Comics News
Des Taylor Talks Eva Strongbird And The Marine On Kickstarter Now
Taylor Made
London-based creator Des Taylor has teamed up with Robb Pratt to launch his comic Eva Strongbird and The Marine on Kickstarter now and Tripwire caught up with Taylor recently to find out more…
TRIPWIRE: What was the genesis of Eva Strongbird and The Marine?
DES TAYLOR: Many years ago, I wanted to create a character that harked back to the 1950’s Columbia serials I used to watch on TV as a kid. Mixed with my love of the Hollywood screen sirens like Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake etc I came up with the character Eva (my wife’s middle name) and the Marine. While I knew I wanted Eva to be a mix of Hedi Lamarr and Veronica Lake, the Marine went through various designs before I liked his current look.
TW: What made you decide to use crowdfunding rather than traditional publishing means?
DT: Well, if you look at how I published Scarlett Couture…it was a bit of both. With Scarlett I self-published first, then crowdfunded on Zoop and then got it published by Titan Comics. The crowdfunder was in effect a way of testing the market to Titan to show the book had an audience. It’s looking to go the same way with Eva and The Marine. Once the collected edition is done, then I’ll look to Titan to publish for a wider audience.
TW: What are the pros and cons of a platform like kickstarter?
DT: The pros are obviously seeing that you have a committed following that will see the book you’ve created how you’ve intended. You can also reward each customer with extra content , merchandise and promotional items. Cons? Well, you have to oversee publishing, printing and distribution yourself for at at least two months but it’s something I look forward to. Every customer means a lot to me and Robb.
TW: How much of the project is written and drawn?
DT: Part one is practically finished minus editing and lettering, which I’m going gangbusters to finish in the next few weeks so I have September free to sort out all the printing. Part Two shall begin drawing in November with the look to finishing around April when I will launch the second Kickstarter campaign.
TW: How would you describe the project in one pithy sentence?
DT: The single best work I’ve done to date.
TW: What is collaborator Robb Pratt’s contribution to the project?
DT: This guy! Robb is not only the plot master, but he has storyboarded the entire book— like he was preparing a cartoon. It’s crazy. I’ve asked him to write it in script format but he’s an animator. So I get everything laid out for me. The challenge is turning his storyboards to work as comic panels. Robb has also created a ten minute animatic which is literally the first issue of the book. I can’t wait to show everyone the end product next year.
Robb has been a great partner throughout this project and has shown me a different aspect of storytelling.
TW: What perks can people expect in the campaign?
DT: With the Victory and Conquer special editions, I have added 25 pages of extra content including a bonus story,laid out like the old 1940’s pulp magazines. I’ve done a follow up story for Part Two next year where I expand the World War Two-niverse even more. Plus, I’ve created a bunch of super add-ones that should get every customer excited.
TW: You have hit your target so what stretch goals do you have?
DT: Every Stretch goal has already been smashed. From a bonus book, a brand new print, to ten lucky backers winning an original piece of art from the book. I’ve also created a thank you card for every single backer.
TW: How have you found running a kickstarter as a creator?
DT: It’s been a little stressful, as you want the campaign to be successful and at the same time you have bills to pay, so have to focus on your day job. I’ve also had a bunch of other stuff going on in the background so it’s been pretty full on. But the best feeling was activating the launch button, making myself breakfast, and coming back to see the project had already been funded.
TW: What are the three most important things to consider as a writer artist for a crowdfunding campaign?
DT: Sounds cliche but believe in yourself. Always make sure you’ve completed at least 80% of the project first , so you’re not playing catch up. And , lastly promote your project at least 3 times a week for the entire campaign. You don’t know what people see, what they’re up to or when they’re getting paid. Everyone is different and those that haven’t backed you from the beginning, doesn’t mean they’re not interested, they’ll get around to it. Especially when you jog their memory.
TW: You mention that this is the beginning of a whole new line of titles so how far ahead have you planned?
DT: I have at least 5 projects in the can. Eva Strongbird, The Blue Lotus Strikes, Last Chance For Leah and The Infamous Katie Rogers. I’m looking to release Blue Lotus Strikes next year as it fits the whole retro vibe and spoiler— Eva Strongbird has a cameo appearance in it. Then In 2027, then I’ll drop Last Chance For Leah and Katie Rogers as a Romance Comic Double Bill. My followers keep asking for more Scarlett Couture so I’ll start on that early 2027.
Yup, the fun never stops with DESPOP.
Here’s the kickstarter link
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