Home Columns Comics Crowdfunding Round-Up Crowdfunding Round-Up: MARCUS WALKER: KINGSLAYER PROTOCOL, WORLDS BETWEEN WORLDS, FRUITS, and three...

Crowdfunding Round-Up: MARCUS WALKER: KINGSLAYER PROTOCOL, WORLDS BETWEEN WORLDS, FRUITS, and three more projects you’ll love!

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In this Crowdfunding Round-Up, we’re diving into a bold mix of projects: a queer anthology turned deluxe print edition; a magic-soaked dungeon crawl straight out of your favorite RPG session; and a 30-year celebration of one of indie comics’ fiercest antiheroes. Whether you’re here for creative storytelling, found-family fantasy, or premium cover art from industry heavy hitters, there’s something in this lineup worth backing.


Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol | A Kinetic Sci-Fi Comic

Creators: Katelyn Windels (Writer/Artist/Creator), Invader Comics (Publisher)
Goal: $5,000
End Date:  April 2, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $10, the Simone Ragazzoni cover for $15, variant covers for $20, or at higher tiers get the artist commission for $300, and much more!

A Science Fiction Drama with Manga Inspired Kaiju vs Mech Action! For fans of Ultraman: Rising, Big Hero 6 & Power Rangers!

I have a lot to unpack for this one, Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol already has more than 100 backers subscribed to its project page. That didn’t surprise me, especially when you look at the team behind it. The creator, Chris Yates, brings a lot of experience, whether from his time at The Walt Disney Corporation, the United Talent Agency, or the four different Kickstarters he helped market that raised over $88,000 combined. Then you add Simone Raggazzoni to the mix, known for his work on Power Rangers Unlimited/Universe, Robotech, and Kamen Rider Zero-One, and it makes sense that this team would come together to create a mech story. It’s no surprise the project is already doing well before release but what did surprise me is that this isn’t just a simple robots-fighting story. It has real depth and chooses to focus not only on the mech pilot but alos on his family and the impact his role has on them. The story explores what it’s like to live in someone’s shadow and the consequences of surviving in a city filled with kaiju. That’s what truly makes this series stand out. Make sure to check it out before its too late, this is one you won’t want to miss if you’re a fan of series like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gundam, and much more!

Check out our interview here!

Become a backer here.

WORLDS BETWEEN WORLDS: Graphic Novels by Jonathan Nkondo

Creators: NeuroBellum Productions, Jonathan Djob Nkondo (Artist/Writer/Creator)
Goal:
$7,500
End Date March 19, 2026
Goodies: Get a digitical copy for $14, get both digital copies for $23, one hardcover for $30, or at higher tiers get both for $59, and much more!

Two original sci-fi Graphic Novels by one of the visionary animators behind SCAVENGER’S REIGN

Scavengers Reign was a sleeper hit, catching so many people offguard by delivering a phenomenal story through HBO Max. It lit the internet on fire quickly, much of that due to the creative design and world of Jonathan Djob Nkondo, whose work as the director, animator, and many other roles helped shape its world. That brings us to his project, WORLDS BETWEEN WORLDS, in short, this is a project you don’t want to miss. Rarely do I sign off on something immediately, but with this creator, taking one look at the project page, Yet Nkondo’s work on Scavengers Reign alone is enough to make me interested in their newest project. Make sure to check it out if you love Sci-fi and amazing art. You will not be disappointed. 

Become a backer here.

FRUITS ZINE: The ANTHOLOGY for Fruity People

Creators: Peo Michie (Artist), Dylin Hardcastle (writer)
Goal: $8,741
End Date: March 6, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $14, Sensitive BUTCH TEARS T-Shirt for $25, Anthology BOOK + DIGITAL (Peo Cover) for $24, or at higher tiers get the fruits zine double tier for $35, and much more!

FRUITS ZINE is going physical~ turning our 2025 erotic QUEER comics & stories into a juicy printed book

FRUITS ZINE: The Anthology for Fruity People by Peo Michie and Dylin Hardcastle is a bold, fun, and proudly queer comic project that clearly knows its audience. It collects Issues #002 to #004 into one full-color paperback, along with the original written versions of the stories. That means readers get both the comics and the prose they were based on. The stories mix erotica, humor, horror, and romance, from a trans-masc monster tale set in Antarctica to a messy, funny church confessional hookup. The tone is playful, campy, and confident. It feels made with care for queer readers who want to see themselves centered in spicy and creative ways. The campaign is already well past its goal, the support is there as well as thoughtful reward options too, including limited Riso prints and special merch. If you like indie comics, queer storytelling, and creators who clearly love what they’re making, this one is worth a look.

Become a backer here. 

Sleeping Wizards

Creators: Iron Circus Comics
Goal: $18,000
End Date: March 18, 2026
Goodies: get the digital copy for $6 and the physical copy for $12!

A ragtag party of wizards & thieves brave a dangerous dungeon to free themselves, and find out what happened to Eliza’s missing father!

Sleeping Wizards from Iron Circus Comics really is a fantasy graphic novel that feels like a love letter to tabletop RPG fans. Written by Rusty Marcum and illustrated by Johanna Taylor, the story follows Eliza and a messy team of wizards, thieves, and one cat-turned-human as they fight through a deadly dungeon to learn what happened to her missing father. You know, normal party encounters. The setup is classic dungeon crawler, but it focuses on friendship, trust, and group chaos in a way that will feel very real to anyone who plays D&D. It is fast, magical, and easy to jump into, whether you are new to RPGs or have been rolling dice for years. Iron Circus has a strong track record with dozens of fulfilled campaigns, and that is apparent by the $9,000 raised and counting. If you enjoy fantasy quests, found family vibes, and comics made by experienced creators, this project is worth checking out.

Become a backer here. 

PAINKILLER JANE: UNCOVERED

Creators: Jimmy Palmiotti (Writer), Amanda Conner (Artist)
Goal: $24,000
End Date: April 2, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital tier for $10, the physical for $28, a signed copy for $36, the Bradstreet cover for $38, the Momoko cover for $49, or at higher tiers get the the Murphy cover for $60, and much more! 

A collection of 30 years of PAINKILLER JANE cover art by the greatest names in the business

Painkiller Jane: Uncovered is a 64-page art collection celebrating 30 years of the character created and championed by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner. Published through PaperFilms, the book gathers some of the most iconic covers and pin-ups from Jane’s long indie comics run, presented logo-free and remastered so the art can fully shine. For a remaster, the lineup is packed with well-known artists. Artists like Joe Quesada, Peach Momoko, Sean Gordon Murphy, and Tim Bradstreet each bring their own take on Jane, really showing how her look has evolved over the years. There are also brand-new, limited covers created only for this campaign, aimed squarely at collectors. Jane made it on the Round-Up because she’s had such a long publishing history. If you’re a fan of it, make sure not to miss out on this rare campaign!

Become a backer here.


For more from The Beat’s Crowdfunding Round-Up, check out our archived posts here!

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