On Monday January 30th, Aristocrats Comics, a new
Black-owned-and-operated comic book publisher, will launch a Kickstarter
campaign to fund their first ever all-ages graphic novel, "Heroes of
Homeroom C." HoHC tells the story
of Nicola and Albert Hathaway, twin 12-year-old African-American superheroes
who lose their powers and get sent back to public school to try and have a
"normal life." But of course,
the twins still manage to find more than their share of action and excitement
trying to keep their new home of Tranquil, MA from being destroyed by sinister
forces.
Series creator/writer Anthony Ruttgaizer and artist
Carlos Granda bring the action to life with help from colorist Fred C. Stresing
and cover artist Jay Fosgitt.
Fans who pledge their support to the crowdfunding effort
via Kickstarter will have the chance to choose from a variety of "reward
packages" including copies of the complete graphic novel, t-shirts,
one-of-a-kind sketches and chances to appear as a character in the book
themselves.
Aristocrats is also offering special reward levels for
both libraries and traditional comic book retailers. The "Library Donation" reward
allows backers to receive ONE copy of the graphic novel for themselves and have
TWO additional copies donated to local libraries in their name. The "Retailer 10-Pack" will allow
comic shops, the cornerstone of the industry, to purchase copies of the graphic
novel at a wholesale rate.
The campaign runs, starting Monday and throughout the
month of February, until March 2nd with a funding goal of $15,000 Canadian
(approx $11,000 American). As with all
Kickstarter campaigns, Aristocrats will only receive the money if the campaign
raise its full funding goal or more.