About this project
Peoplings is a full-length graphic novel by Courtney Angermeier and Jeff Benham, dealing with the integration of non-neurotypical individuals as full participants in our communities, particularly individuals on the autism spectrum. It looks at the history and current climate of special education through the stories and perspectives of two boys; Max, a contemporary kindergartner with autism, and a historical figure, a feral child named Victor D'Aveyron. Both stories are based on actual children. The work of Victor and his doctor, Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard, is widely cited as the case which gave rise to the field of special education.
We hope that Peoplings will provide an emotional and thought-provoking piece that will encourage readers to connect on a personal level with the stories of Max and Victor. We hope that this connection will extend out into the world and to the stories of other non-neurotypical individuals. We would like this book to be available as a resource for people with autism and those in community with individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as to build awareness among the general public about this growing issue. Many individuals on the autism spectrum avidly read and draw comics themselves, making Peoplings' format particularly relevant. We feel Peoplings is both important and timely given the rising popularity and awareness of graphic novels and what is currently happening in current legislation and education in this country.
We work separately throughout the week on research, script, and artwork and meet regularly to collaborate. We also consult with families, professionals working in the autism field, individuals with autism and Asperger's, and people unfamiliar with the issues raised in this book to obtain feedback and check our interpretations.
We are currently approaching publishers with Peoplings, while we work towards completion of the book. The book is 1/3 completed and is projected to be roughly 300 pages when it's done. We hope to find a mainstream publisher, but intend to self publish if necessary. If we receive the funding to work on it more consistently, we project that project will be done by Christmas 2011.
Your donation will allow us the time to devote specifically to this project (Jeff can quit one of his many little, crappy jobs), simply drawing in the studio, as well as to help cover materials costs. Thanks for your consideration and donation on this important project.
FAQ
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on December 22, 2010.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
For just $1, you will get a personalized haiku sent to you via email from Jeff or Courtney. Your name, or the name of someone you choose, will be in the haiku. You will feel very special. Promise. Every donor of any amount will be put on a list and, when the book is actually finished, will receive notification and be able to purchase a copy of PEOPLINGS.
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
You get a tiny four-page limited edition zine book by either Jeff or Courtney sent to you in the mail! All your friends will be jealous.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
You will get copies of BOTH limited edition zine books...Jeff's AND Courtney's. (All the people who only donated $5 will be jealous of you.)
Pledge $20 or more Pledge $20 or more
You will get a longer and larger hand-bound book by either Jeff or Courtney. (We will provide you with several options from which to choose). Your dinner guests will fawn over them
Pledge $40 or more Pledge $40 or more
You guessed it, you'll get to choose two books to be delivered to your home. They will delight your friends and your relatives will fairly swoon. I
Pledge $60 or more Pledge $60 or more
You guessed it, you'll get to choose two books to be delivered to your home. They will delight your friends and your relatives will fairly swoon. In addition, we will send you delicious, homemade cookies in the mail.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
You will get a signed giclee print of the page of your choice from the book to hang on your wall. This will make you an official art collector and we all know how cool they are. You will also get a complimentary signed copy of the book when we finish. And some cookies, zines, or little books in the mail, if you want them.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
You will get an actual page of hand drawn art from the book (when we finish), signed by Jeff. No one on Earth (except Jeff) has one of these. Wowzers. You will also get a complimentary signed copy of the book when we finish. And cookies, lots of them.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
You can have just about anything you want: zines, comics, chocolate chip cookies baked with love, free copies of the book, signed original pages, undying gratitude, our firstborn children etc.
Project By
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Jeff Benham is a freelance artist and arts instructor who works in multiple mediums and styles, from comics to critically acclaimed theatrical designs. He self-publishes handmade books and comics, and is a long-time member of 7000 BC Comics.
Courtney Angermeier is a teacher and comic book writer. She has taught for more than ten years and has worked with individuals on the spectrum both in one-on-one and in inclusive classroom settings.
