About this project
$17,332
292
Reward Update!
If we make our funding goal by 1/5, EVERY backer will get a FREE 14-page Black Coat digital comic written and drawn by Ben Lichius! Spread the word!
The Black Coat is America's first superspy! With his network of agents, the swashbuckling hero uses his wits, skill with a sword, and amazing inventions to protect the American Colonies from the machinations of the British and the unseen dangers that lurk in the shadows of history.
The Black Coat first saw print in 2006 with the 4-issue series "A Call to Arms." Written by Ben Lichius and Adam Cogan and illustrated by Francesco Francavilla, the book received a great deal of acclaim from critics and fans alike. The first issue and trade paperbacks of the series have sold out!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE FIRST ISSUE FOR FREE!
In 2008, a stand-alone 52-Page Special was published that contained 2 stories featuring art by Gabriel Hardman and Ben Lichius. An Athena Voltaire cross-over issue was also printed that year and featured more art by Ben Lichius and Athena Voltaire creator, Steve Bryant.
In 2009, our second full series, "Or Give Me Death" was released, again garnering critical acclaim. OGMD was written by Ben Lichius with art by Francesco Francavilla and Dean Kotz.
CLICK HERE FOR A 30-PAGE PREVIEW OF "OR GIVE ME DEATH"
"When is the next series coming out?"
We hear this all the time. Well, this is it! We want to produce a 66 page graphic novel that will continue the ongoing story of The Black Coat. Ape Entertainment has already agreed to publish the book once it's produced. Ben is handling all of the writing duties and we intend to print the book in full color with the help of uber-talented Diego Rodriguez. Artist Dean Kotz is clearing his schedule and ready to get elbow deep in tri-corn hats and monsters. In fact, if we're successful, this book is next on his plate - which means we'll be able to go into full production immediately after the campaign is finished!
Leaving time for coloring, lettering, solicitations, and printing, we plan to have the new graphic novel complete and back from the printer by October 2013 if not sooner.
We'll keep things spoiler free here, but story-wise we'll be picking up where things left off at the end of "Or Give Me Death" and moving ahead to the American occupation and subsequent retreat from New York City - a turbulent time to say the least. The new book promises lots of twists and turns, backstabbing, sword fights, New York in flames, new mysterious monsters... and, oh yeah, George Washington!
We know we'll have a blast making this book and sharing the whole process with everyone who contributes, so check out the rewards below and to the right and see if there's anything that strikes your fancy. Many, many thanks to everyone in advance for your support. We're excited to have everyone along for the ride!
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“Black Coat is an awesome book. You guys present an earnest, period adventure with everything I like and no “decompressed” padding.
My kind of comics!” -Chuck Dixon (Writer -Detective Comics, Savage Sword of Conan) - “Black Coat has both feet firmly planted in traditional swashbuckling adventure and original vision- a great looking book!”-Mike Oeming (Powers artist, Marvel writer)
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“The Black Coat is one those amazing and unique books that I truly recommend for everyone – especially those who maybe aren’t normally into the comic scene.”
“This is stand out writing that dwarves most of what passes in the mainstream comic industry.”
“The Black Coat is part of the upper-echelon of family-freindly independent comics available!”-ThePullbox.com - “The Black Coat is by far one of the best period comics I have ever read! If you love the rich settings and the swashbuckling action of Pirates of the Caribbean then this book is a dream come true.”-Chris McCroskey (Komikazee.com)
- “Anyone that likes good action/adventure comics should give this a chance, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.” -Ron Miller (Indy Comic Review)
- “The Black Coat is a fine addition to pulp tradition and buccaneer fiction.” -Ray Tate (Silver Bullet Comic Books)
Any funding we receive beyond our goal will go toward advertising and promoting the book (convention appearances), but should we hit a few plateaus, we have more Black Coat goodness up our sleeves and would love the opportunity to put it into action.
- $24,000 - We'll add 22 pages to the new Graphic Novel, extending the story and allowing us the chance to dig deeper into the characters and themes of the new book!
- $30,000 - LOCKED!
- $45000 - LOCKED!
For more information about The Black Coat, check out the website, visit us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
- http://www.the-black-coat.com
- http://www.facebook.com/TheBlackCoat
- http://www.twitter.com/TheBlackCoat
For more information on our publisher, Ape Entertainment, you can check them out online at:
Risks and challenges
Each member of our team has worked on a number of published comics and fully understand the unique challenges present in the comic production process. Most importantly, we've all worked together in the past and know each other's strengths and weaknesses - and we're excited to get this new book underway.
That said, the majority of our challenges are financial and that's why we're here. Printing costs alone can derail independent efforts to produce a book like this. And even though our team is willing to make sacrifices - and already have - for the book, we want to make sure they can focus their time and efforts on producing the best work they can without the distractions of juggling a host of side jobs to make ends meet. Being able to dedicate ourselves to this project will mean a higher quality book that we can deliver on time.
Thank you to each and every fan, backer, supporter, friend, friend-of-a-friend, partner, and collaborator for helping us make this happen!
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Funding period
- (33 days)