Welcome to this week’s installment of The Beat’s Comics Crowdfunding Round-Up! Join us for a look into a chef with a sharp past, tomorrow’s leaders, a heartfelt and personal story about gender identity, and two more projects you will love!
BLADESMYTH
Creators: 247 Comics
Goal: $7,777
End Date: March 13
Goodies: Get the Bladesmyth #1-3 Standard copy for $35, Metal Character Card Set + Standard for $65, #1-3 Artist Edition + Standard for $85, or at higher tiers get the Holo Foil Cover + Standard/Artist for $135 and much more!
Original Comic book series by Creees Lee, Justin Calen-Chenn, & Lingie Park. Asian American creator team unlocking Action and Appetite.
In Bladesmyth, chef and assassin Loren’s life is upended when his son, Russell, is kidnapped by a vengeful figure from his past. As a member of the Bladesmyth Society—an ancient order that once served powerful elites before breaking away to fight corruption—Loren is a master of both the kitchen and the battlefield. But his past catches up when Garrote, a ruthless enemy, attacks his restaurant and takes Russell, forcing Loren to seek help from his mentor, Uncle Kris.
With a creative team boasting Hollywood storytelling experience, a stunning piece of artwork, and fantastic coloring, Bladesmyth is a high-stakes blend of action, history, and personal sacrifice. This thrilling comic explores legacy, revenge, and the lengths a father will go to for his son. Fans of martial arts, espionage, and emotion storytelling won’t want to miss it.
Commander Tomorrow
Creators: Bottlerocket
Goal: $3,000
End Date: March 13
Goodies: <list of some of the rewards available to backers>
An all ages sci-fi adventure that deals with depression & anxiety by Kevin Conn and Nate Lovett.
The Beat is thrilled to shine a spotlight on Commander Tomorrow, an all-ages sci-fi comic by Kevin Conn and Nate Lovett that blends space adventure with themes of depression and anxiety. The story follows Kyle Landon, a dreamer struggling with self-doubt who is suddenly thrust into a universe based on his favorite childhood cartoon. To save it, he must embrace his destiny as Commander Tomorrow, team up with the warrior Vega, and face the villainous Zygore and his army of Slymeborgz.
Kevin Conn, who has battled depression since childhood, spent over ten years developing this story. What started as a comedic sci-fi concept evolved into a deeply personal tale of resilience and imagination. Now fully illustrated and lettered, the comic is launching on Kickstarter to fund its printing. This project offers a unique way to engage generations of comic book fans while telling a meaningful story that resonates with those facing similar struggles. Commander Tomorrow is a project worth checking out!
A Boy Like Me
Creators: Jennie Wood (Creator/Author)
Goal: $4,000
End Date: March 14
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $10, The physical copy for $35, the Jennie Wood Collection Bundle for $75.
Born a girl, Peyton Honeycutt meets Tara Parks in the eighth grade bathroom shortly after he gets his first period. It is the best and worst day of his life. Determined to impress Tara, Peyton sets out to win her love by mastering the drums and basketball. He takes on Tara’s small-minded mother, the bully at school, and the prejudices within his conservative hometown. In the end, Peyton must accept and stand up for who he is or lose the woman he loves.
Peyton Honeycutt’s journey is one of courage, love, and self-acceptance. From the moment he meets Tara Parks in the eighth-grade bathroom, Peyton is determined to prove himself—through drumming, basketball, and standing up to those who doubt him. But in a conservative town filled with prejudice, being true to himself comes with challenges. Facing a strict mother, a school bully, and societal expectations, Peyton must decide: conform or fight for the love and life he deserves.
This story is a heartfelt, coming-of-age tale that explores gender identity, resilience, and the power of love in the face of adversity. With emotional depth, humor, and undeniable heart, The Beat believes it’s a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Rainbow Canvas: Valentine’s Annual 2025 
Creators: Lifeline Comics
Goal: $3,000
End Date: March 13
Goodies: Get the Indie Comic Book Bundle (Digital) for $1, Valentine’s Annual ’25 (Digital) for $8, Valentine’s Annual ’25 (Phys. – Cvr A) $15, or at higher tiers get the Valentine’s Annual + Slice of Life #1 $25 and much more!
A graphic history of the quest for freedom in radical and revolutionary New Orleans with text by Max Cafard & illustrations by Vulpes.
Rainbow Canvas is a special project, This anthology brings together the creators behind Transphoria, Bi Visibility, and Hairology, along with beloved Webtoon Canvas titles, to deliver 11 brand-new, heartwarming LGBTQIA+ stories.
From mermaids to vampires, social media stars to small-town romance, this collection offers diverse, feel-good queer love stories across multiple genres. Featuring contributors from hit Webtoons like Slice of Life, My Dragon Girlfriend, and Lesbiampires, Rainbow Canvas celebrates healthy, loving relationships inclusively and joyfully.
With stunning artwork and deep storytelling, this anthology is a must-read for fans of queer romance and representation. Whether you love fantasy, slice-of-life, or heartfelt drama, Rainbow Canvas has something to brighten your day. And has set itself apart from other independent releases. With over $8,000 already pledged its well on its way to completion.
Anarchy in the Big Easy
Creators: PM Press
Goal: $3,000
End Date: February 21
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $10, Book + e-Book for $16, Land Back Benefit Bandana + Book for $35, or at higher tiers get the Mutual Aid shirt + Book for $45 and much more!
A graphic history of the quest for freedom in radical and revolutionary New Orleans with text by Max Cafard & illustrations by Vulpe
Anarchy in the Big Easy is an anarchist graphic history that brings to life the radical and revolutionary spirit of New Orleans. Through striking illustrations by Vulpes and powerful text by Max Cafard, this graphic novel reveals the often-overlooked history of resistance and community-building in the city. From the Enslaved Peoples’ Uprising of 1811 to the grassroots recovery after Hurricane Katrina, the book explores key moments in New Orleans’ struggle for freedom, highlighting the role of anarchists, labor movements, and Black Panthers.
This graphic history delves into the anarchic roots of jazz, Mardi Gras traditions, and the ongoing fight for social justice, showing a side of New Orleans many have never seen before. Anarchy in the Big Easy is a must-read for those interested in the power of collective action, resilience, and the deep histories of rebellion in New Orleans. Its a phenomenal piece of history to own not to mention a fantastic comic, make sure to check out the campaign before its too late!
Check out the rest of the Beat’s Comics Crowdfunding Round-Up’s right here!
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