Discover the Thrilling World of Indie Comics: Jake Magnus, Pure Intent, and More!

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Returning with another edition of Indie Comics Highlight, our weekly feature spotlighting independent comics currently fundraising through crowdfunding platforms, alternative funding sources, or self-publishing. Each contribution, no matter how small, helps these talented creators immensely – from a dollar pledge to larger bundles and the bonus perks at higher tiers. If you can’t support a campaign or purchase a book directly, please share or retweet about their projects on social media to help spread the word among your network of friends and followers.

On our Indie Comics Showcase, we chat with creators, display some stunning artwork, and guide you on how to explore the offerings yourself. Here are some exciting crowdfunding campaigns this week that you can learn from, appreciate, and potentially support by pledging to one or more of them! Thanks for taking a look and being an essential part of Indie Comics Showcase. Let’s dive in!

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Jake Magnus: Hyperman
by Adrian Browne

Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Adrian. Introduce me to Jake Magnus!

Adrian Browne describes Jake Magnus as a Bionic Stuntman who shines in the popular 1970’s TV series “High Speed,” while also working undercover for a clandestine government agency called “Stronghold.” Jake’s character is a blend of Spider-Man’s witty introspection, detective skills, and action hero persona. The narrative frequently delves into Jake’s thoughts, captivating readers. The storyline offers humor, action, nostalgic references, and well-crafted plotlines.

CB: What’s the origin of this comic?

AB: This work draws inspiration from television shows like “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Fall Guy,” but with an injection of humor and unexpected plot developments. Initially designed for a retro-themed digital lifestyle magazine, the first two pages were already published in stores. The book is now fully completed, ready for printing.

CB: Who is this aimed at?

As a film enthusiast, I wholeheartedly recommend this tale to anyone and everyone, regardless of age. If you’re a fan of humor, action, or mystery, you’ll find something here that appeals. The cover is vibrant with color, while the pages are elegantly presented in black and white. Give it a try; I promise it won’t disappoint!

CB: How did you get your start in comics creation?

As a lifelong cinema enthusiast who’s dabbled in scriptwriting and comic books since my childhood days, I’ve honed my skills by delving into various literature and dissecting TV shows and movies to grasp their underlying story structures. The artistry of Nathan Webb, a talented British artist, truly shines in this project, making it his best work yet. Our creative camaraderie stems from a previous collaboration, allowing us to build a strong working rapport. As the writer and creator of the Jake Magnus universe, I’m excited to bring this captivating world to life for you all.

CB: What are your plans beyond this book? Are there more stories to tell?

In my own words, allow me to express that I am brimming with creative concepts for additional tales within the Jake Magnus Universe, and I eagerly look forward to unveiling them to my audience.

CB: It looks fun, Adrian. Any final comments before we wrap this up?

AB: It’s a fun, tightly written book that should hopefully make people happy.

Check out the campaign here!

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Pure Intent & Mistress Izumi’s ADULT Lessons
by Isaac Fox

Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly warmly greets Isaac again on Indie Comics Showcase, inviting him to share the synopsis for the upcoming twin campaign!

Isaac Fox announces: Journey into space for retribution with Pure Intent #3 – the concluding chapter of the series. Characters Koru, Temaki, and Manzano pursue the last 14 Flames Pirates to eliminate their wickedness forever. Prepare not just one, but two issues! Grab a pencil, some paper, and your preferred writing tool as you dive into Mistress Izumi’s ADULT Tutorials, lesson #3. This lesson promises to be Izumi’s most sensual yet!

Could you provide a brief overview about these books, and help me understand their position within the ongoing narratives of these stories?

If Pure Intent serves as a precursor, but not necessarily a requirement, for my Cremisi series, it delves into the grim reality of how orphans in an age of space travel might be mistreated. I sought to craft a narrative about characters confronting an appalling situation that is beyond their control, while still grappling with the moral dilemma of doing what’s right. Yet, as the saying goes, the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.

My collaborator, Izumi Fox, and I conceived the idea for Mistress Izumi’s ADULT Lessons. Many professionals in the comic industry have been educators, myself among them. The concept was to create a series that would empower people by teaching them self-reliance while providing amusement through the antics of a lewd fox girl and her mischievous companions. Self-publishing allows for greater creative freedom and adaptability. Every comic creator I’ve consulted has given me the same counsel – steer clear of publishers.

CB: What kind of comic readers is this suited for? It looks like it isn’t for kids.

If “Pure Intent” is a series intended for viewers aged 16 and above due to its violent content, it carries an anime-inspired narrative. Frequently, I liken the plot of “Pure Intent” to well-known anime/manga such as “Demon Slayer.” If you’re a fan of shows like Naruto, Demon Slayer, YuYu Hakusho, or Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate Pure Intent. However, please be aware that some cover art is only suitable for viewers aged 18 and above.

Master Izumi’s Advanced Tutorials is explicitly designed for mature readers. The knowledge imparted in these tutorials has been verified as authentic and beneficial by experts within the industry, but it employs suggestive or provocative imagery to enhance understanding. The purpose of this comic is to provoke thought and potentially arouse interest in various topics.

CB: Give me a little behind the scenes look at your production.

When embarking on a new writing project, I meticulously construct character profiles that encompass every aspect from their driving forces to their preferred hand – a method I picked up from Hirohiko Araki (creator of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure). This serves as the foundation for me to develop the storyline, which eventually evolves into a script. The manuscript undergoes multiple rounds of editing by my team, is revised, and then forwarded to the artists. The process continues as I collaborate with them to bring the book to life. Subsequently, approximately a month is spent on planning and preparing for a Kickstarter campaign, which takes up most of my time but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

CB: Tell me about your creative team that contributed to this project.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that both Pure Intent and Mistress Izumi #3 have the remarkable Nila Fox at the helm as the lead artist. She’s an exceptional comic and manga artist with a charm that makes working with her a delight. Her unique talent lies in creating characters that are not only visually appealing but also expressive, making her an ideal fit for comics that cater to fanservice.

GentleNelly brings the perfect early 90’s anime aesthetic to life by coloring Pure Intent. His work perfectly embodies the style I was aiming for in this project. My trusted chief colorist, Krius, lends his artistic skills to Mistress Izumi, creating a vibrant, warm, and inviting color scheme that often incorporates a wet, captivating effect, making each scene truly pop.

CB: How far along is the book?

In case you visit Kickstarter: The books and all associated items on the platform appear to be fully completed, ranging from standees to comics. They are prepared for printing, requiring only your support now.

Could you share some insights you’ve gained from your experiences with self-publishing, crowd funding, and creation in general?

As a movie reviewer, I’d say: “Independent publishing is much like embarking on a grueling workout regimen. It hurts, it’s challenging, and your inner voice keeps nagging you to quit. But then, receiving a heartfelt message from a reader who found joy in your comic, that moment of gratification makes every struggle worthwhile. It’s about enriching someone’s day, that’s the true essence of it all. Crowdfunding is an adventure in finding ‘your tribe’, understanding their tastes and preferences. It took me years to crack that code. Now, we have a vibrant Discord community where we engage with our readers and supporters on a regular basis, ensuring their contentment with our comics.

CB: What are your plans beyond this book?

In a new, simpler wording:

If Pure Intent is my first completed series, with issue 3 marking its end. This isn’t because of any problems; instead, the story was intended to wrap up in just three issues. Mistress Izumi offers countless lessons to aid people in maturing more efficiently. She will reappear in future Kickstarters and might even have her own mature-themed volume in the future.

I aim to launch approximately three Kickstarter campaigns annually, and our upcoming project is a fresh title that I envision becoming my signature work. This is an epic high-fantasy story set in the context of World War 1, centered around a groundbreaking first-ever mixed species special forces unit known as The Manti-Corps. With elements more appealing to fans than Mistress Izumi, action-packed scenes reminiscent of Cremisi, and thought-provoking themes similar to Pure Intent, this series is set to offer dark elves, oni, zombies, demihumans, and many other intriguing characters!

CB: Any special perks or tiers on this campaign we should know about?

IN CASE: For the very first time, Mistress Izumi’s ADULT Lessons are now accessible in digital format! This special edition comes with an adorable guest fox girl gracing the exclusive digital cover. Moreover, we’re re-introducing the initial 2 issues with digital cover galleries available for the first time ever. In addition to this, there’s a series of mystery tier “date” covers that could potentially place you on a charming and enjoyable date with two characters or a steamy BDSM encounter with a seductive assassin (please note, the artwork doesn’t set up any real-life dates). You’re responsible for arranging your own date if you choose to do so.

CB: What else would you like to share with our readers before we sign off?

Appreciate your tremendous backing for independent creators! It’s fantastic that we share a passion for classic superheroes, which hold significant value as icons in American history and culture. Purchasing a comic from an indie creator like myself doesn’t just offer entertainment; it contributes to our daily expenses such as groceries, rent, or mortgage payments. In essence, you are our real-life superheroes by providing us with the means to continue creating comics. Thanks for your heroic support!

Check out the campaign here!

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Black Man: Tribes, Words, and Blood
by Justin Austin Fox

Check out the campaign here!

Greetings, Justin! Could you please share the concise summary or tagline for your debut comic book with us? This is often referred to as a ‘logline’. Looking forward to hearing about it!

Justin Austin Fox’s Character: A fifteen-year-old boy, filled with anger, unexpectedly acquires abilities and intends to utilize them to locate and exact revenge on his father.

CB: What led to your decision to self-publish this book?

You: For quite some time now, an idea has been swirling in my mind, rooted in the superhero genre with a chilling horror twist. This concept dates back to my college days, and I’ve even penned down young adult versions of it before arriving at this point.

CB: What can you tell me about your background and creative style?

JF: I’m a preacher, so I pray about everything. I don’t view God as an old, formal figure sitting on a cloud. Instead, I act upon my initial thoughts following prayer. My style is reminiscent of African mask art and has been with me since my early days, which included creating comics and illustrating stories. I primarily work with contractors and family for assistance in the technical aspects of my work. Southland Printing has been a valuable partner during the launch of my book’s first campaign, even helping me sell copies out of my car.

CB: What’s your production workflow like?

JF: I break up my work into different parts and work on them over various days. For instance, I might sketch out four pages one day, then ink one page every day for a week, followed by working on the storyboards for the following week on the fifth day. This pattern has been going on for approximately 4 years now, which means I’ve already inked about 872 pages that are ready to be colored. To color 24 pages per month, it will take me about 60 months, but I am dedicated to completing this project.

CB: What have you been learning from creating through this process?

The importance lies in maintaining a system and setting the right pace. Don’t let temporary setbacks scare you off; instead, tweak your objectives slightly and persist. If you have a clear vision that others support, they will be willing to help you – as long as you fulfill your commitments.

CB: What do you hope to accomplish through this project?

JF: Gaming brings me immense pleasure, it’s something I’m deeply passionate about. Expanding as a publisher allows me to delegate tasks, giving me the opportunity to assume a director’s role instead of handling everything myself. However, there are several graphic novels I have planned. One of these books has been completed and sent off for printing. This isn’t just an idea, but more of a pre-order since it’s already in production. I sold out of the initial 50 comic run, so we’re now aiming for 100 copies. We’ll start slow, and if demand continues, we can produce more.

CB: Anything else you would like to share with our readers before we sign off?

I sincerely encourage each of you to dive into this extraordinary world that I’ve crafted for this young character. Writing it has been quite an adventure for me! Your time reading the page is valued, and I hope these stories enrich your lives in some way. Take good care of yourselves.

CB: Good luck, Justin!

Check out the campaign here!

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For this session, that’s all folks! Are you an artist embarking on your own campaign or do you have a comic up for sale online? If so, click here and let us know about your crowdfunding comic venture, we might just help bring more attention to YOUR project. Until our next encounter, keep supporting independent comics!

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2025-02-06 00:31