Unmasking Indie Gems: Pigman, Recon, and The Little One in Today’s Showcase!

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Return once more for another episode of Indie Comics Spotlight, our weekly feature that amplifies several authentic indie comics currently running crowdfunding campaigns, seeking funding in creative ways, or self-publishing their work independently. Every contribution from even a dollar pledge to the twenty-five dollar package helps these artists immensely. And let’s not forget about the fun higher tiers! Even if you can’t fund a campaign or purchase a book, spreading the word by sharing or tweeting about these projects with your network is invaluable.

At Indie Comics Showcase, we delve into conversations with creators, display some captivating artwork, and guide you on how to explore the product personally. This week, we’re introducing some extraordinary crowdfunding campaigns that are worth your attention, enjoyment, and potential support through backing one or more of them! Thanks for taking a look, and keep in mind that you’re an integral part of Indie Comics Showcase. Let’s dive right in!

Recon and The Little One
by Sean Wood

Check out the campaign here!

Hello Sean, it’s a pleasure to have you at the Indie Comics Showcase! Could you briefly summarize your concept for “Recon and The Little One” in an engaging way?

(Or)

Hey Sean, great to see you here at the Indie Comics Showcase! Can you quickly tell me about your comic “Recon and The Little One”?

Sean Wood: Here’s an exciting one-shot comic that blends elements of science fiction, action, and horror. To put it in a nutshell, imagine Samurai Jack teaming up with Wall-E to protect the last remaining human girl on earth, but this time against hordes of ZOMBIES!

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CB: What inspired this project?

In my desire to safeguard my precious 4-year-old girl amidst the chaos of our world, an idea was born within me. This concept then transformed into reality as I breathed life into our affectionate, protective robot, nurtured by my son and myself. The design for this little one, along with her beloved plush bunny, is a reflection of my adored daughter. I’m embarking on this journey alone, driven by the success of my initial series on Kickstarter, titled “The Fog Within,” and my eagerness to expand upon that achievement.

CB: Is it suitable for children, or an older audience?

The narrative caters to individuals who delight in reading Action/Horror graphic novels, suitable for those aged 16 and above.

CB: Tell me about your creative process. How do you start?

It’s often been suggested that a compelling story originates from a deep-rooted fear, and I personally believe in writing about what excites me most on bookstore shelves. Ever since I was drawn to zombie narratives, the idea of integrating robots into the mix immediately caught my interest.

CB: Who else is on the creative team?

In my scenario: After finalizing the script, I was searching for an artist capable of expressing a great deal of emotion through the characters’ faces. Since I had previously admired Dave Swartz’s works, I thought he would be ideal for this project. He is both the artist and colorist in the book.

CB: How far along is the book?

Dave and I have collaborated on this project since early November, and we’ve finished inking every one of its 24 pages. The remaining color page, which features a zombie drawing, is yet to be done. We’ll add the letters once our campaign concludes.

CB: What are you learning from crowdfunding?

PW: The liberty associated with crowdfunding has been a joy for me. For those who are ready to put in the effort, the rewards can be substantial. Over the past two years, I’ve seen our growth in every campaign I’ve undertaken.

CB: What are your plans beyond this book?

Currently, I’m penning down the scripts for three more comics within the same universe. If this campaign thrives, we’ll carry on narrating these tales.

CB: Anything you’d like to highlight on this campaign?

As an enthusiast, allow me to share a unique aspect about my collection: there are distinct tiers that one can join. One captivating option transforms you into a zombie character. Another tier offers a stunning 6-inch handcrafted model of our robot, Recon, which I currently own and proudly display at home – it’s nothing short of breathtaking!

CB: Looks good, Sean. Good luck!

Check out the campaign here!

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PIGMAN
by Bosch Fawstin

Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showcase, Bosch. What can you tell me about Pigman?

In the narrative penned by Bosch Fawstin, twin characters find their Islamic heritage significantly impacting their lives on September 11th. This is mirrored in the comic book embedded in the story titled “Pigman vs Superjihad.” The struggle portrayed is not just a conventional war, but encompasses various dimensions such as cultural conflicts, political disagreements, philosophical debates, media strife, family disputes, and actual battles on the battlefield. It’s essentially a comic book about a unique kind of war.

CB: What is the genesis of this comic?

The character of PIGMAN was born out of the tragic events of 9/11. As I contemplated a hero to combat jihad, I drew inspiration from my Muslim heritage and the deep-seated abhorrence for pigs within Islamic culture. Thus, I chose to encase an ex-Muslim in pigskin armor, leveraging this cultural prejudice against our adversaries. To further ground the story, I introduced a cartoonist who creates the Pigman comic book, and delved into the various challenges and hardships he faces along the way.

CB: What kind of comic reader is this aimed at?

For those seeking an original take, a story where the protagonist confronts a contemporary adversary in an unprecedented manner, this isn’t a book you’ll find anywhere else.

CB: What’s your history and experience with comics?

My initial passion was fueled by comic books, particularly the masterpieces of legends like Kirby, Ditko, Eisner, Buscema, The Romitas, John Byrne, Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli, and Alex Toth, among others. These works inspired me to not only draw but also write my own comic book stories. After reading “The Dark Knight Returns” and “Daredevil: Born Again,” I aspired to become a cartoonist, blending both art and storytelling in a seamless whole. Every aspect of the process, from lettering to coloring, contributes to advancing the narrative. My creative work is significantly influenced by Frank Miller and Alex Toth, although their impact may not be immediately apparent. They have left an indelible mark on my artistic journey.

CB: This book has been available in the past, right? What’s the background on that?

The first issue of PIGMAN is being reissued as PIGMAN #1, a fresh take on an old series. It will combine remastered versions of issues 1 and 2 from my long-running comic book series, The Infidel, featuring Pigman. I’ll be going through it again to see where I can make improvements since it was first published 15 years ago. In addition, I’m planning to complete another project I’ve been working on for over two years within the next few months, and it will be released at the end of July 2025.

CB: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from self-publishing?

For over two decades, I’ve been independently publishing a variety of works including 4 comic books, 7 novels, numerous prints, trading cards, and playing cards. Now, for the first time, I’m venturing into crowd-funding, which is an entirely new experience for me, but I’m finding it quite intriguing. I’m putting in my best efforts to convince potential readers to support my project by hosting livestreams, posting on various platforms, and asking others to help spread the word. I aim to use this learning experience to further my work, particularly PIGMAN #2 and future projects.

CB: So there are there more stories to tell?

BF: Currently, I’m engaged in a substantial project – a graphic novel approximately 350 pages long. Following its completion and another project named Pigman, there are two more stories waiting in line for me. I’m passionate about comics and enjoy creating them. Being part of Comicsgate has instilled in me optimism regarding the future.

CB:What should interested readers look for on the campaign?

User: I’m keeping on enhancing the rewards, and I recently incorporated an exclusive commission of Pigman, tailored according to the customer’s concept. There’s another idea brewing, potentially a stretch goal, which is a flip book I’ve successfully found a printer for. It might get included in the campaign, but I’ll be mulling it over as my campaign progresses.

CB: Anything else you’d like to share before we wrap this interview, Bosch?

You: I appreciate your allowing me to discuss my book with you. Moreover, if you’re looking for a unique reading experience, I invite you to support PIGMAN #1 on Fund My Comic.

CB: Thanks, Bosch. Good luck!

Check out the campaign here!

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The Poison Well
by Mitchell Tierney

Check out the campaign here!

Chris Braly: Welcome to Indie Comics Showdcase, Mitchell. Tell me about The Poison Well!

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but draw parallels with the captivating character of “Mitchell Tierney,” a vigilante who finds himself dwelling in the long shadow cast by his legendary father, The Poison Idea. This enigmatic figure targets drug peddlers and abusers, making the dark corners of society his hunting ground. His lair, an eerie, abandoned coastal mansion, serves as a chilling backdrop to his crusade.

Intriguingly, a tenacious podcaster has set their sights on unraveling the enigma that is Mitchell and his father, leading them on a thrilling chase to uncover the truth behind this elusive duo. The stage is set for a gripping tale of vengeance, legacy, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

CB: What made you decide to self-publish it?

As a writer, I struggled to find an artist, so I decided to create the artwork myself. I drew inspiration from Batman, but chose to depict my vigilante differently – without the billionaire playboy lifestyle or fancy gadgets and vehicles. Instead, this character hails from The Poison Well, a place marked by poverty. I sketch the panels initially with blue pencil, followed by pencil, ink, scanning, and no coloring or computer assistance other than scanning. It’s a traditional, old-school approach, and I even hand-letter it myself.

CB: What’s been your experience with comics?

My fondness lies with Frank Miller and Mike Mignola’s noir aesthetic, which I aim to emulate through a monochrome approach. Unlike some creators who script first, I prefer brainstorming ideas before jumping straight into drawing and adding dialogue. I’m often inspired to create comics as soon as I wake up. Typically, I’ll drink coffee and dedicate several hours from 6am or even 5:30am to drawing the comic before my full-time writing work begins. I have a deep affection for graphic novels, and I strive to craft a complete narrative arc. To achieve this, I’ve planned out three issues, each consisting of approximately 70 pages.

CB: What other crowdfunding experience do you have?

Since my books found success on Kickstarter and my individual role-playing games thrived on Gamefound, I wanted to test the waters with a comic, so I listed it on FundMyComic to observe the outcome.

CB: What are your plans beyond this book?

There are plenty more tales to share, and I’m quite fond of The Poison Well and his father, The Poison Idea – a masked vigilante from the ’70s. A follow-up graphic novel would undoubtedly be captivating.

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

For years, comics have held a special place in my heart. I’ve created countless comic pieces, yet I’ve hesitated to share them because I believe they lack the quality I strive for. Still, there’s something unique about them that I hope resonates with others.

Check out the campaign here!

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Wrapping up for today’s edition! If you’re an artist embarking on your own campaign or have a comic ready for online sale and wish to be highlighted in our weekly feature, please click here. Let’s help bring more attention to YOUR crowdfunded comic venture! Until then, keep championing independent comics!

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2025-02-26 21:31