A New Comic Book Series by Jamie Tyndall - Is she a hero, a villain, or something in between?
We wanted to wait until the vast majority of Issue #1 was on its way and many people had it in their hands before we launched this... That time is now, and so here it is!
We've been hard at work assembling and shipping the books. Hundreds of packages have already been shipped and many of you have them already in your hands. They are being shipped daily now and going out the door at a fast pace.
This has been an exhaustive process, but one we now know better how to handle. For one... on future Kickstarters we sadly won't be offering signatures...
These images illustrate precisely the daunting task (and subsequent delay) doing so results in. The signatures were something we threw in early on, not expecting the massive heights the Kickstarter would reach. That's not a complaint, we are exceedingly grateful to each and every backer! But we know that getting books to you next time, faster, will be our priority and this was just one of the many challenges in doing so quickly.
In short, we want to thank each and every one of you for your patience during this learning process. We sincerely hope you enjoy the books when they arrive. They truly are a labor of love for us, and we hope you feel this to be true when you receive them.
Thanks once again!
So the day is here. All of the components are gathered and the awesome fulfillment team is at work putting packages together to ship out! Let's hear it for the team of Murphy, Tabby (not pictured since she's taking the pictures) and Mike:
The cards may be our favorite of the push goals. They just look SO amazing. Sorry video quality is not the best, but you can see the holographic effects much better in video.
We will be doing more pics as the boxes get unpacked and further sorted. There are thousands of these to go through, so this won't be an overnight process. But the team is on the case and we can't wait to get everything in your hands!!!
OK so a lot of you guys are curious as to what has taken more time. And we've responded that things are well in hand or given general answers such as "we are learning processes" etc. The fact is, those all sound nebulous and it can be difficult for you to understand exactly what all goes into this monumental undertaking.
So let's take a look at a cool behind-the-scenes example of something as simple as trading cards.
So everything was going well with them. We had approved the specs and the initial proof. We had given all of the foil codes, and then they went into full production. Note, each of these cards required a SEPARATE FOIL code, which we wanted to be unique.
The cards make it through the pre-press and initial pressing onto uncut sheets. That's when the factory has to order the foils... We suddenly get a message that there's a problem...
The ORANGE/GOLD holographic foil we had chosen was no longer available from the foil vendor, and time is of the essence. So literally in the middle of the night we had to go back and forth with the factory to find a replacement.
This is the foil we choose and they did a quick mockup of it (albeit in the wrong direction) for us to approve. Which we do (despite some very understandable confusion as to what the heck we are even looking at here).
So now they go through and get an approval on the finished and correct foils...
This is a test sheet with the CORRECT foils in place (only on the bottom row). However, something looks odd, as we can't see the foil on the 5th card from left. So that then requires new close-up foils which reveals...
AHA the black holo-foil just didn't photograph at the previous angle but looks SUPER SWEET in the final.
Just for safe measure they then have us approve the BACKS of the cards:
Looks good! And so approvals are given.
From here, they then go to finishing. The foils are stamped (which then have to dry for a couple days so they don't flake. Then they go into UV COATING process which will protect and make the cards stiff and shiny. That also takes time to dry as well. Then lastly they get CUT, SORTED, and then SHRINK WRAP into sets of 6 before PACKING to ship.
As you can see, what might on the surface seem simple as "oh just print 6 cards" requires a lot of oversight and management. But the end results we hope you feel are totally worth it.
And that's just CARDS. Now imagine the components that go into over THREE DOZEN covers, each with their own foils or special processes, assembly, etc.
So when we say there is a learning curve and that we have things better handled for the next ones... AND that we are making sure that the quality is where it needs to be... perhaps this example will better help give more concrete answers to our previously "vague" responses.
In short, these books and products are SUPER sweet and easily the most unique and gorgeous books we've ever been a part of. Hopefully the slight delay will prove to have been worth it. We absolutely appreciate your patience as we worked things out and your support means the world to us!
Hey Everyone we have started to get the White Widow issue one books in and have started the process of assembling all the kickstarters. We are waiting on a couple items to complete them mainly the Trading cards and a couple of the more complicated covers to print. We are currently getting all the metal covers assembled and the books we have received to date signed. We are really excited about getting this great book out to everyone.
This has been one of the highlights of my career and it would not be possible without all your support. From the conventions to the kickstarters, everyone's support has been a blessing. I love my job and I love being able to bring you the best work I can. Thank you so much.
White Widow issue 2
We have also been working feverishly on Book 2. I have included a couple sneak peaks at two of the covers coming in issue two exclusively to Kickstarter.
Our other Kickstarter project has just hit 25,000. We have just hit the 25,000 push goal with 9 days left. I just wanted to reach out to everyone and say a big thank you. I have a couple updates on the Artbook project below.
Kickstarter ARTBOOK 7 SHIPPING UPDATE We have received confirmation that our books have cleared customs in China and are now on a boat and on the way the US. The travel time and customs clearence process usually takes between 6-8 weeks by sea. Once they are in the US I will update on the time frame for delivery.
BackerKit for this project. We will also be using Backerkit to full fill the orders and as a shopping cart to add extras to your pledge. For those of you not familiar with Backerkit. It is a fulfillment system that will allow you to verify your shipping address and billing info through the Backerkit surveys. Backerkit will also allow you to add extras, such as the print packages and this is the area where you will be able to choose the character you want sketched if you ordered a head or bust sketch. SO... If your up for another Jamie Tyndall Kickstarter keep scrolling.. And again thank you to everyone that has made these projects successful, without you these books would not be possible.
Below are the next couple push goals as we enter the last 9 days of this Kickstarter.
Click here to check out the Project.
