By: Nicole D'Andria
This week I’m showcasing the Kickstarter for The Gem Users, a graphic novel featuring martial arts, fantasy, sci-fi, super powers, action, drama and comedy. You even get the option of two different journeys the characters can take in the hardcover books. I also interviewed the writer, Michael Walton.
The
Gem Users is a story about a strange meteor that shattered into
pieces and spread all over the world. Those who find these gem pieces have a
power inside of them released that even they weren’t aware they had.
What makes The Gem
Users unique is the story—or should I say stories? Readers can actually
choose two different stories, Story A or Story B, for the hardcover books
only. The endings may be the same but the journeys differ.
The Kickstarter project is raising money for the first
print of the first edition soft covers and limited edition hardcovers. The
rewards go up to $1,000. For $20 you can get a soft cover first edition print
of the comic The Gem Users #1, a
11x14 print of the cover art, The Chibi Hero Sticker Set and a Chibi Patch of
the main hero Tetsunori. At $30 backers will get an extra story added to your
comic The Gem Users #1 showing
readers a sneak peek story about the gem’s origins and a Silver Foil Hard Cover
Edition book Vol. 1 with 50 pages of action, plus all the other previously
mentioned awards. The project will successfully be funded if at least $5,000 is
pledged by December 20, 2015 at 10:20 PM EST. You can pledge the project here.
Freelance writer Michael Walton wrote the script. He found
his artist on DeviantArt, a user by the name of LongShortNeither. I
interviewed Walton about the project below.
 |
| Michael Walton |
Me: Why did you decide to create two different
stories that readers could choose from? In what ways do the two differ from
each other?
Michael Walton: The reason for this
was to really get backers involved with the project and feel like they are a part
of it and not just giving away money and not have that special feeling like “man,
this is gonna be so cool”! As for how they differ?! Well without a spoiler
alert :D let's just say they face some bad guys in story B that are very
different from anything they will face in story A and are extremely bad ass! ;)
Me: Which anime influence the style and story of
this book?
Walton: Wow that's a tough one because I love anime
but if I would have to pick a few they would be Naruto, Bleach and One Piece.
Me: Can you expand on why these three anime in
particular were an inspiration for the graphic novel?
Walton: Well for me those three anime have lots of
great characters, great stories to go with them, amazing fight scenes and I
looooooove the comedy parts. Always brings me to tears haha. Anime like these
are some of my favorites and I actually hope to turn my comic book series into
an anime series, but that's a dream for later on. :D
Me: Who are the main characters of The Gem Users? Can you describe each of them in a couple of
sentences?
Walton: Sure...
:) Tetsunori is our main hero and he's the type that will step in and help
anyone in need. This guy has some amazing talent and power.
Then we
have Ashi who's great with guns but gets into trouble a lot because she's
always listing to her music... even during battle -_- haha
Next we
have Borjo... now this guy is the strong man of the group but man does he love
to eat! And it shows a bit. :D When it's fight time though he steps up to the
plate!
Keyroshe
is the beautiful blonde with a deadly sword. Her speed and sword skills are
some of the best but... her crush on Tetsunori really distracts her sometimes
during training, fights... well just all the time haha.
What can
I say about our next guy Unaka! He's the smartest guy on the team. He will
analyze a battle and find weak points that will end in his favor.
Now
Saniko is the fastest one of them all. Her sword attacks are so quick and you
are unlikely to see them coming. She's also the twin sister of Ashi.
Last and
of course not least we have Taanji! This is the pretty boy of the group and
with that you know comes girl trouble. When he's not going crazy over the girls
he's actually an amazing fighter… when his mind is in the right place.
Me:
If you had to pick, who
is your favorite character in The Gem Users and why are they your
favorite?
Walton: Well of course the main character Tetsunori
because how can you not like the main person? :) But I also like Taanji because
he gets into so much trouble because of the ladies which brings me back to the
comedy I love.
Me: Who are the artists you have been working with
on this project and how did you find them?
Coby
Ochrietor who I found online also does stuff like the chibi sticker sheet,
bookmarks and so on.
Both are
very amazing artists and I appreciate all of the hard work they did on this
project.
Me: Do you have any advice for finding
artists on DeviantArt?
Walton: Well with DeviantArt there are sooooo
many great artist it's hard to say, but best place to start is to look at the
most popular section and just go from there.
Me: What is the number one reason backers should
pledge The Gem Users graphic novel?
Walton: I believe it's because of how unique my project
is with the story and how I get backers involved with the project and heroes to
choose the path they take.
Me: What inspirational words do you have for
aspiring writers?
Walton: If you have a great story all locked up in
your head, don't let it just sit there! Get that golden key out and open up
something amazing that people can enjoy reading and share with friends. The
feelings you get from reading a great story are amazing! Let people know those
feelings by telling us your story.
Me: Thanks for taking the time to answer my
questions Michael. If you’re interested in pledging the Kickstarter for The Gem Users, check out the official
Kickstarter here.
Do you
have a Kickstarter? Want to be interviewed about it and have it showcased on
“Kickstart the Week?” Let me know in the comments below or message me on my
personal website www.comicmaven.com.
Other “Kickstart the Week” features:
Seamstress
Super! Volume Two: The Secret is Out!
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