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, Kerry! Tell us the pitch for your latest crowdfunding project.
Kerry King: It’s a 24-page color comic, called Phantom Lion. Issue #2 follows Lenny Conrad, a former journalist turned lion-powered hero, as he faces off against the cunning Circus Master, who uses Nano-Might tech to turn elephants into deadly weapons. With newfound abilities like stealth and healing, Phantom Lion must protect innocent lives while unraveling a sinister plot. As Lenny struggles to remember his family, he faces his first true supervillain battle, testing his resolve and his powers.
Kerry King Launches Phantom Lion Issue #2!
CB: Where did the idea for this comic come from, and made you decide to self-publish it?
KK: Growing up on comics, I felt inspired to write a story, exploring the themes of conspiracy and hidden truths as well as inter strength required in fighting overwhelming evil. I chose the superhero genre because of the infinite possibilities. I’m also inspired by the world around me as I go through life. As a hospice nurse, I often see the deeper meanings of life, which spark ideas. I’m always taking notes and jotting down thoughts for my stories. The book is being published through Star Cross Comics.
CB: What kind of comic readers is this suited for and who is it aimed at?
KK: Phantom Lion is ideal for teens and up who enjoy superhero stories with action, deeper themes of hidden truths, and inner strength. It’s suited for readers who appreciate thrilling battles but prefer comics without foul language, nudity, or sexual situations. Fans of engaging characters and exciting conflicts will enjoy this series.
CB: How far along is this second issue?
KK: The comic is fully inked and more than 50% colored, so I should be done before the campaign ends this week.
CB: What are you learning from self-publishing through this process? And what’s next after this campaign?
KK: I love the creative process. You can never predict what will resonate with people and what will be a dud. I’m going to finish the 4-comic miniseries that I started with Phantom Lion, then next up I have an exciting idea that does not involve superheroes.
CB: It blew me away that the comic is only $5, and you have a tier for $10 that includes the first issue letting readers get caught up. Anything about the campaign you’d like to mention?
KK: There are several stretch goals and everyone who pledges five dollars or more will get these free things. No, I’m not making money from giving away trading cards and holographic stickers, but backers will benefit and that’s all that matters!
CB: Thanks for your time and good luck, Kerry!
KK: Thanks for considering this project! I put my heart and soul into it.
Check out the campaign here!
Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Eric. Tell our readers your elevator pitch for Reign in Ruins.
Eric Diorio: When one cannot be both, is it better to be loved or feared? Monarchal sisters, each a representation of love or fear, vie for the throne.
CB: What’s the origin of this story?
ED: I am a history professor and based the story loosely on the saga of King Richard, The Lionheart and his unseemly brother, John. History is a story. I thought it’d be interesting to weave in fantasy and psychological elements. The story examines how insecurities define us and plays with the differences between fixed and growth mindsets. We may see some subtle references recent and historical events.
CB: Who is this comic aimed at?
ED: Astute readers who seek more mature and darker stories than traditional superhero adventures. Fans of Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman and McFarlane’s Spawn Universe will likely enjoy Reign in Ruins.
CB: Talk about your style how you approached this comic.
ED: I am very influenced by Stanley Kubrick who tended to give the audience as little as possible. To me, patronizing or playing a heavy hand fosters awkward and unappealing stories. Subsequently we kept things subtle and relied on foreshadowing and symbolism. As a rookie to the comics industry, I leaned on the artists, who are not only experienced, but brilliant creative storytellers. Von Randal’s work is breathtaking and he nailed the characters, mood and and tone.
CB: Who else contributed to this project?
ED: Von Randal is the lead artist. He has an impressive history with Marvel, Image and DC. Most notably, Von has earned his reputation working on the Spawn titles. I’m blown away when I see what he comes up with. His work is a blend of anime and traditional Marvel House style with touches of McFarlane and Neal Adams. Kevin Keane contributed to an alternate cover. Kevin is also from the Spawn family. To me his art is extremely clean and fluid in the traditional of the great John Romita and John Buscema.
Mirko Colak added a brilliant pinup. He has an extraordinary resume that includes Gunslinger, Assassin’s Creed and Red Skull: Incarnate. I would describe MC as the offspring of Jae Lee and Frank Miller. His work is breathtaking and unique. Bringing all of it to life is Max Oritz, who added colors and lettering. He’s worked with Crayola and Hasbro and in my estimation, is an undiscovered gem.
CB: So what is your production workflow like? And if it’s not complete, how far along is the book?
ED: Issue One “Perception is Reality” is nearly done. We have the script completed and edited and several pages of art are finished. As soon as the Kickstarter hits the goal, we will have issue one off to the printer in only a few weeks. Issues two to four are mapped out and ready to be tackled. Typically, we need about four weeks to navigate from idea to finished 24-page book before we set a crowdfunding campaign.
CB: What’s been your biggest lesson learned through self-publishing?
ED: Self-publishing is just that: “self” publishing One is expected to be writer, editor, manager, PR representative, IT expert, chef, auto-mechanic and so on. It is a challenge that requires focus, a thick skin, perseverance and people skills. Crowdfunding is not without pitfalls, foremost of which is the bombardment of folks who will assure you that only they can get your project off the ground. It’s a lesson that everybody wants everybody else’s money.
CB: What’s next after Reign of Ruins?
ED: I have a few more projects in the works. Reign in Ruins is the locomotive hauling a long train of plans. Of course, like everyone who self-publishes, the ultimate goal is to attract an interested publisher. Still, we have a fantastic team and are in this for the long haul (sticking with the train analogy).
CB: Any special features you’d like to mention that readers can find on crowdfunding campaign page?
ED: A few. One tier, the Warlord, offers a signed Mirko Colak print portraying the talented and lovely Margarita Monet. Margarita is a model, author and lead singer of the band Edge of Paradise. The character Silbhin is based on her likeness and she’s an important part of the projects. There’s cool swag that can be earned through various support levels including badass T-shirts, stickers and variant covers. Most exciting is he Overlord tier which backers are depicted as a character in the first issue. Think about Von Randal drawing you as a Medieval character. Of course, we cannot promise your likeness will not be horrifically maimed in gruesome fashion.
CB: Nice. Anything else you would like to share with our readers before we wrap?
ED: Simply put, the best artists in any medium, music, writing, comics, have one thing in common: They go for it. We know readers will enjoy the ride in part because we didn’t play it safe, we went for it. No matter how this turns out, we stayed true to our vision and that’s rewarding on it’s own.
CB: Looks great, Eric. Good luck!
Check out the campaign here!
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Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Rafael. What the pitch for your comic Atreydean Justice?
Rafael Madrigal: Deputy Rick Miranda, a man whose faith is challenged and who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, is bestowed amazing powers from the oldest cosmic order of Justice, after helping defeat the ultimate evil. Or so he thought! 32 color pages.
Atreydean Justice Trailer
CB: Tell me the “origin story” for this project.
RM: I have been writing this entire superhero universe for over 39 years and after some family hardship, it was time for the world to know Atreydean Justice! This book is for any superhero reader, especially justice, light and hope based.
CB: What is your experience in comics, and who helped you bring this project to fruition?
RM: I am a new creator and have based all my heroes around faith, family and justice. Its a classic good versus evil, in a complete Cosmic level. Some of the scenes are based on family tribulations and things I went through as a Deputy Sergeant in South Texas. While I am the creator and writer, I sketched and created every character. When I met Illustrator Joseph Desantos and scripter Aaron Dowen, they both helped put everything together!
CB: What’s coming up after this comic is complete?
RM: I have two books out, Atreydean Justice #1 Awakening and issue #2 The Fall. I also have a one-shot and guidebook that will be released on Kickstarter next month, November 2024. The plan is to release 8 issues and two one-shots and a crossover book. Then work on the next story.
CB: Anything else you would like to share with our readers before we sign off?
RM: Atreydean Justice, is the Ulta Sword of Justice. Check out this amazing story of faith, family and Justice! Action, drama and hope!
Check out the campaign here!
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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!
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