Play Comics

Verse with Sam Beck

Sam Beck · June 3, 2024

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Interview with Sam Beck

Podcast: Play Comics

June 3, 2024 · 35 min

Welcome back, comic crusaders, to another electrifying episode of Play Comics! This week we’re diving headfirst into the pixelated pages of the web comic Verse, which has made the leap from the digital realm to the tangible world thanks to the fine folks at Vault Comics.…

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Verse with Sam Beck

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Key topicsWorld-Building Inspired by NatureDive into the fascinating aspects of Verse, where Sam's world-building is influenced by breathtaking landscapes. Discuss how nature, travel, and the research phase of illustrating play a crucial role in shaping the immersive settings of her comics. This talking point allows Sam to explore the intersection of creativity and real-world inspiration. From Graphical Design to Graphic NovelsSam can share her unique career trajectory, transitioning from a background in Graphic Design to becoming the creative force behind the fantasy trilogy Verse. Discussing the challenges and rewards of this journey can provide valuable insights for listeners interested in pursuing their creative passions. Balancing Collaboration and Artistic FreedomHighlight Sam's collaborative experience on "Loving Ohio" and how it contrasts with other projects. Explore the delicate balance between a writer's vision and an illustrator's artistic freedom, shedding light on the collaborative process in the world of comics. This can resonate with both aspiring creators and those interested in the dynamics of collaborative storytelling. View all topics →

About Sam Beck

Renowned Writer and Illustrator

3 Volumes Creator of the Verse YA trilogy3 Publishers Dark Horse, Vault Comics & BOOM! Studios3rd Place Best Web Comic for VerseWriter & illustrator Verse

Meet Sam Beck, a talented writer and illustrator based in Toronto. As the creative force behind the fantasy trilogy Verse (the final book of which will be out August 2024) Sam has left an indelible mark in the YA Fantasy genre.

Her Journey began as a graphic designer working in traditional advertising and web design, but she was always drawn to the world of illustration. She decided to take a leap of faith, dedicating a year to pursue her dream of making a full-time living through her artistic talents.

Sam's artistic prowess quickly garnered attention, with two writers approaching her to illustrate their comic projects, kicking off her career in comics. Her first comic, Verse, began its evolution as a web-comic. Verse gained substantial backing and readership, ultimately leading to a successful Kickstarter campaign for its first book and subsequent books being published by Vault Comics. The trilogy's unique world-building, inspired by the enchanting landscapes Sam enjoys visiting, unfolds seamlessly as readers delve into the narrative, a testament to Sam's dedication to creating an immersive and accessible experience.

Influenced by the captivating storytelling of anime and manga, Sam's artistry focuses on crafting character-driven narratives that invite readers to fall in love with the characters.

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About this episode

Joining us on this epic quest is none other than the mastermind behind Verse, the illustriousSam Beck! Prepare yourselves for a whirlwind adventure as we explore the magical universe of Verse, where every panel is a portal to a new dimension and every character has a story that will tug at your heartstrings (or at least make you chuckle).

In this episode we’ll uncover the secrets behind Sam’s creative process, the challenges of transforming a web comic into a physical book, and the delightful surprises that await fans in the printed edition. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Verse or a curious newcomer, this episode promises to be a rollercoaster of wit, wisdom, and whimsical wonder.

So, grab your favorite comic, settle into your comfiest chair, and get ready to embark on a journey from pixels to paper with the one and only Sam Beck. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single frame of this fantastic tale!

Learn such things as:

Do you even need experience before you jump right into doing the thing?

How much writer vs artist fighting is there when those are the same person?

What would

And so much more!

You can find Sam on Twitter @sambeckdraws, Instagram @sambeckdraws, and probably all the other social media things as well. And of course, you can find Verse on the Verse comic website.

If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in.

If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store.

Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix.

You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook.

Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who can’t carry a tune in a wheelbarrow.

Read transcript

Guest: Sam Beck