First off: WELCOME to our newest subscribers via my latest Kickstarter for Spider-Squirrel Issue 3 (the completed volume one)!!
I’ve been trying to sort and separate subscriptions from KS, Backerkit, and Mailchimp, so hopefully I’ve got you all sorted properly. If not, welcome anyway and know I won’t load your inbox more than 1x a week (though I have long gaps between some newsletters for varying reasons).
The Librarian
Many of you have seen concept images and teasers of WIP art for her, but she’s making her debut soon in the collected Spider-Squirrel Volume One TPB! The story is a 10-page story written by me with art by original SS artist D.C. Stuelpner. How awesome is it going to be? Well, here are two pages to whet your whistles:
If you’re going to be at Baltimore Comic-con be sure to stop by my booth for cool Librarian swag and meet the model for the Librarian! She’ll sign your books and swag and take pics if desired. Look for Charlie McElvy and/or Xion Studios to find my table (I’ll also publish the info here and on social, when available).
Wait, did you say this story will appear in the TPB collection? I already bought all the floppies…!
Fret not! I’m one of those who buys both floppies and the TPB collection, but if that doest not describe you (everyone is different!) don’t sweat it. This 10-page story is a bridge of sorts and teaser for things to come, so I’ll reprint it in Spider-Squirrel Vol. 2, Issue 1. I gotchou, fam!!
The Librarian will also play a part in the Spider-Squirrel Titan-Sized Annual (currently over 80 pages!!) set to release in early 2023. Chris Campana (G.I. Joe, TMNT, Red Sonja) is handling art chores for the main story — a brand-new 24pg Spider-Squirrel adventure!
New Kickstarter Launching!
For the first time ever, Xion Studios is publishing someone else’s books! Scott Fogg is releasing Nightcare: Adventures in Superhero Babysitting!
This book is SO much fun, and it’s accessible to readers of all-ages! Obviously I have a connection with Scott — you saw his Phileas Reid character and associates work with Spider-Squirrel in the very first issue of my book (available here as an add-on). But, it isn’t just familiarity with Scott that made this happen; I truly enjoy this book, its premise, and what Scott is doing with his writing. He’s so underrated, and I’m really hoping you’ll see what I see when you read this title! So, join the prelaunch party and back this book when it launches next week!
10 Days Left to Break The Mold!
Indiecomics has always been about breaking free from the constraints of the norm, the expected, and the traditional. Even when indie took on superheroes or ninjas or other common tropes these things were done differently than mainstream comics.
We’re doing the same thing with Milestone. This book is dressed in superhero clothing, but it’s so much bigger than that. And, yes, I even opted to break free from the traditional expectation of using Kickstarter for this one — because the only way to advance is to press forward. (Keep reading for a sneak preview of the finished book.)
I really like Zoop’s platform a lot! It’s shopper-friendly, and their entire focus is, essentially, indiecomics. Is it perfect? Nope. But they take feedback from me almost daily, and some of it has already been acted upon. Other items require dev work, which is both costly and time-consuming even if worth it. I’m along for the ride, as a Backer -AND- as a Creator.
Obviously, I have not abandoned KS. But, I like having options. I hope you do, too! We are 2/3 funded and ready to publish!
Milestone #1: Sneak Preview!
Well, you stuck around this long you can enjoy a reading of the first 9 pages of Milestone #1! If you go back through my previous Substack newsletters you’ll find I’ve also dropped images from Issue #2 previously. We’re working hard to continue to bring you dope comics! Enjoy!!
🔗 MILESTONE #1 PREVIEW PAGES 🔗
Best to you all —
Did You Return Your Books to the Library On-Time??
Sometimes I pick up the TPB even if I have all the separate floppies, but money is getting tighter, so that isn't happening as often. Thank you for making sure that the Librarian story is reprinted in Vol. 2 issue 1 so we don't feel like we have to buy the TPB if we already own the separate issues. Very much appreciated!!
Absolutely fantastic preview of Milestone! I can’t wait to see the full issue once funded!