BONUS Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: BRAWL: Real Time Card Game

I have a confession to make. I actually own and original run deck of BRAWL cards, but I've never played the game.

BRAWL is a card game about speed. It's a fast easy fighting game designed by James Ernest and illustrated by Ryan Kinnaird.  First released in 1999 it was received with great reviews and multiple award nominations. Sadly It's publisher, Cheapass Games, went into a hiatus for several years, and BRAWL went out of print.

Over the years much of the Cheapass Games library was turning into free print and play editions on www.cheapass.com or picked up by other game companies. BRAWL however remained out of print.  Until now.

Thanks to the joy of crowd sourcing you can now own and enjoy BRAWL once again. With options to support some or all of the individual BRAWL decks, there's an option for everyone. As well you can get a copy of the game Gold Digger for only $1 more if you can catch the early bird option on the 12 deck offer (the 6 deck early bird offer is sold out).

Each deck has unique cards, strategies, and art. Which means you and your friends can all play and have a totally different experience.

BRAWL is halfway through their Kickstarter campaign and about 2/3 of the way to being funded.  So check out their campaign and consider backing it.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheapassgames/brawl-real-time-card-game

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight:Light-Earth #0

I've always enjoyed when genres cross paths and come together to make a cool piece of fiction.  Our feature this week is a cool looking blend of sci-fi and fantasy, where a powerful being tries to liberate an enslaved world.  The zero issue of Light-Earth sounds like it could be a great adventure, so head on over to the Kickstarter to join in!

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Tristan And The Cuddly Defenders: Out Of The Attic #2

We here at Geek-o-Rama have always loved and supported Tristan and the Cuddly Defenders.  There's a new project live and ending soon, and we'd love to see us all defend his right to another book being made!  Get your friends and march on over to the Kickstarter page to do your part.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Frankie Comics Plush & Issue 4

In all honesty, this week's feature project caught my eye for two reasons.  One, it had a cute kittie and that immediately made me slow down.  And two, it seemed like the same kind of fun that I've recently enjoyed in a couple cartoons friends turned me on to.  I'd really like to see Frankie Comics Plush & Issue 4 happen, so jump on over to the Kickstarter page.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Bullets & Angels: Rosary

In this dark and gritty Comic Book series, demon hunters struggle to repel legions of hellish fiends in the coming apocalypse, and negate the destruction of both Heaven and Earth. However, as the two forces clash, the heroes question their purpose, as their morality is pushed beyond their breaking points.

James “Ace” Hollister is a drunk, opiate addicted exorcist passing through Las Vegas, and by chance begins investigating the disappearance of nine young women in the area, all vanishing without a trace. Alli joins Ace in his cause, and together they look into the disappearances.

Bullets and Angels: Rosary is a bright, energetic new project from the minds of creators Brian Lee Byrd and Sarah Hollis.  What could be more fun than a couple of off-the-books demon hunters chasing down evil in the darkest corners of Sin City.  Angels and Bullets will present 12  issues in a TPB format, so NO WAITING.  You don’t get to the end of the first 22 pages of the story and then wait, and wait, and dread some more waiting to find out what happens next.  I am a great fan of this new format that is arising from the Indie comic scene.

The kickstarter features two videos, the first, a tease of explosive images from the art team that will leave you salivating for more.  The second video gives a more in depth history of creator Brian Lee Byrd, and his journey to create this book, with a few more images of the comic itself.

We are treated to the first five pages of the book on this kickstarter and they will certainly get your pulse pounding for the funding deadline and delivery date.  The 5th page is especially riveting to the eye.  Byrd’s script is a throwback to the tense noire style, with elements of supernatural horror thrown in liberally.  This is a not a drudge through the first 15 pages building the world and introducing characters and their foibles.  B&A is more like, hmm, it’s raining, look a grim figure in a long coat, the next thing you know the artists punch you in the face, while the writers were setting the mood.

Hopefully, one the stretch goals for this campaign will be Ace monogramed seatbelts, because I guarantee that you are going to need them.  One thing I love about this book already is that not only do we have a suspense oriented script, with careful plotting but a color rich art team that delivers in the areas that matter most in Comic Book publishing.  This book is dark where it needs to be, and bright where it doesn’t.  When lightning crashes in the right, you feel it leaping off the page.  Brian describes in his mission, that one of their goals is to pitch this to Image Comics (as well as other Indie publishers,) and I can’t see this book not getting picked up.

The wit and creativity of the writing team is illustrated in the first reward:

“I will add your name to a list titled "Awesome People" that I will frame and hang in my son's room. He will grow up having memorized this list.
As an adult, and a super hero, when the world is threatened by some immeasurable evil... he'll save you first.”

How can you say no to that incentive for just $1?  Other great incentives are personalized sketch covers, cameos, wall posters, signed copies of the first book, all the way up to a professionally framed original from the cover art.  It is worth mentioning that on the first day Bullets and Angels: Rosary had already hit 25% of their funding..  So get on the ground floor of this campaigns, at this rate there are sure to be some nice stretch goals defined.

This probably goes without saying, but I will note it anyway.  This is a bold work from original creators, paving the way for others, much like MacFarlane did with Spawn all those years ago.  As fans, if we want to see more great original work, rather than the same characters rebooted ad infinitum, we need to show these visionaries that we support what they are doing.  Before we can be inspired by their dreams, we need to show them that there is a market for their work, so get out there and back this campaign now!  Or Ace will be gunning for you!

Bullets and Angels: Rosary Kickstarter

For more information about Bullets and Angels: Rosary connect with the creative team on Facebook and Twitter:

Bullets and Angels: Rosary on Facebook

Bullets and Angels: Rosary on Twitter

And remember . . . You can’t have the fun, without the funds.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Martian Comics 52-Page Special

Like the endless universe it travels through, the realm of sci-fi has an expansive number of routes to go.  The feature project for this week explores a collection of 7 more of those adventurous stories in the Martian Comics 52-Page Special.  I'm always down for a good sci-fi tale, and if you are as well, warp your way over to the Kickstarter page.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: No Thank You, Evil! a Game of Make-Believe for Families

I have a confession to make.  As much as I enjoy RPGs, I’m not very good at them. There is volumes upon volumes of information to be assimilated.  Basic rules, advanced rules, rules for the different character types, rules to create your character. That’s just what the players need to know, nevermind the theoretically all-knowing GM! Why can’t it be simpler? So simple a child could run it.?

Ladies and Gentlemen: allow me to present No Thank You, Evil!

The latest offering from Monte Cook and Shanna Germain, of Monte Cook Games, is described as “a tabletop game of creative make-believe, adventure, and storytelling.” It’s not aimed at the hardcore gaming audience, but more towards their kids and families, or anyone’s family for that matter.  In fact the rules can be tailored to each players level of play, allowing young children to play, and well as older kids, and even adults.

The Kickstarter campaign has already funded, so this game will be happening.  The only real variable now is how much extra stuff will come with the Basic Box, Kickstarter Exclusive Box of Awesome,  and the No Thank You, Patience edition which gives you the PDF and all the updates and previews that the playtesters get starting shortly after the campaign ends.  There are some really cool upper tier support levels too.

The Kickstarter campaign runs through June 10, so go take a look at their website ( www.nothankyouevil.com ), Like their Facebook Page ( www.facebook.com/nothankyouevil ), and for the love of all that’s good in the world go back it on Kickstarter ( https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/montecookgames/no-thank-you-evil-a-game-of-make-believe-for-famil )

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Ctrl+Alt+Del 1.0: The Box Set

Among the handful of webcomics I have actually taken the time to read, one will always hold a special place in my heart.  Given that love for it, I am jumping all over the chance to support this week's project for Ctrl+Alt+Del.  I know many a friend who will also join in, and if you want to do the same, head on over to the Kickstarter page.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: SEPARATION, a hard cover art book by Tyler Kirkham

Art books are just a wonderful thing to add to your collection.  Whether you're an artist using it for reference and inspiration, or just appreciate the work, they're always good to have around.  This week's feature project comes from great artist Tyler Kirkham.  His first art book, Separation, is sure to be another great addition, so head over to the Kickstarter to make sure it happens.

BONUS Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight/Review: Aftermath: The Beginning

We finally got play the pre-production version of Aftermath: The Beginning, but it was well worth the wait. Developer and creator Nicholas Fong of FongoMongo Games out of Edmonton sat down with us and we were able to play a few games to try out some different gameplay options.

In short you're helping rebuild an isolated country after a disaster, and the role you play gives you abilities that can define your approach. You want to gain influence and control to help you with the rebuilding, but there are many roads to the endgame, some more morally...questionable...than others.

Aftermath is quick to pick up, and moves rapidly around the board. There is always interaction, even when it isn't your turn. It's one of the few games I've played where increasing the number of players doesn't slow the game down, and in some cases can even speed it up. Initiative order changes every turn as players bid resources for control, and determining the winner usually comes down to the last turn as areas and influence shift back and forth.

Some players are on the side of law and order, while others are starting fires and spreading disease to undermine other players...that they plan to put out or cure later to gain influence among the population. Some roles work well in teams, but eventually it's every player for themselves.

The board is a number of interlocking hexagonal tiles, allowing for near infinite variety in playing area. Larger tiles are worth more if you can control them, with smaller ones being worth less. Sometimes a strategy can be picking up numerous smaller areas and letting the other players fight it out over the larger ones.

Each player role comes with a card that outlines that role's special rules, and tokens for tracking influence on the board.

Determining the length of the game is achieved by selecting the number of objective cards are in play, with a single objective per territory making for a 20-30min game, all the way out to 2-3 hours if the full deck of objective cards is used to provide multiple challenges for each territory.

There is a political aspect to the game as players conduct side deals and form impromptu teams. This is encouraged through the use of Publicity cards, which can give you boosts, or undermine your opponents as word spreads of your deeds...or misdeeds.

I know I'm buying a Kickstarter copy of my own with the expansions because I see this being a staple of our gaming group. It's flexible, fast, fun, and has a great table dynamic so people don't get bored waiting for other players to take their turns.

Be sure to check out the Kickstarter while there is still time!

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: RUSH Toons by Fantoons

Not every comic out there is based on monsters, superheroes and all things fictional.  This week's feature project is a perfect example of that and one I'm personally interested in.  There are tons of Rush fans out there, and if you're one, you'll want to check out the RUSH Toons by Fantoons project at Kickstarter,

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Molly Danger Book Two

The long awaited second book in the series seeks crowd funding.

New York- It’s been a long time coming and now the time has come. Creator Jamal Igle has launched a new Kickstarter campaign to fund production of the second book in the Molly Danger series. Igle, a 27-year veteran of the comic book industry launched the Molly Danger series three years ago with a Kickstarter campaign for the first book, raising $50,000 dollars. Igle is now looking to match the original funding to produce not only the European style graphic album, a massive 9 x12 inch hardcover book, but fund the production of the second full cast audio adaptation. The Audiocomics Company, the “Audie” award winning, full-cast “audio movies” producer responsible for the award winning adaptation of Josh Finney’s Titanium Rain graphic novel, will produce the audio book. Molly Danger will also be available digitally on Comixology.com utilizing their guided view technology.

Created by Igle, Molly Danger is the story of Molly, a 10-year-old superhero who has been 10 years old for over two decades. While loved by the public and a virtual star, she’s lived a sheltered and protected life until a new member of her support team, Austin Briggs and his stepson Brian enter her life. The new book picks up 9 months after the first book ended, as the mysterious creator of Molly’s enemies, the Supermechs, returns to wreck havoc in Molly’s hometown of Coopersville N.Y. Igle will once again write and pencil the new book, with inks by Juan Castro (Sensation Comics, G.I.Joe).

The Audiocomics production will feature a full cast audio production featuring the voices of Robin Miles (Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal intent), William Dufris (Bob the Builder, Lupin the 3rd) and Lance Roger Axt (The Perhapanauts, Battle for LA) and Olivia Duford returning as Molly Danger.

The campaign is now live and running at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mollydanger/molly-danger-book-two-graphic-album-and-audiobook and runs until Sunday May 17th.
For more information, retailers can contact Vito Delsante at vdelsante@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.

ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business. Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment. Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis. Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gayle Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Dr. Oblivion's Guide to Teenage Dating GN Vol. 1

As we saw in a previously featured project of his, Jeff Pina comes up with some pretty amusing concepts for books.  This week's spotlight shines on the ever hilarious topic of love, specifically teenage love.  More specifically, that as shown in Dr. Oblivion's Guide to Teenage Dating.  To find out more, race on over to the Kickstarter page.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Hunter's Lore: A Graphic Novel

Not every knight in the epic tales we see and read blindly walk the paths of the orders they hail from.  Our feature project this week follows the story of one such man who fights for his own glory as he sees fit in Hunter's Lore.  To find out more about this adventure and to lend your hand in making it happen, head on over to the Kickstarter page.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Victoria Jr.

Sometimes you just need to take a step back from the action and violence and serious tone of a lot of comics for some fun and adorable ones.  The feature project for this week, Victoria Jr., looks to be just that, with a hint of the familiar.  This really looks like a wonderful first book in what will hopefully be a running series, so head on over to the Kickstarter page to help make that happen!

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Hades Awaits

This week's feature is switching gears up again and taking a look at a cool new film project, Hades Awaits.  Not only is the premise of a mysterious western awesome, but they have a great cast in their sights.  There's a lot of great people working on this, so head on over to their Indiegogo page to give them a hand.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: FUBAR: By The Sword

I love most anything with zombies, I really do.  So anytime a new project involving zombies comes up, I at least take a peek at it.  This week's feature is actually a new installment to a series I had previously been excited for.  If you don't know about FUBAR, now's your chance to by heading over to the newest Kickstarter.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Widow's Web

This one is huge folks.  HUGE.  A lot of you most likely know Raven Gregory and his multitude of fantastic books he's worked on.  Now with his new Broken Butterfly Comics (and your help), he's looking to get his creator owned title Widow's Web to the masses.  To get in on the action and see all the awesome rewards, shoot on over to the Kickstarter.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Ungrounded

Yes, this book has a team of heroes with superpowers but, not like most.  For example, there's a government agent werewolf bitten by an interdimensional zombie vampire.  And did I forget to mention the flying polar bear?  If that at least piques your interest, head on over to the Kickstarter for Ungrounded to check out more.

Kickstarter/Indiegogo Spotlight: Brian Pulidos New Lady Death: Chaos Rules #1 Graphic Novel

I would gather that most of us lovers of indie comics and even those who aren't know the name Lady Death.  She's been a favorite of mine since I was a teen and I still appreciate seeing new stuff come out for her.  Now we can all give Brian Pulido a hand in getting his newest project Chaos Rules out to everyone.  There are a lot of awesome rewards, so head on over to the Kickstarter page to see!