Interviewing Chris Batista is like critiquing a piece of his artwork: it’s quick, clean, and tells a great story without distraction. If you haven’t had the chance to see Mr. Batista’s work on comics such as Steel, Robin, Legion, JLA or the epic weekly DC title 52, you should put down your copies of ‘Secret Invasion’ and check it out. With a penchant for capturing youthful emotion like none other, Batista’s facial expressions evoke instant connections that break the 4th wall between reader and character. I had the good fortune of meeting Chris at the New York Comic Con in April. The incredibly nice guy that he is, he agreed to answer this Baker’s Dozen, which covers everything from his first assignment, to the artist of which he pledges eternal fealty. Comic Collector Live: Chris, it’s really an honor. You attended the Manhattan School of Visual Arts and studied under Klaus Janson, but what sparked your initial interest in illustration? Was it comics or something else? Chris Batista: As far as I can remember, I was always drawing. I always loved comic books and cartoons. IT was always a dream to do comics for a living. CCL: What was your first assignment in the comics biz? CB: My first assignment was an 8 page backup story for an XFactor annual. Damn that was a long time ago. CCL: You've done work for "The Big Two" (Marvel and DC) - do you have a preference of characters that you enjoy working on for each publisher? CB: I love working with the classic characters. At DC I got to work on some old faves. At Marvel I did'nt get to play as much as I would have liked. Thor and FF would've have been a dream. CCL: I can see a facial expression on a character and just know it's a piece drawn by Chris Batista. What do you think is the most important part of artistically telling a story? CB: I think a sense of character is very important. An ability for the scene playing out to connect to the reader. I love seeing an artist not rely on the same expressions for every issue. Just check out Stuart Immonen on Spiderman. CCL: Do you have a favorite writer(s) that you enjoy collaborating with more than others? CB: As far as collaboration, nothing beats working with Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. Just the best. Go NOVA! CCL: How about a dream assignment? CB: Legion was a dream assignment. Despite it's huge cast. My next assignment is for a character I've always wanted to draw. I got to take a shot at him in the pages of 52. It could end up being a real dream job. CCL: Ever thought about writing comics too? CB: I have indeed thought about it, but it's a discipline just like drawing. Since I'm always drawing, I don't get a lot of time for much else. Still, I have loads of ideas swimming around in my brain. Maybe someday.... CCL: What project do you look back on and go "Damn, that's pretty good.... CB: I think it was the silent issue of Iron Man. I think that turned out pretty well. He's just a great visual. CCL: I would say the Abnett/Lanning run on Legion of Super-Heroes that you provided the artwork for was by far a terrific example of a variation on a theme that worked incredibly. Which Legionnaire was your favorite to bring to life visually and why? CB: Hard to pick a favorite on that book. Top 5 is easier. Saturn Girl, Ultra Boy, Timber Wolf, Superboy, and Shikari. I loved drawing all the Legion but these were the ones that left an impression on me. CCL: Some artists like to listen to music or watch movies when they work. What does Chris Batista do in order to center himself for artistic inspiration? CB: Music is a must, especially when being seated for hours at a time. It can really set your mood. Movies can get you visually thinking, especially when it helps you figure a scene out. CCL: What was the first convention you attended, and who did you meet there that you never forgot? CB: It was in a crappy setting in New York but Garcia Lopez was there. I swore eternal fealty right there. CCL: What's Chris Batista doing these days when he's NOT drawing - any other hobbies you enjoy? CB: I love to catch up on reading. Nothing beats a good book. Go read Porno by Irvine Welsh. Still laughing..... CCL: What can we expect to see with your name attached to it in comics now and upcoming, Chris? CB: I just got an 8 issue gig. It hasn’t been announced yet but it will feature the return of a legendary writer. As previously mentioned, it's a character I've always wanted to do. Wish I could say more but I would probably get in trouble. To learn more about Chris Batista, be sure to stop by his booth in Artist’s Alley at this year’s San Diego Comic Con, and check out the following sites: www.comiccollectorlive.com *(Steve Boyd is the Site Director for Comic Collector Live, and is the biggest fan of the Legionnaire “L” on Superboy’s belt.)