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, Jorin Evers. What’s the latest installment of your series ‘The Hunt’ all about?
Jorin Evers: The Hunt: Chapter 2 follows Hunter Danrik as he arrives at a cathedral overrun with demons, located in the cold northern mountains. He will have to team up with a fellow hunter and brave the threat that lies within the ruined cathedral’s walls. The Hunt is a series set in a fantasy world that revolves around creatures of the night and those that hunt them.
Chris: Where did the idea for this comic come from?
Jorin: I’ve always liked werewolves and vampires, and I wanted to tell a story featuring these creatures. Kickstarter provided a means for me to get the book out there on my own terms.
Chris: What kind of comic readers is this suited for?
Jorin: If you like werewolves, vampires, demons, and all stories told about these creatures, then you’ll have a blast with The Hunt. The Hunt is a series of graphic novels that is entirely black and white, which fits the tone of the world and setting. As a result, it has a manga feeling to it with action-packed pages that also tell a coherent story.
Chris: How would you describe your style and creative process?
Jorin: I’ve been drawing ever since I was little, but my style finally found some footing when I saw Humberto Ramos’s work on Crimson. Ever since, I’ve been inspired by artists like Joe Mad, Jorge Jiménez, and Pepe Larraz.
Chris: What’s your production workflow like?
Jorin: I started working on an outline for Chapter 2 shortly after finishing the first book. I like to start with thumbnails to figure out the layout and then move onto digital sketching, line art, and lettering. The book is totally finished and it will go to the printer as soon as the project succeeds and the funds are in.
Chris: What are your plans beyond this book?
Jorin: This is Chapter 2 and it sets up the conclusion of the series, which is planned to take place in Chapter 3. After that, this series is done, but there are more stories to tell in this fantasy world and The Hunt may or may not be setting up some of the storylines that will be crucial to the fate of the world.
Chris: Any special features in this book or, if crowdfunding, special perks or tiers our readers might be interested in?
Jorin: The campaign kicks on this Friday and lasts one month.
Chris: Good luck!
Check out the campaign here!
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Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Al. What’s the story of your comig The Sword of Eden?
Al Nickerson: Our heroes search for a legendary sword and Noah’s Ark while battling demons, zombies, ninja, Count Orlok, and the Green Knight. Comics are a powerful literary art form for sharing important stories and ideas, including the Gospel.
Chris: Where did the idea for this comic originate, and why choose self-publishing?
Al: There’s an audience that loves superheroes and character-driven stories without compromising Christian principles. The Sword of Eden fills that niche. Self-publishing lets me retain ownership, control content, and avoid publishers taking profits.
Chris: What audience is The Sword of Eden suited for?
Al: It’s recommended for preteens to adults seeking faith-friendly, action-packed storytelling.
Chris: Describe your artistic style and creative process.
Al: My style blends cartoony superhero influences from John Byrne, Terry Austin, Frank Miller, Dave Sim, Jack Kirby, and Will Eisner.
Chris: Who contributed to this project?
Al: It’s just me, relying on the creativity God has blessed me with.
Chris: Walk us through your production workflow.
Al: I’m currently working on Volume 3, The Sword of Eden: Cry Vampyre.
Chris: What have you learned from self-publishing and crowdfunding?
Al: Dave Sim’s Cerebus Guide to Self-Publishing taught me valuable lessons. Crowdfunding is a new, educational experience.
Chris: Are there special features or perks for supporters we should mention?
Al: The Fund My Comic campaign offers exclusive access to the My Secret Invasion II limited edition print.
Chris: Anything else readers should know?
Al: I’m a Christian creator, SVA graduate, and former artist for DC, Archie, Marvel, and animation studios like Sesame Street and Nickelodeon.
Chris: Any plans for future stories?
Al: The series will continue through at least six volumes.
Chris: Good luck, Al. The book looks fantastic. We’re rooting for you!
Check out the campaign here!
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Check out the book here!
Chris Braly: Briefly tell us the elevator pitch for your comic, Arnav.
Arnav Kapoor: It’s a sci-fi adventure about scientist David, who struggles to move on from his parents’ deaths during COVID-19. After encountering a blue cosmic ball-the universe’s most powerful object-he gains uncontrollable powers and must find a way to rid himself of them.
Chris: Where did the idea originate, and why self-publish?
Arnav: During the pandemic, I wanted to channel my creativity into a project combining my art, writing, and storytelling skills. I chose self-publishing to retain full creative control and ownership.
Chris: Who is the target audience?
Arnav: Readers 18+ due to mature themes like grief, violence, disease, and loss, balanced with sci-fi action and adventure.
Chris: Try to describe your artistic style and creative process.
Arnav: My style blends traditional comic art with realistic elements, inspired by legends like Jack Kirby’s energy designs. I work 2-3 hours daily alongside my studies.
Chris: What’s the production status?
Arnav: The ebook is complete and available on Gumroad.
Chris: What have you learned from self-publishing?
Arnav: I handled every aspect-writing, art, and editing-over three years. Promoting effectively, engaging audiences, and valuing creative autonomy is the biggest lessons.
Chris: Any future plans for the series?
Arnav: This launches a long-term sci-fi series with 50+ stories planned over the past three years.
Chris: Wow! Anything else to share?
Arnav: I hope readers enjoy the story and continue supporting my journey to create more.
Chris: Good luck, Arnav.
Check out the book 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 so we can hopefully help you get more eyes on YOUR crowdfunding comic project. Until next time, support indie comics!