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: For readers just hearing about it, what’s the quick pitch for The Night Slayers?
Matthew Kreke: The Night Slayers is a monster of the week supernatural mystery comic centering around two paranormal investigators who fight monsters for paying clients in a world full of nonbelievers. In each issue, Carl and Emily will be taking on a client and dodging skeptical authorities who believe them, The Night Slayers, to be scam artists. The Night Slayers #1 will feature 20 full-color pages.
CB: That premise has a fun hook—where did the idea come from for you?
MK: I personally had an encounter I couldn’t explain, so I went down a rabbit hole of paranormal investigation. I learned so much about myths and legends, I decided to write a comic about it.
CB: Who do you see this book connecting with the most?
MK: Teens and young adults who like Supernatural or Grimm.
CB: You mentioned those influences—how would you describe your writing style and creative approach on this project?
MK: My writing background is in superhero novellas. I tried to take inspiration from classic TV shows like Kolchak – The Night Stalker, Supernatural, and Grimm.
CB: Who else is helping bring The Night Slayers to life?
MK: Matthew Kreke (ME) – the script writer. Marco Perugini – the artist. Aljosa Tomic – the colorist. Charles D. Moisant – editor/letterer.
CB: Where are you at in terms of production right now?
MK: All the pages are complete.
CB: What’s something you’ve learned so far from the self-publishing and crowdfunding side of things?
MK: Mailing lists are easy to make but hard to maintain.
CB: Do you already have plans to continue the story beyond this first issue?
MK: I have a sequel script written, but not edited. I also have some ideas for a third and fourth issue.
CB: Before we wrap up, where can readers go if they want to follow along or grab a copy?
MK: If you want a chance to get a free copy, join our mailing list at thenightslayers.com.
Check out the campaign here!
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Check out the campaign here!
Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Seth. Give us the quick pitch. What’s Crossbones Crew all about?
Seth Engelhardt: Former sidekick Kid Terror is ripped from the past to save our future today! The Crossbones Crew begins with the origin of their leader and how he got to the present day. Full-color, all-ages action.
CB: What sparked the idea for this project, and what pushed you toward self-publishing it?
SE: As a father of three, I wanted more comics out there that my kids would read. Absolutely dissatisfied with the Big Two, I began probing the public domain for ideas until a world came to mind. I use a mix of public domain and original characters.
CB: Who do you see this book really connecting with?
SE: This is perfect for kids 8 and up, as well as any nostalgic adult who misses Saturday morning cartoons. I especially want to bring in new readers young to form a lifetime habit of comic book reading.
CB: How did you approach building the world and your creative process for this one?
SE: I created a series bible that described characters, items, settings, and a broad overview of the story. From there, I hired Dave Brink out-of-pocket to write the script while I edited, and Joel Souza to draw an 8-page sample (also out-of-pocket) with a commitment to finish the book upon funding.
CB: Tell us a bit more about the team you’ve assembled for Crossbones Crew.
SE: Dave Brink knocked this script out of the park. Joel Souza required practically no editorial input after the initial character designs and colors his own interior pages. Josh Howard’s cover absolutely grabs attention. Pombo’s logo fits perfectly. And Rick Joseph will letter! I made sure I’m the only first-timer to reduce the possibility of failure. If it’s not listed, then I do it.
CB: Where are you at in production, and what does your workflow look like from here?
SE: The scripting is done. Upon funding, I’ll give Joel the green light and he expects to be done in August. He sends me linework for editorial input a few pages at a time, then color. All pages will then go to Rick for lettering, and I’ll prep the final print file.
CB: What’s been the biggest learning curve for you so far with crowdfunding and self-publishing?
SE: Managing my schedule has been a real learning curve. I’ve delayed launch before just to get things right before funding starts.
CB: Looking ahead, do you see this as an ongoing series?
SE: As long as people want more and the ideas flow, Crossbones Crew will be ongoing. I also want to do a few unrelated one-off books as well.
CB: Anything planned in terms of stretch goals or campaign perks?
SE: Stretch goals will be announced after meeting the initial goal. The campaign is going to be very basic (two covers and a digital copy) to learn the ropes of crowdfunding.
CB: Where can readers go to follow along and keep up with updates?
SE: Updates are at crossbonescrew.substack.com.
CB: Thanks Seth, and good luck!
Check out the campaign here!
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Learn more here
Chris Braly (CB): Let’s start with the basics—what’s the core story behind Super Guardian (Manga Edition)?
Arnav Kapoor (AK): This book is about David Davis, a scientist who is in grief due to the loss of his parents due to COVID-19. He comes in contact with a blue cosmic ball, the most powerful cosmic object, which gives him powers and abilities no one can even think of. He does not have any control over them, which can make him a killing machine, which he does not want to be. This book is a second edition of my first book in a more visually enhanced, eye-catching manga style, with more blood. This edition will be divided into two issues.
CB: You’ve already released an earlier version—what inspired you to revisit it and create this “manga” edition?
AK: I started making the original book during the COVID-19 pandemic. I worked on it for three years and self-published it last year. Toward the end of last year, I got the idea to make a second, more improved manga edition for readers and worked on it since last December.
CB: Who do you picture picking this up—what kind of readers are you aiming for?
AK: This book specifically is for mature 18+ readers, manga readers or lovers, and readers who like visually striking artwork.
CB: You’re handling both writing and art—how do you approach your creative process?
AK: I am a self-taught artist and writer. I write my scripts and then draw my graphic novels. I am building this series and have already drawn concept art for 30+ characters with multiple scripts in development.
CB: Where does the project stand right now, and how are you rolling it out?
AK: The book is completed and issue #1 of this edition is now available for just $3, but the price will increase after 15 days. Issue #2 comes after 20 days. I have attached my store/site link—you can see this product named as SUPER GUARDIAN MANGA EDITION ISSUE-1.
CB: You mentioned building out a larger universe—how far do you see this series going?
AK: As I said, there are 30+ characters and 50+ stories coming in this series. I am committed to making this series long and mainstream. This series is not going anywhere anytime soon. There are three more graphic novels coming this year which are part of this series.
CB: Anything you’d like to say directly to readers who might decide to check this out?
AK: All I want is your support, and I promise this series can be the next big comic book series. I will continue to entertain everyone and work hard. It’s a big challenge to earn and survive as a teen indie comic creator who has just started, but all I ask from the comic and readers community is a chance. I promise 100% entertainment and an amazing experience. Issue #1 is now available to buy as an ebook. It’s $3 for a limited time; the price will increase after 15 days.
CB: Keep working on your craft, and good luck, Arnav.
Learn more 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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