This week’s Crowdfunding Round-Up features a look into a future not so different from our own, a first contact years in the making, a ballad of cosmic proportions, and much more!

Scattered Futures: three short sci-fi comics (32 pages)

Creators: Ben Crane (Writer/creator), Martyn Lorbiecki (Illustrator), Jenny Fleming (Illustrator), Sierra Barnes (illustrator)
Goal: $1,000
End Date:  April 4, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $6, a personalized message in your book for $16, the physical copy for $10, or at higher tiers, get the retailer bundle for $18!

Three full-color science fiction stories of human connection in a harsh and fractured universe.

If you like sci-fi that focuses on people and not just big battles, Scattered Futures is worth checking out. This 32-page comic brings together three short stories about life in a rough galaxy where work is hard, systems are unfair, and the future feels uncertain. But instead of giving in to despair, each story looks at how people still find hope through family, friendship, and shared struggle.

Every story has a different artist, so the book offers three unique visual styles while staying tied together by the same theme of human connection. It also supports independent comics. The art is already paid for, and the Kickstarter helps cover printing so the book can exist in the real world.

Check out our interview here!

Become a backer here.

Dan Dare (Graphic Novel)

Creators: Alex De Campi (Writer), Marc Laming (Illustrator)
Goal: $26,743
End Date April 22, 2026
Goodies: Get a digital copy for $14, a physical copy for $34, a hardback for $47, or, at higher tiers, ai9n signed copy for $67!

An all-new reimagining of the classic British sci-fi adventure strip Dan Dare written by Alex de Campi with art by Marc Laming.

If you enjoy classic sci-fi adventure with a modern twist, the Dan Dare graphic novel is a project worth watching. With full blessings from the Dan Dare Corporation, this campaign brings the legendary British space hero back for a new generation with First Contact, the first book in a planned trilogy. Writer Alex de Campi and artist Marc Laming are updating the world of Dan Dare while keeping the spirit that made the original stories so loved. The story follows humanity as it takes its first real steps into deep space and suddenly encounters civilizations far older and more powerful than our own.

Become a backer here.

THE COSMIC BALLAD OF LAYLA + AIRY

Creators: Mira Ong Chua (Writer/Artist/Creator)
Goal: $20,000
End Date: April 10, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $10, $20 for the physical edition, the PDF/Physical bundle for $30, or at higher tiers, get the print set for $45!

An 18+ transgender boys-love romcom graphic novel.

This isn’t the first time Mira Ong Chua has made it to the round-up, and if you enjoy wild sci-fi comedy mixed with romance, The Cosmic Ballad of Layla + Airy is a Kickstarter worth checking out. This graphic novel follows Layla, an adventurer who accidentally transforms into a boy who looks exactly like the galaxy’s biggest pop star, Airy. The two decide to use the mix-up to their advantage, but things get complicated when their fake identity turns into a real relationship and Airy’s intense fan club begins causing trouble. This story blends retro space adventure, romcom chaos, and heartfelt moments all while great art fills the pages. Inspired by anime classics like Dirty Pair and Ranma ½, the book delivers a unique story to Kickstarter worth checking out. 

Become a backer here. 

Hybrid #1

Creators: Brandon “Cozmik” Gingell (writer), Luke Dockery (Illustrator), Paul Thayer (Editor), Sakshi Rao (Colorist), Nate Nielsen (Letterer)
Goal:  $4,000
End Date: April 6, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $10, the physical for copy for $20, variants for $20, or at higher tiers get the Luke Homage variant for $30, and much more!

Follow Cole, a man who lost everything, on his journey to becoming the hero Hybrid in this action-fueled 56-page comic book.

If you enjoy new superhero universes and indie comics, Hybrid #1 is a Kickstarter worth checking out. The story follows Cole, a man who has lost everything and begins the path toward becoming the hero Hybrid. The 56-page, full-color comic is designed as a clean entry point into the larger Project Naosis universe, so readers can jump in without needing to read anything beforehand.

What makes this series stand out is its approach to storytelling. In the world of Project Naosis, there is no multiverse and no timeline resets. Actions have lasting consequences, and the story moves forward in one continuous timeline. They promise consequences and lasting action, only time will tell how long they keep that up. overall, we cant help but be excited to find out just what that means. 

Become a backer here. 

Nerida Book 3 – A Forest of Thieves

Creators: David Lujan (Writer/Illustrator)
Goal: $1,000
End Date: April 2, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $5, the physical copy for $10, or cover variants for $20!

Being the third installment of the nine part mini series Nerida

If you enjoy indie fantasy comics, Nerida Book 3: A Forest of Thieves by David Luján is a project worth checking out. This new chapter continues the story of Nerida, a mermaid trapped on land after losing the cloak that lets her return to the sea. Alone and trying to survive, Nerida is led deeper into a dangerous forest by Sam the Cat, who may be helping her…or setting her up for something worse. The comic mixes fantasy adventure with darker moments as Nerida runs into thieves, strange magic, and the faeries that live in the woods. It is part three of a planned nine-issue story, giving readers a chance to follow a long journey as the world around Nerida grows bigger and more dangerous. What caught our eye was the stunning visuals, but there is so much more to see; we can’t help but recommend it.

Become a backer here.

Mini-Dungeon Magazine #1 — Tabletop RPG Magazine

Creators: AAW Games
Goal: $2,222
End Date: March 17, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $15 and the physical copy for $29!

Mini-Dungeon Magazine is a tabletop RPG magazine of one-shot adventures, creative tools, and experimental content.

If you enjoy tabletop RPGs and running quick adventures for your group, Mini-Dungeon Magazine #1 from AAW Games is a project worth backing. This limited-print magazine is packed with short one-shot adventures designed to be easy to run while still giving players a full story at the table. Inside you will find mini-dungeons written for several popular systems, including Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Pathfinder Second Edition, Shadowdark, and MÖRK BORG. The magazine also includes maps, puzzles, GM tools, short fiction, and artwork that make it fun to read even when you are not playing. That is the core idea, but what really makes this project stand out is how rare magazines like this are. Most of the time, you see smaller RPG zines made by indie creators and sold at conventions or local events. Those are great, but a full magazine like this, with this level of quality and support behind it, does not come around very often. Projects like this capture the spirit of the tabletop community, creative people building tools and stories that help others run better games. For fans of tabletop TTRPGs, this is the kind of book that can easily become a go-to resource at your table.

Become a backer here.

Accidental Aliens 2026 Noir Anthology 

Creators: Andi Dukleth (creator) 
Goal: $3,500
End Date: April 1, 2026
Goodies: Get the digital copy for $8, the physical copy for $20, the print bundle for $25, and much more!

Mysteries. Detectives. Femme Fatales. The Accidental Aliens are back with 8 new noir stories.

Accidental Aliens returns to the round with a whole new project. This time, their newest project aims to tackle what makes noir so interesting in a sci-fi space. With detectives, femme fatales, the anthology aims to deliver a whole new story for new subscribers. With multiple artists, work, and creatives, this kickstarter is one you don’t want to miss. 

Become a backer here.

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

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