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!
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Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly (CB): Let’s start simple—give us the quick pitch—what can readers expect from The Return of Flare?
Dennis Mallonee: Comics’ shining goddess of light, FLARE, is about to return in a trio of deluxe 52-page comic books. Flare #49, Flare Adventures #32, and Flare Deluxe #1 are now available for pre-order on the FundMyComic website.
CB: What sparked this return for Flare, and what made this the right moment to bring her back in this way?
Dennis Mallonee: We’ve been gearing up for FLARE to return with a bang. These three new comic books accomplish that. We’re looking toward June and July releases, with Flare Deluxe #1 being made available through Philbo Distributors to comic book retail outlets.
CB: Who do you see as the core audience for this—longtime fans, new readers, or a mix of both?
Dennis Mallonee: FLARE is celebrating her 40th year, with stories aimed at any comic book fan who appreciates well-told superhero stories.
CB: Heroic Publishing has always had a distinct voice—can you talk a bit about your creative philosophy and how it shapes these stories?
Dennis Mallonee: The Heroic Publishing mission statement sums it up. Heroic Publishing is all about what it takes to be a hero. Too often in recent years, other comic book companies have not been presenting superheroes as heroes. Too often, their characters have been treated merely as interesting people with peculiar abilities. While there may be some merit in taking that approach, it’s not what Heroic Publishing is all about. For all their flaws, the characters we focus on at Heroic Publishing are (usually) trying their best to live up to the heroic ideal. They may fail, they may suffer setbacks, there may be personal issues that deflect them from the goal. But they try. They strive. And when they succeed, there are wonders to behold. Our goal at Heroic Publishing is to present entertaining adventures featuring characters who truly are superheroes.
CB: There’s clearly a lot of talent involved here—who are some of the key creators contributing to these books?
Dennis Mallonee: We have covers by Mark Beachum, Mark Propst, and Daerick Gross Sr. Flare #49 features stories by Dennis Mallonee, artwork by Giancarlo Caracuzzo, Cedric Nocon, and John Flaherty. Flare Adventures #32 features stories by Dennis Mallonee, artwork by Dell Barras. Flare Deluxe #1 features stories by Wilson Hill and Steve Perrin, artwork by Gordon Purcell, Terry Pallot, Henry Martinez, and J Adam Walters.
CB: Where are things in the production pipeline right now?
Dennis Mallonee: Flare Deluxe #1 is ready to go. Flare #49 and Flare Adventures #32 are expected to be ready for a July release.
CB: Anything else you’d like to say to fans—both longtime readers and newcomers—before we wrap up?
Dennis Mallonee: We just hope to get support from Flare fans old and new.
Check out the campaign here!
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Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly: Let’s start with the basics—what’s the pitch for The Adventures of Lightning Marval! and your artbook?
Warren Montgomery: THE ADVENTURES OF LIGHTNING MARVAL #1 and 2. Lightning Marval are brothers Freddie and F’Rel, who land on earth as babies in Happytoe, Oregon and were adopted by billionaires Bo and Betty Lou Fruitt. When trouble is near, the brothers merge together to become one amazing superhero. ARTWORK is my newest artbook. A 56 page standard comic size book featuring some of my art over the years.
CB: That origin sounds like a fun twist—how did this idea first come about, and what led you into self‑publishing?
WM: Created in 1997 (then called Lightning Man) as a 24 page black and white one shot and submitted to Dark Horse Comics. It was a parody of Superman, making fun (in fun) of everything Super as well as everything Portland, OR. This is silly fun for everyone. Many years later, 2012, I started Will Lill Comics and decided to self-publish.
CB: Who are these books really made for in terms of readers?
WM: All of my books I publish under Will Lill Comics is for everyone. Other titles includes: John Kirby: Firefox and Tales of WLC.
CB: Walk us through where things stand in the production pipeline right now.
WM: Lighting Marval is close to complete. Just need to finish coloring pages. My artbook, simply titled ARTWORK, is complete.
CB: You’ve been around comics for a long time. In fact, full disclosure, I’ve even hired you as a letterer for multiple projects —what’s been your biggest takeaway from doing your first crowdfunding campaign so far?
WM: I’ve been in comics since 1988 mainly as a letterer, so I’m very experienced in the product of comics. But my first crowdfund was January of this year. The same books I currently have at FundMyComic. It did very well, but I few people were unaware of that funding so I decided to do a second crowdfund at FMC.
CB: What kind of extras or perks can backers look forward to?
WM: This crowdfund features three books: ARTWORK and Lightning Marval issue 1 and 2. Plus extra free goodies for all physical backers like mini prints, buttons and bookmarks. Also, Stretch Goals like issue one of Tales of WLC, my anthology book, and Godzilla and Spider-Man prints.
CB: I hope you find great success with it, Warren. You’re a talented guy!
Check out the campaign here!
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Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly (CB): You’re bringing us something a little different this time, so let’s start with the big question—what’s the pitch for Dawgtown?
Justin Murphy: ‘Gladiator’ meets ‘The Shawshank Redemption’…with Pitbulls. It’s not a comic, but I am submitting it because it is the first animated feature to be crowdfunded on FundMyComic. The film is about a young Pitbull trying to break out of an underground dog-fighting organization. It stars JASON BEGHE (Chicago PD), STACEY DASH (Clueless), and the late World Heavyweight Champion GEORGE FOREMAN. The film is traditional, hand-drawn animation, privately financed, and in production since 2013.
CB: What first sparked the idea for this project, and what made you want to pursue it independently?
JM: I wanted to make a WATERSHIP DOWN for the new generation.
CB: How would you describe your visual style and the way you’ve been making the film?
JM: Hand drawn animation, using tablets and software. I have animators who have worked for Disney, Dreamworks, Blue Sky, Cartoon Network, Warner Brothers, and Netflix. I also have interns from Florida School of the Arts animation college, where I teach.
CB: Once this wraps, what are your plans for getting it out into the world?
JM: Film is 80% complete. We’re looking for worldwide distribution; festivals, theatrical, and streaming.
CB: Are there any special perks or rewards tied to the crowdfunding campaign?
JM: VIP invite to the premiere. I am crowdfunding to get it finished. It was turned down by both Indiegogo and Kickstarter because of its controversial subject matter. Exposing animal abuse apparently violates their “trust and safety” rules. FundMyComic is truly a free-speech platform that all artists should know about.
CB: Before we sign off, what else would you like readers to know about your background?
JM: I am also the writer/author of War Party (2021), Cleburne: A Graphic Novel (2008), and Holidaze (2010).
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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