Lines of Resilience: A Conversation with E.S. Glenn

In our latest episode of Inside the Kingdom, we had the pleasure of chatting with Everett Samuel Glenn, better known as E.S. Glenn—an incredibly gifted cartoonist, painter, and performer whose artistic voice is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Everett’s journey into the world of art wasn’t straightforward. Growing up in Cleveland, he faced hardships early on, including the loss of his mother and navigating life within a boys’ home. But even in challenging circumstances, Glenn found solace and expression through art, a passion he further developed at the Cleveland School of the Arts.

His story took another fascinating turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was diagnosed with Visual Snow Syndrome—a condition that profoundly influenced his artistic perspective. This pivotal experience shaped his creative path and provided unique insights into his later work.

Everett’s art blossomed when he dove into New York City’s underground comics scene, balancing his time between creating comics and managing Video Gallery in Brooklyn. Eventually, his artistic exploration led him to Leipzig, Germany, where he was mentored by artist Ralph Niese, whose influence deepened his commitment to his craft.

His acclaimed graphic novels, Unsmooth #1 and Unsmooth #2: BUM, boldly explore themes like societal expectations, masculinity, and the intricacies of the art world. Beyond the underground comic scene, his work has also been featured prominently in mainstream publications, notably The New Yorker, and now on Comics Kingdom with his series “New Tricks.”

Now residing in Berlin, Everett continues to draw inspiration from his personal experiences, constantly evolving his artistic expression. Everett’s story is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by resilience, creativity, and authentic storytelling.

Be sure to explore more of Everett’s captivating work on his website, esglenn.net, and follow him on Instagram at @es_glenn.

Listen to the entire conversation now, and don’t forget to subscribe to Inside the Kingdom for more inspiring stories from exceptional artists and creators.

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