First payment off to printer!
over 3 years ago
– Tue, Oct 13, 2020 at 09:17:35 PM
Hi,
I just got back from the bank where I sent off the first payment to the printer. WOOT! I usually wait until I get the payment to send this, but every day I can cut into that time is a day closer to the books getting here. This means that the next thing I should get is the proof, and here are the next steps. I'm just going to do a brief rundown now that I laid out the timeline last email.
-proof is sent to me and is approved.
-Second half of payment is sent to printer after all the books are printed.
-Chinese customs (this could add a month if it gets stopped here)
-the boat cruise from China to LA.
-US customs (if it gets stopped in Chinese customs it will FOR SURE get stopped in US customs, and it will add 2 weeks to the process).
-Books get in my hands and I ship them out.
-Books get in your hands.
Every time we cross something off this list, I'll send you a new email. Also in there will be Backerkit and digital fulfillment. Again, I plan to release that once the proofs have been approved.
Thanks so much!!!
Russell
Final build constructed and sent off to printer!
over 3 years ago
– Sat, Oct 10, 2020 at 12:13:34 AM
Hi!
I realized this morning that I never celebrated the end of the campaign with you so WHEEEEE!!!!
Thank you so much for joining the madness with me!
I tend to be VERY forthcoming with my updates, so I'll let you know every step of the process...maybe even TOO MUCH information.
Where do we stand now?
I have compiled the final files and sent them to the printer. I have also finished all the digital files and uploaded them to the server for distribution as soon as I approve the proof from the printer.
I've also sent the final files to the printer. Right now I'm waiting for a contract from them so I can make the first payment ASAP.
After that, here is what we have to do:
-Make the first payment - I'm ready to do this right now before I even get payment from Kickstarter (estimate 10/12 )
-Get the first proof - usually takes 2-4 weeks after first payment (estimate 10/30)
-Approve the first proof - fingers crossed this takes between 24-48 hours unless something is massively wrong and I have to order a new proof or something (estimate 11/1)
-Send out surveys - Once I approve the proof, I will send out surveys and fulfillment for all digital orders (estimate 11/1)
-Printing and shipping - This usually takes 6-8 weeks from the time I approve the proof (estimate 1/15)
-Fulfillment - I have a pretty fast turn around for this, as it's my #1 priority when the books come in. I try to do it within 72 hours of receiving the books, especially since I have all the materials. (estimate 1/22)
It has come to my attention that many people expect books to come within one month of the campaign ending. For my part, these are hardcover books coming from overseas which means I have to wait. This printer is the highest quality I have found, so I'm willing to wait for them. This means backers of my campaigns generally get their books about 3 months after the campaign ends, instead of 1 month.
Also, while these are estimates, the world is messed up right now. I can only go with what I have found from my experience in the past, but they are subject to change. I can tell you that I ordered the last books in April and fulfilled them in July, which fit in the three month window. However, anything could happen and that would force me to recalibrate my estimates.
I have used this printer for six books and they have always delivered, but that doesn't mean they always will deliver.
I'll keep you updated :)
Russell
$20,000!!!!
over 3 years ago
– Thu, Oct 01, 2020 at 09:57:34 PM
Hi!
We just unlocked the most critical goal of the whole campaign, aside from funding of course. Yes, the $20,000 unlock also includes a cool bookmark for everybody who ordered a book, but it ALSO unlocked the FOURTH VOLUME, which will go into production in November once Renzo finishes volume 3.
I'm super glad we hit this goal because the fourth volume is soooo cool. It really ties all of Ichabod together.
And no, you didn't read that wrong. Last year when we funded issue #5 I made a pact that I would complete volume 2 and 3. Even during this pandemic, I kept that promise going, and we're juuuust about finished with issue #12, which will end volume 3, which will come to Kickstarter in March.
WOOHOO! Bookmarks to put in new books!!!!
Projects you should check out:
This is probably, unless something wholly unexpected happens, will be my last update of the live campaign. I'll have A LOT to say once the campaign is done, but until then, you most likely won't hear from me, so here are a bunch of cool projects that I think you should check out.
ASTRAL ALLIANCE: Sci-fi action epic: Love! Death! …BETRAYAL!
Kickstarter link
In a world on the brink of interstellar war...
Former-Astral Lila struggles to contain her inner demons as she races to foil the plans of the evil Shade and prevent an imminent Astral attack on Earth-- but will the sacrifice of one of her closest friends prove too high a price, and push her beyond the bounds of insanity?
...or is all NOT as it seems?
Why I think you'll love it:
Demons, monsters, gods, and kickass females fighting across the galaxy? Where have I heard that before? Oh yeah, my Godsverse Chronicles series. If you like that series, I think you'll enjoy this one, plus Jay is a cool, cool human.
IND-XED
Kickstarter link
Meredith is an ordinary young woman just trying to get by until she wakes up one morning to find she has been IND-XED, marked by those who control her society as a stateless, nameless and worthless non-person. Desperate to find out why, she follows a clue to The City, where rumours hint that others like her dwell within the shadows.
Why I think you'll love it:
To me, this is what Kickstarter is about. It reads like a sci-fi comic but looks like a horror comic, and the art is ABSURD. It reminds me of a young Daniele Serra. I mean, just look at how charming this image is!
WESTERNoir
Kickstarter link
Josiah Black has been many things in his life: farmhand, cowpoke, sheriff, rebel outlaw, killer, and now drifter. Approached by an enigmatic woman asking for his help he reluctantly agrees, setting him off on a trail of murder, mayhem and monsters that will change his life forever.
The world he lives in is not what it seems.
Hell-spawn critters roam the land, masquerading as ordinary folk, preying on the innocent. The job of putting an end to them falls on Josiah and his trusty six-gun.
Why I think you'll love it:
This feels so much like Jonah Hex, a book that I love, maybe meets something like Swamp Thing, and all swirled up with pulp comics from the 30s. I mean, I'm partial to monsters as you can tell. Almost everything I've shared this campaign is monsters, monsters, monsters.
Dragonfly #1
Kickstarter link
In 2013 Jim Lawson started a magical adventure with a girl named Dragonfly, a turtle named John, and a dog named ketch. They crashed on what appeared to be prehistoric earth. We quickly learned that this is no ordinary world. With no memory of who they are or where they came from, they must travel through this magical place full of mysteries and threats. Almost 10 years later, the adventure continues. Follow our 3 heroes as they journey through different worlds, fighting new threats while trying to discover the truth about who they are and how to get home.
Why I think you'll love it:
Jim Lawson is best known for his work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and I'm willing to try this book just because it came from a mind that worked on that bananas good property.
Freakshow Knight - Zombie Horror One-Shot Comic Book
Kickstarter link
During his time in prison, Red was surrounded by the worst types of people: thieves, rapists, and murderers. Now on the outside, he's surrounded by the living dead. Armed with the only thing he's ever known, violence, Red finds one last chance at redemption for a lifetime of sin.
Set in the same universe as FREAKSHOW PRINCESS (also written by Jonathan Hedrick), this story is a companion piece while also being a self-contained tale of horror. Reading the previous comic book is not required but those who have will see common threads ... and possibly returning characters
Why I think you'll love it:
Zombies and watercolor art!!! ZOMG. I love this art style so much. It's beautiful and gory and beautifully gory!
Advanced Genetics
Kickstarter link
Advanced Genetics Issue #1, "With Great Power Comes Irresponsibility" is about Jane Doe, a young would-be hero who is very powerful - so powerful that she would rather not deal with her powers and run from them instead. We also meet Earth's greatest heroes, THE HARBINGERS, as well the evil Monarch! If you are a fan of ruthless villains, Monarch is for you. We also get a glimpse at the legendary hero, The Almighty, and the sadistic Genocide! Not to mention Randall Irving Pierce and his robotic creations, The Automans. Issue #1 introduces us to this amazing world of characters and is a precursor of what's to come! This part 1 of an 8 part story arc.
Why I think you'll love it:
Every once in a while I like to throw in a wildcard for you to check out, and I think this one is a nice palette cleanser from all the horror and monsters from the rest of this update. I also love the idea of people trying to run from their powers.
Bird with Stick: fantasy adventure comic
Kickstarter link
Bird with Stick #1 is a 32-page comic book illustrated by Enrico Orlandi, a celebrated artist whose most recent personal project was signed by Dark Horse Comics. Enrico's whimsical style is a perfect fit for a story involving anthropomorphic birds, and his imaginative flair truly brings to life the varying environments, architecture, and costumes in this fantasy setting.
The series will be a total of 3 issues, spinning a heroic adventure that traverses the region known as The Greenish. When birdsong abruptly disappears one morning without any explanation, suspicion and accusation divides the Bird Kingdom into violent oppression. But one small Nightingale risks everything to seek out the true cause and restore his song.
This is his story.
Why I think you'll love it:
I have a big ole soft spot for book titles that tell you exactly what you are getting. I have a long history of them in my own work and when I saw this title, I laughed out loud. I mean, come on. It's birds. It's fantasy. Plus, I love John's Goth Girl, which is seriously so good y'all. If you are looking for some good, good, weird fantasy with the cancelation of Dark Crystal, I think this one will scratch that itch.
$19,000!!!!
over 3 years ago
– Sun, Sep 27, 2020 at 11:31:32 PM
Hi!
This morning I woke up and we had hit $19,000!!! My big plan had us hitting the funding target today, and we're almost $1,500 above that. Wow. I'm not often at a loss for words, but I'm so absolutely blown away.
Just a reminder, by backing already, you have locked in the Fundle Bundle. All you have to do is not cancel before the end of the campaign and it will come through the Backerkit dashboard at the end of the campaign.
That ALSO means we're under $1,000 from unlocking our first stretch goal. At $20,000 we unlock a cool bookmark AND I officially start Renzo on volume FOUR (we're 10 pages from ending volume THREE and that will be launching in March).
Very exciting.
Thank you so much for being here :)
Projects to check out
After this update, I'll have shared FORTY different projects with you during this campaign. I hope you've found some really cool projects. I'm super excited for these ones that I'm going to share today, and like the other campaigns I've shared, I'll also try to tell you why I think you'll like them.
FUTURES | A Transformative Storytelling Game
Kickstarter link
FUTURES is a transformative storytelling game, where you imagine and share your stories of alternative future worlds! By imagining and sharing more alternative future narratives, we create space for transformative change.
The project is also donating 100% of profits to social and environmental justice organizations! Check it out and grab a copy while it's only $15 Canadian!
Why I think you'll love it:
I passed this game a couple of times before I finally read it and I found the idea of simply imagining a future and telling stories fascinating. Since I know you like stories, I thought you might like this one, as it feels like a group of friends sitting around and telling stories to each other, which has been a human need for hundreds of years, and it seems to be the type of thing you can even do over ZOOM and have a good time.
Birth Of The Goatman - A Horror Comic
Kickstarter link
BIRTH OF THE GOATMAN - 40 PAGES | A lone detective investigates the death of a family at a cabin in the woods which leads to an even darker discovery.
Birth of the Goatman is part 2 in a 3 part Limited Series exploring the Legend of the Goatman. Part 1 was previously funded on Kickstarter and catch up bundles are available in the campaign.
Why I think you'll love it:
Aside from the stunning art, the story feels very Lovecraftian in its "detective meets supernatural" noir approach, and if you are a fan of my Cthulhu is Hard to Spell anthology series, this could be a winner for you.
SAVAGE SASQUANAUT 1-4: Bigfoot's lost in space and LOVING it
Kickstarter link
Do you enjoy over the top, rocket fueled fun and excitement in your sci-fi adventure stories? SAVAGE SASQUANAUT features the legendary Bigfoot lost in space as he carjacks star ships, arm wrestles aliens, hoodwinks an empire, and faces his biggest fears as he bends the cosmos to his will, searching for home.
SAVAGE SASQUANAUT is a fish out of water story about the legendary Bigfoot who was part of a NASA experiment when a freak accident lost him in space!
The series features over-the-top, action-packed, sci-fi adventures with stunning visuals, humor, intrigue, love and betrayal brought to life by award winning colorist and creator WES HARTMAN and illustrator GAB SANTOS and letterer MCLAIN MCGUIRE.
Why I think you'll love it:
Over the top action is a feature of Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter, and this book looks so bizarre and packed with humor that it's hard not to love it, at least for me.
Slow Pokes: A Sloth-Horror Comedy Comic Book
Kickstarter link
London James is a rebellious high-school teenager ready to move on to the next phase of his life. The only thing standing in his way is a request from his best friend Karate Carlos…oh and a bio engineered sloth who is now freakishly fast and out for blood. From the twisted mind of Steve Urena, Slow Pokes is a vulgar fun-filled filled horror-comedy thrill ride that’s filled with sloths, slaughter, and slapstick.
Why I think you'll love it:
Horror movie camp is one of the best parts about spooky season isn't it, and you don't see nearly enough projects leaning into that camp. This one makes me smile just thinking about it. I mean why even, but then, why not. It's genius.
OFFWORLDER issue 1 by Mike Baron & Jordi Armengol
Kickstarter link
Seventh century Scotland. Henry Gunn leads his clan in a ferocious battle with Viking invaders led by the Savage Rathgar! Rathgar sees victory finally within his grasp. Gunn and his men, sensing that this may be their last stand, are saved by the approach of three unknown ships. The Vikings flee, not sure if the new uninvited "guests" are friend or foe.
Gunn and his men are saved by the fortuitous approach of Princess Sa' Ra of Alexandria. Sa' Ra has been sent on a mission to find a champion. One that she believes will aid her in her time of need. But the "Gods" have an even greater need for this man, Henry Gunn! And if he chooses to ally himself with Sa' Ra and these "Gods", He will be forever changed!
Will Gunn undergo the transformation to something other than human, and at what cost? The fate of civilization rests on the shoulders of a troubled warrior, husband, and father. What are you willing to sacrifice for all of humanity?
In the tradition of The Stars My Destination and The Silver Surfer, OFFWORLDER is a star-spanning science fiction saga that will keep you riveted from the first page to the very last.
Why I think you'll love it:
This is for my friends who love Stranger Comics, and this has a very epic fantasy meets supernatural monsters feel to it, and I dig it. Bombastic action is kind of the theme of this update, and Offworlder is no different.
Woohoo!!! We funded...now what?
over 3 years ago
– Fri, Sep 25, 2020 at 05:58:38 PM
Hi,
Yesterday we went over goal and hit the funding threshold which means Ichabod is gonna happen!!! Woot!!!
Yay!!!
What does that mean? Well, first off, it means we've locked in the awesome fundle bundle for everyone!
So, as you know, I'm not huge on stretch goals, but I do have a GOOD one for this time. When we first funded issue #5, I promised that if we funded that campaign I would guarantee volume 2 and 3.
But, if we hit $20,000, then I will greenlight volume 4 AND throw in a really cool bookmark for you all as well, which has Ichabod on one side and Cthulhu on the other!
I actually have volume 4 sitting on my desk, and Renzo is almost done with volume 3, so the timing would be perfect if we could hit that marker.
Other projects to check out:
There are so many projects that look awesome and so few days of the Kickstarter. I don't know how many updates I'll be doing before the end, so I'm doing another round up of cool projects that I have found, including one I've been DYING to read forever, and another that I wrote a 10,000 word story for.
Vampire Emmy & the Garbage Girl - a horror/rom-com
Kickstarter link
She tried the whole brooding, epic vampire lifestyle. She's lived countless lives, lost countless loves. She's done everything there is to do. Now, she lives a life of comfort and boredom, hanging with her pet monster Fletcher and eating cheese fries covered in blood. Vampire poutine, essentially. She's in an eternal funk... until she meets the new sanitation worker. Emmy falls for the woman she only knows as "Garbage Girl." who has a secret that would shock even Emmy. IT'S A HORROR ROM COM, JUST IN TIME FOR SPOOKY SEASON!
Why I think you'll love it:
AHHHH!!!! I can't believe this book is FINALLLY on Kickstarter. I have been wanting to read it FOREVER.
Pat Shand is one of my favorite comics writers. I love everything he writes. They are like Stranger in Paradise with gay monsters and magic users AND I AM HERE FOR IT! I have been wanting to read this book for a long time, and now that it's coming back, I CAN'T WAIT to do so.
EARLY HAUNTS : A Graphic Novel of Seminal Ghost Stories
Kickstarter link
Four forgotten ghostly tales, each lifted from their original folk tales and adapted into a100-page graphic novel adaptation! Illustrated by some of the most talented horror artists around today!
Headlineuring the first appearance of a ‘chained apparition’, undoubtedly an inspiration to the legendary ghost of Jacob Marley who appears in Charles Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol', ne of the main literary influences to Mary Shelley's gothic horror classic'Frankenstein' taken from 'Fantasmagoriana' a book of ghost stories Shelley read whilst staying at the Villa Diodati in Geneva as a guest of Lord Byron, The fast-paced German poem based around the ancient folklore of a cursed rider which acted as a major inspiration to Washington Irving, writer of Sleepy Hollow, and one of 48 versions of this classic Japanese folk tale featuring the ghostly Okiku, the ‘yokai’ (ghost) who would later undoubtedly act as an influence towards the terrifying antagonist of Koji Suzuki’s ‘Ring’.
These haunting stories, which all have their roots in real-life accounts and ancient folklore are lifted and translated from their unwieldy original text and adapted into a more readable graphic novel format to be enjoyed by a whole new audience. All accompanied by the evocative work of four extremely talented illustrators.
On top of which each story will have a short introduction describing the influence and how the writer came to tell each story.
Why I think you'll love it:
It's spooky season, and this seems like the perfect thing to get you in the holiday season. Of course, this probably won't ship by Halloween, but you'll have it for next Halloween and it just looks so cool.
The Tricker-Treater and Other Stories
Kickstarter link
In The Tricker-Treater and Other Stories (TTAOS), you'll encounter monsters, eerie locales, urban legends reimagined, the dark side of humanity, complicated relationships, blood, love, and so much more.
Why I think you'll love it:
I don't know if you can see a theme so far, but spoooky things for spooky season. Who doesn't love ghost stories?
The Pet Cemetery
Kickstarter link
The Pet Cemetery is a fast-paced tabletop board game for 2 to 6 players that is easy to learn, quick to set-up, and fun for all ages making it a perfect option for family gatherings, parties, and game nights.
Players race their way across the board one strategic move at a time as they battle pet monsters, search for treasure, dodge traps, activate abilities, and do whatever it takes to keep the other players from being the first to find a set of handcuffs and cross the finish line.
Why I think you'll love it:
Another perfect one for spooky season, I checked out the gameplay and it sounds really fun, along with being adorably creepy.
The SAV #4: The Dreamcatcher
Kickstarter link
Why I think you'll love it:
Monsters vs. warriors in the 1800s? Sounds like an awesome book, and for those who like tons of cover options, this is your kind of book.
War on Monster Earth
Kickstarter link
This last one is a bit of a cheat. I have another anthology that I'm in on Kickstarter now. It's the third volume of an anthology series where every country in the world has these big kaiju monsters and they fight each other. My story is about a giant koala and a giant bat who fight an enormous hippo monster that breaks out of an intergalactic egg. If you're a kaiju fan this one is really cool, and you get to see me at my pulpiest monster goodness, which I don't get to do a lot. It's basically a 10,000 words monster fight. It's not doing so swift for them right now, so I thought I would boost the word cuz I know a lot of you like kaiju monsters and my word. I am only 1/6th of the whole book and I guess 1/18th of the whole series,
