It was another busy week for steampunk-related Kickstarter campaigns as five new projects sought funding. Among them: A comic book adventure from France and a deluxe edition of a steampunk fantasy novel from Nicholas and Olivia Atwater. The latter reached its four-figure funding goal in 26 minutes.
A Mystery in Paris
Impressia Comic Book Publishing launched a Kickstarter campaign for Issue No. 1 of Le Pantheon, a steampunk adventure mystery set in 1900 Paris. The story involves a secret organization called The Pantheon that may be behind a man’s disappearance.
The series was created by two comic book veterans, writer Thomas Rivière and artist Mika Souillard. Inspirations include Indiana Jones, Young Sherlock Holmes, and Lady Mechanika.
The creators initially raised €56,000 on the French crowdfunding platform Ulule. Impressia’s campaign will fund a launch for English-speaking readers.
Pledges begin at £5 (US$7) for a digital download and £10 (US$12) for a printed copy. The publisher estimates delivery in May.
The campaign launched March 7 and has reached more than 90 percent of its £3,000 (US$3,876) funding goal. It runs through March 31. See the Kickstarter page for more info.
Funded in 26 Minutes
Nicholas and Olivia Atwater are crowdfunding a signed collector’s hardcover edition of Echoes of the Imperium, a novel they released last year. It features a new cover design, a new interior design, and a foiled faux-leather slipcase.
The authors describe the novel as the “steampunk fantasy lovechild” of Star Wars, Firefly, and Treasure Planet. It’s Book One in their series Tales of the Iron Rose.
Pledges begin at CA$11 (US$8) for an e-book version and CA$95 (US$66) for the full deluxe edition. They estimate delivery of the latter in November.
The campaign launched March 7 and reached its CA$5,000 (US$3,460) goal in 26 minutes. It had raised more than CA$34,000 (US$23,736) as of Thursday. It runs through March 27. Learn more on the Kickstarter page.
Enchanted Circus
Jason Keith is on Kickstarter with Issue No. 1 of The Enchanted Circus of Wonder, a three-part steampunk comic book series about a clash between circus performers and pirates.
Keith, who created the series, is well known as a color artist for Marvel Comics. He’s also the founder of Cosplay World, a convention in Richmond, Virginia.
The creative team also includes writer C.L. Zeno, penciller and inker Emilio Utrera, illustrator Joey Mason, and letterer Micah Myers.
Pledges begin at US$6 for a digital edition and $15 for a physical copy. He estimates delivery in June.
The campaign launched March 11 and seeks US$4,000 by April 10. See the Kickstarter page for more info.
Illustrated Novel
Luke Beatrice, a Boston-area artist, launched a Kickstarter campaign for Hudson Mudworth Thinks of Something, an illustrated all-ages steampunk mystery adventure novel by Chris Beatrice. The title character is a pig who dreams of inventing a flying machine.
Pledges begin at US$25 for the hardcover edition. The publisher estimates delivery in August.
The campaign launched March 11 and seeks US$9,000 by April 10. Learn more on the Kickstarter page.
Weird West Fantasy
Author E.M. Rensing is on Kickstarter with The Scholar, The Seer and The Outlaw Fae, a Gaslamp fantasy novel set in 1880s Colorado.
The story involves two sisters, Charlotte and Celeste, who are lured into an ill-fated séance. “When the seance is attacked and Celeste kidnapped, Charlotte sets off on a desperate quest to save her sister. But the outlaw who took Celeste is no mere mortal, and his plans for her threaten to drown the American West in darkness.”
Pledges begin at US$5 for an e-book, $30 for a paperback, and $65 for a deluxe hardcover edition. The author estimates delivery in June.
The campaign launched March 11 and reached its US$500 fundraising goal the first day. It runs through March 28. See the Kickstarter page for more info.
Ongoing Campaigns
Skull X Bones – An anthology featuring science fiction and fantasy stories about pirates. The campaign quickly reached its US$5,000 funding goal. It runs through March 31.
A Tale of Star-Crossed Hearts – A YA steampunk romance novel by E.R. Paskey. The campaign quickly reached its US$300 funding goal. It runs through March 20.
Tales of The Witch Hunters – A steampunk fantasy comic book series about a group of vigilantes who fight misuse of magic. The campaign has reached 13 percent of its US$5,000 funding goal. It runs through April 3.
Aerathain - The Shards of Souls – A steampunk-themed RPG from Gearwheel Grimoires. The campaign quickly reached its €100 (US$108) funding goal. It runs through April 3.
Dracula 2168: Shadows On The Future – A new comic book series from a Marvel vet places Dracula in a dystopian steampunk future ruled by artificial intelligence. The campaign easily reached its US$5,000 funding goal. It runs through March 22.
Legacy of the Brightwash – A deluxe edition of a dystopian Gaslamp fantasy novel originally published in 2021. The campaign quickly reached its CA$12,000 (US$8,357) funding goal. It runs through March 18.
