:00 Navigating Early Comic Book Careers
06:08 "Artist's Shift to Editorial Illustration"
13:02 Creative Freedom in Comics
16:15 Creative Process Struggles
25:57 "Eric's Latest Ventures"
26:42 "Epiphany Engine Indie Crossover"
33:54 "Untold History and Modern Reactions"
42:16 "Reconnecting Through Comic Conventions"
46:21 Honoring Legacy Through Exhibits
49:53 Art Project Deal Finalized
55:37 Emmett Till's Tragic Story
01:01:08 Documentary Research and Visual Sketching
01:08:20 Cycling and Cookie Therapy
01:12:39 Coping with Intense Emotional Moments
01:18:28 "Decade-Delayed Gift Delivery"
Comments & Upvotes