Discover Indie Comics & Comic Book Store Owners

by

Welcome back to our weekly feature, Indie Comics Spotlight, where we shine a light on some genuinely independent comics that are either crowdfunding their ventures, seeking financial support through various means, or self-publishing entirely. Every bit of help these creators receive, whether it’s a one-dollar pledge or a twenty-five-dollar bundle, makes a difference. Higher tiers often come with unique perks as well! Even if you can’t contribute financially or purchase a book, you can still support these projects by sharing them on social media with your friends and followers.

On our Indie Comics Showcase platform, we have an exciting lineup! We chat with creators, share stunning artwork, and guide you on how to explore the product directly. Here are some remarkable crowdfunding projects this week that you might find intriguing. Feel free to delve into them, appreciate the creativity, and consider backing one or more of them if you’re inclined! Thanks for joining us in our Indie Comics Showcase journey. Let’s dive right in!

Last Light
by Scott Zambelli

Check out the campaign here!

Hello, Scott! Let’s dive into the Indie Comics Showcase. Could you please summarize, in a nutshell, the essence of your comic titled “Last Light”?

What is the quick, compelling summary of your comic “Last Light”?

In a merciless terrain where fearsome enemies lurk, the chances of enduring become slim as ravenous masses yearn to consume the living. Spread across 32 vibrant, colorful pages!

CB: Where did the idea for this comic come from, and made you decide to self-publish it?

In a different voice: Darren O’Brien shared an idea for a story he’s been developing with me. I found his background tale fascinating and felt it was worth exploring more deeply. Motivated to delve deeper into the backstory, we collaborated on a captivating narrative structure to present to our audience. The book is now fully written, and we are currently coordinating with our printing partner to prepare for the print release.

CB: What kind of comic readers is this suited for and who is it aimed at?

AL: The novel “Last Light” is a work of historical fiction, drawing inspiration from real individuals and occurrences related to the Tunguska Event in Russia, which took place in 1908. This book is primarily designed for readers who are 15 years old and above.

CB: Who is the full creative team that contributed to this project?

In this project, we’ve got a fantastic crew that worked on the book: Darren O’Brien (Co-Creator and Co-Writer), Scott Zambelli (Co-Writer, Illustrator, and Colorist), Kevin Meinert (Inker), Shara Lima (Flat Artist), and Brett Pinson (Letterer). Darren and I have been friends since our high school years, while Brett, Kevin, and I have collaborated on various projects since we first met in 2010 at comic conventions.

AL: Could you share some insights you’ve gained from your experiences with self-publishing, crowdfunding, and creative projects?

JH: Over the past 15 crowdfunding projects we’ve completed, we’ve picked up quite a bit of knowledge along the way. One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with different printing partners, each having their unique formatting specifications that we need to adapt to.

CB: Are there more stories to tell in this universe?

Assistant: The initial narrative of comic series ‘Last Light’ is intended to run for approximately 3 to 5 issues. Should the interest persist, we have more tales we’d love to share within this same universe.

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

Be sure to visit our online store located at bonanza.com/booths/Bardstone, where you can find more of our Bardstone Publishing series such as “Crimson Shadows”.

CB: Thanks, and good luck on the campaign!

Check out the campaign here!

_________

The New England Comic Book Store Owners

by Chris Denmead

Check out the book here!

Greetings! It’s a pleasure to have you at the Indie Comics Showcase. I must confess, what inspired me to pen this book focusing on comic book stores was… What ignited my passion for writing about these special places? Well, I found myself captivated by the unique stories and rich histories they each hold.

Chris Denmead: I penned a book 12 years ago titled “New England Horror Film Makers,” which remained unpublished for a decade. In 2023, with Bear Manor Media, I finally brought it to life. A few years prior, I had often expressed that if this book got published, I’d write another one called “The New England Comic Book Store Owners.” These retailers are the foundation of the comic book industry. We wouldn’t have the MCU or DCU without these stores, as they played a crucial role in bringing comics to customers and creating fantastic stories for us.

CB: What were some challenges in doing a book like this ?

In the realm of comic retail, not every store owner is fond of journalists or eager to engage. Some establishments mysteriously vanished, making follow-ups challenging. Others insisted on face-to-face interviews, while some had closed down or their proprietors passed away. The world of comic book retail isn’t always a bed of roses, but I trust that readers in the six New England states and beyond who encounter these stores in my reports gain some insight into the current status of comic book retailers.

CB: Name some of the stores listed in the book and what made you choose them?

CD: My preferred places for comics are my local comic book shops (LCS), specifically BedRock Comics or That’s Entertainment! in Worcester, where I’ve been a customer since I was 16 and have built a relationship with the owner Paul. Hall of Comics in Westboro is another favorite. Unfortunately, there were only a few stores that made it into the book due to scheduling constraints, despite having a total of 32 listed in the book and one on the cover. I selected shops with distinctive features or compelling stories to share. Among these are Harrison Comics In Salem, Wonderland Comics in CT, Coffee and Comics in Deep River Ct., and many more that I wish I could have featured as well. It’s possible that there were other stores I couldn’t reach out to, and perhaps I should have made more effort to schedule a visit with them too.

CB: What’s the struggle these stores find with the world of comics?

CD: I’ve been constantly facing issues with companies releasing inconsistent content, distributors being tardy frequently, and an excess of cover variations for a single comic book. It can be frustrating when a single issue has as many as 25 covers; some retailers find it overwhelming. Maintaining this pace is challenging. The deliveries often arrive damaged, and there’s no straightforward way to return them. Dealing with customers who overestimate the value of their collections because they’ve seen expensive comics of higher grades on eBay, but in reality, they might only have a few dollars’ worth of low-quality items.

CB: What surprised you about the retail world of comic books?

Listening to the tales about these comic book stores was captivating. Some were heartrending, others are no longer in existence, while some have thrived. The world is complex, and the comic book industry relies on such stores to keep our cherished characters alive beyond movies and television. I encourage readers of this book to seek out these stores across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont.

Great stuff! It’s wonderful that you shared details about the book with us. I hope our audience takes a look at the provided link to learn more.

Check out the book here!

_________

This concludes the current segment. If you’re an artist launching your own campaign or have a comic for sale online that you’d like us to highlight in our weekly feature, please click here so we can potentially boost visibility for YOUR independent comic fundraising project. Until then, keep supporting indie comics!

Read More

2025-03-27 00:45