$20,000!!!!!
about 3 years ago
– Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 05:12:52 AM
Hi!
We just kissed $20,000 yesterday, which means everybody who pledges for a physical book will receive one book plate signed by Renzo and me!
If you would like more than 1 bookplate, you can buy additional bookplates for $10 from the add-on menu by clicking manage your pledge on the original page.
MANAGE YOUR PLEDGE
We're in the final hours now, and I woke up to see the counter move from days to hours, which means this is the last chance you have to pick up some of our awesome add-ons, like original art, being drawn into the book, and more.
Remember, we won't be offering "get drawn into the book" pledges during the volume 4 campaign because the book will already be done, so this is your LAST CHANCE to be drawn into Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter. You can pick that up at the $250 level, or through the add-ons for $150. If you would like more than one person drawn in, then all you have to do is pick 2+ instead of 1.
Additionally, this is the FIRST TIME I've ever offered original art for the book, and I'm opening up pages from volumes 1, 2, and 3 which means you can pick up some of the very first pages of this book during this campaign which might be gone in the future.
I currently have access to ALL the interior pages ($100), splash pages ($150). and some of the covers ($200). You can pick these up at the $100, $150, and $200 or through the add-on menu. If you pick them up through the pledge levels, you get a special thanks, exclusive pin, and your choice of book included in your pledge.
Plus, everyone who pledges over $50 gets a special VIP invite to a group hang with me held later in the year.
We're nearing the end now, and I want to thank you so much for believing in this little book and helping us get through 12 issues of art. We couldn't have done it without your support.
Other campaigns to check out
The God Machine Vol. 1 re:VISION
Kickstarter link
Guy Salvatore is stricken with sadness and guilt. His world no longer makes sense. His girlfriend has died and he’s seeing monsters. Are they manifestations of grief or something more? A strange man in a graveyard tells Guy that his girlfriend is indeed alive, floating in and out of the “Dream Worlds” and that only Guy can save her! However, the Gods stand in his way of happiness. Could this be the uniting of young lovers, or the end of everything else?
Why I think you'll love it:
I have wanted to check out this book FOREVER. I love it Chandra's art so so so so so so so much. I've been trying to figure out a way to work with her for years, and this book is just lovely in every way. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I have my fingers and toes crossed that this one funds.
Book of Jonah Kickstarter
Kickstarter link
This 52-page graphic novel includes all the words of The Book of Jonah, unedited and untamed! Now featuring the NIV translation in English and NVI in Spanish! Also, don't miss the new Gospel colouring book!
The Bible is the most influential and best-selling book of all time, yet many people haven't actually read it. Now there is a new way to read the Bible unabridged, the graphic novel series: The Word for Word Bible Comic.
This is, of course, not the first comic to portray Biblical stories. But unlike its predecessors, it will not abridge any of the text or attempt to "reinvent" any of the stories.
The Word for Word Bible Comic combines the words, chapter and verse, with in-depth historical research to make the illustrations as accurate as possible.
Why I think you'll love it:
This one might surprise some of you. If you have followed my career, you know that I have a...complicated relationship with religion, to say the least. However, I have been circling this one for a while, and I had a nice chat with the creator and decided that it's one you should know about. It looks gorgeous, and while my feelings about the Bible are complex, there's no doubt that it's the seminal work of the Western world, having influenced every important figure on the western hemisphere for thousands of years.
Even people who hate the Bible are influenced by it. However, it's not...well it's not the easiest piece of literature to get through, and I appreciate that this project is bringing a literal, word-for-word translation.
It doesn't hurt that the book of Jonah is a wild, crazy story that lends itself to comics, or that they chose an art style that looks like if Mike Mignola took a shot at drawing Bible comics. If you've ever wanted to read the Bible, this looks like a great way to get started, and if you already love the Bible, this might resonate with you as well.
JEMBER: Becoming Somebody HARDCOVER (African Graphic Novel)
Kickstarter link
JEMBER is an action/adventure story about finding your self worth and letting go of what others think of you. Anxious, frustrated, and ready to leave his city behind, jobless graduate Amanuel Tilahun gets abilities that change his life. He must now make a choice; to help himself or the city that's treated him like a nobody and now sees him as a threat.
Why I think you'll love it:
One of the best trends on Kickstarter in recent years is African writers telling stories about African superheroes/heroes set in Africa, and Beseret is one of the best creators out there leading this charge. His books are fun, exciting, and packed with action. I'm so proud of what this team has accomplished, and how they keep raising the bar every campaign.
Get drawn-in now available for ALL backers
about 3 years ago
– Fri, Mar 26, 2021 at 10:54:36 PM
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
The HUGE $20,000 unlock + today's group hang
about 3 years ago
– Mon, Mar 22, 2021 at 03:40:48 PM
Hi!
I'm not big on stretch goals, preferring the weekly goals that I've been doling out throughout the campaign, but I thought of a really GREAT one that will unlock at $20,000!
It's one I've wanted to do FOREVER.
It's bookplates, signed by Renzo and ME!!!!
I've wanted to do bookplates since I started working with Renzo, but shipping things from Argentina to the USA is no small feat, so I have always held off.
However, since Renzo already has to ship original art to me for this campaign, I thought this would be the PERFECT time to have him sign bookplates for the campaign.
So that's what we're doing. Once we hit $20,000, everybody who buys a physical book will receive ONE signed bookplate by Renzo and me.
Then, you can pick up additional bookplates for $10 in the add-on menu.
As far as I know, Renzo has NEVER signed books before for an international audience, which means this will be your FIRST chance to get his signature for most, if not all, of you.
Renzo already has them in his hand, and all we need is the go ahead to start signing them once we pass $20,000.
If you've backed at the physical level, then you will automatically get it, and we have tons of awesome upgrades if you want to up your pledge.
For instance, everybody who pledges $50+ not only gets a special thanks in the book, but an invite to a special VIP Zoom with me where I'll answer questions about Ichabod, give you some insights about future books, and so much more.
Plus, we have TONS of ORIGINAL ART, available for the first time in this campaign.
You can choose from INTERIOR PAGES ($100), INTERIOR SPLASH PAGES ($150), or COVER PAGES ($200). These are available as add-ons AND pledge levels. The pledge levels come with a copy one of our books (your choice), and our exclusive pin along with a page of your choice.
Also in the add-ons, you can pick up pages of Gherkin Boy ($25) and How NOT to Invade Earth ($15), along with pins and books.
In order change your pledge, all you have to do is go to the page and click MANAGE YOUR PLEDGE from the top of it.
MANAGE YOUR PLEDGE
Additionally, to celebrate the Ichabod campaign and just cool Kickstarter in general I'm participating in a really cool virtual group hang hosted by Immortal Studios and WizardWorld today at 4pm PT/7pm ET.
It's completely free to attend and you can get your tickets below.
EVENT TICKET
We'll be giving away an AWESOME prize pack to one lucky viewer, AND AND AND if you back all six of our campaigns, you will receive an incredibly rare print of all our characters from artist Michael Watson.
This will be available as a digital print to all digital backers, AND as a physical print for all physical backers.
The campaigns are:
-Chronicles of the Immortal Swordsmen #1
-Glarien of White Ash #1: a fantasy series for mature readers
-Excellence Book One Deluxe Hardcover
-The Dancer #1 - A Psychological Martial Arts Thriller
-IMPOSSIBLE 2: IMPOSSIBLE JONES & HOLLY DAZE TEAM-UP!
-Ichabod Jones Volume 1-3: A Lovecraftian dark-fantasy comic
I've personally picked up all these books (except Ichabod) either through Kickstarter or Comixology and they all look, just so good.
Hope to see you today, and thanks again for making Ichabod happen!!!
Russell
We funded! + You're invited to a special group hang
about 3 years ago
– Sat, Mar 20, 2021 at 08:46:31 AM
Hi!
It's been a crazy few days but I wanted to take a second to celebrate that we passed our funding goal of $16,666! Right now we're almost $1,000 above goal, which is awesome!!! A couple of weeks ago I was nervous we wouldn't fund at all, and now, well, we blew past that goal.
Every dollar we raise now goes into the production fund for volume 4 and lowers the overall goal for the volume 4 campaign. These books really cost about $20,000 to make, and it's only by overfunding that we are able to keep the funding goal more reasonable.
Thank you so much for believing in this project :)
You are amazing!!!
As a bit of a celebration for the success of this campaign, I'm going to be part of a very special group hang with some of my favorite creators on Kickstarter right now on Friday.
Get your free ticket
We'll be streaming for an hour on Friday at 4pm PT/7pm ET, and you can join us for free by clicking here.
We'll be giving away an AWESOME prize pack to one lucky viewer, AND AND AND if you back all six of our campaigns, you will receive an incredibly rare print of all our characters from artist Michael Watson.
This will be available as a digital print to all digital backers, AND as a physical print for all physical backers.
I've shared a couple of these campaigns before, but since we're giving away a print if you back all these campaigns, today is dedicated to sharing all of the campaigns from the awesome creators participating on the panel.
Chronicles of the Immortal Swordsmen #1
Kickstarter link
Phil Du feels a yearning in his heart for something so awe-inspiring and indescribable that it overwhelms him. But his life is filled with struggle. While he bides his time with parkour and as Ironpond, his alter-ego in a virtual fantasy game, he is beginning to have visions of strange things -- like immortality.
This coincides with the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Jade Swallow, who appears to Phil in real life and in the virtual fantasy game he and his friends play.
Why I think you'll love it:
I talked about this campaign in a previous update, but I was able to dive through it a little more this morning in prep for the panel and it looks like it's so much fun. This was developed based upon a very popular Wuxia novel in the 70s and updated to modern times, and I can't wait to read it.
Glarien of White Ash #1: a fantasy series for mature readers
Kickstarter link
Glarien follows the stories of two women and the different paths they take to overcome life-altering tragedies. Jumping from the elf realm of ancient Alfheim to the gritty streets of New York City circa 1971, two seemingly-unrelated tales will slowly weave together to reveal a critical piece of White Ash's complicated past. Oh, and because Glarien is involved, expect carnage... lots and LOTS of carnage.
Why I think you'll love it:
I love White Ash, and every time I go to this Kickstarter page I'm blown away by the art, the action, and the stunning story. You can read 15 pages on the Kickstarter link and see it in all its bloody, gory glory.
Excellence Book One Deluxe Hardcover
Kickstarter link
EXCELLENCE is the story of Spencer Dales, born into a world of magic, and yet to reach his full potential, despite his family’s powerful bloodline. His father Raymond is a high-ranking member of The Aegis, a magical Illuminati-like faction who work to better the lives of others—those with “greater potential”—but never themselves. Now it's time for Spencer to follow in his famous father's footsteps, but all he sees is a broken system that’s shattered the relationship between father and son, and in need of someone with the wand and the will to finally change it. But in this fight for a better future, who will stand beside him?
Why I think you'll love it:
Several years ago I was gifted a print at the end of Khary Randolph that has a special place in my collection, and I've been a fan of Brandon Thomas for years as well, watching him rise up the ranks, and I can't wait for this collaboration. I don't know Emilio or Deron, but their work on this book is incredible as as well. Not to mention this story is killer enough to be the first book in Skybound's signature series, so it must be something pretty special.
The Dancer #1 - A Psychological Martial Arts Thriller
Kickstarter link
They Call Her...The Dancer is a story that focuses on the beauty and brutality of dance and martial arts, delving into the morally gray psyche of a professional dancer and assassin.
At first glance, They Call Her…The Dancer is about analyzing the similarities and differences between dance and martial arts. Dance is something that is seen as beautiful, but many don’t think about the pain that is done to one’s body to truly be a dancer. Martial arts are thought of as violent because it’s a form of “fighting”, but there’s also a dance like quality to this work of art.
But once you dig deeper, the reader will quickly realize that The Dancer is actually a story about mental health. Mia is forced to face her own childhood trauma of witnessing her parents’ murder when she becomes the enemy that she once dedicated her life to fight against. The Dancer is a morally gray story that shows that good and evil aren’t so black and white.
Why I think you'll love it:
I loved this story in black and white, and can't wait to see it in glorious color. It's dark, and gritty with tons of psychological both under and overtones.
IMPOSSIBLE 2: IMPOSSIBLE JONES & HOLLY DAZE TEAM-UP!
Kickstarter link
A thief gets powers, is mistaken for a hero-- and runs with it! (with no intention of giving up her criminal ways, mind you!)
Impossible Jones is the energy and antics of Harley Quinn combined with the tweaked and twisted abilities of Plastic Man.
Why I think you'll love it:
Honestly, having been on plenty of panels with Karl over the years, I'm surprised that I have never checked out this book before. The art looks stellar and I love the tone of it. I was hooked after checking out the sample pages on the Kickstarter page.
$500 until FUNDING + We have awoken the Fundle Bundle!
about 3 years ago
– Tue, Mar 16, 2021 at 03:41:00 AM
We passed $16,000 this morning. We have awoken the Fundle Bundle. The Fundle Bundle is a huge collection of books that will unlock once we fund. This might take one day or 10, but once we fund, everybody who has pledged by that point will unlock this awesome bundle of books, and that includes you.
I'm not officially announcing this until tomorrow, but I'm giving you the scoop early.
We're currently only $500 from funding, and I hope we can get over the hump early this week.
The Fundle Bundle includes digital copies of Hollowed #1 by Casey Bowker, Darius Johnson, Brian Ort, Michael Hoffert, and Alison Flaherty, Impure Blood #1 by Nadja Baer and Nathan Lueth, Spectral Sabanion #1 by Kurt Zauer, Topper Helmers, Wesley Wong, and Wes Locher, The Boy Who Came Closer by Simon Birks, Ege Avci, and Lyndon White. The Following Casework #1 by Jack Holder, Lucas Santos, Chunlin Zhao and Micah Myers, Secrets of Willowmyst #1 by Lisa Moore, Wean Nazif, and Brant Fowler, The Wild Warriors #1 by Camilo Ruiz, and The Raven Menace #1 by David Crocker and Elias Martina.
If you want to help get us over the edge, then this is the LAST day for our Legendary ALL-IN, and we have tons of original art still available.
Legendary ALL-IN mentorship pledge:
The LEGENDARY ALL-IN is not cheap, but it's all packed with EVERYTHING you could possibly need to be a successful comic or novel creator.
Most importantly, and what makes it so expensive, is that it included 24 hours of mentoring, one-on-one, with me, a $7200 value by itself, over the course of a year.
That's ONE YEAR of mentoring from me about how to become a more successful creator and/or novelist, how to build your career, and how to take yourself to the next level.
Plus this package includes EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Of my courses. That's right. ALL OF THEM.
Every single one…
…including Build a Rabid Fanbase, Crush it On Kickstarter, Create Profitable Facebook ads, How to set up and run an AWESOME comics anthology, Write a Great Novel, both of my non-fiction books in ebook and audio, How to run a 5000+ viral builder, and How to Build Your Audience From Scratch.
You'll learn everything I've ever imparted in my whole career and everything that makes me successful as a creator, in these courses.
Just these courses ALONE are a $2,000 value, but that's not even close to it.
Plus, you'll get 10 total comics (eight in hardcover, two in softcover + a sketchbook) ($350 value)
Plus, digital copies of our graphic books and digital novels. ($150 value).
Plus, nine of our pins. ($100 value)
Plus you'll be drawn into volume #4 ($150 value).
Plus, you'll get a special thanks in volume #3.
Plus, signed copies of both of my non-fiction books in paperback. ($50 value)
That's $10,000 in value for basically a year of one-on-one mentorship along with all my courses, books, and everything you would need to build out a creative career, but especially for comic book creators and novelists.
The cost is $3,000 for this awesome package, which is 70% off from buying each of these items separately. I've been doing consulting for a long time under the radar, but this is the first and maybe ONLY time I've offered it publicly.
Manage your pledge
This is the LAST day to change your pledge before this tier goes away, and there is only one more left.
Original art images
Covers - $200
The most expensive, and iconic pages of original art we have available are our covers. You can pick up one of the below covers by changing your pledge to $200, or adding a $200 cover in the add-on menu. This is also how you would get multiple covers, or pages, on top of your pledge. All pledge levels for original art include a copy of one of our hardcover books, special thanks, and our exclusive pin.
Manage your pledge
I also have the issue 5 variant cover from Walter Ostlie, which I don't have an example of in inks, but it's a very, very cool variant, which is the same price as the ones above.
Splash pages - $150
Splash pages are single-panel pages in which Renzo puts an incredible amount of work, and would look lovely as framed art. If you would like any of these pages, you can either manage your pledge and change it to $150, or you can add a splash page for $150 in the add-on menu. All pledge levels for original art include a copy of one of our hardcover books, special thanks, and our exclusive pin.
Manage your pledge
There are also TWO splash pages from volume three that I didn't include here because I didn't want to show you spoilers, but if you back at the original art level, then you'll see them before anyone else. So, go manage your pledge now.
Interior pages - $75/$100
There are two options for interior art. If you want to choose a page of original art, you can either change your pledge to $100, or add-on $100 to your pledge through the add-on menu. All pledge levels for original art include a copy of one of our hardcover books, special thanks, and our exclusive pin.
There is also a two-book for $140 and a three-book combo option for $180.
For $75, I will pick your page. This is only available in the add-on menu, as are grab-bag pages from Gherkin Boy ($25) and How NOT to Invade Earth ($15).
These are all the interior, non-splash pages from volumes 1-2. I also have all the pages from volume 3, but I decided not to spoil it for you. You will be able to choose from them during fulfillment, though, if you choose.
Manage your pledge
Other projects to check out:
I have a bunch of cool projects for you to check out today.
PERILOUS GARDEN rare 1920s horror scifi art Orchid Garden
Kickstarter link
Prior to COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS, the last pandemic the world experienced was the devastating influenza of 1918-1920. Germany was already decimated by the First World War, and the Spanish Flu ravaged the country from border to border. It was during these unsettling years that the world's first horror-fantasy magazine was published.
Published in Munich from 1919-1921, DER ORCHIDEENGARTEN was a predecessor to the American pulp Weird Tales, and is considered the first horror-fantasy-science fiction periodical. The series collected macabre and mysterious tales from the finest European literary minds, from well-known names like H. G. Wells to now-obscure titans like Hanns Heinz Ewers. Many of the stories have been collected and translated over the years, so in this series of books we focus on the artworks, nearly all of which have remained unpublished for a century.
Grotesque medieval etchings representing the human relationship with death, strange occult woodblocks that consider what lies just beyond the veil of human understanding, and sinister Expressionist visions as tangible manifestations of anxiety.
Why I think you'll love it:
Old creepy etchings from a century ago, creepy monsters, and occult woodblocks? I mean if that doesn't scream Ichabod then I don't know what does.
CLASSIC MONSTERS UNLEASHED - Horror Fiction Anthology
Kickstarter link
CLASSIC MONSTERS UNLEASHED will contain at least 25 dark, scary stories about your favorite monsters written by the biggest names in the horror genre — including Joe Lansdale, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, Richard Christian Matheson, Lisa Morton, Seanan McGuire, Linda D. Addison, Owl Goingback and many others.
The anthology will also feature monster art by the legendary Frank Frazetta, the modern master of the dark arts Mister Sam Shearon and cover artist extraordinaire Colton Worley.
Why I think you'll love it:
The list of authors and artists is a who's who of amazingness, and I am here for it.
Demon Hunter Raven Chapter 3
Kickstarter link
Raven, now joined by Hiro and Violet of the Nevi’im clan has been hunting in the twin cities of Minneapolis - St. Paul, struggling to keep a tight lid on demon activity. But a series of mysterious kidnappings and brutal murders grabs our hero's attention. Working from the shadows, the diabolical Coven is emerging to the forefront as they prepare to release the dreaded “Nocturnal Moon” upon the city. Raven and Violet will be put to the test as they must both learn to work and trust each other in time to stop the Coven from unleashing chaos and disaster across the city.
As the kidnappings increase and the bodies pile up, Detective Vail is called onto the case to investigate. She soon realizes that not everything is as it seems. As she dives deeper into each murder, drawing her ever deeper into the darker corners of the twin cities, will she find her answers or become another victim?
Will Raven and Violet be able to stop the Coven from unleashing the Nocturnal Moon? Or will the city fall into darkness? Find out in this soft cover 68-page action-packed trade paperback!
Why I think you'll love it:
Though this is set in modern times, versus Ichabod's set in a dystopian somewhere, both are, at their core, hunting monsters, and demons are a big part of both stories. This has a different flavor, but I dig the art style.
HAUNTING #1-3 - A Supernatural Horror Comic
Kickstarter link
HAUNTING follows your average, everyday teenage brat...who just so happens to RAISE THE DEAD!
Wherever Bram goes, ghosts appear - restless spirits that attack the living viciously and without prejudice. Bram's spent his entire life turning a blind eye to the destruction and death caused by his strange ability. He didn't ask for this curse, so (by his logic, at least) none of it is his fault. But his recklessness finally catches up to him in the form of Deacon, a mysterious and vengeful man from his past. When Deacon corners Bram and Faith, a small-town girl with a tragic past, in Dusty Springs, Bram will finally be forced to learn that his actions have consequences... Whether he takes responsibility for those consequences is another question entirely.
Why I think you'll love it:
There's not a lot you can say that will get me more interested in a book than a teenage brat who raises the dead.
Creature Consorts, a yuri love story as spooky as you!
Kickstarter link
Creature Consorts is a visual novel with optional adult content for those who are fond of the spooky and romantic. You play as Maggie Mayweather, a young witch, as she settles in to her new life in the calm and quiet Canadian town of Langsdon. Learn how to manage a work/life balance as Maggie fills a vital role for her community. Find time for romance and the drama that comes with dating your favorite spooky babe. What will Maggie have to overcome in her quest for life's creature comforts?
With a cast of five planned romanceable characters, and an equally colorful supporting cast, we hope that you'll find someone who will pique your interest. Play your cards right, though; each character has unique paths depending on your choices. Make the wrong decision, and your favorite character may not find the happily ever after you were hoping for!
Why I think you love it:
Adorable magic and monster girls in a playable game? Yes, please. I know I've talked to several of you about this exact kind of genre, and your love of it, so I'm very sure this is the kind of thing some of you are into.
House of Fear: Rubber & Glue
Kickstarter link
House of Fear blends everything you love about Goosebumps, Scooby-Doo, and Tales From the Crypt. Each issue features complete, stand-alone stories that are always exciting, sometimes humorous, and occasionally downright scary.
(Okay, it's not that scary. There are no nightmares here. But we've learned that young readers love the idea of reading comics their parents think are too scary for them.)
Why I think you'll love it:
This is an anthology series published by Dark Horse, and for all of you who love Cthulhu is Hard to Spell, this is basically an all-ages horror anthology. I really love what James is doing, and hope you will, too.
