Monthly Archives: April 2013

I begin here with a video of Amanda Palmer giving a talk on the art of “asking.” It’s not begging but that’s the misunderstanding. That said, Amanda Palmer is a good point of departure as I enter the last stages of my own Kickstarter campaign. One by one, individuals chose to help her get to where she wanted to be. More power to her and her group, The Dresden Dolls! In that empowering spirit, I humbly submit to you the Top Ten Reasons why you would want to consider my comics project at Kickstarter, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES, going on now thru May 6. You can view it HERE.

EDITOR’S NOTE: After compiling this fun list, I started thinking of more reasons. One of the most compelling, to be sure, is a new reward I just added. At the $15 Reward level, you have an opportunity to be interviewed by me in complete Comics Grinder fashion. That means an in-depth and upbeat interview complete with your portrait rendered by yours truly, if you like. Maybe you have a band, or book, or film you’d like to promote. Whatever it is, Comics Grinder has got you covered. Check out my Kickstarter campaign for more details here.

10. I don’t need to succeed but it sure would be great. To see this collection of comics get a nice print edition will make a really big difference and help secure a wider audience.

9. You get something special for your support. This is a collection of short stories plus it includes a full length graphic novel.

8. Consider this a life’s work, phase one. The graphic novel component to this book, ALICE IN NEW YORK, is a significant work in itself, a daringly offbeat coming-of-age tale.

7. The zero to hero angle. There’s something to be said for the “zero to hero” myth. Of course, we’re all heroes, and no one is a zero. Getting this book into print and into the spotlight does count for quite a lot.

6. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it mattered. Absolutely true. This is all heart-felt and thoughtfully created work. You get a lot of good stuff all in one 200-page book.

5. 24-Hour Comics. For fans of the 24-Hour Comic model, all the short works, including the title story, originated with 24-Hour Comics Day challenges. I did not create these completely during these events. Instead, I chose to refine the works over time. Makes for the best results, I believe.

4. The Offbeat and Quirky. If you’re a fan of the original televison series, “The Twilight Zone,” then this book has got you covered. That’s one way of looking at it. This is not your usual boy meets girl stuff.

3. Gen X Autobio. The autobiographical story in alternative comics made great strides with the Gen Xers. It’s just the way it played out. You can look to great leaders of the movement, from Julie Doucet to Charles Burns. The stage was set and the talent came running. I humbly include myself within that world view: authenticity at any price, baby!

2. Steampunk. Now, this term gets thrown around a lot. Part of the appeal for me is going back in time. I love the sensibilty of the Victorian era, as well as the latter Dieselpunk era, and tweaking it in various ways. This appeals to history buffs, fans of fashion and style, and fans of science fiction. You’ll find a healthy dose of steampunk in this work, partly in the graphic novel and especially in the title story. I am bringing in aspects of Seattle history that have yet to be explored by other cartoonists.

1. If Not Now, Then When? The time is now. I’m not afraid to ask. This is me standing before you naked, unfraid of what you might think, and confident in my pursuit.

I look forward to your support in any way you can. It would be something to get as many pledges as possible. Enough micro-pledges would do it. There are various ways to crunch those numbers. Believe me, I’ve been crunching them.

Support A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES right here.

Thank you.