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: For those unfamiliar with your latest project, can you give us the elevator pitch for Silence Doogood: Electric Dreams?
Sean Salter: CAN ONE REVOLUTIONARY GENIUS SAVE THE FUTURE… BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT? Benjamin Franklin, as Silence Dogood, is a clever, daring, and rebellious teenager thrust into an unimaginable crisis. Snatched from his own time, he’s imprisoned in a virtual reality world designed by Milo, America’s most formidable tech mogul. This world, governed by a cunning AI, is a place where algorithms dictate every move, humanity is trapped in a sleepless dream, and liberty is a forgotten concept. Faced with a pivotal decision, Ben’s choices reach far beyond his own fate—they threaten to alter the course of history. As he navigates this bewildering new world, he must rally allies, outsmart formidable foes, and unravel the secrets of his abduction—before time itself is irreversibly disrupted.
CB: What inspired you to create this comic, and what motivated your decision to self-publish?
SS: The idea came from wondering what the Founding Fathers would think of the America we have today—a world with AI on the rise, a lack of accountability for individuals, and an obvious moral decline in society. I chose to self-publish because no one in the mainstream is addressing these subjects.
CB: So who is this comic best suited for? Who do you see as your main audience?
SS: It’s for all ages, but primarily for readers aged 10 and up.
CB: Can you describe your artistic style and creative process? How did your background influence your approach to this project?
SS: My style is heavily influenced by my background in animation. I developed my abilities as an artist and writer during my time in entertainment advertising while living and working in Los Angeles.
CB: Tell us about the creative team behind this project. Who else contributed to bringing it to life?
SS: I wrote and drew the book myself, and did the coloring along with Brett R. Smith. I also received consultation and guidance from Mike Baron and Paul Rivoche. We have variant covers by Dan Lawlis and Eric Weathers.
CB: That’s some strong talents. What does your production workflow look like?
SS: The book is finished and ready to print. If all goes well with the printer, we expect to start shipping in August. We’re taking our time to ensure the final printed book meets the high standards our audience deserves.
CB: What have you learned from the self-publishing and crowdfunding process so far?
SS: I’ve learned a lot! I’m really enjoying the creative freedom that comes with it.
CB: Do you have plans for future projects? Will there be more stories set in this world?
SS: Absolutely! I have another graphic novel coming out with writer Kurt Schlichter. There’s a 6-page preview of that book included in the back of SILENCE DOGOOD.
CB: Are there any special features, perks, or tiers available for backers of this campaign?
SS: Yes! We’re offering a foil cover, a 78-page full-color action-adventure sci-fi story, and a special 6-page preview of my next graphic novel, People’s Republic. There’s also a sketchbook section and dossiers on the main characters.
CB: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers before we wrap up?
SS: There’s much more coming from us at Turkey Robot Comics!
CB: Good luck, Sean!
Check out the campaign here!
_________
.
Check out the book here!
Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Taranpreet! To start, can you give us the elevator pitch for your comic? What’s the story about?
Taranpreet Singh: It’s like Batman vs. Superman, but set in ancient Egypt. One side has technology far ahead of its time and uses it to enslave mankind, until a savior arrives to free the people. The story is 133 pages long and in full color.
CB: What inspired this comic?
TS: The idea came from my dreams. I’m starting out by publishing it on Amazon.
CB: Who do you think this comic is best suited for? What kind of readers will enjoy it most?
TS: It’s for fans of superhero mysteries, mysticism, and technology.
CB: Tell us about your style and creative process. How did you develop your approach?
TS: I wrote the book after meeting the artist Charles Butler. He guided me on how to present the panels, which was a very rewarding experience that I really enjoyed.
CB: Can you tell us more about your creative team? Who helped bring this project to life?
TS: Charles Butler, who lives nearby, is the artist I found on Facebook. We met to discuss the project, and he showed me some of his art before I hired him. He penciled, inked, colored, and lettered all the pages.
CB: What have you learned from the self-publishing process so far?
TS: Not much yet, except that it’s difficult.
CB: Do you have plans for future projects? Are there more stories you want to tell?
TS: We’ll see what happens next.
CB: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
TS: Please purchase and support the book. It’s epic movie material!
Check out the book here!
_________
Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, William! Can you introduce us to “Ace of Spade’s”? What’s the core premise of the series?
William Bochat: Issue #1 follows Spade, the greatest thief in Future Las Vegas looking to overthrow the mafia and free his corrupted city. To do so, he needs the perfect partner! But first, he must finish his biggest casino heist yet and escape some deadly assassins!
CB: What inspired you to create this story, and what led you to take the self-publishing route?
WB: I had the idea since college after visiting Vegas. I wondered why nobody else had chosen it for a superhero location. So I took that location and combined it with my love for sci-fi and Robin Hood! I chose to self-publish because I love grass-roots comics.
CB: Who do you think will enjoy “Ace of Spade’s” the most? Is there a particular audience you had in mind?
WB: Ace of Spade’s is for 90’s comic lovers! It has lots of action, a cool sci-fi setting, and subtle sex-appeal too.
CB: Can you describe your creative approach and how you developed your storytelling style for this project?
WB: For me, your characters are the most important part of a story. The setting and plot are also a big deal, but nobody will care if your characters are lame. So I like to write my story around the characters.
CB: Tell us about the creative team behind the comic. Who else helped bring your vision to life?
WB: Rodrigo Sevilla is my artist. He helped re-design my characters to look much cooler! He also changed my color palettes a bit which also helps the art pop!
CB: What does your production process look like? How far along is the book at this point?
WB: The book is mostly complete. I start with the script first, then discuss page layouts with my artist. Then once all the art is done, I have the comic lettered.
CB: What have you discovered about self-publishing and crowdfunding through this experience?
WB: I have learned that getting people to the IndieGogo page is tough. My YouTube channel has a fairly large audience so I can use it to advertise, but getting my viewers to actually click the link is tricky. To anyone reading this, marketing is much harder than you might think.
CB: Do you have plans for future stories or projects beyond this book?
WB: I plan on continuing my Top Tier story and also sharing my first graphic novel illustrated by a popular Marvel artist!
CB: Are there any special features, perks, or exclusive items available for backers of your campaign?
WB: Yes, the crowdfunding has 2 exclusive covers and a poster! Perfect for anyone’s collection.
CB: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
WB: I really love writing comics and designing characters. So I really hope this crowdfunding campaign does well!
CB: Best of luck with the campaign, William!
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 so we can hopefully help you get more eyes on YOUR crowdfunding comic project. Until next time, support indie comics!
English (US) · 