Indie Comics Showcase #283: Dizchord, Shelter Dog & Space Oddities

Welcome back to another installment of Indie Comics Showcase, the weekly blog where we signal boost a few truly independent comics that are currently crowdfunding their projects, crowdsourcing their funding in some way, or just completely self-publishing on their own. Every little bit of support for these creators matters, from a single dollar pledge to the twenty-five dollar bundle, and of course the higher tiers are usually fun too! Even if you can’t back a campaign or buy a book, you can share or tweet about these projects to your friends and followers. 

On Indie Comics Showcase, we interview the creators, show off some art, and tell you how you can check out the product for yourself. Below we have some outstanding crowdfunding campaigns this week for you to learn about, enjoy, and hopefully support by backing one or more of them! Thanks for checking these out and for being the best part of Indie Comics Showcase. Let’s jump in!

Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Ben! Tell our readers your ‘elevator pitch’ for Space Oddities.

Ben Robinson: A space comedy/adventure comic series aspiring to be the lovechild of Indiana Jones and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Space Oddities is an adventure/comedy story about the crew of the Aftosa; Jorge MacSanchez & Dirk. They are in the business of locating and procuring lost or “misappropriated” antiquities. A lucrative, if not stable, business until a young woman named Jhett Paxton suddenly becomes an unsolicited crew member. Jhett’s quest to find her mother will point them toward a fabled artifact of immense power and all the danger that comes with it.

CB: Tell me the ‘origin story’ of this comic series. Where did the idea come from?

BR: Jon and I came up with the idea for these characters way back in 2004. Originally it was meant to be pitched as a Adult Swim style cartoon serial, but as early 20’s louse-abouts it never went anywhere. Then in 2019 we realized that we could do a comic a lot easier than a cartoon and we still had a ton of passion for the project. We fleshed out the first arc and Jon got to drawing. We had a couple other local comic friends that had some luck with crowdfunding and we figured we would give it a shot.

CB: What kind of comic reader is Space Oddities aimed at?

BR: This book is for folks that like a little comedy with their sci-fi. As stated in our tag line, it should appeal to people who like Indiana Jones style adventure and Hitchhikers Guide absurdism. We have also had a few readers describe it as Cowboy Bebop meets Archer, which is certainly flattering. We also try to deliver a solid narrative with fleshed out characters and an emotional arc.

CB: Tell me about your creative process, Ben.

BR: Our creative process is a bit different. We spent quite a bit of time defining the characters and building the outline for the first arc together. Before each issue, Jon and I get together and define all of the main plot points we intend to hit and where it is we want everyone to end up. Then we split up and write our own scripts with different dialogue, details, and gags. Then we get back together and argue over all the best bits. Cramming it all together into an amalgamated script. So far it has worked out really well. We both have different strengths as writers and it helps the cream rise to the top. Thankfully, having been good friends for over 2 decades makes the process a bit easier.

CB: Who is your creative team on this project?

BR: Jon and I write the script and then Jon does his magic with the art. I contribute opinions where I can, but Jon is a phenomenal visual story teller so I rarely have notes for him. Jon does the pencils and the inks and I do the lettering and final print layouts. With issue 3 circumstances led to us getting a new colorist, Fahriza Kamaputra. We are super excited to have him on board. He has done some really great work in the past on TMNT and various indie books. The work he has done so far is fantastic.

CB: What kind of production workflow do you guys work with?

BR: We get to our combined script, then Jon retreats to his art cave to draw as much as his time allows. This is very much a passion project for us, so we have to fit it into our fairly busy lives. Once we have most of the line art done we start working with our colorist and getting the Kickstarter campaign together. Then it is letters, layouts, printing, and on to the next issue.

Issue #3 is over 80% complete. It took us a bit longer than planned to launch this campaign as we wanted to make sure we were in a position where we could fulfil promptly. Most of the line art is done and coloring has already started. We have a fulfillment deadline for December of this year and I think there is a good chance we might be able to get it out a bit early.

CB: What’s your take on crowdfunding comics?

BR: It is a ton of work, but incredibly rewarding. We spent a lot of time sitting on the pot with this one, almost 20 years. There was always “something” stopping us from making it a reality. It was really freeing when we finally just started making it. Having crowdfunding as an option was great. It gave us a perceived avenue to get the book out to the world in a meaningful way. The best advise we ever got regarding how to get into making comics was to just make the damn comics.

Neither Jon nor I were particularly good at promoting ourselves. We still aren’t great at it, but it is something you have to at least get comfortable when you are self-publishing and asking folk to take a chance on your project. You have to get the word out and tell people how great it is.

CB: What’s the overall plan for Space Oddities? Or future plans?

BR: This is the third entry in a six issue first arc. As I mentioned above, the original idea for this property was a more serialized comedy cartoon. By the end of the first arc the crew will be set and ready for some more serialized style adventures. We still plan on having a through line that tells a bigger story, but each issue will be a little more self contained. Also, we certainly haven’t given up on the idea of an animated Space Oddities! So if the opportunity arises we will be ready to jump on it.

CB: What’s something else readers should look for with these first issues?

BR: In this issue we will be introducing a new character, Ray Gunnderson, a famous space hero who is a little bit past his prime. As part of that introduction, the issue includes a 14 page Ray Gunnderson adventure drawn in a more golden age sci-fi style. The story gives a look at who Ray is as well as some insight into Jhett’s missing mother and the McGuffin she was searching for when she disappeared. It was originally planned to be a quick 5 page affair, but I got a little carried away with the joy of writing a pulpy action story and we liked how it turned out too much to leave it behind. One of our 2 variant covers is meant to be the cover for this side adventure and was illustrated by the fantastic R.L. Black.

CB: Anything else you want to share before we sign off?

BR: If you’re still on the fence about Space Oddities, the beefy 40 page first issue is currently on sale for $1 over at Drive Thru Comics. Give it a read and see if it is for you.

CB: Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Ben! Good luck.

Check out the campaign here!

_________

Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, CS! Tell our readers the pitch for Dizchord – Atlanta’s Guardian Angel of Music.

C.S. Johnson: With the ability to hear the song inside each human soul, Dizchord is back, fighting against human traffickers in the heart of Atlanta. But things are different now, and darker, as new information from the past comes to light …

CB: So, tell me what inspired this story.

CS: There are always lots of little things that add up to a body of work that inspire the story. I wanted to write a comic set in Atlanta (my adopted city, and my children’s home) and I wanted to tackle one of its biggest issues. I came here and this was one of my church’s first primary concerns. I also liked the idea of writing the comic as a love letter of sorts to the good and honest men in my life; while I’m not Dizchord, he gets a lot of power, strength, and encouragement from the men around him–his father, his stepfather, his sensei, his professor, and his priest. Men need other men in their lives to be good mentors if they want to thrive, and I firmly believe that whatever problems we face as a society today, one generation of good, godly-minded men can turn it all around in ways we can’t even begin to expect. Dizchord is my own wish fulfillment in that regard.

CB: Who is this comic aimed at?

CS: This is a comic book series aimed at teens to adults; admittedly mostly men, but I have women readers who have enjoyed it too. I’ve been a novelist for over a decade now; my style is haphazard and daring, dynamic and playful, and innocent and sincere.

CB: You’re handling the writing, but tell me – who is handling the art chores?

CS: Light Comic Studio is the best! I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and I fully intend to keep on doing so in the future! We’ve agreed to the 5-part series run for Dizchord, and if it does well enough, I’d love to do more work with them in the future.

I’ve also had the pleasure and privilege to work with some great artists like Luke Stone, Theo Kings, and Levi Tonin for my variant covers. I’ve also had Spencer Baculi as my colorist for Dizchord #2’s variant covers. All of them are super great, and I especially like how they can cheer me on easily. They are very approachable (something people like me need) and professional. I would encourage anyone looking into making comics to check in with them.

CB: Solid people. How far along is the book?

CS: The book is done, as is the script for #3! I’m working on finishing up 4 and 5 this year — it’s on my list for stuff I want to do for this year, and while life always throws a few curve balls my way, I really want to succeed in getting it done.

CB: This will be two issues in, so tell me what you’re learning from self-publishing and crowdfunding your own comics through this journey.

CS: Marketing is always a challenge for me as a natural introvert. I work best through writing (probably because I can edit it, and people only see the finished product). I think the best thing that I’ve learned is how many people of good faith and goodwill are out there. The comics world — and the more popular and mainstream media in general — can be really cutthroat. And while I’m here and I’m not leaving, I like getting the chance to interact with new people, make them laugh, and give them hope.

CB: So it sounds like there are more stories to tell. What else are you working on?

CS: I’m always writing something! I’m working on a children’s book with Theo Kings as my illustrator to be released this year entitled “If Sin was Dog Poo.” I think it’s important that people realize they’re full of crap at times, even me, even the best of us, and I thought it was a great way to introduce kids to the idea of if you could see your sin and point them to Jesus. I’m hoping the book will be delightfully disgusting, but Theo’s drawings are really so precious and my editor, award-winning novelist Cathy McCrumb, even made me do my best poetry work with it by reining in some of my more esoteric tendencies.

CB: The campaign needs some eyes on it. Are there any special features or special perks on it that you want to mention?

CS: I have an exclusive T-shirt design or two, and I’m going to surprise all my physical backers with an unnamed gift!

CB: Fantastic. Any last words you’d like to share with our readers before we sign off?

CS: Because it’s about human trafficking, and I did my research, I DID NOT KILL MYSELF.

Similarly, if you are feeling down and lonely, please consider going to church. In my most lonely of times, having survived two rounds of severe depression and two rounds of postpartum depression, I can say without any hesitation that God loves you, and he’s there for you, and you need people in your life who will tell you the truth, and not what they think you want to hear. I have always found refuge in the house of God and he’s been kind enough to send me mentors, friends, and good people with whom I can fellowship. It was there that I heard of faith being “the ability to sing at midnight,” which is the sermon name if you want to look it up from 12Stone Church, and I have always remembered that as I’ve worked through Dizchord’s story.

Also, when the second issue was just finished up, and I’d put it together for the printer, I learned of a suicide related to one of my best friends. It was very awful and heartbreaking to see their grief at their loss. Please don’t inflict such pain on others; I know for a fact we’d rather have your anger and your sadness than your loss.

CB: I love that. Thanks for sharing this with our readers, and good luck on the campaign! Looks great.

CS: Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to speak my heart and share my work!

Check out the campaign here!

Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Jason. Tell us about your latest crowdfunding comic.

Jason DeGroot: “Shelter Dog!” is a small press adventure following the exploits of Shelter Dog and Shelter Cat as they help kids learn about the joys and challenges of having a new pet.  It’s a 40-page black and white digest-size book with three complete stories that are funny and heartfelt.  There is guaranteed to be at least one poop joke!

CB: What’s the ‘origin story’ for this project?

JD: I worked at an animal shelter for several years in the late ’90s so responsible pet ownership has always been very important to me.  Last year, my wife and I took in a stray dog named Penny who was still a puppy and was a real challenge for us.  On one of my many walks with her, I started developing the idea of a super hero dog who helped people learn about the responsibilities that come with having a new pet.

CB: What kind of comic reader is this best suited for?

JD: It’s an all-ages book, so it’s really suitable for anybody, particularly folks who really love having a pet.  I think folks will relate to a lot of the shenanigans that Shelter Dog and Shelter Cat get up to.

CB: Tell me a little bit about your creative process.

JD: Typically I’ll start working out the script in my head while I’m doing something that doesn’t require my full attention, like walking the dog or mowing the lawn.  Once I’ve worked out the basic story I’ll sit down and start writing and then share it with the artist I’m working with.  The main Shelter Dog story was actually a prose story that Teri then adapted, showing me thumbnails along the way to make sure we were on the same page with pacing.

CB: What other creators contributed to this project?

JD: I could go on and on about the creative team!  They are so talented and also super nice and are very active in the small press community.  Teri Wood, who I’ve followed since her book “Wandering Star” in the ’90s, and John Muller, Larned Justin, and Allen Freeman, all amazing talents.  I’ve really gotten to know them as I’ve developed the online jam comic “Sunday Jam” that I coordinate.

CB: How do you like to work with these guys? The book is complete, right? 

JD:  It’s really just writing the script, sending it to the artist and then they send back the art and we work back and forth through email if we need to make any tweaks.  It’s honestly my favorite part of the whole process, just all the creative sparks flying back and forth.  All the artwork is complete for the book, now we’re just waiting on the campaign to figure out how many copies to print.

CB: What’s your experience with crowdfunding comic?

JD: This is my first solo campaign and the main thing I’ve learned both from this and from all the projects I’ve worked on over the years is patience.  I want to get it all done right now, and it’s just not realistic.  The other things I’m learning is that I don’t have to do it all myself.  Having a crowdfunding campaign has taken so much pressure off of me with the financial anxieties that come with any project like this.

CB: What is the goal of this comic?

JD: My ultimate goal is to work with animal shelters to use the book for fundraising, advocacy and education.  There are definitely more stories to tell and I’m hoping that each edition will be tailored to the shelter I’m producing it for, including stories that focus on challenges that are region-specific.  I REALLY hope this becomes a reality, very excited about the prospect of using creativity to help pets.

CB: I think that’s a noble goal. Are there any special perks on your campaign we should pay attention to?

JD: Teri Wood has been extremely generous and has provided original line art from the book as well as some sketches and Allen created a series of 12 illustrations for a coloring book that’s part of the rewards.  We also have a postcard featuring Teri’s artwork and the artwork itself is just really, really special.

CB: Thanks Jason. I hope it does well for you. Any final comments for our readers?

JD: A big thank you in advance for getting a copy of the book!  Not only are you supporting small press and independent publishing, but this book is going to be the first step in a bigger vision of helping animal shelters find homes for their residents!

Check out the campaign here!

_________

That’s it for this installment. If you’re a creator ramping up your own campaign or have a comic available for purchase online and you want to be featured in our weekly column, click here. And follow Indie Comics Showcase on Twitter at @Indie_Comics and reach out to them for more eyes on YOUR crowdfunding comic project. Until next time, support indie comics!