Interview with Ed Piskor: How to Make Outlaw Comics

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► Opening animation by Harry Partridge: / harrypartridge
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► Ed's Patreon: / edpiskor
Ed Piskor is the writer and artist behind books such as Hip Hop Family Tree and X-Men: Grand Design. He's currently working on a book about torture called Red Room, which he publishes on Patreon and which will come out monthly from Fantagraphics. This interview discusses his goals with Red Room, how he decides on topics for his KZbin channel, Cartoonist Kayfabe, what it was like to collaborate with Rob Liefeld and more.

[@sunriseraymusic]

R.I.P. Ed Piskor, your passion helped me become a creator. Thank you now and forever.

[@jakerise980]

One less loser walkin around

[@Bopo]

I like to find a friends-believers-I done illustrations-for Alien Ness-“Art of battle”-once-now I’m on way to make more hip-hop-books-! Give me know-if you are dreams-and way have it in Mind! Best respect and all wishes-your Bori!

[@Soshikix]

it's heartbreaking hearing Ed say that his comics meant everything to him. He showed that in the most tragic way. RIP Eddy P, your DIY ethos will live on forever

[@ventanaestudiocreativo4694]

Rest in peace Ed😢

[@jameswoollard6686]

I'll forever be saddened by the day I heard Ed passed, one week he was golden with so much in the tank, a few bad days and he was gone. A great lesson to be there when you know a friend is having a hard time, no matter what. A great modern talent, never even hit his best days. RIP.

[@bobmclennan1727]

It's a shame that he felt his only (or best) course of action was to end his life, especially since it's clear that he had something to contribute to the world. But to call it "a few bad days" or to suggest that he was "golden" before those bad days doesn't do justice to why he had those bad days in the first place.

[@friendsinmyheadtv3890]

It is heartbreaking to see Ed on videos, especially when he is talking about future projects and events. He was such an enthusiastic ambassador for comics. He and Jim reignited my love for the medium. RIP Ed!

[@meronyach.]

Ed showed me why comics are just as worthy of respect as any art form. Seemed like a solid dude in general. RIP, man.

[@saladinho1st]

Whenever I would think of Ed Piskor, the first thing I would think of wasn't Cartoonist Kayfabe, the first thing I would think of was this interview. Rest in Peace, man.

[@ericg1100]

I just discovered him from red room trigger warning last week- i was blown away by it, immediatwly went online to order more and saw he was dead. Its awful, he was a true artist. Those red room comics are incredible and horrifying

[@saladinho1st]

@@ericg1100 Yeah, I enjoyed that first issue but I hadn't gotten the rest before he died. I felt he'd be around forever so I was looking to get his X-Men and Hip Hop Family Tree next, while waiting for Red Room to be completed in one edition. It's so sad.

[@Tyler_W]

RIP, Ed, and shame on the people who drove him to that point. This entire community, the fans and creators alike, need to reflect and be better.

[@horvathsogranfume658]

being better is a very low bar... its insane how quickly he was band wagoned over nonsense

[@vaughngaminghd]

This is just what I was looking for… a chance to hang out again and hear his voice from a better time. Didn't know him IRL but it definitely feels like losing a friend.

[@joehagerty5423]

THE MOST EPIC CROSSOVER OF OUR GENERATION

[@paulrozek9960]

Ed’s passion for comics is so amazing and inspiring. I love the hobby of comics and love that he was an ARTIST above all. He really drove himself for a perfection that he’d never reach because he always evolved. Thank you Ed for your passion and thank you for giving the world a new perspective on the medium of comic books. Rest in peace 🙏🏻

[@abh623]

Rest in Peace, Ed. Thanks for sharing your immeasurable passion for comics. And yeah, this vid was how i too found Cartoonist Kayfabe. Thanks for this, Chris.

[@NietsdlogKram]

What a loss. Thank you for sharing this deeply insightful video. RIP Eddy P.

[@Anonymouscommentor99]

Rest in Peace Ed Piskor. After years of living a fake life, you inspired me to love comic books and comic book art again. To remember the good old days when escapism was escapism. And we could still enjoy comic books. ❤

[@petopetteri178]

It feels crazy to think this guy is gone now. Still can't believe it. Great character and influencer in field of comics. I hope Jim Rugg keeps Kayfabe-channel alive and kicking! That channel is also part of legacy of Ed Piskor.

[@horvathsogranfume658]

i partly blame rugg for eds death

[@LP-lj9ig]

Avengers Endgame: i'm the most ambitious crossover Chris and Ed: Hold our pencils

[@roymakescomics]

Lol Endgame isn't really a crossover though.

[@natwolf687]

Why not?

[@antonydrossos5719]

I'll be honest; I've been struggling with this anxiety/depression thing for years, now, & it's damned hard to pick up the pencils & markers long enough to finish even one or two pages, but Ed's words really helped. Thanks for posting this, CT!

[@gabrieljimenez9762]

Hope you're doing well dude and that you are able to pour energy into creating art. Best of luck.

[@antonydrossos5719]

@@gabrieljimenez9762 Thank you, that means a lot. really enjoying your videos!

[@Tyler_W]

Being down on myself in the past has driven me away from drawing as well. Need to keep working on my personal wellbeing and pick up the pencils again. It's good for the soul. Stay strong, and God bless.

[@sideshow521]

Sad day. R.I.P. ed

[@thomasjerakis8119]

RIP . What an infectious passion for comics on display. You had an exciting future. Our loss

[@sloppyjoeska]

Damn, that little giggle he did at the beginning hurts. its like hearing joy for the last time. RIP Ed

[@zoazorusson]

I am so sad today😭

[@pbgauthier5487]

Chris is a guy works in a autodealership I think, and he has tough challenges in his life...... and despite all of that, comes off as the smartest and kindest guy you could ever meet. God I love that man

[@nafdar6]

RIP to Eddie P

[@cdubbart]

Really feeling the whole “reward yourself” convo. It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind of your workload and shut yourself off from just general enjoyment of other things, especially if you’re on a deadline. Maybe common sense, but easy to forget.

[@steelbat54]

I wish you all the success, Ed. I’m a fellow Pittsburgher and I’ve already ordered my Red Room #1 from my shop in Monroeville, The Phantom Of The Attic.. 👍

[@iambrunson]

This man Ed looks like he's giving out fan signatures 😂😂. can't wait to read Red Room!

[@idongesitusen5764]

X-men grand design was a unique experience for me.

[@RighteousBrother]

When two worlds collide! Love both these channels, shout out to Jim Rugg too! Looking forward to Red Room, glad to see Chris is on his way to getting better again!

[@BionicRambutan]

Thanks! I just want to say that my favorite episode of Comic Tropes are the episodes that teach me about creators, genres, comic runs or comic types that I didn't know anything about or had no idea it even existed. That is why your channel is my favorite by far and I haven't found any other like it.

[@gabrieljimenez9762]

Hell yeah. Love it when cool people get together. I am an avid Cartoonist Kayfabe and already know of Red Room and part of the creative process, but having someone knowledgeable, someone smart and curious interviewing Ed, got me to know more about him. Great job Chris!

[@dannyrand6185]

These comic pro interviews are amazing! So many useful nuggets of info for aspiring creators

[@gabrieljimenez9762]

If I had any talent, I would get so much inspiration and tools for comic creation. As is, for a layman who just loves comics, these interviews just feed my love and make me appreciate the process and the creators.

[@smallmanbigmouth2699]

OH DAMN! Chris has that OCTOBRIANA on display! Jim is here in spirit!!

[@jondorsey2043]

Seeing these two gentlemen talking comics (my 2 favorite comic KZbin channels) is just such a treat.

[@_o_]

Ed and Jim got me back into the art of comic making lately, but well before that I was enjoying ComicTropes videos, so the algorithm probably sent me to kayfabe channel from this channel. Despite the internet turning into a flood of useless and often incorrect information over the years, it's still incredible to see people around the world coming together with common interests and lifting up entire industries.

[@HobbyistFreePress]

What a wealth of knowledge. It still doesn’t feel real.

[@sebastianmichaels143]

So hard to believe Ed is gone forever. And because of what?! It’s so damned tragic.

[@musiciohann]

Wow. Don't know why I haven't watched this episode before and after only 15 mins it is one of my favourites. I've been following C. Kayfabe for some years now, but never really knew much about Ed besides that. It is awesome to know more about his life, process and that absolute and notable love for comics. Thanks for this!

[@aikisteven0616]

Great interview Chris, as ever. Hope you are feeling better, too! I really appreciate your channel, and all you do.

[@tangomarcial1541]

You're doing some amazing interviews, Chris! Your topics, the pacing, the vibe. This material is historic. Thank you for doing this! Hope you're feeling better!

[@grahammarshall4]

When two of the best get together. Found Kayfabe after watching Comic Tropes. Thanks for all the fantastic info fellas. Really appreciate your hard work and time. Glad to see you looking a lot better Chris.

[@felixvenus666]

Omg this is the greatest cross over event of 2021!

[@cyberpunkholiday]

Wow! Hell yeah! I did not expect this. What a great treat. Thanks Chris and Ed.

[@captainnegativity9269]

Glad to see you up and running, homie. Much love to Ed, horror comics and CK.

[@Brian_Boru]

Excellent video. Piskor and Rugg have helped open my eyes. For example, my Daniel Clowes collection has really grown. And Chris, your interviewing skills are getting sharper and sharper. You did a fantastic job with this interview. Love your channel, man. Long live Comic Tropes and Cartoonist Kayfabe. Such quality.

[@keng.2468]

Great interview! Ed's knowledge and love of comics comes through here loud and clear!

[@josefrootgum]

RIP Eddie P

[@marcusroberts9454]

Hey, Chris so happy to see you doing well. To come home after a 13 hour day of tattooing and to see your newest upload is an interview with one of my absolute most favorite artists. Just turned it around and now I've found a second wind, and now I'm working on my painting for wife. Cartoonist Kayfabe along with your channel are the first thing I watch in the morning, and all day for that matter even if I have to watch an older episode of yours because a new one hasn't dropped yet. The wealth of knowledge of history and technique is what keeps feeding my addiction to art and being an artist. Once again I'm very happy to see you doing well and keep up the good work and thank you for bringing the best possible ending to my long day with this interview. READ MORE COMICS!!

[@kenking3587]

My 2 favorite Comics related KZbin Channels. Thanks Ed & Chris!

[@davidgomez-wt7pn]

Finally my two favorite comic channels collide! Excelsior!

[@sopebarrofficial3557]

Was just watching Cartoonist Kayfabe just now!

[@williamgazca6641]

Cartoonist kayfabe changed the way I read comics and comic tropes intro'd me to many books I still cherish...Awesome collab looking forward to more in the future.

[@lusciousjustus]

Really cool to hear Ed talk about his experience at The Kubert School. Great interview. Really like your content. You have one of the best channels about all things comics out there. I'm enjoying watching and listening while at the table working.

[@thereallycool]

Yes...the tape on the Ames guide tip was a life saver!!!! I'm really working hard at making my lettering look better. I have pre-ordered the 1st 2 issues of Red Room from Fantagraphics and I can't wait!

[@TheBump45]

My two favourite channels in one vid. Thanks for asking Ed what current comics he’s enjoying he rarely talks about modern comics.

[@chuzzbot]

Love both channels, thanks Chris for introducing me to the Kayfabe.

[@mrdrewsomething]

Excellent interview!! I loved hearing Ed's thoughts on taking time to reward yourself for completing pages and how that helps your creative stamina! Need to remember that.

[@robsacchetto7709]

Fantastic interview!! LOVE Comic Book Kayfabe!! LOVE Comic Tropes!! Two great tastes that taste great together!! THANKS GUYS!! :)

[@joedent3323]

Nice to see you completed your Kayfabe collection! I did wonder why it was Jim and no Ed - now I don't have to wonder anymore. This was a good interview Chris. Nice interaction between the two of you, and some nice info and further info from Ed. Cheers! JpD.

[@KeithHarper]

Great Interview! A big fan of both channels! Keep up the good work Gentlemen! Looking forward to Red Room.

[@nategarcia5501]

your questions about whats the average day for ed really meant a lot. I feel like that should be asked dmore often to cartoonists. super motivating to hear

[@pbgauthier5487]

I've been waiting for this moment for a whole year

[@hcanderson3787]

Oh my god, my two favorite comics channels collide! Great interview

[@RobWalkerFilms]

This is a stellar interview. Ed Piskor is such an inspiration.

[@MP-vd1ck]

Good to see Ed Piskor doing a interview I watch both your channels

[@RykerFreegeld]

Brilliant! Thanks! 👏🏻

[@christianmartinez774]

this interview got me really interested in Ed's works. Gonna be checking them out, thanks!

[@alejoparedes2388]

So glad to see you doing well, Chris!

[@richtoonsTV]

Wow! This is amazing because I'm such a big fan of both your KZbin channels!

[@garykuzminski7969]

Great job, gentlemen! So good!

[@Stavv_]

Really epic crossover guy's! The best interview i ever seen!

[@jamiemcneil9682]

An amazing interview. Love it.

[@NachiketNaik]

I follow Ed Piskor on instagram and found his art interesting but in this interview he comes across as a really genuine and comic artists artist. This was a great interview

[@Sentinel04]

Two great guys I've learned a lot from who I never would have an interview

[@NatsuMatto]

HOT DAMN... my two favorite KZbin channels about comics combine! Whooo hooo!

[@jfdiseg]

The ending, where both give advice about what they know best to each other was really heartwarming

[@mmmghool]

this is a great video. inspiring, educational, and really cool

[@DasKame]

Ah finally a new Comic Tropes Episode! The Day is saved

[@Sevans1973]

How did I only see this two years later? Two of my favourite youtube channels and I only just found it. Anyway, very cool to see.

[@faherty87]

In the words of Aquaman... My Maaaaaaaan. Great to see you back and looking well. Ive only just learned about ed piskor recently. Found his podcast and xmen grand design separately. Had started both before i realised it was the same guy. Love grand design. Finished them but take them out for the smell of that paper every once and a while. Great talk 🙌

[@larryscomicsinc.2634]

Great job Chris. Ed is a beast. Love you both.

[@paulanaya2503]

Saw his stuff through Instagram. Great interview!!

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

Kicking myself for JUST hearing about this guy. I must be living under a rock

[@eduardoporto75]

Awesome interview, Chris!

[@hisllagb]

oh man awesome opening awesome interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@62LeftyBlues]

Love both these guys!

[@willagnes8376]

The one page at a time bit Ed drops here is applicable to all fields of work.

[@MultiSoulless]

This is so great - two KZbin channels which I will always recommend to comic fans and normies alike :)

[@leavonfletcher4197]

You are getting better! Awesome!

[@germanungo9435]

Amazing episode!

[@spazzzonem4052]

One of the coolest intros I've ever seen!!!

[@smallmanbigmouth2699]

What a great interview ! My two favorite KZbin channels together at last!!! Ive got the first 2 issues of Red Room on order, Ive already read them on Ed’s patreon. aoh and btw, Ed’s Patreon is awesome, btw. You gotta check it out!!!

[@JoeJoe-lq6bd]

I didn't know about Ed's connection to Harvey Pekar. That's really cool. He and Jim are really smart, making a fun show for comics fans that gets people interested in purchasing their work. I don't know anybody else using that business model, and effectively.

[@joeanderson9045]

Chris interviewing ED?! My 2 favorite youtubers getting together! Amazing!

[@moonjellykevin]

This was super inspiring.

[@alexandrevasse6063]

Awesome interview !!!!! A big s/o to Masters Piskor ans Chris !!!!! From Versailles :) !!

[@TNThielen1982]

great interview!

[@AF-Twice]

Excellent interview.

[@jdsantibanez]

Great interview!

[@themoviejournal3080]

Glad to see you back and lookin healthy Chris! Eddie P always droppin 💎💎💎

[@ion-shivs]

Great interview! Ed is such a cool guy.