In this amazing age of crowd funded projects, more and more creative talents are turning toward Kickstarter to make their dreams a reality.  However, far more focus is being placed across the web on the creation of new ideas, not the delivery.  In turn, we present a new ongoing feature here at blast-o-rama - I KICKSTARTED THIS!

As we all back, and receive our goodies from different projects, we’ll review not only the final product, but also how it turned out versus the original promise set in the Kickstarter pitch.

Our first look is at The Creators: “Bullied” by Michael S. Bracco.

Full disclosure, Michael Bracco and I both serve as management for the live art competition SUPER ART FIGHT. No products were donated for this review, nor does he have any input on its content.

What Is It?: 

“Bullied” is designed as the first part of an ongoing series, titled The Creators. Sort of an artistic version of X-Men (or a more grounded version of Heroes, with a creative slant), The Creators is the story of young teens with unique abilities, which allow their imaginations and drawings to come to life, typically with dangerous consequences.  The purpose of the Kickstarter was to fund the first 20 page preview comic for the series.

What Tier Did You Select?:

The $10 Pledge, which included a signed copy of the comic, a digital copy of the comic and a thank you on the website.  Additional tiers included original art, and exclusive t-shirt.  Having more art than wallspace, and far too many t-shirts, I opted for just the book.

What, If Any, Push Goals Were Met?: 

Setting his goal at the small, but realistic level of $300, funding completed at just over $5400.  At the $3000 mark, the book became a full length, 40 page tale, serving as the proper first volume of the series, plus all backers at the $10 or greater level received an art print. At the $4500 mark, he included an exclusive bookmark and art print for all $10+ backers.

[caption id=“attachment_9587” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The Post-Push Goal Perks.[/caption]

How’d It Turn Out?:

Bracco did a great job with communication throughout the entire Kickstarter process. He made it clear to his backers how humbled he was by their support, and kept them up to date for the progress on the book.  The digital copy of the book was promised for an August 2012 release, and was delivered in mid-August.  The physical copy was promised in September, and arrived to backers sometime within the first three weeks of the month.  All promises were fulfilled.

As for the final product of The Creators, the comic itself is one hell of a first volume.  Michael Bracco, after the space faring adventures Novo and Adam Wreck, finally places a series on Earth, and delivers in spades.  The initial setup for the series, while clearly taking nods from series such as X-Men, Heroes and The X-Files, still feels original and full of life - much of this is due to Bracco’s unique linework and lettering style, which makes the pages feel unlike any other comic you’ve read before.  I was absolutely hooked from each page to each page, and I cannot wait to see the next part of the series - which, as Kickstarter backers know, could take one of a few different incarnations.  I foresee The Creators becoming a big thing, and it makes me feel great to know that I was able to fund it from the ground up.  I highly recommend you pick up your own copy today.

A Kickstarter Success? Or A Kickstarter Gone Wrong?:

A fantastic success.