The Aggregate is a post-apocalyptic graphic novel with giant robots, organically-engineered terrorists, and spider-cats. Yes, spider-cats, by Ben Bishop. According to what we’ve learned, Bishop is a comic creator from Maine. His first book, Nathan The Caveman, was a 300-page graphic novel that he self-published in 2008. This was followed by several other projects including, the award-winning, Lost Trail, Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness, which was published by Downeast books. More recently he had a short story in Archaia’s The Reason for Dragons, as well as cover artwork for IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. This will be his sixth self-published book, but the first with help via crowdsourcing.
Artist originals and prints will be revealed and become available throughout the campaign. If backers select a print reward, they don’t have to choose which prints they want until it’s time to ship.
- Nathan the Caveman. Bishop’s first book, the 2008 massive 300 page graphic novel about learning from the past and moving forward through your own history. (in print and PDF)
- Oh My Black Eye. A short, sad but true coming of age story about how Bishop received his first black eye…On purpose. (in print and PDF)
- The Shape of Sound Volume 2. A 300 page full color sketchbook including just about everything he’s drawn between 2009 and 2014, including a full 45 page preview of another book of his, Something Like Falling. (PDF only)
- Love Machines. A book written and created by Josh Trujillo about love and machines. Bishop has a particularly emotional 22 page story inside, followed by a great piece by JB Wolfe. (in print only)
See all artists’ prints and originals here.
- Video by Joel Desmond
- Soundtrack by Taylor Parnell
- End of the world edition by Eric Drzewianowski
- Character sketch commissions by Scott Kolins
- Portfolio reviews by Bon Alimagno
- Script critiques by Alex Irvine
Bishop has been making comics since he was 11 and has beem self-publishing since he was 18. He is no stranger to large comic projects, deadlines or shipping costs. That is why he is fully confident that if he reaches his goal, he will have no problem finishing the book, getting it printed and into backer’s hands. He has intentionally overestimated the release date to give himself a little buffer for shipping obstacles or printer setbacks (of which he have never had in the 10+ books he has printed with his printer). However, he would rather over-estimate and get goods to the backers early than keep them waiting.
In the event something is running behind, for whatever reason, he will be sure to keep everyone notified. No one will be in the dark.
This project will be funded on Tuesday, March 31, 2015.