Geekscape Preview: Footprints – A Monster Murder Mystery!

In case you haven’t heard, I’ve thrown my hat in as an indie comic book creator. No, you haven’t? Just kidding. That’s me feigning modesty. Obviously, if you’re a regular Geekscapist, you know about my upcoming indie comic books that we’ve been pushing here on the site. As a storyteller long before, it’s been a very rewarding process and I have many of you to thank for its discovery. But there’s another part of it that’s been equally as rewarding: getting to make new friends with other independent comic book professionals who share a camaraderie with me in seeing our books released and read. It’s a welcome group of artists, writers, publisher and fans who share an enthusiasm for story that’s inspiring. I now know why many independent comic book creators would mortgage their homes (please don’t!) and even contemplate selling their children (I’m looking at you, Stephen Lindsay) in order to fuel their passion.

One of the friends I’ve made is Joey Esposito, the comic book editor at IGN.com and soon to be a guest on the Geekscape podcast. You’d think that Joey’s day job is fantastic in and of itself but Joey actually has his own independent comic book project that he recently brought to Geekscape’s attention as we were sharing war stories (literally, we were talking about S.A.M.). It’s called Footprints, and is a 4 issue mini-series he is writing with artwork by Jonathan Moore. Joey released the first issue recently and it is equal parts noire mystery, BPRD-style team book and Darwyn Cooke hardboiled detective story. If you don’t believe me, just click on over to the Kickstarter page and watch this trailer:

The Footprints: A Monster Murder Mystery Kickstarter Page!

The book is described as “a creator-owned comic about Bigfoot and his cast of cryptozoological deviants placed inside a noir setting as they unfold a conspiracy that spans decades.” It also has an endorsement from my friend and BPRD writer John Arcudi, who has never been wrong… ever. Oh yeah, and it’s also endorsed by Stephen Lindsay (the contemplative child seller I mentioned earlier). This is what they had to say:

“FOOTPRINTS is an odd and welcome blend of adventure, horror, comedy, and mystery. Hilarious one moment, and sincerely gut wrenching the next, it brings a refreshing voice to comics.  Can’t wait for the next issue.” – John Arcudi (B.P.R.D., A God Somewhere)

“Esposito and Moore have crafted an extremely polished and nuanced tale that reminds us of just how cool old-school noir storytelling can be. The idea of making Bigfoot a stoic, emotionally closed-off private-eye type is absolutely brilliant. And when you add in a fractured, Watchmen-style former Superteam of cryptids, you have all the ingredients in place for a comic that is not to be missed.” – Stephen Lindsay (FUBAR, Jesus Hates Zombies)

Obviously, the book is good. But it still needs your help. Joey and Jonathan are trying to get the final 3 issues printed as well as raise funds for the trade paperback collecting the entire series (you know, the one you’re gonna let your girlfriend borrow and she’s going to read it, love it and love you more for it). The team has started up a Kickstarter campaign to round up funds for the rest of the project and need the Geekscapists help to get there. Click over and see what you can do to get them there. There are some really cool incentives as well, from simply being thanked and getting some comics to being drawn into an actual issue.

At Geekscape, we celebrate that kind of camaraderie we all share in our passion for storytelling, whether it be as creator or consumer. But without supporting the most independent of voices, years before they become the professionals who guide the industry, we’ll quickly run out of stories to celebrate. Here’s an opportunity to help out a kick ass team as they try and put out a pretty fun and engaging book. Give them a chance. It’d be a shame if the fate of this book also disappeared into mystery!

Here’s another link to the Footprints: A Monster Murder Mystery Kickstarter Page!