Comic Artist Drew B. Hall Builds Community Through Distractor

Comics artist Drew B. Hall understands the solitude that comes with his craft. Based in Columbus, Hall often reflects on the limited opportunities for comics creators to connect meaningfully outside annual events like Cartoon Crossroads Columbus. “We see each other maybe once a year,” he explains, noting that even at conventions, the focus on selling art limits genuine conversations.

As a response to this disconnect, Hall created Distractor, a unique forum where comics artists can gather, share their works, and foster a sense of community. On Saturday, Dec. 14, Hall will host the next Distractor event at It Looks Like It’s Open (17 E. Tulane), starting at 7 p.m. The lineup includes creators S.R. Arnold, Raeghan Buchanan, C.M. Campbell, Brian Canini, Emi Gennis, and Alec Valerius.

“For me, it’s less about the reading and more about having a space where we can talk and build connections,” Hall explains. “This community has given me so much. I feel like I need to give something back.”

Hall’s own connection to the world of comics has deep roots. Growing up in Marion, Indiana—the same hometown as Garfield creator Jim Davis—Hall was captivated by daily comic strips like Beetle Bailey and The Far Side. Drawing these strips over and over, he embedded their styles into his own artistic DNA.

After moving to Columbus a decade ago, Hall was struck by the city’s rich comics culture, from the presence of the legendary Jeff Smith to the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at Ohio State University. A visit to the museum’s Calvin and Hobbes exhibit was life-changing for Hall, as he marveled at original pages filled with whiteout marks and imperfections, which humanized the artform for him.

Despite his passion for comics, Hall initially explored painting. However, the cumbersome logistics of creating and exhibiting large works eventually led him back to cartooning. His journey as a comics creator truly began during the pandemic, when he started producing zines like The Comfort Dungeon, which captured his anxieties and existential thoughts during that uncertain time.

Since then, Hall has embraced the comics world fully, connecting with other creators through platforms like the Gutter Boys podcast. This sense of inclusion, he says, was transformative. “It’s like, you just gotta try. Make a thing, buddy, and you’re in.”

With Distractor, Hall is creating opportunities for others to experience that same sense of belonging. It’s not just about comics—it’s about connection, shared experiences, and the joy of creating together. For Hall and the community he’s building, Distractor is much more than an event; it’s a celebration of art and camaraderie.