When it comes to comics, some of the best ones out there are the ones free to do as they please. Creators who haven’t tied down publishers’ demands, able to chase their creative muse on their own terms. Big publishers make demands, and sometimes that causes comics to suffer. Plus, who doesn’t like to help out the indie folks? Here are the 10 best comics you can fund on Kickstarter today.
Pizzeria Disgusto
Alright, so this first one on the list is more of an art book than a comic, but you’ve got to check it out. Created by Michael Hacker, the artist behind several great pop-culture pieces throughout the years—from punk-rock album covers to beer posters—Pizzeria Disgusto collects 80 pages of wordplay turned into beautiful, Italian food inspired artwork.
Best Tier: The “Editione Speciale” tier gets you a signed hardcover book, a sweet pizza box case, art prints, an apron, and stickers, all for about $55.
Nico’s Fortune
For lovers of playful horror, Nico’s Fortune is right up your alley. From the creators of beloved indie comic The Games We Played, this comic mixes Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Fright Night, and Neighbors to what will likely be a great success.
Best Tier: You have to go with the “Collecter Pack” tier on this one. You get signed copies of both Nico’s Fortune and The Games We Played, plus PDF copies of both.
Native Drums
A genetically modified mercenary saving people and blowing stuff up? Awesome. Native Drums is definitely and action-oriented comic with lots of eye-candy. The creators have already enjoyed some moderate success selling the single issues on their own, and now they’ve compiled the first five issues into a great Kickstarter project.
Best Tier: The $25 tier will get you all you need here: print and PDF copies of the book.
The Beyond Vol. 2
I love books that feature works from many artists all coming together to make something great, united under a common theme. The Beyond does just that, bringing us a “350+ page black & white queer comic anthology.” With 27 stories from many artists and storytellers, there’s something for everyone here.
Best Tier: Like any other project that offers the option to pick up a previous volume, The Beyond Vol. 1 & 2 can both be grabbed on the $50 tier.
Robyn
There’s no simpler way to convey what this comic is other than it’s Robin Hood, but with a girl. This Kickstarter for the gender-bending Robyn not only features great artwork but really gets the character back out there in a fresh way for a new audience.
Best Tier: The “We Want You (In Jail!)” tier is probably doable. Gets you the signed comic, a coaster(?), your name printed in the book, an arrowhead enamel pin, and a print to hang on your wall.
Skies of Fire
Dogfights, never-ending storms, and warfare—if you’re into it, then you’re into Skies of Fire. The Kickstarter is for issues #1-4 of this beautifully drawn comic, and while you can shell out for all four issues, you can also just pick up #4 if you’ve been collecting since the beginning.
Best Tier: The $30 tier is the way to go, as you will get a print bundle containing all four issues.
Oh Joy Sex Toy
Whether you fancy yourself a well-educated lover in the bedroom or are looking to learn a thing or two, the Kickstarter for Oh Joy Sex Toy Vol. 4 is for you! It’s basically a book about exploring sex toys, written and illustrated by a married couple who love educating others about bedroom fun.
Best Tier: Two to recommend: The $30 tier will get the physical copy of Vol. 4, but the pricey $110 tier will get you physical copies of all four books! It’s kind of worth it.
Strong Female Protagonist
Here’s another webcomic collected into a volume, and a Kickstarter project that you don’t want to miss. It’s what happens when a couple great creators get fed up with how females are portrayed in pop-culture. Volume one of Strong Female Protagonist did really well and was even published through IDW Publishing afterward. The same is happening with Vol. 2, so while it will be in comic stores later on, backers can get it first.
Best Tier: The “Dynamic Duo” tier will nab you both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, so at $45, it’s really the way to go with this one.
