As we near the end of another year, we present our last batch of crowdfunded indies for 2015. You’ll note that this selection of seven titles is unusually varied: from inspirational memoir to graphic novel, girl-power space adventure to hipster travelogue, we’ve covered almost all the bases.
Part of what makes crowdfunding platforms so great is how the masses can fund something that’s a little bit cheeky and out of the ordinary—things that might not be published otherwise—so we love the unique offerings these platforms provide.
SkyHeart Book 1: The Star Steed by Jake Parker
Funded on 12/4, the first book in the SkyHeart series promises to be an awesome adventure that comic fans are sure to love. Parker was a concept artist for films such as Horton Hears a Who and Rio (and more!), so you know before looking that the art is high quality.
Miyazaki, Star Wars and The Hobbit are all cited as inspirations for the series, which looks to be a pastiche of iconic high adventure and fantasy stories.
Heartbreak Quadrant by Barrett Stanley
Originally published online, Hearbreak Quadrant is a print “pilot episode” of the story so far in book form. The comic takes place in a futuristic space setting with two strong female leads who are searching the galaxy for things to salvage and sell, hoping to someday settle down into a comfortable life.
Writer and illustrator Barret Stanley has rendered the comic in a beautiful faded style that draws you into his universe. You can check out the online comic here.
Coloring Book of Terrible Decisions by Claire Siepser
We’ve told you how much we love coloring books, and now we’ve got a crowdfunded one to recommend! This book features various bad ideas and decisions (like “getting into debt” or “putting if off until later”) with an illustrated cast of cute animal characters demonstrating each. While the animals are very realistic and detailed, their environments are drawn in a more fun, stylistic way–overall, the book has a great visual and conceptual sense of humor that we think many of us will relate to.
My Spots by Marina V. and Victoria Usova
We love children’s books that contain a positive and helpful message, and the idea behind My Spots is brilliant: focusing on the variety of beautiful patterns and markings on animals, the book encourages kids to appreciate, love and own their birth marks.
Illustrator Victoria Usova has a fun, whimsical style, so I look forward to this book, which will be available in print and digital formats.
The Rolling Home by Lauren Smith & Calum Creasey
What could be more romantic than traversing across Europe in a small, vintage mobile home? Enter Lauren Smith and Calum Creasey, a couple who’s traveled over 80,000 miles in a Volkswagen T4 van.
Because they’ve illustrated and photographed their five-year journey, you can satiate your wanderlust vicariously through their book. Part travelogue, part inspiration to building a new life, The Rolling Home looks like a fun alternative to the day-to-day that you can keep on your coffee table.
she&i by Karen Gibson Roc
A self-affirming collection of poetry, she&i looks to revitalize the soul. We love the excerpts featured on the Kickstarter page, as well as the concept of embarking on a journey through the creative process in the book.
Poetry typically has the reputation of being undervalued in the literary world, so it’s a breath of fresh air to see a collection of poems backed by a crowd!
The Year it All Made Sense by David Alfred George
David Alfred George exemplifies the word “survivor” in many ways: he was in the casting for the TV show Survivor, is a cancer survivor, and embarked on a year-long journey to follow his dreams. Following his diagnosis, George took on a sort of bucket list of life experiences that taught him to stay “positive in the face of uncertainty.”
The product of this life-changing journey is a multimedia experience; the book features not only words and images, but video and audio documenting George’s experience as well. Proceeds will support the American Cancer Society, Livestrong and Movember.