Our Next Pride Month Kickstarter + Why We Published a Trans/Nonbinary Anthology
Find out the next Pride Month-themed Kickstarter from Lifeline Comics! Also learn how we came to the decision to launch a Trans/Nonbinary comic anthology!
Hello Lifeline Comics Subscribers!
If you’re new here (from Nightmare in Wonderland or one of our recent Prides), welcome! This is the place where we update you on all of our exciting new projects with biweekly posts!
This week, we’re discussing our current Trans/Nonbinary Comic Anthology which is crowdfunding on Kickstarter and revealing how we decided to make this our anthology project of 2024.
We’ll also announce our next Kickstarter launching in just a few weeks, talk about splitting our team between two Pride events, and discuss some media!
Let’s dive in!
COMING SOON - Slice of Life: A Coming Out Story
Before we get to our main topic, we’re excited to announce our next Kickstarter that will launch in just a few weeks - Slice of Life: A Coming Out Story!
Our fifth issue of Slice of Life will collect Chapters 27-35 of the comic and is heavily focused on Lucy’s coming out journey and finally learning to accept her sexuality. It’s the perfect comic to close out Pride Month and we’re so, so excited for it!
As always, we’ve got some really amazing covers for the issue (including our beautiful thumbnail cover by Skylar Patridge), a bonus chapter that is exclusive to the comic, AND a really cool initiative for backers who pledge over a certain threshold on the campaign!
We can’t wait to share more details in a few weeks! Until then, be sure to Follow the Pre-launch Page to be notified when we go live!
Why We Published a Trans Anthology
Phil: Lifeline Comics tries to open submissions for one comic anthology per year. We ask for complete scripts from writers and portfolios from artists who are interested in participating in our anthologies.
We love this annual tradition of giving creators of all levels the chance to tell their stories - whether they’re seasoned comic veterans or publishing their very first comic through our anthologies.
Kat: Following our work on Bi Visibility: Still Bi, Phil and I knew we wanted to expand our queer anthologies offering by exploring even more identities. We had the pleasure of working with Daniel Falco as our co-editor on Still Bi, and knew they’d be the perfect voice to lead a Trans/Nonbinary anthology.
Speaking of Dan, Let’s Hear from Him…
Dan: Hey, I’m Daniel Falco and one of the editors on Transphoria: A Trans and Non-Binary Comic Book Anthology! I’ve previously worked with Phil and Kat on Bi Visibility: Still Bi, and we always knew we wanted to create another queer anthology where we could bring more talented creators together. As a trans writer myself, I was excited when we decided to pursue this collection where we can get a wide variety of voices to really demonstrate the value of trans representation across different genres.
Mainstream media often lacks any portrayals of trans characters, let alone the nuances that come with individual stories and experiences. The same goes for mainstream audiences– non-trans people also usually don’t receive much exposure to trans voices. Transphoria’s mission was to center these voices and provide greater representation through effective and compelling stories. This goal feels especially important amidst the waves of transphobia, misinformation, and backlash in recent years. That’s why getting these stories together and into readers’ hands matters. Everyone should get to see themselves represented and appreciate the wide potential of stories that exist across different genres, all from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
It was important to me that this anthology contained a wide mixture of genres. Autobiographical, slice-of-life identity stories are absolutely vital, heart-warming, and community-building, and we were enthused with the ones we were able to bring to life within Transphoria. We also wanted to make sure that genre stories were present – comedies, horror, sci-fi, and more! Trans characters and trans narratives have a place in every universe and I’m ecstatic with the authors and writers who were able to bring them to life in so many amazing different styles. Transphoria really succeeds in showcasing the talent of so many writers and artists, and in showing the world that trans stories matter.
Kat Lending Her Voice to Another Kickstarter Franchise
Kat: Rob Multari has created a fantastic werewolf universe with his long running title, Night Wolf, and even a spin-off - Snow Paw. The franchise is a staple on Kickstarter, and I’m so honored that I had the chance to jump into his universe and tell a four-page short starring their queer characters.
Phil and I have done a number of work-for-hire projects, but there’s nothing like diving into the world of an independent comic book. It’s fun to play in the playground of your peers. Thanks, Rob, for giving me this opportunity, and I hope you guys catch up with his title if you haven’t already!
What have we been up to?
Let’s talk about some of the stuff that’s kept us busy since our last post!
Asbury Park Pride
Kat: We started the Pride season by splitting up. (Missed you Phil) Asbury Park is one of the queerest towns near us, and it’s always such a pleasure tabling at their pride.
We had a few returning customers, but we also saw a TON of new faces where Haunting, Beast & Snow, and, of course, our enamel pins found a lot of love!
Fletcher & Friends - Asbury Park
Kat: I’ve been a big fan of Fletcher’s music for a long time, and always wanted to see her live.
So, following a hard day of work, Dan treated us to a Fletcher concert that was only a few blocks away at the Stone Pony. The queer pop star didn’t disappoint, playing some of her biggest hits and even a few of her slower deep cuts like “For Cari” (one of my favorites from her).
It was a great way to wrap a wonderful launch to our pride tour!
Philly Pride
Phil: We missed out on Philadelphia Pride in 2023 when it fell on the same day as Fan Expo Philly. We didn’t want the FOMO again, so this year we decided to split up the Lifeline Comics team. While Kat and Dan went to Asbury Park Pride, I tackled Philly Pride with my fiancé, Julius, and my sister, Marianne.
It was honestly the perfect event to kick off Pride Month. Energy was high, the weather was beautiful, and everybody was so friendly!
We got some dancing in (the DJ and main stage were right next to us), took some fun pictures, and met so many wonderfully fun people. We even treated ourselves to some Lobster after a hugely successful day!
This certainly won’t be the last time we split up the team to reach as many people as possible!
Media
And let’s discuss some non-comics media!
Veronica Mars - Season 1 (2004-2005)
Phil: Veronica Mars is a show that I just so happened to miss the boat on when I was younger. I was vaguely familiar with it. I knew it centered around a teen girl moonlighting as a Private Investigator. But I never actually watched an episode.
It’s been on my watch list for years now because on paper, it’s everything I love. Early 2000s nostalgia? Check. Spunky girl doing a man’s job? Check. Large ensemble cast? Check. Heavy genre lead? Check.
Finally, I sat down to watch it this year - after much prodding from Kat who knew I would be a fan. And as expected, Veronica Mars is very up my alley. Kristen Bell (surprising no one) is a fantastic lead. And I love the way that she handles almost every aspect of the character - from the sardonic to the vulnerable.
The show also reminded me how long it’s been since I’ve watched a good mystery. The murder of Lilly Kane is a perfect example of long-form storytelling for a mystery. There are so many sub-mysteries introduced throughout the first season which add new wrinkles to the case. Anytime you’re in danger of growing bored with the mystery, BAM! There’s a new twist, or a big reveal, or a gut-punch. It’s a sprawling, engaging tapestry that really sucked me in as the season went on.
On the negative side, the show is definitely dated. The blasé attitude with which it approaches very serious topics (rape, incest, homophobia/transphobia, racism, relationships between adults and minors) is pretty hard to watch sometimes. There are some “case of the week” episodes that fall flat or lean too heavily into TV tropes. And it sometimes has the early 2000s and earlier TV problem of recurring characters disappearing suddenly after being introduced (looking at you, Casey) or lacking consistency between appearances (looking at you, Meg).
That said, I really enjoyed Veronica Mars Season 1. I’ve heard more mixed reviews of later seasons, so I’m prepared for the future of the series to potentially not reach the highs of its debut mystery. But I’m nevertheless hooked and will ride this train through all four seasons and the movie! Maybe I’ll even talk about them again in this newsletter.
The Fall Guy (2023)
Phil: If you’re a fan movie stunt work and of classic Hollywood romances, The Fall Guy is certain to be a fun watch. It’s a movie that loves movies - and is literally dripping with namedrops of and references to classic films of all genres. And it’s (self-proclaimed) “classic movie romance” between leads Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is certainly aiming to capture the magic of all of our favorite film couples.
On the positive side, The Fall Guy is a lot of fun. The stunts are impressive and are given appropriate gravity and appreciation. The script is oftentimes clever and funny, but not afraid to be earnest when appropriate. And Ryan Gosling is (as usual) a fantastic lead who delivers on both the comedy and the drama.
But on the negative side, it’s a move that overstays its welcome. A half hour minimum could have been cut from The Fall Guy to make it a tighter watch. And while parts of the script were fun, there were definitely plenty of moments and jokes that didn’t land for me and could have benefited from another draft.
The film puts a lot of stock into its lead romance. And while both actors and characters are charming, their relationship (and consequently, The Fall Guy in its entirety) end up being more middle-of-the-road. Fun, entertaining, and occasionally unique. But not groundbreaking.
Comics
Let's discuss some comics we've enjoyed recently!
As always, we'll spotlight a Direct Market Indie Book, a DC or Marvel book, a Kickstarter book, and a Webcomic!
INDIE COMIC: Toxic Summer (Oni Press)
Kat: Are you looking for your new favorite queer comic for pride month? Then let me point you to Derek Charm’s Toxic Summer. Two queer boys want to have the summer of their lives…and maybe find boys along the way. What better way to do so than to work at the hottest beach spot? Their plans are foiled with a toxic waste leak. Now they are having a less sexy summer as they are roped into the mysterious adventures of monsters and murky water.
This is such a FUN slice of life, adventure. The characters are very easy to connect to as Charm brings some comic book flair with a horror twist.
MARVEL COMIC: Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider
Kat: I love when a comic book can change my mind! I was a bit skeptical when it was announced that Gwen was going to be staying in the 616 again. A major reason I love Spider-Gwen is because of Earth 65 - her world, her supporting cast. So I didn’t know how to feel when it was announced that she would be a permanent member of the 616.
Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider does a great job of exploring similar themes from the original volumes, all while adding a bit of mystery by including the T.V.A., and keeping Gwen’s reasoning for staying in the 616 under wraps.
WEBCOMIC: Electric Bones
“The aimless Lucian is invited on a cruise trip into deep space, where he plans to indulge in every illicit activity and substance in the galaxy. But his plans are cut short when he ends up crossing paths with a familiar face: A robot who has an uncanny resemblance to the co-worker who got Lucian fired.”
Phil: This is definitely my favorite webcomic that I’ve read in quite a while. Funny, sexy, and smart. The team behind the book uses their space well and fills every page with intrigue and wit.
Seeing the games that Lucian and Ezra play with one another and the pithy way Ezra commands almost every situation is always exciting and begs you to turn to the next page.
I liked this book so much that I just ordered a physical copy of their first “Act” from the comic’s website. This is definitely a comic I’ll be keeping up with from now on!
KICKSTARTER: Blood of Atlantis #1
“Indiana Jones meets Dungeons & Dragons when a no-nonsense alchemist searches for the secrets and power of the Lost City of Atlantis.”
Phil: A comic about finding the Lost City of Atlantis with plenty of unique spins and twists! Pitched as Indiana Jones with a morally gray heroine and a video game element incorporated - this campaign immediately grabbed my attention. It helps that it has a killer project thumbnail and a strong preview.
I’m really looking forward to reading this one!
In Closing
Thanks for reading!
Be sure to Follow the Prelaunch Page for Slice of Life #5 to be notified when the campaign launches in a few weeks!
And you definitely want to check out Transphoria: A Trans/Nonbinary Comic Anthology and support our most successful comic anthology to date!
Subscribe to our Substack Newsletter above to get immediate updates on our future projects!
Current Kickstarter: Transphoria: A Trans/Nonbinary Anthology (Ending 6/27)
Next Kickstarter: Slice of Life: A Coming Out Story (Launching late June/early July)
Next Con/Event: Washington DC Pride (6/09)
Last Substack Paid Post: Read Two Transphoria Stories!
Thank you so much for the shout-out!!!