The time has come friends, it's time for me to walk away from what I do when it comes to Comic Books. Now that is a vague way of putting what is actually happening here, so allow me to break it all down for you. I'm not fully leaving comics behind, but I am no longer going to do Reviews, Interviews or News.

So where did all this come from? I've been covering Horror Comics since 2009. It all started with my involvement with Peter Normanton of From the Tomb Magazine. I was offered a chance to review some comics, and from their it just snowballed. I got involved with Comic Monsters and Comic Related right away. See my goal when it came to reviews was to get the word out on the little guys. The people you didn't see in Previews or being picked up by Publishers. I would spend hours looking at who was on Comixpress and KaBlam. I would email them to setup interviews or trying to see how I could help getting the word out on their books. So through that I then had to setup a network for sharing the reviews to get them seen. I would post the reviews on the message boards at numerous sites, and then once they got seen by the site staff, I became a site reviewer. I was on the front line of helping get Comic Attack going. I helped start the Comic Monsters podcast, and I welcomed with open arms into the Comic Related family. All of these things meant so much to me on a personal level, but they also meant so much because I now had more open avenues for helping get the word out on other people's work.

It was in 2010 when I decided to stop doing typed/article style interviews and venture more into podcasting. So in August 2010 I started Discussions with Decapitated Dan. A weekly podcast that allowed these Horror Comic creators a chance to be heard. The show ran 125 episodes, it was weekly, and it helped shape what was to come. At that point I was a podcasting junkie. I was doing Discussions, Co-Hosting Comic Monsters and I figured why not add a third show into the mix, so I teamed up with Infinite Speech and the Southern Sensation to start Tales From the Water Cooler. Another weekly show added to the mix, where we reviewed comics that came out the week prior. So this show was more about the mainstream, but it was still a way to help get the word out.

Now keep in mind that while doing all this coverage, podcasting and even running a Convention (Dan Con) I was still working 40-45 hours a week. I'm lucky in that I work in front of a computer and I am able to multi-task and get these things done. However it just takes it's toll. I needed to step back, and re-evaluate what I was doing. I toyed with the Horror Comic Roundup and Terror Tweets. Both ways to do quick hitting reviews. Get the word out there in one or two sentences, not make it as big of a deal, in my mind, when it came to devoting time to share. I ended Discussions with Decapitated Dan, I took a step back from Tales from the Water Cooler and went from a Co-Host to a reoccurring guest.

At the same time as Discussions was ending though, I was getting back into an early passion of mine, Heavy Metal. I was listening to more music, checking out more bands, going to concerts, etc. So I was looking for a way to transition from Discussions and combine my love of Horror and Metal. Which is how Monsters & Metal was born. Now I have a show where I can not only share that Horror Comic news and info, but I can share some absolutely brutal and kick ass music.

So I got one other tangent to jump off on here before I go and do the full breakdown of what is to come in the future. I've already talked about my love of Horror Comics, and through that I wanted to create something that was meaningful and paid respect to what was being created. So in 2011 I reached out to Steve Banes, Mike Howlett, Lonnie Nadler and Mykal Banta. Together we created the Ghastly Awards, which is the Horror Comic equivalent to the Eisner or Harvey. Our intention was to have an Industry Award. Something that you win based on your peers saying so. To me it was a way to make sure that Horror Comics were getting the spotlight that they deserved, without being overshadowed by the Hero Comics that dominate the industry.

So what happens to Decapitated Dan now? The big question right? Well before I even type the next sentence, I'll make this very clear, I had decided to retire before I even knew. My wife getting pregnant with our first child is just the nail in the coffin to solidify my decision. So yeah, I am going to become a Decapitated Dad, but I was falling behind prior to finding out. My reading habits had changed, I wasn't doing reviews anymore, I was thinking of ways to retool podcasts to fit my new interests. I got into Tabletop gaming, and have been creating and working on a game that will be announced soon. Basically it boiled down to me knowing it was time. So here is what is going on:

• I am no longer doing any Comic Book Reviews

• I am going to officially walk away from Tales From the Water Cooler after episode #200

• I am going to continue to do Monsters & Metal

• I am going to continue to run the Ghastly Awards

• I am going to take on a new role of Horror Comic Corespondent and Content Coordinator for ComicRelated.com

So what does all of this mean? It means you can still email me if you want some News shared. I am going to help more behind the scenes at Comic Related getting information out there for the world. I won't be running news on this site though. So if you have a Comic you want me to look at, I am just going to straight up say "Thanks, but I no longer review comics". If you want to do an interview, I will try to line something up with someone or myself for it to run on Comic Related. You come to me with a Press Release, I'll do my best to get it ready to roll in a timely manner on Comic Related. I'm not devoting the time I was to these things anymore, but I am still here to lend a hand should it be needed. I am solely refocusing almost everything I have on the Ghastly Awards and Monsters & Metal. Along with Family, Work and Fun. Plus this board game project is going to really take up some time.

That really sums it all up. Like I said, I am still here, I am just not going to be putting myself/my words out there anymore. For now DecapitatedDan.com will stay up. I'm not sure for how long, I might just shift funds and switch it back to the Blogspot address, but the archives will always be here.

6 Years of doing this stuff, and it's harder than HELL to walk away from some of it. I have loved every minute of doing and I just want to thank some people. I'm not intentionally trying to miss anyone here, but if I do miss you I'm sorry:
My wife Amy, without her help and support none of this would have ever happened.
Peter Normanton, Rob Caprilozzi, Gid Freeman, Aron White, Jeff Jackson, Andy Liegl, Chuck Moore, Brant Fowler, John Wilson, Dirk Manning, Dave Elliot, Douglas Paszkiewicz, Aub Driver, Rondal Scott, Billy Dunleavy, Steve Banes, Mike Howlett, Lonnie Nadler, Mykal Banta, Spaced, Bree Ogden, Denise Dutton, Daniel Viney, Rachel Deering, Pedro, Richard Katterjohn, Gary Reed, Buz Hasson (for the AWESOME retirement image) and anyone else who was there along the way to make all of these things a reality and possibility. Oh... and John McClane.

Thanks Everyone!

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Avatar Press' New Releases for 12/3/14:

Crossed +100 #1

Alan Moore returns to monthly comics in epic fashion with Crossed+100!  Set 100 years in the future, Moore has created a whole new world and history with a stunning attention to detail.  Examining how civilizations rebuild and how generations grow, Moore weaves a rich tapestry of humanity evolving under extreme hardship, all of which is lushly rendered by Gabriel (Ferals) Andrade.  Archivist Future Taylor leads a salvage team working to rebuild the historical record of the original Crossed outbreak.  She’s seen them in videos, but never any live ones, the Crossed are part of the distant past.  Until suddenly, a handful appear, and the blood begins to flow.  All is not as it seems as a horrific mystery unfolds and once again Alan Moore redefines the medium.

Crossed: Badlands #67

David Lapham delivers a violent and bloody tale of revenge that can’t be quelled.  When a man’s world and family are systematically destroyed in front of him, something snaps inside.  And once that dam holding back the insanity is gone, he is capable of anything.  Now his sole purpose is make the man that wrecked his world suffer.  And the Crossed are just another obstacle to overcome on the way to revenge.  Available with Regular and Red Crossed covers by Jacen Burrows, Wraparound and Fatal Fantasy covers by Michael DiPascale, and a Torture cover by German Erramouspe.

Dark Gods #2

Justin Jordan unleashes a vision of bleak horror as the group known as the Storm tries to hold back the forces that claw at your nightmares. This is the return of the Dark Gods! Tiamet has her children spreading carnage and preparing for her return! Available with Wraparound cover from series artist German Erramouspe, sultry Siren cover from Christian Zanier, Regular and a Fully-Painted Deity cover by Michael DiPascale, and a special Nightmare Retailer Order Incentive cover also by Zanier.

Extinction Parade: War #5

The final issue of the second series epic conflict erupts into a super-size issue as the Army of the Bloodline is finally revealed! The war between Vampires and Zombies reaches a critical point as the long rumored Vampire army is finally assembled, preparing for a way to end this War. New York Times Bestselling Author MAX BROOKS pushes the limits of modern horror to the breaking point in this pivotal chapter in his epic tale of undead class battle. Extinction Parade will return in 2015 with the third, and final chapter of the most epic conflict ever! Available with Regular, Wraparound, End of a Species, Leather (limited to just 1000 copies), and Bloodwashed and Pure Art Retailer Order Incentive covers, all by series artist Raulo Caceres.

Uber #20

1945. Days before the fall of Berlin, a secret German program for manufacturing enhanced humans turns certain defeat into unlikely victory and starts a whole new chapter in the World War. Most recently, England looses a leader in a terror attack on London, and the latest German technology is used to resume the naval blockade against the Allies. The hope is the Allies’ own technological edge – Heavy Panzermensch – will be enough to turn the land war. And then it’s revealed the Germans have them too… Kieron Gillen has captivated the comics’ community as the misery of super human warfare continues to unfold. Available with Regular, Wraparound, War Crimes, and Blitzkrieg covers by Caanan White and a Propaganda Poster cover by Michael DiPascale.

War Stories #3

War is horror.  And no one knows how to chronicle the bitter and bloody corners of conflict than Garth Ennis.  Is this final chapter of the first arc, the brave bomber pilots have to suffer through the worst kind of Hell to carry out their mission.  Or die trying.  Available with Regular, Wraparound, Good Girl Nose Art, and Battle Damage Retailer Incentive covers by Matt Martin.

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On Saturday 19th November P M Buchan and R G B’s Love Will Tear Us Apart will launch at Table 187 in New Dock Hall at Thought Bubble Sequential Arts Festival, in Leeds, UK.

Love Will Tear Us Apart is a 48-page adult horror anthology, created by P M Buchan (BLACKOUT,
La Belle Dame Sans Merci) and debut comic artist R G B, tackling themes of domestic abuse and familial responsibilities in an apocalyptic setting. 

This dark anthology contains the complete 30-page comic strip, Love Will Tear Us Apart, alongside P M Buchan's short story, Drinking Bleach Instead, illustrated by John Pearson (Beast Wagon, CULT), a rundown of the top eleven zombie songs of all time by Tomb Dragomir (Rue Morgue Radio, Tomb TV) and pinups by INDIO! (Raygun Roads, Stephenson’s Robot) and Mark Chadwick (Raygun Roads, The Electra Tattoo Company).

Speaking of the new release, P M Buchan said: "When there's no more room in Hell and the dead walk the earth, nobody will have more to lose than parents. My outlook on life changed when I became a father and Love Will Tear Us Apart examines the ways that our motivations evolve to accommodate the needs of our families. Brutally honest, and sometimes just brutal, Love Will Tear Us Apart is for horror readers that value emotional integrity over cheap scares."

Love Will Tear Us Apart launches on Saturday 19th November at Table 187 in New Dock Hall, at Thought Bubble Sequential Arts Festival, with a digital version available from Monday 21st November at http://pmbuchan.bigcartel.com.

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“I AM EIGHT YEARS OLD AND I KILL PEOPLE.”

Norman is a typical eight-year-old, living in a little old house with his zombie uncle. A fan of horror movies, he seeks to recreate his favourite scenes starring his heroes: Freddy Krugger, Jason Vorhees and Michael Myers. Jeremy, the new boy in the village, will soon join the ranks of the missing children... 

NORMAN VOL. 1

WRITER: Stan Silas
ARTIST: Stan Silas
FORMAT: 64pp – HC – FC - 8” x 11.1”

VOLUMES IN SERIES: 1 (of 4)

PUBLISHER: Titan Comics
PRICE: $10.99/$12.99 CAN/£9.99 UK

ISBN: 9781782762393

RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2015

DIAMOND ORDER CODE: NOV141651

"GORE-Geous artwork, combined with a "KILLER" story, make this book a must read!"
Decapitated Dan, Comic Related

"Frantic, horrific and relentlessly, gleefully, a hundred percent ON all the time."
Alasdair Stuart, SciFi Now

"It's weird. It's hilarious. And I loved every page of it."
Comic Bastards

A Is For Arterial Spray! B Is For Blood-Soaked! C Is For Corpses!

Eight years old. Blonde-haired elementary school psychopath. Looks so cute while burying his eviscerated friends in the sandbox. With humor as black as dried blood, Norman looks set to join the padded-cell pantheon of murderous lunatics – and this time he’s bringing his lunch money!

Norman Vol. 1 hits comic stores on March 4, 2015 and is available to pre-order now from your local comic store using Diamond order code: NOV141651.

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Norman Vol. 1
On Sale: March 4, 2015 
Writer & Artist: Stan Silas 

Synopsis:
A IS FOR ARTERIAL SPRAY! B IS FOR BLOOD-SOAKED! C IS FOR CORPSES!  Eight years old. Blonde-haired elementary school psychopath. Looks so cute while burying his eviscerated friends in the sandbox.  With humor as black as dried blood, Norman looks set to join the padded-cell pantheon of murderous lunatics – and this time he’s bringing his lunch money!

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Norman Vol. 1
On Sale: March 4, 2015 
Writer & Artist: Stan Silas 

Synopsis:
A IS FOR ARTERIAL SPRAY! B IS FOR BLOOD-SOAKED! C IS FOR CORPSES!  Eight years old. Blonde-haired elementary school psychopath. Looks so cute while burying his eviscerated friends in the sandbox.  With humor as black as dried blood, Norman looks set to join the padded-cell pantheon of murderous lunatics – and this time he’s bringing his lunch money!

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Avatar Press' New Releases for 10/29/14:

Crossed: Badlands #66

DAVID LAPHAM reaches into your skull and pulls your Crossed66-Regularbrains out with a rusty fork with his visceral and painful story of a man who has nothing left but to kill the person that destroyed his life. Who can survive in a Crossed Crossed66-FatalFantasyworld? The driven can. Hatred fuels survival when your life only means a chance at inflicting the same pain that you’ve lived with to the perpetrator of your misery.There is no help and there is no hope. There is only the Crossed. Available with Regular, Fatal Fantasy, and Red Crossed Incentive covers by Michael DiPascale, as well as Torture and Wraparound covers by German Erramouspe.

Dark Gods #1

Justin Jordan is unleashed in an epic all-new, ongoing DarkGods1-regseries!   Murdock leads The Storm, humanities last line of defense against the brewing Primordial Chaos and The Serpent, Tiamet herself!  But her children slowly emerge DarkGods1-Dietyahead of her return, as human-monster hybrids inflicting horrors in their wake. The Storm has to keep this bottled up, prevent the rest of humanity from breaking into panic, and hold back the flood of horrors that come with the return of the original evils, the Dark Gods themselves!   Available with Regular and Wraparound cover from series artist German Erramouspe, sultry Siren cover from Christian Zanier, a fully-painted Deity cover by Michael DiPascale, and a special Nightmare Retailer Order Incentive cover also by Zanier.

God is Dead #23

The new armies of the gods collide with the newly undead GodisDead23_Reghumans as the fodder for the fray! Mike Costa pushes the world to the limit as the raised pantheons engage in all-out GodisDead23-Iconicwar! And though Earth may be the prize for the ultimate victors, will a burnt cinder of rock be worth the heavenly wrath that has been unleashed? Available with a Regular, End of Days, and Iconic covers by Jacen Burrows, a Carnage Wraparound cover by German Nobile, and a special Gilded Retailer Incentive Cover also by Burrows.  

Uber #19

KIERON GILLEN has captivated the comics’ community Uber19-regwith the horror and drama unfolding in the enhanced human warfare of World War II.  As the war starts to slide in favor of the Nazis unstoppable Ubers, the Allies strike Uber19-Propagandaout with a desperate gamble.  They can’t match the Uber Battleships one-on-one, but maybe they can use surgical strikes against the mounting tide. Join the legions of readers as the misery of super human warfare continues to unfold.  Available with Regular & Wraparound covers by Caanan White, Propaganda Poster cover by Michael DiPascale, and War Crimes and Blitzkrieg Incentive covers by Caanan White.

War Stories #2

No one captures the horror and misery of war like GARTH WarStories2-RegENNIS!   The horrors of WW2 bomber pilots faced were so much greater than simply the enemy fire.  The mettle of a man gets tested in many ways in a conflict of that scale.  WarStories2-NoseArtEnnis proves time and time again that in battle it isn’t the technology or the weapons you wield, but the fire within that leads to the ultimate outcome on the battlefield.  Available with Regular, Wraparound, Good Girl Nose Art, and Battle Damage Retailer Incentive covers by Matt Martin.

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Avatar Press' New Releases for 10/1/14:

Crossed: Badlands #62

DAVID LAPHAM returns to the brutal world of Crossed with a crime story told both before and after the Crossed outbreak!  Lapham’s vision for the misery of the Crossed is unparalleled.  A father is pushed to the brink when his family is tortured by a horrific thug.  But then C-Day happened and the World changed. A mystery to solve gets much harder in a World of psychotics!   There is no help and there is no hope.  There is only the Crossed.  Available with Regular and Red Crossed Incentive covers by Gabriel Andrade, Torture cover by Rafa Ortiz, Wraparound cover by German Erramouspe, and Fatal Fantasy cover by Matt Martin.

God is Dead #21

Mike Costa has shown us the second coming of the god wars and brought back the risen savior of Christianity only to see the world continue to evolve into a haven of misery.  Now as the gods we thought were dead and gone begin to return for vengeance, what will stop them before they burn the very earth to a cinder?   Available with a Regular, End of Days, and Iconic covers by Jacen Burrows, a Carnage Wraparound cover by German Nobile, and a special Gilded Retailer Incentive Cover also by Burrows.


Uber #18

With the realization that the Nazis have pulled far ahead of the Allies in development Ubers, hope starts to fade and some greater gambles are taken with the few Allied Heavy Tank-Men that remain in hopes of turning the tide.  aDesperation is the currency of the hour with no end in sight to the horrors of enhanced human warfare.  Kieron Gillen and Daniel Gete spin a new chapter of fear and genocide in the pages of the most devastating war coming being published.  Available with Regular& Wraparound covers by Daniel Gete, Propaganda Poster cover by Michael DiPascale, and War Crimes and Blitzkrieg Incentive covers by Caanan White.

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Avatar Press' New Releases for 9/17/14:

Crossed: Badlands #61

JUSTIN JORDAN’s violent and miserable romp through the Crossed universe comes to a grueling conclusion in this powerful issue! Trust is a difficult thing in a world where violation is around every corner. But placing your trust in the wrong uninfected can lead to as miserable a death as one from the hands of the Crossed. Available with Regular and Red Crossed covers by Christian Zanier, Torture cover by Ignacio Calero, Wraparound cover by Gabriel Andrade, and Fatale Fantasy

 
God is Dead #20

Is there anything left for the world to endure at the hands of the destructive returned gods? Mankind has fought back and even killed gods but in the end, what chance do mere mortals have in the face of the divine? Death will gorge upon the souls being reaped beneath the vengeful scythe of gods spurned. Available with a Regular, End of Days, and Iconic covers by Jacen Burrows, a Carnage Wraparound cover by German Nobile, and a special Gilded Retailer Incentive Cover also by Burrows.

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Avatar Press' New Releases for 8/13/14:

Crossed: Badlands #59

JUSTIN JORDAN continues a tale of Crossed misery as that one flicker of hope turns out to be the worst person to believe in. There is no joy in a world of monsters. All that is left is to live for the sake of living and to find a way to swallow the constant fear that burns your gut like acid. And yet…amid the monsters the human spirit flickers but does not go out. Available with Regular and Red Crossed covers by Christian Zanier,Torture cover by Tim Vigil, Wraparound cover by Rafa Ortiz, and Fatale Fantasy cover by Matt Martin.

God is Dead #18

The Boys are back!  No, not those boys, we’re talking about Dougie and Ivor, the Dicks!  These two miscreants from Belfast are on a quest to insult every single reader of the Dicks series.  And with GARTH ENNIS and JOHN MCCREA together again you can bet that no horrific slander is left unsaid.  Join us on a journey through the bowels of toilet humor that will change the way you look at comics. Yes, we hang our head in shame.  Available with Regular, Offensive, and Classic Moment Incentive covers by McCrea.

God is Dead: Book of Acts Omega

The greatest assembled team of writers unleash all-new god-is-dead-boa-omega-end-of-daystales god-is-dead-boa-omega-divineof Gods and men in the biggest event of the summer! KIERON GILLEN unveils Alastor, the demon assassin who sees nothing but opportunity in the new order of things. While Gods are away, the demonic can play… JUSTIN JORDAN unleashes a pitch-black tale of evil as Pan decides to mix with mortals. And don’t miss the second part of the greatest murder mystery in the pantheons as MIKE COSTA finally solves the mystery of who killed God! The Alpha and the Omega, two epic tomes that you don’t want to miss! Available with lovely Regular, Iconic, and End of Days covers by series cover artist Jacen Burrows. Also a Carnage Wraparound by German Nobile and Divine and Pure Art Retailer Incentives by Burrows.

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Avatar Press' New Releases for 8/6/14:

Dicks End of Time #3

The Boys are back!  No, not those boys, we’re talking about Dougie and Ivor, the Dicks!  These two miscreants from Belfast are on a quest to insult every single reader of the Dicks series.  And with GARTH ENNIS and JOHN MCCREA together again you can bet that no horrific slander is left unsaid.  Join us on a journey through the bowels of toilet humor that will change the way you look at comics. Yes, we hang our head in shame.  Available with Regular, Offensive, and Classic Moment Incentive covers by McCrea.

Extinction Parade: War #2

New York Times Bestselling Author, MAX BROOKS delivers a new chapter in the horror event of the year! The vampire race has declared all-out war on the subdead zombie hordes.  Now blood drinking aristocrats stand shoulder to shoulder as they wade into the wave after wave of shambling plague that has nearly wiped the human race from the Earth.  But centuries of privilege have made the vampire race soft and dependent upon servants.  With the realization that the end of humanity also means the end of vampires, they attempt to do what they have never as a race been able to accomplish - learn new ways to fight!  Available with Regular, Wraparound, End of a Species, Leather, and Bloodwashed and Pure Art Retailer Order Incentive covers, all by series artist Raulo Caceres.

God is Dead: Book of Acts Alpha

The greatest assembled team of writers unleash all-new tales of Gods and men in the biggest event of the summer!  Two giant-size issues could only be kicked off with the biggest writer in all of comics, ALAN MOORE, as he brings a tale only he could tell - when his personal God Glycon comes to Earth!  Reunited with Facundo (Fashion Beast) Percio, Alan himself stars in a story about where Gods really get their power.  Then SIMON SPURRIER redefines a lowly cherub into maybe the most destructive of all the Gods, one who knows how to use modern human weaknesses!  And ongoing series scribe MIKE COSTA finally reveals the greatest mystery of the series - who actually killed God?   The Alpha and the Omega, two epic tomes that you don't want to miss!  Available with lovely Regular, Iconic, and End of Days covers by series cover artist Jacen Burrows.  Also a Carnage Wraparound by German Nobile and Divine and Pure Art Retailer Incentives by Burrows.  You also don't want to miss the Glycon Leather cover by Burrows or get everything at once with the Deluxe Collector Set!

Uber #16

KIERON GILLEN continues his tour-de-force masterpiece of war!  With the change in naval power, and new abilities unearthed, the arms race for better Ubers is on.  With Sieglinde on the sidelines and recovering, the Nazi effort is having to change focus, with horrific results.  Available with Regular, War Crimes, and Wraparound covers by Daniel Gete, Propaganda Poster cover by Michael Dipascale, and a special Blitzkrieg Incentive cover also by Gete.

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What the hell is kickstarter anyway?

If you are like me, you are having trouble keeping up with every stinkin’ new thing that pops up on the internet…and frankly are tired of learning the new crap.

Kickstarter though, is important and if you give a rats ass about books like Arsenic Lullaby, OR are getting fed up with the way the big two tramples, chews up and reboots it’s characters and titles just to squeeze a few dollars out of you.

Kickstarter breaks down, like this-  A person plans a project, puts all the info about it on a Kickstarter page…sets the level of dough needed to get the project done…and then, if enough people kick in, he makes the thing, the movie, the cd, the invention…whatever it is, and everyone who  pledged gets one. 

For the comic book industry it is just a tad different, and here is where it takes some explaining.  It becomes a cross between the pledge drive I described above and an online store.  On a kickstarter page you can basically kick in as much or as little dough as you feel like.  Since comic book publishers can  offer many different items, as opposed to a guy who has invented a left handed ice scrapper,  the publishers set different stuff you can get with each level of dough you kick in.  I am going to give you examples from MY CURRENT ( AS  IN NOW…GO THERE) page…as not only a shameless plug, but because it’s just a good example.  You pledge 5.00 you get a mini comic.  You pledge 10.00, you get the TPB.  You pledge 15.00 you get the alternative cover.  Pledge 25.00 you get a t-shirt.  Then there are levels that include several things.  This bring us to the obnoxious part,  Kickstarter doesn’t have a “shopping cart” option because it was set up for people trying to make left handed ice scrappers and build better mousetraps…not much need for inventions to have a shopping cart option.  SO, what most publishers do is try to make every conceivable package  and set them at different “levels” i.e. a t-shirt, a copy of the book and a poster is one level, and a t-shirt and book are another level, and a poster and a t-short are another level…OR ( in my case) instead of having 348 options, just telling people – if you want two shirts then just pledge the cost  of two shirts and tell us when the survey comes out.

The “survey” is actually an email full of questions like “what shirt size would you like”, “would you like just an autograph or shall I make it out to a specific person i.e “to my best friend Todd”, and my personal favorite “what is your address?”.  That’s right, believe it or not, Kickstarter does not send your address automatically…which has cause problems for nearly every single kickstarter page…if you learn nothing else here…please understand that people who set up kickstarter programs will NOT get your address unless you send it to them…and actually have NO WAY of getting it except from you.  Bizarre right?  Like , what other online platform that takes your money doesn’t automatically take your address?!

Anyways…another point of confusion is the “goal”.  People unfamiliar with Kickstarter often think once you reach your goal the thing ends.  This is not so.  A kickstarter drive ends on a specific date, if you reach your goal early then your task is to keep getting pledges and giving reasons for trying to reach them. Thus, the invention of the “stretch goal”.  A “stretch goal” is simply another dollar amount to try to hit beyond the original goal.  A stretch goal is usually paired with some bonus merchandise or upgrade of some sort for all the people who are kicking in.  Again, using my page as an example, The original goal was 7000.00, once we reached that we set up stretch goals…”if we hit 8000 everyone gets an Arsenic Lullaby trading card”. If we reach 9000.00 everyone gets A.L. collectable drink coasters, If we reach 1300.00 all the alternative covers get upgraded to hardcover.”  That sort of thing.  So you see, it’s pretty damn cool for everyone.  Books that would never see the light of day if they had to rely on the discerning eye of a large publisher get printed, and fans get books straight from the makers, and often get a lot of extra stuff.

It’s important. It’s important because it puts ALL the power in the hands of the comic book readers. All of it.  These kickstarters don’t just fund the books when they over achieve, it gives the publishers a nice warchest to pay for advertising, or for tables at conventions they couldn’t otherwise afford, and gives them cash to have at the ready if disaster happens or opportunities pop up.  Understand this, please, that kickstarter drives for book you like, or are just curious about…are make or break for those titles.  Every single dollar is important, because when you are not one of the big two publishers…having cash at the ready is crucial.  As an independent publisher for over a decade the hardest thing for me to get people to understand is that I need them to all order at once.  They get used to seeing me at conventions, or get used to me being online and accessible and figure they will just get it when they see me or at their convenience…which is reasonable, but crippling.  The printing bill is not an installment plan, it must be paid all at once, airline tickets, and tables at conventions must be paid ahead of time.  Indy publishers need the bulk of the orders at once ( I am repeating myself for a reason).  Look at the two pics below if black ink is readers ordering the book..what we need is something like the picture on the left.  When readers just feeling they can pick up the new issue the next time I am at their local convention, what we get is something like the picture on the right.

In order to grow, or even stay in business, you need the bulk of the orders all at once.  Which makes all the quirks about kickstarter worth it, because everyone one understands that as soon as it starts…the clock begins running out.

That about covers it.  Here is the link to my current kickstarter.  If you like dark humor, and really strange stories ( I mean really dark and really strange) go there and chip in. We have already met the initial goal so getting on board now means all the bonus extras I talked about.  However, if dark, weird stuff really isn’t your bag…you should still take a look because it is a fairly standard set up and will give you a better idea of what the hell everyone is posting about when you see “back this kickstarter” pop up on your computer screen.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/842916453/the-devils-only-friend-graphic-novel?ref=home_location

for a blog with answers to questions specific to the Arsenic Lullaby Kickstarter go here

http://arseniclullabies.com/wordpress/?p=1465

AND…for a free pdf of the most recent issue of Arsenic Lullaby so you know what we mean by “dark” and “strange” go here

http://www.arseniclullabies.com/kstrpdfCORE.html

Douglas Paszkiewicz

Writer/Illustrator

Eisner Award Nominee

Harvey Award Nominee

Comicdom Award Nominee

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