Blacking Out is a story of fire and murder in Southern California. The just-announced Kickstarter brings together ComiXology Head of Content and writer Chip Mosher, artist Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam!, Irredeemable), colorist Giulia Brusco (Scalped, Django Unchained), letterer Ed Dukeshire (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and designer Tom Muller (X-Men). The graphic novel is a smoky mystery set against, and inspired by, wildfires. As co-creators Krause and Mosher put it, it’s a neo-noir story where bad people do bad things.

As Mosher describes in the debut video, Blacking Out also takes notes from across the pond. Its 56 pages are collected in an oversized European hardcover format (~12.5″ x 9.5″) that’s meant to put the art first. Three years of work have gone into this book, across the entire creative team. Mosher writes that this long gestation gives every creator the time and resources needed to spread their wings without the pressure of an impending deadline.

Blacking Out is also a pretty safe bet. The book is ready to print already, and the campaign only exists to shore up funds for that final push. Apparently, that’s a mere $500! It’s no wonder the Kickstarter was funded in just eight short minutes.

https://twitter.com/chipmosher/status/1265325667945570305

Another benefit of backing a near-complete comic, is a quick turnaround. According to the Kickstarter page, backers will receive a digital copy of Blacking Out as soon as the campaign wraps on June 24. For more info, head over to the campaign page, and check out the official description below.

“Disgraced ex-cop, Conrad, seeks redemption by unraveling an unsolved murder during Southern California’s fire season. Connie follows a lone clue—a discarded crucifix—to unravel the death of Karen Littleton, whose body was found amid a blaze that scorched 10,000 acres. The search leads Connie to clash with the victim’s father and prime suspect, Robert Littleton, as well as hostile former colleagues on the local police force. All the while, Conrad combats his consuming alcoholism and fading faculties.”