A sci-fi comic book epic set in a post-digital world after AI bans advanced technology and rules from the moon.
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
Hello Dear Backers,
This morning our campaign came to a close, and I’m excited to share the final numbers: 169 backers pledged a total of $6,097 to bring TRANSLUNAR to life.
This book is happening! Next week we’ll finalize the files for print and production. Shortly after, I’ll share links for the digital version (for backers at the PDF level), and then circulate surveys to confirm shipping addresses and finalize postage.
Along the way, I’ll post updates as the last variant cover comes in, the files go to the printer, and fulfillment advances. Meanwhile, Magenta is already at his desk drawing pages for Book Two.
We’re excited for you to be among the very first readers to step into this world. There’s much more ahead, and we’re glad to have you with us.
More soon,
Ben
Hello Dear Backers,
We are just $64 away from full funding with two days left in the campaign. I can’t thank you enough for getting us this far. Your support has brought TRANSLUNAR to life.
And now, some exciting news: Paul Pope has shared the thumbnail sketch of his variant cover before he begins inking this week. Even better, he is raffling this original sketch to one backer who pledges at the Paul Pope Variant Tier or higher. If you’re already at that level, you’re in. If not, now is a great time to consider adding to or upgrading your pledge to take part.
I’ve known Paul for twenty years, first meeting him while producing the Semi-Permanent conference in New York. He was one of the featured speakers and gave an unforgettable presentation on the language, and even the literature, of comics. I had read comics before, but I didn’t truly understand them until I met Paul. I’ve been a longtime fan and friend ever since, and I’m thrilled to have him involved in this project.
For his variant, Paul chose a moment from the story where Dot and Garth attempt to resuscitate a defunct smartphone. It is not only useless, it is contraband, since they live in a world where this level of technology is forbidden. The scene is thick with tension and awe for the kinds of technological marvels we take for granted today, and the inherent risks with using them. It’s the perfect choice for him to bring to life, and I couldn’t be happier. I also love that he’s sharing his process at the thumbnail stage, and I can’t wait to reveal the finished cover to you soon.
We are nearly there. Thank you again for being part of this. Let’s cross the finish line together.
- Ben
More than ten years ago, I had the chance to collaborate with Yuko Shimizu on The Happy Film. She created artwork for a stunning animated sequence called “Worrying Solves Nothing”: a richly detailed visualization of Stefan Sagmeister’s method for falling asleep at night. The sequence was one of our favorite parts of the movie, but like many favorite things in documentary storytelling, it never made the final cut. Wild edits. A ruthless runtime. A complex narrative. Sometimes you have to kill your darlings for the larger story to survive.
When I began work on the TRANSLUNAR release, I knew I wanted to collaborate with Yuko again. Today, I’m proud to share the result.
Below is her variant cover for Book One of TRANSLUNAR, now available in limited quantities for this campaign.
This image captures our lead character’s quiet kind of defiance and the eerie stillness of the South Carolina Low Country setting. To me, it feels poetic, grounded, painterly. It invites you in rather than explains itself. And yes, it’s all about that big 'ol ominous moon up there.
Yuko penciled, inked, and colored this cover herself. You can now select it by choosing the Single Issue Variant Tier or The Collector’s Bundle. Quantities are limited and this campaign ends on August 22.
Thanks for checking out TRANSLUNAR. We’re nearly funded, and every pledge helps us bring this book into the world.
—Ben
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.