Indie and self-published comics are in a bit of a renaissance right now as the major comics powerhouses are on the decline and tools for independent creators are becoming much more plentiful and accessible. As a result, comic readers can find whatever niche comic they want to read just by going to Kickstarter and pitching in a few bucks to whatever suits their fancy.
But, with over 10,000 projects* running at any given point in time, how does the average reader find the right Kickstarter to support? Hopefully, this article will help narrow things down, starting with...
*EDITOR'S NOTE: Stats are as of the date this was written. However, publishing was delayed for a wider audience.
Writer: Kristopher Jerome
Artist: Patrick Buermeyer
Campaign Ends: May 28th
Status: 87% funded
PITCH:
Issue #1 follows Cole Fischer as he attempts to navigate his life now that prohibition has ended. Going from an outlaw bootlegger to a private detective hasn't been easy. Just when he thinks he has settled into his new role, Cole gets approached by a mysterious woman with a proposition that could send him back out into the dangerous realm of Discordia.
WHY SHOULD I BACK IT?
This highly stylistic supernatural noir is rich with lore and intrigue. Whether you're a fan of the previous Dark Tidings campaigns or are just being introduced to this comic now, there's plenty to grab onto and explore in Discordia. If you enjoy a gritty aesthetic, a touch of cosmic horror, or Dresden Files novels, this is the one to back!
Creator: Raymond Estrada
Campaign Ends: June 10th
Status: 66% funded
PITCH:
The Skies are crowded with people in capes. A mysterious disfigured self proclaimed “Hero” a Cult Hero! Sets on a murderous path alongside Razor Blade Mary “The Holy Mother of Blades“ to make room up above. Their bloody pile of caped crusaders leads to an aimless young gifted Jamie, daughter of a long retired hero next to face his bloody penance. This is Cult Heroes. No Heroes. Just Villains.
WHY SHOULD I BACK IT?
I'm hard pressed to think of anything that looks quite like Cult Heroes. The bizarre, light frayed, psychedelic art style is reason enough to be tempted by this campaign and the sleek professionalism of the single creator, Raymond Estrada guarantees a timely turnaround and standard of quality. If you dig the experimental stuff, give this one a shot.
Publisher: POMEgranate Magazine
Campaign Ends: May 30th
Status: 200% funded
PITCH:
Comrade Himbo is a 130+ page comics and illustration anthology full of pure-intentioned himbos of all genders, who are thicc of thigh and even thiccer of heart. This book is a lovingly crafted, all-art manifesto on the strength of community: 10 black & white comics and 9 full-color illustrations from 22 up-and-coming creators.
WHY SHOULD I BACK IT?
Did you read the title? This project radiates pure joy in an era of isolation and uncertainty. The talent is robust, the theme is intriguing and amiable, and the art on display is stunning. While anthologies can be a mixed back, this one appears to be everything it's promised and more.
Writer: Blake McCarthy
Artist: Chris Sassman
Campaign Ends: May 26th
Status: 150% funded
PITCH:
TERRITORY is a post apocalyptic kaiju story set in the far distant Pacific Northwest of the United States. Ancestors tell the story of how civilization was wiped from the earth in nuclear fire long ago. From the ashes of the destruction rose the Behemoths, giant creatures whose presence breathed life back into the land. The surviving people now live in tribes, worshiping the Behemoths as Gods!
WHY SHOULD I BACK IT?
Maybe I'm just a sucker for giant monsters and kaiju, but the premise alone sold me on this title. The available artwork is effective and surprisingly cohesive for a debut comic and from the variant covers and extras paying homage to the original Godzilla, it's clear that the creators know their stuff. It's a wild looking comic where anything could happen and, personally, I am for it.
Writer: Erica Shultz
Artist: Carola Borelli
Campaign Ends: June 14th
Status: 80% funded
PITCH:
In 1998, three estranged sisters trained by their Nazi-hunting mother come together to solve their mom's murder…and try not to kill each other in the process. Rose, Poppy, and Violet Hawthorn had an unusual upbringing. Their mother, Jasmine, was the daughter of Nazi hunters and indoctrinated into La Résistance after WW2. After moving to the United States, Jasmine settled down and had three daughters, but her hard-lived past caught up with her.
WHY SHOULD I BACK IT?
I debated whether to include this as an entry on this list at all; given the pedigree and unattainable professionalism this comic has over pretty much everyone else on Kickstarter, it didn't seem fair to everyone else. That said, when something is the best, you have to give it credit, and from artwork, to concept, to writing, to creative team, The Deadliest Bouquet stands tall. At once a murder mystery, a spy thriller, and an intense family drama, this is project has everything a comic lover could ask for and more.
*DISCLAIMER: Comics are selected from a very large pool of projects, some sent to us for review, some come across on the site itself. We tend to favor first issue comics by indie creators that haven't already hit their campaign goals 5 times over, so keep that in mind. While we feel this list is representative of projects most worth the time and money of a comic reader, it is by no means exhaustive and there are many, MANY more projects that you can and should explore on Kickstarter.
–Wells Thompson, Content Editor