Kaiju Ranger Quarterly

Thank You + What's Next?
10 months ago – Sat, Jun 07, 2025 at 06:22:22 AM

Hi Gang, 

What a finish!! I had no idea how this concept would be received. Not to mention, it's also my first "not totally a comic" project. But you all showed up in force! Thanks to you this magazine will be a reality. 

As a thank you, even though we didn't quite hit that second stretch goal. We got really close! I'm going to go ahead and include the bookmarks anyway for all physical backers. 

What's Next? 

In the next two weeks, I'll receive the funds. Once the funds clear, I'll be paying for the printing and production of the rewards. If you need to update your credit card, now's the time. I don't want anyone to miss out! 

In the meantime, we'll be finalizing the last details for the design aspects of the book and I'll be putting together the making of featurette. 

Digital rewards will go out ahead of physical packages. I will be sending an update when that happens. 

Backerkit/ Add-ons

Surveys will be done through Backerkit. The sooner you fill those out the better. It helps us finalize reward production numbers and get them out to you faster. 

Those of you that did add-ons through the campaign will have them automatically added to your rewards. No further work necessary. However, for those that have not had a chance, can do so now. 

I received multiple inquiries about t-shirts as add-on options. As well as will children sizes be available? The answer is yes and yes. I will also be offering a few additional items/ options that were not available during the initial run. 

I think that's everything! But don't hesitate to reach out here or email me at [email protected] if you have questions at any time. I always respond same day (unless it's nighttime cuz I'm sleeping). 

Have a great weekend, and I'll be in touch!

Best,

Andrew

Stretch Goal Unlocked + Final Week!
10 months ago – Sun, Jun 01, 2025 at 08:22:54 AM

Hi Gang, 

We have officially unlocked the first stretch goal! 

I was planning on going into more influences for the magazine this update. But now all of you (both physical and digital backers) will have a detailed "Making OF" PDF included in their rewards. 

It's going to include what inspired the book, process behind creating the various concepts, and step by step examples of how the different segments were made. I already started putting it together, and it's looking great.

I wanted to say thanks so much again for believing in this project! We're in our final week, and it's been amazing to see the response. Means the world you took a chance on this book. Keep up the good work spreading the word, so we can unlock the others! 

Before I go, I wanted to highlight some other awesome projects: 

Thunder Child takes place in the world of beloved Science-Fiction novel 'The War of the Worlds' by H. G. Wells. Set against a backdrop of unstoppable terror and brutal tragedy - all leading up to the HMS Thunder Child's final showdown with the War Machines of Mars.

I thought this was such a fun concept, and the art is fantastic. I've also had the chance to get to know both writers Matthew and Rob, and they're always creating quality. Rob also did the lettering on my last project First Place Losers, so the man where's many hats! Talents abound. You can back it here.

If you checked out this project, I'm guessing you're probably already a monster fan. I recently discovered a "monster of the week" themed substack by writer Jessica Maison. You can check out a recent post here.

I thought this such a fun concept, and nice little check in each week. Give it a read!

That's all for now. Have a great week, and let's keep pushing!

Best,

Andrew

Stretch Goals + Influences
10 months ago – Sat, May 24, 2025 at 03:45:40 PM

Hello Everyone, 

It's time to talk stretch goals! Here's a quick breakdown: 

We're not far from unlocking our first one, so keeping spreading the word! You're all amazing!

I also wanted to do a bit of behind the scenes on what inspired this magazine. As a kid I was OBSESSED with animals. My two favorite "go to" books and magazines were Zoobooks and Ranger Rick:

They had tons of facts, and amazing art. The physiology specifically stood out. 

So when putting this magazine together, I had to pay homage to segments like that as you can see below: 

I also loved character or creature guides. It didn't even have to be a property I was familiar with necessarily as long as the art/ designs were amazing. I just couldn't get enough of the bios, power sets, armor breakdowns, etc. I needed it all!

I wanted to introduce our ranger staff the same way: 

Well thats the end of part 1. I'll explore a few more influences in the next update. But before we go, I wanted to do a few recommendations!

Lampblack is a story of art, war, and love, set in a fantastical early 20th century world. If you're a fan of Studio Ghibli, you will love the whimsical magic and fantastic settings of Lampblack.

I have been a huge fan of artist and co-creator Pablo Peppino since the series Skies of Fire, and this current book is no exception. (So much so, that I commissioned him to do a piece for Kaiju Ranger). In addition, Writer Camille Longely is an excellent storyteller, and the two of them together have created something truly special. Give this a whirl.

Then there's Unicorn Vs Vampire Detective. A unicorn turned vampire slayer vs. a vampire detective. What's not to love? If you like comics like Adventure Time or Scott Pilgrim, than this is for you!

Believe it or not, this is actually a crossover event. But if this is the first thing you've read, it's a standalone story. So no prior reading necessary! I'm a huge fan of both individual series, and Caleb's a great writer and all around good dude. You can back here. 

I also wanted to highlight his digital zine/ podcast Ink to Table, that he co-authors with Curtis Clow. It focuses on the Kickstarter scene and highlights indie creators. It's fantastic!

That's all for now. Have a great rest of the weekend!

Best,

Andrew

Week 1 + Behind the Scenes
11 months ago – Sun, May 18, 2025 at 08:31:04 AM

Thank you for such an amazing first week! We funded in under 24 hours and earned a "Project We Love". 

I was nervous since this is my first "not 100% a comic" project, but you've shown out in force, and it means the world!

As we speak, I'm finalizing the stretch goals and should have those shortly. But in the meantime, I wanted to do a bit of "behind the scenes" material from the magazine. 

When I started initially, I had a giant list of concepts and ideas I wanted to include in the magazine. I reached out to different artists I wanted to work with and that I thought would be a good fit for each section. For our example, we'll be focusing on the Sea Lab in particular, which was done by the always phenomenal Gustaffo Vargas. 

I've been a huge fan of his for years, so this was a no brainer. Thankfully he had time in his schedule, and I sent him what I "thought" was a reference document. But my process was laughable in comparison to Gustaffo's own system. He shared with me a little peak, and there's a reason this guy's the professional he is. 

Take in mind, this was not a full issue, but a single double page spread. Look at that level of reference! His first concept was a home-run, and we were off! You can see it below stage by stage. 

Is that incredible or what? Gustaffo's a class act and if you're not checking out his work, you're missing out. He has a monthly book through Image called Nullhunter that is amazing, as well as his Peruvian cyberpunk series. Go check him out.

Campaign Recs!

Before we go, I wanted to do a quick shout out for the comic Glow: A coming of age adventure set in a world devastated by magic. It's a bright post-fall technofantasy inspired by works such as Nausicaa, Disney's Atlantis, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Dune, and Dark Sun. This book is beautiful, and I own the first hardcover already. 

I've known one of the co-creators Ray Chou for years now and he's one of my favorite people. Comics or otherwise. He's incredibly supportive of indie creators and has a true love for the medium. Ray and his co-creator Vince ALWAYS create quality. For this book, they even crafted a language! Go back it. 

A. Guardian: War dawns on the three kingdoms once again, and a mysterious ancient guardian is at the center of it all. Game of Thrones x Iron Giant. 

Writer and co-creator Eastin is fantastic writer, and an old friend. If I remember right, we started making comics around the same time. Whenever he has a release, I'm there. And Kay is an amazing artist of this and Dragon Grit (another awesome book). So you won't be let down! Back it here. 

Sorry, that was a long one. But there was lots to cover! Be in touch soon with stretch goals. 

Best,

Andrew