Courtesy of our Ellie Egleton we return to an old Broken Frontier feature on the site today. Back before the pandemic we would sift through all the many crowdfunding coverage requests we would receive here at BF each week to bring you a handful of the more intriguing, exciting, experimental and daring uses of the form that we spotted, along with some interesting campaigns we had found ourselves. These would be comics that both fitted the Broken Frontier ethos and that we thought deserved your support and backing. Let us know if you’d like to see this become a regular series again!
As Told by Rats and Be More Gus
The who and what: Emily Brooks Millar is a Visual Artist from Scotland who grew up within Millarworld and the MCU. Emily has since exhibited her work internationally and has worked with companies such as the BBC, Image Comics, Netflix US and The Big Issue. In the spirit of independent comic book publishing, Emily now brings to Kickstarter two brand new graphic novels.
As Told By Rats indulges the biographical stories of the Rat Pack, who are committed to a life of crime. This tongue-in-cheek exploration of behaviour and social issues depicts the worst decision winning… every single time. Over 120 pages, topics such as domestication, denial and getting rich-quick are uncovered. Each single-page strip takes us on a new adventure with an unpredictable end.
Rated: 16+
Be More Gus follows the everyday small pleasures of a nattily dressed chihuahua, Gus. This 112-page graphic novel takes us on a relaxing journey from start to finish, where Grandma, Grandpa, Worm & Joey often tag along. Gus made his debut in The Big Issue UK (2022), and is now looking to spread happiness further! Regardless of wealth or social status, each double-page spread depicts a dopamine inducing experience for us all.
Rated : All Ages
What’s on offer: The campaign offers so many fun rewards, from the two graphic novels to limited edition stickers, prints and the opportunity to own original art or character sculptures.
Why you should back it: We support women in comics and Emily Brooks Millar is leading the way with this incredibly unique campaign. There are no hidden costs with every pledge directly supporting the printing and distribution of the campaign’s rewards.
Over-Inkers #2: A Mental Health Comic Anthology
Cover art by Ella Field (@marmaladlee)
The who and what: Over-Inkers #2, ‘A Helping Hand’ is a comic anthology about mental health narratives, containing real stories shared by real human creative-types. It is made with the best intentions, to help its readers feel less alone. Stories featured include work by Beatrijs Brouwer – Ella Field – Elena Sirett – Eliza Wolfson – Elizabeth Gibson – Julian Payne – Julie Innes – Kes Whyte – Matt Beese – Michelle Freeman – Phoenix Moon – R. E. Burke and Rowan Frewin.
Comic by Beatrijs Brouwer (@beastlyworlds)
What’s on offer: Each reward is designed to be affordable with the PDF priced at £5 and the most expensive reward priced at £25 for a printed version of the anthology and an exclusive print.
Why you should back it: The campaign is so close to being funded but only has a few days to go! It is one of the few anthologies where creators are paid for their contributions.
CATGIRLS, DUNGEONS AND ZOMBIES! 3 Fantasy Adventures
The who and what: Here we have three brand new dungeon-delving, monster-fighting adventure comics by five independent creators who describe themselves as ‘queer neurodivergents’ from the UK!
Nyaegling by Bex Ollerton and Richard Bass
When Tabitha is broken out of jail by her best friend, Nyx, she convinces them to turn their rescue mission into a revenge quest instead. As they try to retrieve Tabitha’s stolen sword and things get progressively more perilous, the cracks in their teamwork start to show and the pair wonder if the cost of retrieving Nyaegling is too great.
Nyaegling is a 70+ page beautiful fantasy adventure that tells the story of what can happen to a friendship when ambition and selfishness take precedent over wellbeing.
My Level 5 Party Doesn’t Get Along by Sho Healey and Ryley
Looking for a place to spend the night, a band of reluctant adventurers sets up camp in a crumbling ruin. Sure, it’s probably haunted, but the group has other concerns. They might not be actively trying to kill each other, but friendship feels a long way off… so perhaps a bit of dungeon delving is exactly what everyone needs. Will the gang survive undead hoards, troubling colonial legacies, as well as scheduling issues and patchy internet connections?
Sho Heaney and Ryley are coming together to bring you over 100 pages of sharp, dramatic, and always funny D&D escapades!
A Hole New World by Julie Mapes
A grumpy punk wakes up in a morgue with a hole in her chest. She now has to deal with an unnerving quantity of disembodied voices and the merging of two dimensions. All she wanted was revenge.
For fans of Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach, A Hole New World is a 60+ page violent but fun romp through a world of monsters with a messy queer zombie protagonist.
What’s on offer: All three comics are available as either a PDF or printed. There is a retailer exclusive package and a merch bundle also available.
Why you should back it: This campaign reminds me so much of summers spent playing D&D with friends. It is a joy to bring those memories back.
POP !NK Magazine
The who and what: POP !NK Magazine is an independent comic magazine aimed at teenagers and creative hobbyists. Its mission is to inspire creativity through entertaining stories, and enriching artist workshops. If you have an interest in visual storytelling, this is the magazine for you! Tudor Jones created this magazine as part of his bachelor’s degree in Cartoon and Comic Arts. It features work from students, independents, freelancers, and hobbyists alike; each of them is a driven creator, still honing and perfecting their skills alongside our readers. POP !NK is a platform to share what we learn and to entertain one-another with stories.
What’s on offer: Everything from a printed copy of the magazine to a behind-the-scenes package and an opportunity to have your name featured on their website.
Why you should back it: The campaign covers the costs of a limited print run of the magazine. Jones’ mission to reach and enrich young readers is real and so to make POP !NK accessible, it will also be made available to read for free online here.
Article by Ellie Egleton
