A preview and a reminder
almost 2 years ago – Fri, Jul 29, 2022 at 07:18:48 AM

Hello again!

There are some cool MANDRILL P.I. things headed your way over the next month or so. Not only will you be receiving your copy of MANDRILL P.I.: Rook Takes The Queen, but Issue #3 of the MANDRILL P.I. comic will be launching (as soon as I complete fulfillment of this novel).

The issue is nearly done, with the lettering being completed as we speak. Not only is Carlos Trigo's illustration work on this issue simply fantastic, but I've begun receiving art for the limited edition variant covers, and they are AMAZING. Here's a sneak preview of one by Santiago Latorre:

Check out his other work at his instagram page here (you won't be disappointed! He's got some great stuff). Give him a follow while you're there:

https://www.instagram.com/nuclear_shelter/ 

Reminder time:

There are still 8 errored pledges. This is usually caused by an expired credit card on file with Kickstarter. I believe tomorrow is the deadline to fix, so please check to ensure yours is up to date. The stickers, bookmarks, and prints have begun to arrive, and I don't want you to miss out on these amazing rewards!

Thanks again! And news on the BackerKit survey coming soon!

-Chris

We did it! Thank you!
almost 2 years ago – Sun, Jul 24, 2022 at 10:16:47 AM

We did it. 125 backers. 671% funded. Thank you so much! 

This campaign could not have succeeded without your support and enthusiasm. It's been an incredible ride thus far, and it's all thanks to you.

Additionally, we surpassed the last stretch goal, which means a die-cut sticker of this intrepid otter archaeologist for all physical backers:

So, what's next? The first thing is to fix “errored” pledges.

Over the next week, Kickstarter will collect the funds. They will try and correct what they term “errored” pledges. It generally happens when a backer's credit card has expired and needs to be updated. Kickstarter gives us just a few days to correct these pledges, so make sure to update those or you will not be able to receive your rewards. And that's no fun!

(Please message me if you have any issues correcting your pledge. I want to ensure you get all your rewards.)

The Timeline:

Once the funds are processed, you’ll be receiving a Backerkit survey that will collect the address where you’d like me to ship your books, as well as the name you’d like to see appear in the special “Thank You” page at the back of the digital edition. You'll also have the chance to add any other add-ons you'd like to grab before reward fulfillment occurs.

When you receive those surveys, please respond ASAP. Once those surveys are back, I’ll email the digital rewards. Meanwhile, I’ll order the books, prints, stickers, and bookmarks to get everything into your hands ASAP. I’ll keep you posted along the way.

One last thing...

THANKS AGAIN!

This campaign exceeded my wildest expectations, and it's all thanks to your support. I can't wait to share MANDRILL P.I. Volume 1: Rook Takes the Queen with you.

-Chris

<48 Hours to Go! And we've unlocked another stretch goal!
almost 2 years ago – Thu, Jul 21, 2022 at 12:59:08 PM

Great news!

We've unlocked our next stretch goal:

That's right! a free bookmark with art by Carlos Trigo for all physical backers!

But that's not all. Our next stretch goal:

When we reach our next stretch goal, physical backers get a sticker featuring Carlos Trigo's design of Obadiah Otter, another new character from the novel. He's the MANDRILL P.I. universe's delightful parody of a certain archaeologist who took his nickname from a dog (who just happens to be named after a US state).  This fella believes there’s almost always an old map that’ll lead you to buried treasure ... there’s always, always an X that marks the spot ... and most importantly, that all mythological artifacts belong in a museum.

Thank you again for all your passion and support for MANDRILL P.I. throughout this campaign.

We've got less than 48 hours left on the campaign. I'd like to ask you to help spread the word about this campaign so we can finish strong and keep unlocking Stretch Goals and Backer Milestones. 

-Chris

And now, the part of these updates I love best: highlighting awesome projects by other creators!

1) OSRYNN WEST by JEFF FOULSHAM

Fantasy Western anthology featuring 3 short stories. Super cool take on both genres. Check it out!

[CHECK IT OUT BY CLICKING HERE OR ON THE COVER IMAGE]

2) THE LAST RANGER by J.D.L. ROSELL

The Last Ranger is an epic fantasy tale full of friendship, magic, resilience, vengeance, and wonder. If you enjoy archery, fantasy rangers, and small party adventures, or like books like David Gemmell’s Legend or John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice, then start a new journey with the first book in the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series.

[CHECK IT OUT BY CLICKING HERE OR ON THE COVER IMAGE]

3) GUILD OF MAGIC by JON AUERBACH

Do you like determined heroines, gritty cityscapes, and strange magic?

Did you read Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere and go off searching for the London Below version of your city?

Do you love playing D&D but sometimes wish the quests and adventures took place in the real world?

Then you'll love Guild of Magic!

[CHECK IT OUT BY CLICKING HERE OR ON THE COVER IMAGE]

4) PROHIBITION ORCS by MICHAEL WARREN LUCAS

Urban Fantasy set during Prohibition era. Takes the idea of Orcs being shunned in Fantasy settings and inserts it into this backdrop. Awesome idea, and really unique take on the Urban Fantasy genre.

[CHECK IT OUT BY CLICKING HERE OR ON THE COVER IMAGE]

Stretch goal #2 unlocked, and on to #3!
almost 2 years ago – Thu, Jul 14, 2022 at 07:06:04 AM

Wonderful news: we've unlocked Stretch Goal #2!

That means a free Rimsky Rook sticker for all physical backers.

Enjoy your copy of this grumpy old bird:

But that's not all! It also means announcement of our next stretch goal:

That's right! A bookmark exclusive to this campaign with art by Carlos Trigo front and center!

In non-MANDRILL P.I. news: 

I have a story in an upcoming anthology called Concrete Arcanum. It's a super cool Urban Fantasy anthology featuring comic stories by some amazing creators. If you're into Supernatural, Doctor Strange, The Dresden Files, ghosts, vampires, and/or fae creatures, then this is the anthology for you!

My story is called Closure Inc, and it's about a ghost who runs a business "exterminating" other ghosts by forcing them to finish their unfinished business. In this story, a client comes to him with one hell of a problem (you'll get why that's a pun when the anthology launches ;)  ).

The anthology launches September 12. Click the cover below to sign up for notifications:

Thank you again for backing MANDRILL P.I.! I'll be back soon with another update, but until then, my favorite part of these updates: highlighting other projects you may be interested in.

1) SPECTRESS & SABANION #1-4 by KURT ZAUER

Spectress & Sabanion is a really cool supernatural horror story about Aneksi, the ghost of Cleopatra's top assassin.  Aneksi died defending Cleopatra against the Romans and has lived as a ghost for centuries.  Over time, she's learned to rejoin the world of the living.  She is at the cusp of finding purpose in the modern world of the living...  but she is bound by an ancient curse to a demon named Sabanion.  As Aneksi pushes more into the world of the living, she must drag Sabanion with her.

There's nothing quite like Spectress & Sabanion.  If you enjoy action, fast pacing, tension, mystery and the macabre (Hellraiser, Constantine, Immortal Hulk, the works of Cullen Bunn) this is the book for you!

[CLICK HERE OR THE COVER IMAGE TO CHECK IT OUT]

2) THE CANON OF VANGEL by NATHAN LUETH

If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and The Dresden Files, then you are going to love The Canon of Vangel!

Ten years after a magical reawakening has thrown the modern world into chaos, a wandering Paladin must face her demons, help mundane folks navigate the strange new world, and pump the brakes on the apocalypse in progress.

[CLICK HERE OR THE COVER IMAGE TO CHECK IT OUT]

3) THE LOST HEROINES by JACK HOLDER

Over 700 pages of YA fantasy!

Three girls dare to be heroes in a world of magic and mystery. Inspired by comics, bound together by fate, they tackle the most despicable people the city of Gratitude has to offer. As the city declines into chaos, will The Lost Heroines be able to muster enough fortitude to adapt to these new obstacles, or will they be consumed by their corruption?

Featured together in print for the first time ever, The Lost Heroines series is an urban superhero fantasy about heroism, evil, and our ability to define our choices between the two. You're invited to Join Lady Violet, a master duelist, Darkling, a young batgirl, and The Green Witch, a master of magical and mystical forces, as they discover the answer to these difficult choices for themselves against impossible dark and mystical forces.

[CLICK HERE OR THE COVER IMAGE TO CHECK IT OUT]

Stretch goal #1 unlocked, and on to #2!
almost 2 years ago – Thu, Jul 07, 2022 at 06:29:08 AM

We've unlocked the first stretch goal! That means a free Kip Catfish sticker for all physical backers.

Enjoy your copy of this delightful little catfish fella:

This means even more good news: announcement of the next stretch goal!

That's right: when we pass $2,650, all physical backers will get a free sticker of Rimsky Rook, another of the new characters introduced in the book!

Rimsky is an elderly rickshaw-pulling bird who lives in the old, dilapidated area of town named the Grays. He’s the obvious suspect in the murder that incites the rest of the story. Can MANDRILL P.I. get him off the hook? Or is there something more sinister at play?

Thank you again for backing MANDRILL P.I.! I'll be back soon with another update, but until then, my favorite part of these updates: highlighting other projects you may be interested in.

1) THE FREELANCE FAMILIARS BOX SET by DANIEL POTTER

This series looks AMAZING! As soon as I came across Daniel Potter's project, I had to back right away. If you're into Urban Fantasy, anthropomorphic cats, and all around delightful reads, you should check it out right away.

The premise: After witnessing the death of a neighbor, Thomas awakens into a hidden magical world but doesn't get any magical powers, a destiny, or even a princess to save. Nope, instead he awakens as familiar, winning four paws, a long tail, and a one-way trip to a lifetime serving some wizard’s darling apprentice. Thomas isn’t game for any of this. Fortunately there’s a squirrel who likes to explode things and a burnt out fire magus who’s desperate for a familiar.

Together, they’ll face down frantic werewolves and greedy wizards, while rending the fabric of space and time itself as they fight the establishment of magical society to be the Freelance Familiars.

[CHECK IT OUT BY CLICKING HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE]

2) THE FALLEN KING CHRONICLES by RICHARD FIERCE

This is a 4-in-1 hardback collection of Richard's series about dragons, epic battles, magic, and the wicked plots of a dark god.

The pitch: 

When gods are at war, humanity must fight.

Aramis, the crown prince of Oakvalor, is accused of murdering his father for the throne. To prove his innocence, he must find the real assassin, but there are powerful forces at work around him.

His quest reveals the source of the encroaching darkness and will lead him to the gates of Oakvalor's greatest enemy.

[CHECK IT OUT BY CLICKING HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE]