I have resurfaced from my lagoon. Thank you for your patience as I traversed the sea of people at San Diego Comic Con. I’m back now and ready to give you the latest and greatest in crowdfunding projects. I won’t bore you with details about my life, let’s just get to the good stuff.

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1. AFAR: A Comic + Fiction Anthology About Distance

The Canadian Art Collective known as Tabulit is back with their second anthology on Kickstarter. AFAR will include the work of more than twenty collaborators to explore themes around distance. Distance can have a profound impact on our lives and relationships, this anthology wants to dive into those elements and take them apart. I like the idea of really honing in on how space influences and shapes the way we communicate with one another.

Tabulit was formed in 2015 as a publishing press but has recently reorganized into an artist collective. Now home to numerous writers and authors, the folks behind Tabulit said they wanted artists and  creators to be closer to the process of publishing. Of the anthology, founder and director Alex Park says, “We tend to believe that we can cover that distance with all sorts of gadgets and apps, but how much do we really think about how being apart from each other affects us? This book intends to explore that in all aspects.”

The Kickstarter has a complete listing for the artists and writers contributing but here’s a peak at some of the artwork you’ll find in the 125-page book:

Currently, the team at Tabulit is hoping to raise $4,975. This isn’t their first rodeo for Kickstarting either, their previous anthology, FURR was successfully crowdfunded late last year. This campaign is no-frills folks. You get the book with the possibility of a bundle for folks who missed out on the FURR anthology. Funding for this project will continue through August 21.

In terms of the team’s risk statements and challenges, I do wish they would provide us with a little more detail.’ A note to future Kickstarter folks out there, for new audiences or people who may be unfamiliar with your work, they may not understand what risks and challenges are associated with crowdfunding. Though it often seems like old hat to people who are used to reading Kickstarter campaigns, don’t assume the person reading your profile page has prior knowledge.

2. Sweaty Palms Vol. 2: The Anthology About Anxiety 

What? Did you think I wouldn’t talk about this anthology? Sorry, anxiety is my entire brand. I spent most of SDCC trying to think of different scenarios for how I could talk myself into falling asleep each night without stress sweating into my pillow and having heart palpitations. This beefy anthology is 320 pages featuring the work of over 45 cartoonists. Please forgive me for including a crowdfunding project that has already met its funding goal, I can’t help but believe that these projects are necessary to highlight. Helping others access their own mental landscapes and feel less alone is always worth doing.

The team behind Sweaty Palms Vol. 2 put so much damn effort into this crowdfunding project, it makes my heart sing. The first volume was a massive success. The credit for its success goes to Sage Coffey and Liz Enright who help edit and curate each volume. This softbound black and white anthology is largely autobiographical. You’ll see stories from cartoonists writing about their own experiences living with anxiety. Coffey and Enright hope this volume will help further destigmatize mental illness.

Here’s a preview of some of the artwork:

The rewards for this project are numerous and lovely, there is even an anxiety monster enamel pin which I am 100% going to have. For $15.00 you can get yourself the digital edition of this anthology, $30 will snag you the physical edition. Other rewards available include postcards, sticker sheets and a dope risograph print from cartoonist Jon Marchione.

In terms of possible challenges, the duo behind this Kickstarter acknowledge that shipping can often be a thorn in their side. To help prevent complications they have teamed up with a website to help streamline the fulfillment process. Funding for this project continues through August 4, and the team is still looking to meet their stretch goals, so do consider checking this Kickstarter out.

3. Agents of the Realm: Volume 2 and Volume 1 Reprint

First of all, magenta foil covers for the win. Second, a team of magical guardians who have to handle their first years in college and protecting the world? I mean yah, that’s what I’m here for. Agents of the Realm is an ongoing  urban fantasy webcomic about finding your own way, coming of age, and yes, magic! Artist Mildred Louis is the creator of this series and I simply adore her use of color. Louis has been faithfully updating the webcomic every Tuesday and Thursday since 2014 and it’s been great to watch her growth as a writer and artist.

If you aren’t familiar with the story, here’s a short synopsis:

Norah, Adele, Kendall, Paige and Jordan are college freshmen at Silvermount University. While they’re trying to maintain passing grades and a consistent sleep schedule, they’re also given the daunting tasks of being magical guardians of their realm. Now the adventure continues in Volume 2 as we dive into the tension between their mentor Jade and her corrupted twin sister Ruby Blackwater. As they try to navigate what normality is left of their lives, we also get a closer look at their enemy, Lindi, and the kind of corruption she’s planted.

Volume one of the series was successfully Kickstarted in 2016. This Kickstarter will offer readers a chance to grab the remastered volume one edition and volume two. That’s almost 500 pages of full-color content people. Signed book plates, pins, and stickers are all available as rewards. In addition, you also have the opportunity get yourself a cameo in the comic.

Here’s a peak at the proposed design:

Louis is hoping to raise $40,000 to pay the team helping her on this Kickstarter, along with covering the costs associated with printing and shipping. For $15 you can grab yourself a digital version of volume two of Agents of the Realm, $25 will get you the softcover edition of the book. Funding for this project will continue through August 15.

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Well, if you will excuse me, I must go swim in a vat of coffee. Until next week, be well.