Indie Comics Showcase #306: Morningstar Chronicles & Next Evolution

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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: Jared, welcome to Indie Comics Showcase! To start us off, what’s the quick pitch for Morningstar Chronicles? What can readers expect from the first issue?

Jared Brickey: Lurking in the shadows of Ashcroft, ruthless crime syndicates traffic drugs in and victims out—but rumors exist of something far worse: a secretive and deadly cult. Amid this brewing storm stands a lone vigilante, dubbed “Ghost” by the local media. Driven by a haunted past, Ghost wages a crusade against the criminal tide, using razor-sharp instincts, cutting-edge tech, and an unerring sense of justice. It’s 28 pages of full-color action.

CB: What sparked the idea for this story, and what pushed you toward self-publishing?

JB: I love a wide variety of fiction—traditional novels, comics, animation, and games—and in many ways this is a love letter to a number of my favorites. I think there’s something here for everyone, from Batman to Dragon Ball to The Darkness. As for why I’m doing it myself… well, who else was going to do it?! And besides, it’s the only way I get total creative freedom.

CB: Who do you think will connect most with this book?

JB: Males ages 18–40, maybe older given the comic market. The content is fine for teens, but I tried to cast a wide net because I think it can appeal to men, women, and really any age with the kind of story it is.

CB: Tell us a bit about your creative process and how you’ve developed as a comics writer.

JB: I’m pretty dang new, but I’ve written for Arrow Comics, as well as Primeverse Comics and Rising Star Comics—two new crowdfunded comic brands. Writing comics is something I always wanted to do but never saw an inroad for. I took a chance submitting a script in 2021, they loved it, and it got my foot in the door!

CB: Who’s on the Morningstar Chronicles creative team alongside you?

JB: Artist Marcus Rosado, Colorist Bea Navarro, Letterer Joel Saavedra, and Writer Jared Brickey.

CB: How do you typically go from idea to finished page? And where are you in production now?

JB: I like to write a fairly thorough script—somewhere between the Marvel Method and Alan Moore—while working with the art team to incorporate their advice and suggestions, really making the book collaborative! I’m happy to say the book is complete. We did a limited digital launch back in October, and after several people asked for a printed copy, we decided to launch a pre-order campaign for it.

CB: What lessons have you picked up from the crowdfunding and self-publishing process so far?

JB: You definitely need realistic goals and a personal idea of what success means. ANYONE and ANYTHING can find an audience, but the important part is finding that audience. Your art or story can be the greatest of all time or simply “fine,” but enough people have to love it for it to work.

CB: Do you have plans for more Morningstar stories down the road?

JB: Morningstar Chronicles #1 is the prequel series introduction, and I have a 10-issue story planned for Morningstar itself. In between each Morningstar issue, I want to tell more Chronicles stories to expand character lore and side stories for readers who really get invested.

CB: Are there any perks or extras for backers of the print edition?

JB: This was originally planned only as a digital release, but so many people wanted a copy to hold and own, which was incredibly encouraging! There’s a small change between this and the digital version as an easter egg, and everyone who backs a print copy will get a free bookmark.

CB: Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say to our readers?

JB: Thank you SO MUCH if you check out my campaign, and thank you, Bleeding Fool, for giving me a platform! I’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing and supportive people in indie comics. No matter what happens in the future of Frost Comics, this ride has been incredible!

CB: Good luck on the campaign!

Check out the campaign here!

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Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: Heather, welcome to Indie Comics Showcase! For those new to the story, what’s the premise of Next Evolution, and where does issue #3 take us?

Heather Veley: This is the continuation of Skylar’s fight to take down the corrupt Galen Inc. before they cause further harm to the public. In this issue, she’s been captured by some of the East End boys, but the tables turn in a showdown with members of Galen Inc’s crew. It’s a 22-page black-and-white adventure illustrated by the talented Martin Gimenez, with plenty of twists and surprises.

CB: What sparked the idea for this series, and why did you choose to self-publish?

HV: The idea came from my observations of how drug companies operate and the thalidomide disaster from the 1960s. I decided to self-publish so I can make my comic the way I want without having to hold back.

CB: Who is your target audience, and what kinds of readers will get the most out of Next Evolution?

HV: My comic is made for mature audiences who love action, conspiracy theories, and pushing back against corrupt companies.

CB: How would you describe your creative style, and how do real-world events influence your storytelling?

HV: I’d say my style is fairly modern yet grounded, despite some of the more fantastical elements. I take a few things from true events and run with them. For me, truth is just as fascinating as fiction.

CB: Tell us a little about your collaborators—who’s helping bring this latest issue to life?

HV: Martin Gimenez is both the artist and letterer for the book. I was connected to him through an acquaintance on X, and he’s a big fan of horror, Marvel comics, and action books.

CB: Walk us through your production process. How close are you to the finish line on this issue?

HV: When it comes to writing, I like to draw out a chicken-scratch comic page to help me visualize how the panels will flow, then I type up the description and dialogue. The book’s about 90% complete—Martin only has two more pages to go.

CB: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from crowdfunding and self-publishing so far?

HV: One thing I’ve learned—though I’m still learning, to be honest—is how to be a salesman. I’ve had to get comfortable pitching my comic to potential buyers.

CB: What can fans expect for the future of Next Evolution, and do you have other projects in the works?

HV: Next Evolution is going to run for six or seven issues, so I’ll be working on it for a while. Outside of that, I’ve got a few more projects in mind: one about average people becoming vigilantes to create a better future—with some sci-fi elements—and another that’s a character study of a female Joker clone.

CB: Are there any perks, extras, or special features for backers of this campaign?

HV: There are a few different tiers where you can get the previous issues along with Next Evolution #3. Each order will also come with a special postcard and magnet.

CB: Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say directly to your readers?

HV: I am very proud of this series—not just because it’s my first, but because it’s turned out better than I expected. I owe everyone who’s contributed and supported my efforts a big thank you.

Check out the campaign here!

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Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: For those unfamiliar with your work, what’s the quick pitch for Uneven Ground #1?

Len Mihalovich: Uneven Ground #1 tackles the controversial true story of Colonel Draža Mihailović and the Chetnik resistance in World War II Yugoslavia. Inspired by a wartime comic from 1942 (Real Heroes 6 by Parents’ Magazine Press). The issue presents both a modern-day dramatization and reprints the original period story, inviting readers to compare how this chapter of history was portrayed in its own time versus how it is seen today.

CB: What inspired you to tell this particular story, and why did you choose to publish it yourself?

LM: The idea for Uneven Ground #1 came from my love of “rescuing” forgotten comics and reintroducing them to modern readers. I’ve done that before with characters like RedMask, Buffalo Bill, and The Avenger, but this time I wanted to tackle a real piece of history. While researching World War II stories, I came across the 1942 Real Heroes #6 story about Colonel Draža Mihailović and the Chetnik resistance. It was idealized wartime storytelling aimed at kids, but underneath was a much more complicated and controversial real-life story. I grew up in the shadow of this historic figure and wanted to find a way to honor that legacy.

CB: Who do you think will connect most with Uneven Ground #1?

LM: Uneven Ground #1 is for readers who enjoy grounded, character-driven stories with real historical roots. If you like war comics, historical fiction, or even documentaries, this will feel right at home. It’s aimed at comic readers who appreciate learning something while being entertained, and people who like to see history brought to life through compelling art and storytelling.

It’s also for fans who may not normally pick up a “war comic” but are drawn to stories about ordinary people making extraordinary choices. While there’s action, it’s not nonstop gunfire — the focus is on the people, the decisions they make, and the situations they’re forced into. Whether you’re into Sgt. Rock, March, or even indie graphic novels with historical settings, this fits in that space.

CB: How would you describe your storytelling approach and creative process?

LM: My style is rooted in storytelling first. Whether I’m working on superhero adventures, westerns, or historical fiction, my focus is always on the characters and the choices they make under pressure. After publishing comics for over a decade through Lenovations Press, I’ve developed a process that works for me and my team. It’s a blend of research, scripting, and constant collaboration with artists at every stage. I’m hands-on during production, reviewing layouts, pencils, inks, colors, and lettering, making sure every stage supports the mood we’re aiming for.

CB: Tell us about the team behind the book.

LM: For Uneven Ground #1, I worked with artist Kevin Phillips, who brought the story to life with an approach that balanced historical accuracy and visual drama. Together, we made sure the period details — from uniforms and landscapes to the expressions of the characters — were authentic, while keeping the storytelling dynamic and engaging.

Phil Miller provided the cover art, delivering a bold, striking image that immediately stands out. Periya Pillai handled the colors, and his work elevated the entire project. The coloring added depth and atmosphere to every page, grounding the story in its era while guiding the reader’s emotional response to each scene.

I handled the scripting, assisted Kevin with the final lettering, and contributed to the coloring and overall design, making sure everything from panel pacing to dialogue placement supported the vision for the story. It was a true collaboration, and everyone involved understood we were telling a historically inspired story with a controversial subject. Every member of the team brought their best work to ensure it was handled with both respect and impact.

CB: How did the production process unfold for Uneven Ground #1?

LM: The workflow followed the same structure I use for all Lenovations Press titles. It starts with research and outlining, then moves into scripting the story panel-by-panel. Once the script is locked, I work closely with the artist on layouts and pencils, reviewing each stage before moving to inks, colors, and lettering. I stay involved in every step to make sure the storytelling, pacing, and historical details stay consistent with the vision.

CB: What’s next for Uneven Ground?

LM: Originally, I thought this would be a standalone, but the response convinced me to turn it into an ongoing series. The concept is to explore moments in history where ordinary people are forced into extraordinary situations. Next up is Christmas in the Jungle (during the Vietnam War), followed by The Blizzard Bus (Blizard of ’78). Each will blend historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling to bring lesser-known events to life.

CB: Are there any unique elements or perks tied to this release?

LM: One of the most unique features of Uneven Ground #1 is that it includes a reprint of the original Real Heroes #6 story from 1942 by Parents’ Magazine Press. This lets readers compare the idealized wartime version of events with the more nuanced, modern retelling in the main story. It is not presented as a sequel or endorsement. It is a historical context and a look at how this chapter of World War II was originally told to children. Our crowdfunding of choice is Patreon, where new sign-ups get a free comic after their first paid release.

CB: Any final message for readers before we wrap up?

LM: I appreciate everyone who takes a chance on an indie comic, especially one that steps outside the usual genres. Uneven Ground #1 is a project I poured a lot of research and care into, and I think readers will find it both engaging and thought-provoking. Lenovations Press also has many other exciting titles across different genres, so there is something for just about every kind of comic fan. You can find Uneven Ground #1 and all of our other books at LenovationsPress.com, on DriveThruComics, and through our Patreon.

CB: Thanks for sharing this with us, Len!

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 so we can hopefully help you get more eyes on YOUR crowdfunding comic project. Until next time, support indie comics!


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