Status Report!
Hey everyone! This is Jason, Kazu's lead production assistant. I know we've been quiet for the past few weeks, so I wanted to send you all a long overdue update on what's been happening at the studio.
On June 28th Kazu was admitted to the hospital with a case of bacterial meningitis. After 5 days in the ICU and nearly two weeks of recovery, he's home and resting. He's been completely cured of the disease and he's slowly getting back to being the same old Kazu, but for the time being he's taking it easy.
In Kazu's absence I've taken over everything production related and tried to keep things moving forward. Production on the book has continued, so here's an update on our progress over the last few weeks.
First, I know Kazu has talked a little bit about cleanup in these updates, but I wanted to clarify exactly what that means for you guys. Back when Kazu was first working on Daisy Kutter, he was racing through pages as quickly as possible in order to make extremely tight deadlines for each book. As a result there wasn't very much time for cleanup, so I've gone back over every page and removed errant pencil marks, specks of dust, and cleaned up the toning to make sure everything reads as clearly as possible. Here's a before and after example of a panel from the book.
The proofs for the book came in a couple weeks ago and as a result of all this work (and the 4-color printing) they are absolutely gorgeous. Everything is much cleaner, clearer, and sharper than it has ever been in print. It feels like Daisy Kutter HD. Needless to say, we okayed the proofs and the book is off to the printer!
We have also printed the bookmarks and have them in the studio. They look really great, and will definitely be a nice bonus for everyone with signed/sketched copies of the book.
Because we're printing overseas we don't have a clear picture yet for when the books will be in, but I'll be sure and update you all once I have an idea of when we'll get the books in and be able to start shipping.
WHAT'S NEXT?
So what's next? Soon we'll be sending surveys out to the backers with original art purchases so you can clarify which characters you would like in your piece. We'll also be doing a random drawing to determine which 10 backers with signed/sketched copies will get an original CHARACTER DUOS piece.
Once we have requests Kazu will start working on the original art while we wait for the books to arrive. We'll be sure and update with a couple pieces once he has some to show.
We'll also be sending a survey a little later on so you can provide a shipping address for your books. I'm going to hold off on this until we have an ETA for the books, just in case anyone is moving or needs to change their address before they arrive.
So again, I apologize for the delay on getting all of this information out to you guys. With everything going on over the last month it's been a little hectic here at the studio. The books are being printed and I'll be sure to update once we have a more concrete idea of when we will be shipping.
And thank you guys so so much for your patience and support. We promise the book will be worth the wait.
-Jason
1,791
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Funding period
May 8, 2012 -
Jun 7, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 44 backed
- Kazu Kibuishi 1336 friends
- Website: boltcity.com
Pledge $15 or more
497 backers
One copy of the book. Add $5 for international orders. Add $12 for each additional book.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $25 or more
93 backers
U.K., EUROPE, ASIA, AUSTRALIA - I made an error in my initial post for International orders. This is the ACTUAL pledge amount for a single unsigned copy of Daisy Kutter, w/ international shipping. For multiple copies, just double, triple, etc. the full pledge amount. For Canada, the previous post (domestic +$5) still applies.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $25 or more
850 backers
A copy of the book, signed by Kazu, including a small sketch of Daisy on first interior page. Add $5 for international orders.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $35 or more
217 backers
U.K., EUROPE, ASIA, AUSTRALIA - I made an error in my initial post for International orders. This is the ACTUAL pledge amount for a single signed and sketched copy of Daisy Kutter, w/ international shipping. For multiple copies, just double, triple, etc. the full pledge amount. For Canada, the previous post (domestic +$5) still applies.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $45 or more
54 backers
Two copies of Daisy Kutter, signed by Kazu, w/ a small sketch of Daisy on the first interior page. Add $10 for international orders.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $55 or more
6 backers
5 copies of Daisy Kutter: The Last Train, to share with friends. Add $10 for international orders.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $56 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Regular 5-PACK not available for INTERNATIONAL ORDERS other than Canada. Just posting this here as an addendum to the post above. If you are in international territories other than Canada, and would like multiple copies, please use proper international order tiers above.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $60 or more
26 backers
FOR US RETAILERS ONLY - 10 copies of Daisy Kutter: The Last Train.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $65 or more
11 backers
INTERNATIONAL 2-PACK - For international territories other than Canada, please choose this reward tier for the correct pledge amount, and NOT the one above. This is for 2 signed and sketched copies of Daisy Kutter.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $75 or more
9 backers
5 copies of Daisy Kutter. The first two copies will be signed w/ a sketch. Add $10 for international orders.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $76 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Above 5 copy pack with two signed copies NOT AVAILABLE for INTERNATIONAL territories outside of North America. Posting this here as an addendum to the post above.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $150 or more
12 backers Limited (38 of 50 left)
CHARACTER DUOS + SIGNED/SKETCHED BOOK - 5.5 x 8.5 inch piece of Original Art featuring any two of my characters (from any of my books), slipped inside of a signed and sketched copy of Daisy Kutter. Just send me a message indicating which two you want, or I will choose two at random. I don't do commissioned drawings, so this a chance to get one. Add $5 for Canada, or $10 for other International orders. The premium ORIGINAL ART reward below ($500 pledge) is 11 x 14 inches, on better paper stock, and I am spending a lot more time on those images (equivalent to drawing a cover for Amulet). Also, ORIGINAL ART backers will receive a CHARACTER DUOS piece along with their main reward. See update posts for more details.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $250 or more
0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)
SKYPE VISIT - We (myself and the rest of the studio) will do a 30-minute Skype visit for you and your friends, or students, or family. Plus a signed/sketched copy of Daisy Kutter, personalized to you or your group. Note that the delivery of this reward coincides with the release of Amulet 5: Prince of the Elves. See update #10 for more details.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $500 or more
6 backers Limited (4 of 10 left)
ORIGINAL ART - Original drawing of Daisy Kutter, plus a copy of the book, signed w/ a sketch by Kazu. Add $5 for international orders.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $777 or more
1 backer Limited (6 of 7 left)
ORIGINAL PAGE FROM THE BOOK - You can choose the page (first come, first served, limited based on availability), or take a chance and let me choose one for you. The original art will include a nice large print of the finished page w/ grey tones and a signed/sketched copy of the book. LUCKY 7 BONUS: One of the seven backers will also receive a new work of original art ($500 reward).
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
Comments
Creator Laur Uy on August 1, 2012
Thanks for the update, Jason and hoping Kazu get lots of rest before more work comes his way!
Creator ClementXVII on August 1, 2012
Thanks for the status update. I wish Kazu a speedy recovery, and take it easy!
Creator Dreamer2229 on August 1, 2012
Bacterial meningitis is nothing to take for granted. Glad to hear Kazu is getting better and on the mend. Be sure to take it easy and drink lots of fluids until you are 100%, we don't want a relapse.
And Jason, good job keeping things going.
Creator Suzie Q Sailaway on July 31, 2012
Oh wow, meningitis is just awful- I'm so sorry he went through that! I'm very glad to hear he's on the mend though. :) Thanks so much for the update! I wish Kazu a speedy return to health.
Creator Christopher Hull on July 31, 2012
Best wishes on your recovery Kazu!
Creator Antonio Garcia on July 31, 2012
Best of luck with your recovery. You convinced me to pledge for a copy of the book during the home stretch, so I'm sure you can convince yourself to make a speedy recovery!
Creator joko budiono on July 31, 2012
Take good care of your health Kazu. And take your time, we're not going anywhere Sir :)
Creator JayC on July 31, 2012
Thanks for the update. Given that I've waited sometimes a year or longer for some Kickstarters, this is not really even a meaningful issue. Take your time, get healthy, and then worry about the book.
Creator Kazu Kibuishi on July 31, 2012
Shervyn - I just realized that, actually! With that in mind I'll just be messaging everyone with an original art piece individually.
Creator Marc Holmes on July 31, 2012
Glad the books coming, but I preferred the "before" the "After" feels clinical in comparison
Creator Shervyn von Hoerl on July 31, 2012
I am so glad to hear he is doing better.
Also please bear in mind that Kickstarter only allows one survey.
Creator dave on July 31, 2012
Thanks for the great update Jason! Looks like Kazu's work is in good hands.
Creator Jian Shen on July 31, 2012
Get well, Kazu and best wishes to everyone who's working so hard to make this project happen.
Creator Christine - a.k.a. RiverbyNight on July 31, 2012
That is so scary. I'm glad Kazu is ok now.
This book is going to look awesome. I am very excited about getting it and do not mind waiting at all. I know things are in good hands with all you guys.
Thanks for all the hard workk.
Creator David Helmer on July 31, 2012
Great to hear that both the project and Kazu are doing well. I'm so very thankful that he's recovering and I hope everyone at the studio is doing well.
Creator Erich Lichnock on July 31, 2012
I'm sorry to hear of Kazu's ordeal! Rest well!
Glad to know there was enough of a system in place for work to continue apace even with that big issue going along. Really evokes confidence. Cheers for the update; it's looking good!