THE BIG ASK

My next big project, spring conventions, a Curious Devil, and remembering my mentor.

Apr 02, 2025

The last time I crowdfunded something, it was one of the most personal, rewarding, and…difficult experiences of my career.

We were wrapping up a global pandemic (…mostly).

Things were…weird.

There were paper shortages, massive printing queues, and everyone’s favorite ambiguous phrase— “supply chain issues”.

But in spite of all that, it was one of the most rewarding, connective experiences I’ve had in comics.

I always planned on doing another crowdfunded project at some point.

Sure, it’s a lot of work, but, as I said, it’s such a community building experience.

Over the past year, working with my partners at IGNITION PRESS, we came up with a plan that REALLY excites me.

It takes the traditional publishing model and adds in a really cool element of community building, through Kickstarter.

Which brings me to…

THAT BIG ASK

I’m excited to officially announce that on APRIL 15th, I, along with my creative partners— artist Mike Tisserand, colorist Nick Filardi, and IGNITION PRESS will launch our first project.

And we’re kicking things off…via Kickstarter.

So why Kickstarter?

For the creative team and IGNITION PRESS, this is about connection— building a relationship and a community.

It’s an invitation to show you who we are, what we’re building and...hopefully get you as excited about this brand new series as we are.

And yes…I’m having to be a bit coy here.

See…we aren’t revealing the whole picture as to what this new project is until APRIL 15th.

It’s KILLING me to not be able to tell you all the title and all about it…but…I have to wait.

Now I can truly promise you one thing— if you’re a fan of my work, you know my heart bleeds horror and this new project might just be my favorite horror story yet.

So please do me a favor— my big ask—

HEAD OVER HERE

and be one of the first to be notified IMMEDIATELY once the project launches on Tuesday, April 15th.

We’ve made something special for you.

I think you’re really going to dig it.

PLANET COMICON 2024

I returned to PLANET COMICON in Kansas City this year and it was an absolutely lovely time.

With the new company and a lot of what I’ve been building I haven’t set up at a con in a while and it felt really good to be behind the table and connect with folks.

Since this show was over Spring Break, my son Owen was able to join me this year and we had an amazing time together.

He’s a great kid and a fantastic travel partner.

We also had the chance to spend time with so many great friends. I’m truly grateful for that.

How about a few photos from the adventure?

Thanks to everyone who came by and said hi, made time for dinners, drinks, and just…a wonderful show.

Let’s do it again next year.

CURIOUS HAUNTS EPISODE THREE!

EPISODE THREE OF CURIOUS HAUNTS IS LIVE!

I’m having an absolute blast making this show.

We’re three episodes in, working on episodes four and five, and have no plans on stopping any time soon!

If you enjoy horror movies, physical media, travel, and…the strange and unusual, THIS is the show for you.

CHICAGO BOUND!

I’m returning to C2E2 this year!

That’s right— in just under two weeks (AUGUST 11-13) I’ll be tabling at C2E2!

I love the show and the chance to see all of you, so I just had to make a return visit this year.

I’m going to be attending with my IGNITION PRESS Publisher, Filip Sablik. He hasn’t been back to C2E2 in years, so I just had to drag him back, with promises of the best food and drink the city has to offer.

Fair warning, I’m going to have slightly limited signing times this year, as we have several meetings and such that we’re going to have to attend.

I’m also going to have a fairly limited setup, so if you’re hoping to pick something up, PLEASE let me know what you’re needing, so that I can bring it along.

I DO promise to be at the table as much as possible every day of the show and will be sure and post signing hours.

So if you’re in the area, please swing by Artist Alley booth L10— right on the end of the row.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

REMBERING JIM BRAY

I had just finished guest judging a Comics Anthology project at the Kansas City Art Institute last week, when I found out that Jim Bray, the former head of the Missouri Southern State University art department had passed away.

By some bizarre twist of fate, I had literally spoken about Jim that evening at KCAI and been intending to reach out to him when I got back home.

I’ve been lucky, throughout my life to have a series of art instructors from grade school to college that had a big influence on my creative path.

Even among them, Jim shined.

He was a true mentor.

Even when it became clear that my time at the art department was done and I would pursue my own path in comic art, Jim took me aside and encouraged me.

I’m grateful for the creator, mentor, and man he was.

I’m sad to see him go.

I will miss him.

Still, his work and the influence he had over so many of us shines on.

Here’s to Jim Bray.

Rest well, sir.

Sorry to leave this one on a somber note.

Please remember to reach out to loved ones and tell them how much they matter.

I’m promising myself to be better about doing so.

And since I’m me, I’ll leave you with this bit of ridiculousness.

Every show needs a mascot.

Meet the Curious Devil.

Oh! And one last thing!

Please do bop over to MY SUPER SECRET SPECIAL NEW PROJECT and sign up to get notified the second it drops!

And if you know someone who might want a peek at the next thing I’ve got coming your way, please share it with them too.

Every little bit helps.

Thanks so much.

Until next time, my friends,

Cheers!

Jeremy’s Substack

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