WOW! Time Flew!!! BIG UPDATE ENCLOSED!
about 2 years ago – Wed, Apr 13, 2022 at 02:22:59 AM

TLDR: more cool sh!+ coming soon! Stay with me!

First Things First...

The replacement trading cards are in, so I'll begin shipping out the replacement ones to those who purchased sets as well as anyone who received a Rook error card and notified me. Wo0t!

As of right now, 96% of Backers have completed Backerkit Surveys and have been delivered. There are a few last minute surveys that came in last week that I'm addressing ASAP and will ship them shortly. So, as of right now please consider this campaign FULFILLED!

Next Things Next...

Spider-Squirrel issue 3 production has been a frustration beyond belief, but thanks to my crew of Ross Hughes and Omi Remalante for stepping in to bat clean-up, the book is nearly done! WHEW! The FSK Team has this Kickstarter campaign slated for a May launch, so get ready!!! YAY!! 

I'm committed to delivering a finished product and will not launch until the book art is completed, edited, assembled, and ready to print. It's an integrity thing for me, so I hope you'll understand the delay. Thanks for sticking around with me on this journey!

Next-Next Things Next, uh, Next...

The good news about delays on this next issue is that Milestone #1 is completed (like: 100%) and ready to go. The Alpha-Elite one-shot is almost finished, too. Additionally, work continues on The Fundamentals (yes!!), and there's a really dope street-level story featuring Rook in a one-shot that I'm sure will lead to more stories right away! But, what about Spider-Squirrel & Trash Panda??

I'm glad you asked!

In-between my work (did I mention I made a big job change recently??) and my family schedules, I've been working on a special epilogue for the Spider-Squirrel Vol. 1 TPB/Collected Edition that will introduce at least one new character that will be recurring, plus I've plotted and started scripting the main story for a book tentatively titled, The Spider-Squirrel Annual #1 -- as to why that's tentative, well, you'll just have to learn more about that later, but don't let this teaser lead you a Stray... 😉

FCBD Book Signing Appearance!

If you're nearby, or want to travel to come see a dope store and maybe even get a glimpse of the elusive Me, I'll be at Gateway Comics & Toys in Fredericksburg, Virginia on FCBD signing store exclusives and talking comics!

Speaking of talking comics, I've had a great time giving lectures to a great group of high school students on comics, life, business, and how to craft a story, build universes, and express yourself through art & writing. Gateway has been kind enough to host these lectures, and together I feel like we're making small ripples in the pond of life for these kids. What a treasure!

Two Campaigns You Should Check Out!

(via Eric Bennett)

The first is from artist/creator FISH LEE, tha man who has done so much work for the Indie community including the art for the framing section of this very project. His own project, Greenzone: Life in the Blocks is now LIVE so don't hesitate, andgo back it now!!

The second is G-Man Comics current campaign, which features 5 books, including the launch of Sgt. Flag, Invictus: Outrage, Lynx, and Eric's own Taranis the Thunderlord ongoing series! Rik, Jim, and I would appreciate your supportthere very much. Oh, and did I mention that a Xion Universe character will make their first appearance in one of these books...?

Thanks for checking them out!!

Best always,

Charlie

Win Free Sh*t! Updates!
about 2 years ago – Sat, Mar 12, 2022 at 10:13:47 PM

CBCS Graded Signature Series SS#1

Send your fan comments, questions, complaints, excitement to [email protected] and you could win a 9.4 autographed and certified, slabbed Spider-Squirrel #1! I will pull a random fan's name from a "hat" (virtual randomizer machine) who will win this lovely! You can't win if you don't play!

Rook Cards

I approved digital proofs this week for the Rook cards that were erroneously printed with Captain Victory's data. While the printer is running behind due to supply issues, I'm hoping to have them in-hand by the time I return from my work trip!

Future Progress

For those of you who pay attention to my social media, I'm hard at work on books that are months out -- Alpha-Elite, Milestone, the Spider-Squirrel Annual, The Fundamentals, and more are all in-progress. So, once the final colours are in for SS3 that book will hit Kickstarter, and we'll keep rolling from there!

Thanks all!

Charlie

Shipping & Fulfillment Continues with Zeal!
about 2 years ago – Mon, Feb 21, 2022 at 09:36:51 PM

Trudging Through Fulfillment...

...this one is going a little more slowly than I expected, and for that I apologize. I've run into a couple of supply issues with my packaging (ordered after payment was received from KS - some still backordered), which didn't help, but I've been making alternative adjustments where I can. Regardless, I'm through fulfilling the big batches of rewards, now I'm just working on the more customized, individual rewards. I have fewer than 40 Backers rewards outstanding, as of this writing, and all of those should be in the shipper's hands by Monday morning (EST/GMT -5).

Just before I sat down to write this Update, UPS delivered those backordered Gemini Comic Mailers, so that's perfect -- I was using their TPB/HC Mailers for some orders just to keep moving forward. Some of the packaging isn't ideal, but I'm trying to stay on-pace to get your stuff delivered ASAP!

If you encounter any damages or missing items, please email me: [email protected]

Spider-Squirrel #3 Update

So, I tried a new colorist and subsequently had to terminate him. His delinquency has slowed this project down, and I'm still awaiting the final 6pp. On top of that, I've had to request the assistance of Ross Hughes to edit/fix the existing colors he did, which cost me more $$. Yay... The colorist was hired in June of 2021, shortly after funding came in from Spider-Squirrel #1's KS campaign. Delay, delay, delay, and once I received the final colors I was disappointed in so many ways. I'll spare you the details. Thank the stars for Ross! He's my hero! I fired the other guy and gave Ross the final 6pp to color. This way I'm not paying twice again, LOL.

Listen, I've no one to blame but myself. I let the guy slide on his delays for far too long. Maybe I'm too patient or nice (definitely not with myself), but whatever the reason, we're moving on without him. But, I apologize to YOU who were probably hoping that SS#3's campaign would already be announced...

FORWARD! Always Forward!

So, Spider-Squirrel #3 is still on-track to go live in March. I have two things to do before that: finish delivering you the rewards you requested for backing this current project, and collect & assemble the final pages for issue 3. I will not go to KS until that book is completely finished. Spinning directly out of SS#3 is Milestone, a 4-6 issue mini-series expanding the Xion Universe out into the stars and back in time. It's written by Vito Delsante (Stray) with art by Ariel Medel (Evil Ernie), Jagdish Kumar (G.I. Joe), Omi Remalante (Vampirella), and Full Court Press (Action Lab: Dog of Wonders).

Also, Milestone #1 is 100% completed! I'll be assembling that one for final edits this weekend, and then I'll get it ready for printing and digital delivery. So, as soon as Spider-Squirrel Issue 3 starts shipping, I'll announce & schedule Milestone #1's campaign!

~Charlie~

Trading Card Snafu
about 2 years ago – Mon, Feb 21, 2022 at 04:52:54 AM

So, somehow the bio & details for the Rook trading cards ended up with the Captain Victory data! 😖😖😖

I’m placing a reorder for just the Rook cards (regular & holofoil). For all Backers who ordered a trading card set, I’ll ship you a replacement Rook set as soon as the new ones arrive.

If you didn’t get a trading card set, but did receive a random Rook card (Reg or Holofoil), you can request a replacement by sending me an email: [email protected]

Simply put “Rook Card Replacement” in the subject line, provide me your mailing address, and send me a picture of your card(s). I’ll replace it no charge.

~Charlie~

PS — thanks to James for pointing this error out to me!

TP Plushies
about 2 years ago – Wed, Feb 16, 2022 at 01:50:52 PM

QUICK NOTE: If you ordered a Trash Panda plushie, please LMK if there’s a problem — any problem — with your item. I just received a Backer pic of their plushie missing his mouth!!

I reviewed the remaining ones and I have 15 more in possession that are missing their mouth stitching. I will replace your plushie at NO CHARGE to you if this happens.

Send me a pic of any damage, missing mouth, or whatever & I’ll correct it. I’m working with the mfr right now to get replacements for my stock. I have enough to take care of every Backer here, if necessary.

Thanks!! Charlie