Backing Baako

Published Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:00:31 -0500

Last updated Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:56:07 -0500

For his sins, Joshua Carvey drew The Avengefuls for Boom. He's working on something else. He interviews himself…

WHAT IS BAAKO?

BAAKO is the story of a young girl coming of age in a world full of unimaginable terrors. She must find the courage to set out on a journey full of peril, loss, and betrayal and learn to overcome it all.

The story is inspired heavily on the fact that I have a daughter of my own. To tell a story with a strong female lead without the "physical" attributes that are so commonly attributed to such a role is of huge importance to me.

This is a journey of uncertainty: of knowing what has to be done, getting out of your comfort zone, building up the courage to take that leap of faith, and hoping you land on your feet!

BAAKO is a fantasy tale at heart and a culmination of everything I've ever wanted to do in my own book. The story is a mix of multiple genres and a place for my imagination to run wild and free!

WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT THE PROJECT?

Because I am confident that I can deliver a breath of fresh air into the world of comics. The story and art doesn't cater to a single demographic, but to everyone, young and old. BAAKO is something that is very dear to me, something personal and much more then just another action romp in some cliche fantasy world. Everything within BAAKO has meaning, the title, character's names and the story itself. I have been working on BAAKO for many years now, and I have done so with the utmost respect for the reader. Fine tuning each and every detail, checking and double checking every possible option in order to make this a book memorable. This IS my blood, sweat and tears on every page, and with your help, you will get to experience it all first hand.

WHY KICKSTARTER?

For the past 2 years, I have been working freelance in comic books. Freelance stuff is fun, don't get me wrong– I truly appreciate every opportunity I've been given. Kickstarter though, is my chance at doing a book without limitations. It gives me the ability to do the book how I envision it, and it opens up so many other possibilities. For example, being able to have talented people that I have come to know and love, lend their own talents to the project. As well as the incentives, like the "creature creation" pledge. These are things I feel I wouldn't have the ability to do if I were to take the project to a publisher.

The story is complete, but unfortunately, I lack the proper funding to really kick the production into full swing. I have started working on what I can between freelance gigs, but I fear it could be far too long before the book makes it to print unless I try an alternate route. The last thing I want to see it become is something that inevitably gets pushed to the back burner collecting dust. This is a story and vision that I have wanted to share for some time, and I have come too far to give up on it now.

It's not only my chance to do the book how I see it, but it's also a way to raise enough funding to complete the first book, print it, and get it in everyone's hands. Assuming the first book is a success, I look forward to having the chance to produce the remaining books, via kickstarter, and allowing the fans (YOU!) to be much more involved in the incentives for the next go around.

WHY DO I NEED $12,000?

After crunching the numbers, this is the necessary amount in order for me to accomplish all that I am offering. The money would fund the printing of 500 full-color 100+ page soft cover copies of the first book. It would also go towards creating and distributing the rewards to all of those who pledge. Last but not least, and I'm not going to lie, a good portion of the funding will enable me to take time away from my full time job and to dedicate my time and efforts into making this book a reality.

Yes, I could do the book in my spare time. But there is no telling how long it would be before I would actually be able to print the book. I feel I owe it to you, and to all who support this project, to get this book done in a reasonable, timely manner. Also, I want to be able to put my heart and soul into every page, making each one something to remember and well worth every penny you pledge: You have my word on that.

The projected completion, printing, and mailing of "BAAKO, Book 1", along with all pledge rewards, is January, 2014. Layouts are done, and I am in the process of inking and coloring pages, which I will complete no later then the beginning of December 2013, assuming our goal is reached.

If we surpass our goal of $12,000, there will be plenty of stretch goal incentives that I think everyone will enjoy! These will include faster completion time, buttons, stickers and all sorts of cool little extras, more printed copies of the book, a hard cover versus soft cover, a stand-alone sketchbook, and a plethora of pin-ups done by other artists willing to contribute their talents.

WHAT I WILL ACCOMPLISH WITH YOUR SUPPORT.

I will finish and print the first book of BAAKO, and deliver on all that I am offering you! Most importantly, I want to convey a message to everyone, showing that standing up for what you believe in means something; I want to accomplish the goal of staying true to myself. Lastly, I hope to set an example for my children, showing them that, in order to do what you love and to truly be happy, you must take that leap of faith.

Much like everything else in this world, you can't do it all by yourself: I need help. I need YOUR help. I want every supporter to see all of my intentions for what they truly are, and I will be as transparent as humanly possible in order to accomplish this goal. So, if any of you have any uncertainties or questions regarding BAAKO, please feel free to contact me directly at any time. I would be more than happy to personally answer any and all questions you may have about this book. Lastly, to all who have supported this project thus far, "Thank you." You have no idea the true impact your support has had on me. It is greatly appreciated. So I ask those yet to experience the BAAKO kickstarter for themselves, to please do so.