Behind the Panels: An Exclusive Interview with Curtis Clow
- A to Geekz
- Apr 15, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
A Week of Insights and Inspiration
It’s been an incredible week packed with reviews, sit-downs, and interviews. We had the pleasure of chatting with the talented co-creator and writer behind Beastlands and Slightly Exaggerated, Curtis Clow. From industry tips to personal experiences, Curtis shared some fantastic insights that aspiring creators and fans alike won’t want to miss.
Taking the Leap: Curtis Clow’s Journey to Full-Time Comic Writing
Curtis Clow has been making waves in the indie comics scene. A full-time comic writer for just over six months, he shared his journey from juggling a day job to diving headfirst into his passion. “I’ve been self-publishing through Kickstarter for years, and now I’ve signed a few of my series with publishers,” Curtis said. It’s a testament to his hard work and dedication to storytelling.
The Path to Comics
Curtis’s love for comics and storytelling stems from childhood, where he immersed himself in games and comic books. “I always wanted to tell my own stories,” he explained. His early interest in creating worlds evolved over time, inspired by comics from Image and other publishers.
Finding Inspiration
Creativity often strikes Curtis in surprising ways. Whether he’s walking the dog, listening to movie soundtracks, or watching Studio Ghibli films, he draws inspiration from a variety of sources. “Consuming other entertainment, like Studio Ghibli or playing a great game, sparks new ideas,” he revealed.
Collaborating with Artists: A Key Ingredient to Success
Curtis highlighted the importance of finding the right artistic partner for each project. For Beastlands, he discovered Jo, an artist whose portfolio resonated with his vision, while Pius, known for his work on Kickstarter, brought Slightly Exaggerated to life. Curtis emphasized the significance of choosing collaborators who excite and complement your creative process.
The Influence of Anime
Curtis’s work exudes an unmistakable anime vibe, especially in Beastlands. He cited Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Studio Ghibli classics like Princess Mononoke as key influences. “Slightly Exaggerated feels like a more mature Ghibli world,” he said, while Avatar: The Last Airbender also inspires elements of his storytelling.
Creator-Owned Comics: Hooking Readers Early
As a creator, Curtis understands the importance of captivating readers right from the start. “You need to hook them within the first five pages,” he explained. This is especially crucial in creator-owned comics, where establishing a connection to the world and characters is vital.
The Rewards of Kickstarter
One of Curtis’s proudest moments came with the last Beastlands Kickstarter campaign, which raised over $50,000—far surpassing its $14,000 goal. This milestone not only demonstrated fan support but also allowed Curtis to produce a theme song for Beastlands, complete with orchestral arrangements.
Navigating the Industry: Challenges and Rewards
The process of creating and publishing comics isn’t without its challenges. From running Kickstarters to finding the right publishers, Curtis detailed the time-consuming nature of bringing a comic to life. “You have to meet editors, maintain contact, and go through approvals,” he explained, noting how conventions used to play a key role in networking before the pandemic.
What’s Next for Curtis Clow?
With exciting news on the horizon for Beastlands and other projects, Curtis is optimistic about the future. He expressed gratitude for the growing opportunities in creator-owned comics, praising publishers like Image, Dark Horse, Vault Comics, and AfterShock for championing independent creators.
The Never-Ending Debate: Ongoing Series vs. Finite Stories
Curtis weighed in on the ongoing debate about never-ending series versus stories with defined conclusions. “All of my work will have endings. To tell a good story, you need an ending,” he said. While he appreciates the opportunities presented by ongoing characters like Batman, he prefers crafting complete narratives.
Where to Find Curtis Clow
Curtis Clow’s work speaks for itself—fluid, captivating, and beautifully crafted. If you’re looking to explore his comics, here’s where you can find him:
Social Media: @CurtisClow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
Websites: Buy His Comic Books: https://www.toinfinitystudios.com/
Wrapping Up Launch Week
We’re thrilled to have had the chance to sit down with Curtis and discuss his incredible work on Beastlands and Slightly Exaggerated. As always, we remind you to keep exploring, supporting, and enjoying creator-owned projects. Let your passion for storytelling and creativity guide you—and don’t forget to “keep it geeky!”
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