Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

Chad Bowers is a writer and storyteller from Ballentine, SC, known for his work on X-Men ’92 and the best-selling graphic novels Deadpool: Bad Blood and its sequel, Badder Blood. A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s Liberal Arts program, Chad has also produced comics and graphic novels for major publishers like PBS, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, and ONI Press.

Chad’s passion for comics and storytelling began at a young age. However, growing up in a region where access to comics was limited, he took matters into his own hands and started creating his own stories, continuing where others left off after “to be continued.” Despite his love for the medium, Chad scarcely envisioned storytelling as a career, believing that working in comics was a path reserved for those living in New York. But his dedication never waned, and the advent of the internet, alongside his work at a local comic shop, helped him bridge the gap between his dreams and reality.

Today, Chad is a well-known voice in the comic book industry, whose stories continue to resonate with die hard fans and new readers alike.

Artist Statement

I believe in the power of comics storytelling to transcend boundaries — geographical, cultural, and social. In particular, rural voices have a unique depth and resonance that often go unheard in mainstream media. The rhythms of rural life, its struggles, joys, and complexities, can be challenging to capture in traditional formats, but comics offer an incredible opportunity to bring these voices to life. Comics are one of the most accessible art forms available; they don’t require expensive technology, massive teams, or even formal training — just imagination, something to draw with, and something to draw on.

The raw simplicity of the comics medium — where a pencil, pen, or digital tool can transform blank space into an entire world — mirrors the spirit of rural communities themselves. The rural storyteller often works with what is available, crafting meaning from the most basic materials. Similarly, comics allow for a direct and intimate connection between creator and audience, where the artist’s hand and heart are visible in every frame. There’s a unique power in this, one that allows anyone with a story to tell to join the conversation.