An all ages, classic style super hero story about a comic book geek who, after a bizzarre accident, actually gets REAL super-powers.
"When a young comic book geek, in a bizzare twist of fate, actually gets real superpowers of his own...he re-introduces himself to the world as LAZERMAN! But when he begins to see that the real world doesn't always work like it does in his comic books, he must learn that there is more to being a hero than just having super powers."
This is the concept my older brother Alan brought to me in early 1992. I was 14, and a comic book geek myself.
He came to me while I was drawing up some new character for myself, and suggested that we work together, as a brother/brother team, to make our comics a reality.
For the next 12 years we developed the book, the characters, the art style, and virtually everything else. We went through several re-writes and re-starts. By the time we published the first two issues in 2008, the book had come a LONG way from where we started.
Ironnicly, in that time, most of the "traditional" and "classic" heroes in the comic book industry that Lazerman was lovingly satirizing had all been re-imagined and re-booted for an increasingly cynical world.... It felt like Lazerman had become one of the only truly bright and optimistic heroes left.
Remember a time when super heroes were bright and optomistic?
Remember they were not ashamed to be "classic" ?
Remember when comics were lighthearted and fun? And you could actually give a copy to your child?
We Do.
This Is LAZERMAN! Defender of....uh....something.
-Chris Hebert, artist of Lazerman
THIS MAN, THIS LAZER: The Kickstarter
Since we hit our first convention in 2008, we've self published 7 issues of Lazerman. We've brought it to a dozen conventions in a half dozen states. He's appeared in the War of Independants crossover with the Tick, Madman, The Maxx, and dozens of others. There was even a Lazerman 6 inch action figure on display at NY Toyfair 2011. We've had a great response from fans of all ages and genders, and from all walks of life.
Unfortunatly, there's only so far we can go getting small digital print runs as we have been. It's time we took Lazerman to the next level. To do that, we are running this kickstarter.
Our plan is to collect Lazerman issues 1-4, his origin story, in a trade paperback...and to get this collection printed in a large-scale, traditional print run. The collection, called "This MAN, This LAZER!" will also feature 15 pages of extras, including pinups from Billy Tucci, Chris Giarrusso and Fernando "The Fern" Martin, as well as "behind the scenes" materials not seen anywhere else, including production sketches, glimpses of the never-to-be-published ORIGINAL draft of the story, and much more!
With these trade paperbacks, we will be able to get Lazerman into libraries and schools, as well as bookstores, comic shops, and distributers that we couldn't before. We intend to bring Lazerman's refreshingly lighthearted and fun style to an all new audience!
We've already got quotes from half a dozen printers, and we've determined that we need at least $6,500 to do a worthwhile print run.
So please support our efforts to break Lazerman into the mainstream! The comic book world is full of anti-hereos...isn't it time for a hero again?
Help us make comics FUN again!
-Chris and Alan Hebert
(Lazerman is all ages...but we figured there are some adults out there who would appreciate this cover)
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
As we mentioned in the video, we've been printing digitally since we started. This is a great option for those who are starting out, but the high cost per issue makes it nearly impossible to make enough back to cover promotion and convention costs, even when we sell out of a run! Not to mention it's almost impossible to offer someone a "deal" (lowering the price if they buy all four issues, for example) because our "margin" is so slim to begin with!
In order to break out of this sand-trap, we are looking for a "traditional" print run (ie, offest printing in large numbers). This will allow us to not only offer our readers the same stories at a lower price, but we will be able to work within distributers' usual "discount" standards...meaning that mass distribution is now possible!
In other words, we can become "profitable"
Over the last four years, we've proven that Lazerman has an audience. We've proven that we can have incredibly sucessful conventions. The last hurdle is the digital/traditional "sandtrap"...and with this kickstarter, we plan to break free!
FAQ
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Yes! If you want to get more than one reward, simply pleadge enough to cover all the rewards you want to get, select one of them when you donate, and send us a message telling us which other rewards you want. NOTE: If one of your selected rewrds hasd a limit, please select THAT reward when making your pledge. If you want more than one item that has a limit, message us and we'll make sure you get set up.
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The actual STORY is 97 pages. Plus 4 for the "Cover gallery", and then an additional 15 pages of behind the scenes material including concept/development art, pinups by Tucci, Giarrusso and several others, and a few more little suprises!
165
Backers
$6,827
pledged of $6,500 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Sep 27, 2012 -
Nov 2, 2012
- First created · 27 backed
- Hb Comics 4894 friends
- Website: twitter.com
Pledge $1 or more
7 backers
"Thank You Reward!" For your support, any support, we offer a special "thank you" via our twitter feed, Facebook, and our website. In addition, your name will be added to a special "Thank You" page in the finished Trade Paperback. Note: ALL levels of support will recieve this reward!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $2 or more
5 backers
"Lazerman #1 DIGITAL COPY Reward!" Recieve the original issue 1 of Lazerman in PDF form to your email!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $5 or more
28 backers
"Lazerman: This Man, This Lazer DIGITAL COPY Reward!" Recieve a PDF in your email of the finished Trade Paperback. This includes issues 1-4, all the behind the scenes extras, pinups, and more!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $6 or more
10 backers
"Lazerman #1 (Physical Copy) Reward!" We will send you your own copy of the first issue of Lazerman, signed and remarked by the creative team! Please add 5$ for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2013Pledge $10 or more
0 backers
New reward! Mario Gully Pinup! Own this 11x17 print by "Ant" creator and IMAGE comics artist Mario Gully! (Aka, OMG). Please add $10 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $10 or more
4 backers
"Chris Giarrusso Exclusive Print Reward!" This exclusive print of Lazerman is by "Mini-Marvel" and "G-Man" artist Chris Giarrusso! Please add $10 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $10 or more
3 backers
"Billy Tucci Exclusive Print Reward!" This exclusive print of Lazerman is by "Shi" creator and Eisner award nominated artist Billy Tucci! Please add $10 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $18 or more
4 backers
"Single Issues" Reward!" You get issues 1-4 of Lazerman in their originally published individual issues, each signed and remarked by the creative team! Please add $5 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $20 or more
25 backers
"Lazerman: This Man, This Lazer trade paperback Reward!" You get your own copy of the finished book! This collection includes issues 1-4, all the behind the scenes extras, pinups, and more..signed and remarked by the creators! Please add $5 extra for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $20 or more
4 backers
"Chris Giarrusso 3D Lithograph Reward!" An amazing 3D litho of Lazerman, by "Mini-Marvels" and "G-Man" artist Chris Giarrusso! No Glasses Needed! It's Lazerman, in the third dimension!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $24 or more
16 backers
"Lazerman Complete Series Reward!" We will send you all 7 issues in the Lazerman series in their original individual issues..all signed and remarked by the creators! Please add $8 Dollars for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $25 or more
3 backers
NEW REWARD! Mario Gully Variant! You variant cover for the more "mature" comic fan, drawn by "Ant" Creator and Image Comic artist Mario Gully (aka, OMG)! Your own copy of the "Lazerman: This Man, This Lazer" trade paperback. This collection includes issues 1-4, all the behind the scenes extras, pinups, and more! Please add $5 extra for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $25 or more
10 backers
"Chris Giarrusso Variant Reward!" Your own copy of the "Lazerman: This Man, This Lazer" trade paperback...with a Chris Giarrusso variant cover! This collection includes issues 1-4, all the behind the scenes extras, pinups, and more. This is the BACKER'S EDITION, only available through the kickstarter! Please add $5 extra for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $25 or more
5 backers
"Billy Tucci Variant Reward!" Your own copy of the "Lazerman: This Man, This Lazer" trade paperback...with a Billy Tucci variant cover! This collection includes issues 1-4, all the behind the scenes extras, pinups, and more! Please add $5 extra for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $25 or more
0 backers
"Chris Hebert Comission Reward!" Recieve a full color Digital commission of any character you like, drawn by Lazerman artist Chris Hebert! Or, a pencil-only physical commission, shipped to you! (Please add $5 Shipping for this option, and $10 for international)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $30 or more
4 backers
"D.C. White Comission Reward!" You get an 11x17 commission comission of any character you choose, drawn by Vindication Artist D.C. White! Please add $10 shipping for international orders.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $30 or more
2 backers All gone!
NEW: "Rick Lozano Commission" Reward! You get a commission piece of any character of your choosing drawn by artist Rick Lozano! Please add $8 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $30 or more
2 backers
NEW: "Fernando "The Fern" Martin Comission Reward!" You get a commission of any character you like by the AMAZINGLY talented "The Fern"! Digital delivery only!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $45 or more
1 backer All gone!
"Art Baltazar original Sketch-card Reward!" This reward is for an original sketch card of Lazerman, drawn by "Tiny Titans" and "Superman Family" artist Art Baltazar! The sketch is in crayon, and is super-adorable! Please add $5 for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $50 or more
1 backer All gone!
"Chris Giarrusso Original Art Reward!" This is for an origianl, hand-drawn piece of art depicting Lazerman by Chris Giarrusso! It's Drawn in marker and colored in crayon, and is super-adorable! Please ad $6 for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $65 or more
2 backers
"The Trifecta (All Variants) Reward!" Due to popular demand, we've added this option to get all three variants of the book! Get the Billy Tucci Variant, The Chris Giarrusso Variant, and the Standard edition! Please add $8 for international Shipping
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $75 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
"Original Art Page Reward!" Own an original page from the book! You will recieve a piece of original art from one of the issues in the trade paperback, selected for you by the HBComics team. Please add $12 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $75 or more
3 backers
NEW! "The Quad-fecta (All FOUR Variants) Reward!" Since we've added a new variant, we've added a new option to get all FOUR variants of the book! Get the Billy Tucci Variant, The Chris Giarrusso Variant, the Standard edition, and the New Mario Gully variant! Please add $8 for international Shipping
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $75 or more
1 backer All gone!
"Billy Tucci Original Art Reward!" Own the original Lazerman sketch hand drawn and colored by Billy Tucci himself! One of a kind piece! Please ad $6 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $100 or more
4 backers Limited (4 of 8 left)
"Your Ad HERE Reward!" Your full-color ad will appear in an upcoming issue of Lazerman or Vindication, published by HBComics! Have your own comic to promote? How about a Comic shop, website, or Blog? We will EVEN help design the ad if you don't have one!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $100 or more
6 backers
"Cameo Reward!" You will be DRAWN IN to an actual issue of Lazerman as an extra! Appear as a police officer, a thug, a Zombie, or any number of other possibilities!
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $110 or more
1 backer
"Retailer Incentive Reward!" FOR RETAILERS ONLY: You get 10 copies of the finished trade paperback, with the Billy Tucci variant cover! This version of the cover will NOT be made available through any other distribution channels! Your store will have an extremely limited edition, with a cover by one of the most highly recognized independent artists in the industry! Please add $12 for international shipping. $10 will be REFUNDED if we can hand deliver the books to you (Local shops/sellers only)
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $150 or more
1 backer Limited (5 of 6 left)
"Backer's Thank You Cover Reward!" YOU and 5 other backers will be drawn into a variant cover of the trade paperback, drawn by series artist Chris Hebert! In addition, this cover will ONLY be available to people who have selected it as a reward on this kickstarter!! This will be an incredibly limited edition cover, with YOUR face on it! Please add $5 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $150 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
"Original COVER Art Reward!" Own the original cover art for either issue 2, 3, or 4 of Lazerman! These are one-of-a-kind pieces! First come, first serve on these, so once you have pledged, be sure to contact us to tell us your preference of cover!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $210 or more
1 backer
"DELUXE Retailer Incentive Reward!" FOR RETAILERS/DITRIBUTERS ONLY: You get 20 copies of the finished trade paperback, with any combination of covers your choose! Mix and match from the Standard Cover, the Chris Giarrusso Cover, or Billy Tucci cover! Remember, the variant versions will NOT be made available through any other distribution channels, so this is the ONLY way to get the variants for your store! Please add $12 for international shipping ***Note: This comes with a free banner ad on our website for ONE YEAR!***
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $300 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
"Custom 4-Page Comic Reward!" Lazerman artist Chris Hebert will, at your direction, produce a fully complete four page comic for you! This comic will be four pages of FULL COLOR, fully lettered and 100% ready for publication! Have an independent character you've been wanting to get off the ground? Chris will either work directly from YOUR script, or develop a script per your instructions! You will own all copyrights and trademarks!
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $500 or more
1 backer
"The Whole Shebang Reward!" You get every version of the published book (Standard Cover, Billy Tucci Variant, Chris Giarrusso variant, and the "Thank You" variant), the Digital copy, the Chris Giarrusso And Billy Tucci 3D lithos, a comission sketch by Chris Hebert AND D.C. White, a cameo in an upcoming issue, an original page from the book, a Lazerman T-Shirt, and a copy of EVERY comic HBComics has produced (Including Lazerman 1-7, and Vindication 1-4). You will also get a special mention at the top of the "Thank you" page in the book! Please add $15 for international shipping
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
"Angel Of Kickstarter Reward!" This is for all those wonderful, generous souls who take one look at a kickstarter such as this one and say "I believe in this project! I'm going to make this person's day!" In addition to everything in the previous reward, AND our eternal gratitude, we will dedicate a future issue to you and/or a loved one.
Estimated delivery: May 2013
