That's A Wrap!
4 months ago
– Wed, Dec 10, 2025 at 07:48:00 PM
Hi Gang,
The last batch of packages was shipped today! If you have not received your package yet, it should be on the way shortly. But don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. International backers, please allow a few weeks.
Thank You
This has easily been one of the most rewarding campaigns I've ever done. This was such a weird little project, I had no idea if it would connect with anyone. But you all showed up and made it a reality.
All the messages and emails I've received are icing on the cake. It's also my first all ages project, so getting to hear those of you that enjoyed the book with your kids was amazing. You all are the best!
What's Next
We REALLY REALLY want to do an issue two. There are a ton of ideas we didn't get to cover. But I'd also like to hear from all of you. What do you want to see? What do you want more of? Email me at [email protected] or send me a message. We are definitely going to take your feedback into consideration.
We learned A LOT making this first issue. So we're hoping to streamline our process. Also please tell your friends, co-workers, cousins or whoever else you think would like the magazine. This book truly is a labor of love, but is not by any means cheap to produce. The more readers we get, the more likely we'll be able to continue to put out issues. You can send them over to the store if they're interested in the meantime.
Letters Page
We would love to have a letters page from readers going forward. So if you feel so inclined, send us one! But make sure to put "Okay to print" in the subject. You can send it there or my personal email above.
Keep Up To Date
Feel free to tag me @andrewmaxwell.bsky.social if you get your package. As we love to see people receiving their rewards. Also joining the newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on upcoming projects, kaiju or otherwise. Along with other shenanigans I'm enjoying at the moment.
I'm going to be including discount codes and kickstarter bonus items going forward as incentives from time to time. So something to keep an eye on!
Okay, I think that's everything. Thanks again to all of you, and have an amazing holiday season! I'll be in touch!
Best,
Andrew
Shipping Update
4 months ago
– Sun, Nov 30, 2025 at 08:44:04 AM
Hi Gang,
We are so close! I was able to get a majority of the packages out this week. The post office closes early on Saturdays, so 14 packages didn't quite make it yesterday. But those will go out tomorrow.
After that, 90% of the packages will be fulfilled. However, there are a few that will need a bit of extra attention.
Ranger Package/ Badge Holders
I thought I had received all the photos for the security badges. But it turns out, there were a handful of backers that had completed the surveys and paid. But forgot to include the image. If you are in that category, you should've got an email from me. Thank you to those of you that already responded so quickly!
I will also be checking my spam, because unfortunately one backer image somehow made it in there.
International Backers
For some reason, there were two packages that would not let me print shipping at home. I'll need to go in person to get those taken care of. That will for sure get handled this upcoming week. Saturday at the latest.
If Your Package Arrives Damaged
Again this doesn't happen too often, but does unfortunately from time to time. If you experience this, please send me a message or email me at [email protected]. I will respond ASAP! Please do not put it in the comments. It's hard for me to keep track.
I believe that's everything. We're almost to the finish line folks. To those of you that already messaged me to let me know you received them, thank you. I'll be in touch. Hope everyone has a great week!
Best,
Andrew
First Batch Out!
4 months ago
– Sat, Nov 22, 2025 at 10:58:02 PM
Hi Gang,
Quick check in. I got the first batch out today - roughly 30 packages.
I'll keep chipping away all week until they're done. Once the last package is sent out, I'll send out one more final update letting you know they are on the way. So keep an eye out for your package. International packages may take a few weeks.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE... If something happens and your package is damaged in the mail (which is usually rare, but does happen occasionally). Message or email me at [email protected]. I will respond ASAP. Don't write a comment complaining on the main page. It's hard for me to keep track, and I want to make sure everyone gets their proper rewards.
In the meantime, we can't wait to hear your thoughts! Feel free to tag me on @andrewmaxwell.bsky.social, or shoot us an email. Already kicking around ideas for issue #2. Have a great upcoming week!
Best,
Andrew
Books Are In!
5 months ago
– Mon, Nov 10, 2025 at 09:27:19 PM
Hi All,
As you've gathered from the title, the magazines have arrived! A day earlier in fact. I came home yesterday from a day of shenanigans with my toddler, to boxes stacked outside my door.
I brought them in and gave them a look through, and they came out fantastic!
I know the original shipping goal was October, and we'll be shipping this month instead. But trust me these will be worth it! (If you're not interested in behind the scenes portion, you can skip to the bottom).
I wanted to give you a quick walk-through of the proofing process, and why we ultimately got delayed a bit. In addition to the designing process taking longer than expected, the proofing process took multiple sessions as well. This was a first for me having to go back and forth this many times.
Initially we did staple binding, which is what comics and most magazines are. But after receiving the first test copies, one of the two issues had bruising at the spine. I was worried this may happen in other issues, and thought aesthetically a printed perfect bound spine may be better.
However, when I got our proof copy on that, it brought on a whole host of new problems.
The spine art didn't line up for one thing. Apparently this is more common than you think, because there's a small percentage of the paper moving during the printing process. So not all of the magazines would've looked like this, but it was a bigger percentage than I wanted to risk.
Although the cardinal sin, was how much art we lost to that inner fold! Take a look a the comparison from perfect bound (above), and stapled (below).
It was a travesty of the highest order! Word balloons and text we can move around, but art is more difficult. Not to mention that would add significant time to fix when we're already behind. Most importantly, it just didn't look very good.
So we went back and forth and fine tuned with the printer, until we had the perfect set up. They did extra quality checks to verify the stapling. Which is where we ultimately decided on. We also ended up switching to a glossy cover, and keeping the interior pages matte. It's beautiful!
Begin here if you skipped:
That's my long winded apology, but now you know what caused our little delay. Each new project brings its own challenges, and since we're doing this ourselves, there's always a big learning curve. For magazines especially apparently. Issue #2 should run much smoother!
Lastly, the shirts are in! Our test shirt we posted on the Kickstarter page was a lighter green, which I liked. But after seeing it with a darker green it was no comparison. It really popped and matched the magazine.
When I set out to make this book, it was designed for all ages. After putting together the shirts and badges, I was overjoyed to see that truly was the result. The pictures and sizes ranged all over the place. Children to older adults. It ran the gamut, and really did my heart good.
Sorry for the long update, but there was lots to cover! I will start getting these together to prepare for shipping. But remember, the bulk of the shipping will be happening the week of Thanksgiving here in the states.
Please let me know if you have any question on here or at [email protected]. Have a great week!
Best,
Andrew
Quick Check In
5 months ago
– Fri, Nov 07, 2025 at 06:38:05 AM
Hi All,
The books are scheduled to arrive to my home next week! According to tracking, the date is looking like November 10th. Sometimes that fluctuates a day or two give or take. But regardless, we're close.
When they arrive I'll do a more in depth update with some final pics and our latest proofing process. As I mentioned in the last update, the bulk of fulfillment will likely be the week of Thanksgiving holiday here in the states (Nov. 22-30th). If I can get a few packages off before then, I definitely will.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out here or email me at [email protected].
Best,
Andrew
