For proof that bullying still exists, check your social media feed for the day’s latest story. Lately, there’s been so much derision and hate, let’s fight back by supporting a comic series that aims to entertain and educate on the serious issue of bullying.
In the RISE: Comics Against Bullying Kickstarter campaign, Zan Christensen and Northwest Press aim to bring people together through the medium of comics to address the issue of bullying. As an anthology series, the campaign as already attracted contributors such as Marc Guggenheim (Arrow, Green Lantern), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg, Cody Starbuck, Black Kiss), Dawn Griffin (Zorphbert & Fred). The short stories are aimed at telling stories in a positive light, so as not to bully the bullier.
I love the Northwest Press banner splashed across the top of their website: Comics are for everyone. The book publisher, founded in 2010, is dedicated to publishing the best LGBT comics collections and graphic novels and celebrating the community, including Family Portraits. And that motto holds true for the preview stories in the RISE. The stories are great and their characters are inclusive.
An added bonus, the comics will be distributed free by organizations such as GLAAD, Stand for the Silent, and Prism Comics.
Backer rewards start at the $1 level for a heartfelt thanks to the $250 level where Erica Schultz will professionally letter your 25-page or less comic. The $125 level brings different backer packages including original art, script review or a donation of 20 copies to your favorite school or youth organization.
