Charlie's Crowdfunding Corner - July 2025
Or, Weirdos and Kaiju and Aliens... OH MYYYYYY!!!
I’m BACK!!!
Sorry I have been SO negligent in providing you new crowdfunding material to review. I’ll get back into the swing of things, for sure!
Now, you know I’m always on the lookout for exciting indie comic crowdfunding campaigns that offer something special, so here’s a fresh round-up of campaigns I’m currently backing, or just think are really f*cking cool, and I think you might love them too!
The Many Odd Origins of Even Steven
120+ Page Oversized Hardcover collecting the solo stories of fan favorite EVEN STEVEN, plus new material by KARL KESEL and DAVID HAHN.
This comic caught my attention immediately with its charmingly odd premise and quirky characters. It’s a delightful dive into multi-dimensional madness, anchored by a genuinely lovable protagonist who navigates increasingly bizarre scenarios. If you enjoy stories that seamlessly blend humor, heart, and a touch of existential wonder, Even Steven should be at the top of your list. The artwork perfectly complements the whimsical narrative, making each panel pop with personality and flair. It’s precisely the sort of imaginative storytelling that indiecomics excel at, offering a fresh break from the ordinary and leaving you eager for more.
A spin-off from the SENSATIONAL Impossible Jones series from my pal Karl Kesel with David Hahn, Even Steven focuses on the popular secondary character from the Impy series! Just like Trash Panda from my own books, Even Steven was quickly adopted by fans as a big-time fave and now he has his own adventure!
Check it out: Even Steven on Kickstarter
Rise Issue 4
Subverting The Hero's Journey: what would happen if you had to FEEL GOOD to DO GOOD?
Rise masterfully blends sci-fi and fantasy into a compelling narrative that pulls you deeply into its expansive universe. From the first issue onward, the series has steadily built a richly detailed world filled with vivid characters, intricate politics, and escalating stakes. Issue 4 continues this trajectory, promising even greater challenges, deeper mysteries, and more intricate character dynamics. The artwork is stunning, combining vibrant colors with intricate details that enhance the immersive quality of the storytelling. For readers who love epics that span multiple genres, Rise delivers in spades, consistently elevating its narrative and visual stakes.
Discover more here: Rise 4 on Kickstarter
IDGAF About Aliens #2: A Spicy Sci-Fi Comedy
Who has time to be abducted by aliens when you're running late for court?
I love a good comedic twist on sci-fi, and IDGAF About Aliens absolutely nails this genre mash-up. This comic is unabashedly bold, delivering a sharp, humorous, and thoroughly adult narrative that isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Being written by one of my favorite creators (and friend), Anthony Stokes doesn’t hurt either.
The series cleverly pokes fun at classic sci-fi tropes, pairing comedic banter with outrageous scenarios that never take themselves too seriously. Beyond the laughs, though, there’s genuine craft and creativity in how the story unfolds, with pacing and dialogue that keep each page fresh and unpredictable. If you appreciate irreverent humor wrapped in a sci-fi setting, this series is guaranteed to be your new favorite guilty pleasure.
Join the fun: IDGAF About Aliens on Kickstarter
While we’re at it, consider backing American Yakuza 1-4 from Anthony Stokes, Chris Moses, and me!
HAMMER: Act 1 - John Henry vs. The Robot Apocalypse
Machines & A.I. rule over humans while the legendary John Henry is reborn by Mother Earth Asase to save mankind from their suffering.
HAMMER is an electrifying fusion of folklore and futuristic dystopia that immediately grabbed my attention. Taking the legendary folk hero John Henry and pitting him against a robotic apocalypse is a concept that feels both fresh and inspired. The creative team expertly captures the essence of this iconic character while placing him in a high-stakes environment that feels urgent and relevant. The comic boasts gritty, dynamic artwork that brings intense action scenes vividly to life, making each confrontation between man and machine pulse-pounding and engaging. Beyond the action, HAMMER also promises a deeper exploration of humanity, resilience, and what it means to stand up against impossible odds.
Greg produces some of THE most underrated works out there, and he’s a wonderful dude, too. HAMMER gives guys like me (I’m a huge John Henry myth fan) a chance to really dig into new stories featuring one of the greatest black characters in American folklore.
Check it out here: HAMMER on Kickstarter
Psychic Sam Vol. 1 (of 3)
What if you could see murders the day before they happen? Would you kill the killers to save a life?
Psychic Sam instantly intrigued me with its unique blend of psychic abilities, nuanced storytelling, and intriguing characters. This series offers a fascinating narrative built around a compelling protagonist whose psychic powers are both a blessing and a curse, opening doors to profound mysteries and personal struggles alike. The writing stands out for its emotional depth and layered plot, delivering twists and revelations that keep readers fully engaged. Artistically, the comic balances a distinctive style with expressive visuals that effectively convey both action-packed moments and quieter emotional beats. If you enjoy character-driven narratives with a supernatural edge and plenty of surprises, Psychic Sam should definitely be on your radar.
Support here: Psychic Sam on Kickstarter
V•G1GANTE - Issue #1
Award-winning graphic novelist and philanthropist Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez debuts another La Borinqueña spin-off comic book: V•G1GANTE! This heroic giant robot will meet their match when a kaiju attacks from the Puerto Rico Trench!
A portion of the sales from these comic books support their La Borinqueña Grant Awards which have awarded over $200,000 to non-profits throughout Puerto Rico.
V•G1GANTE introduces us to Brismar Besosa Crúz, a brilliant computer science student at the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, who first debuted in La Borinqueña #2 and later took on her heroic identity as V•G1GANTE in issue #3. In this exciting solo one-shot, we dive deeper into Brismar’s story and the groundbreaking events that transformed her and fellow students into Potentes—individuals gifted with incredible, superhuman abilities. Brismar’s unique power lets her decipher the intricate code behind chemical compounds, physics equations, and digital binary, enabling her to create a fully sentient mecha she pilots in defense of Borikén.
But her journey isn’t just about heroics. Brismar struggles to balance her demanding academic life, rising tuition costs, and everyday responsibilities with the extraordinary threat of a Kaiju rising ominously from the Puerto Rico Trench. With potential devastation looming, she teams up with Puerto Rico’s iconic heroes, including the celebrated champion La Borinqueña, the dazzling bioluminescent warrior Lúz La Luminosa, the martial arts expert Oro El Coqui Dorado, and the agile high-flyer Iguaca. Will their combined strength and unity be enough to protect their homeland from catastrophe?
Check it out here: V•G1GANTE on Zoop
Give these creators some support—indie comics rely on fans like us to bring unique stories to life.
Cheers,
Charlie