Pending Date but still on the way!
over 4 years ago – Fri, Jul 23, 2021 at 01:43:18 PM

Hey Folks!

This book is underway! There was just a bump in the road. Back in April I suffered a major concussion. I had trouble looking at screens, understanding email, reading. The headaches were constant and the doctor told me it would be 12 weeks before I'd start to feel normal. The Backerkit set up was really difficult for me.Thankfully the team understood the situation and helped me out. I apologize if it's a bit unclear in some areas. My brain was NOT on my side. 

But after the weeks passed, the headaches didn't go away. I was concerned there may be some traumatic brain injury or permanent damage to my head! I recently got an MRI just two weeks ago to gain some clarity. [ I don't have health insurance so I had to save up for it] Just getting my results in!

We've discovered multiple herniated disk in my spine. Nerves are on fire squeezing past damaged vertebrae. Thankfully my brain post concussion is okay, but it explains why I have headaches for a few months non stop. 

What does that mean for the book of MER??

It's still underway! Image thinks I should take a little time to heal. In the meantime I'm still working on pages, packing and organizing your orders and packaging all the stickers, prints and perks. They want to move the release date to NEXT YEAR! At first I thought that would be too far away. But it would give me time to get to a physical therapist. And give you the BEST book I can.

It really bummed me out this week. But the upside is, I can write the next few issues and be done with the next one by the time this releases! So the next release will have no waiting and no delays and if all works out well, a great surprise to accompany the release.

 What I've decided to do for the inconvenience is give you guys something no one else will get, the entire album of music head of time. The first song PLUTO'S DREAM will be coming to your inbox soon. But I'll have to wait on the digital comic version. I will be sending a digital ashcan so you can check out what's on so far. 

RETAILERS WITH EXCLUSIVE COVERS

There are a few shops that have exclusive covers. When everything is ready, I'll be sure to let you know where you can get them! I want to try and figure out some other way to say thank you for your patience so I'm open to ideas. I was thinking about a few Zoom meetings and google hangouts so we can chat? Virtual concerts? Let me know your thoughts! I want to make sure I support those who supported me during this time! 

I am sad to say there is a delay but I promise this book will happen! Image and I are thinking of a new release date. As soon as we have it you will be the first to know! Feel free to message. I'll be sure to made adjustments for addresses and tracking numbers as the date gets closer so not to worry!

Gonna keep on swimming. --- Afua

Release dates, Conventions and Perks
almost 5 years ago – Sat, Jun 19, 2021 at 03:35:07 AM

The Book of Mer Release date

Just a reminder that the book of Mer will start being delivered to you on August 11th 2021. It will also be available in your local comic shops! You'll be receiving an email before it's mailed out, so if you have any changes to your address you'll be able to reply to that update and we'll make sure you're all set. 

CAMEOS vs PAINTINGS

A few folks had questions about the Cameos and painting pledges so I thought I'd take a moment to clarify

This is an example of a Cameo. I'll have you as a character in the scene hanging out with the characters. because I'm telling very specific legends in these stories, I won't be able to turn you into mermaid characters this time around. I apologize for the confusion. Everyone in the story isn't a mermaid, so it's a little harder to meet everyone's request. :)

This is an example of an original Painting. Bust [ head to shoulders] 2 favorite colors Peach and Green. 

I'm working hard! Trying my best with this concussion. Since i'm in the final weeks of the production I'll have fewer updates until after I'm finished this month. If you haven't submitted your images for the Cameo before the book is finished, I'll still draw a sketch of your face, it just won't be published in this issue. So be sure to send a front, 3/4 and profile image of your face [ no shades please] to [email protected] subject ATBOM cameo. If you're getting a painting please use the subject ATBOM painting. 

CONVENTIONS and APPEARANCES!

Talk soon guys!!

Afua

elle maple fox pin up sneak peek
almost 5 years ago – Sat, May 22, 2021 at 12:39:54 AM

Just 11 more days until pre-orders and backer orders are locked in! If you haven’t had a chance to, fill in your surveys today!

Here is a preview of Elle Maple Fox’s Astara pin up coming for all backers with physical pledges.

Backerkit Surveys Coming your way!
almost 5 years ago – Thu, May 13, 2021 at 01:28:36 AM

We're in the middle of MerMay and some of you folks should have already received your backerkit surveys, if not, no worries! They are on the way tomorrow at the latest. Meanwhile I've been working on The book of Mer and some other cool things I'll be able to chat about soon!

I've got a few add ons on the backerkit page that were not available during the kickstarter. Elle's Print is underway and I've got a few other things in the pot. 

Here is a work in progress of one of my characters named Xiao Wei. A beautiful Bioluminescent mermaid grabbing a fishy snack. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

My amazing and talented friends are running a very cool campaign that I think you will enjoy! :

Joystick Angels is a comic book space opera that takes place post-Earth after an evil alien parasitic empire, the Eukarya, destroy the planet. The last of humanity settled on the satellite space vessel, The Libor Space Station, and now must defeat the alien menace. The story follows a squadron of five teenage space pilots, Fox, Deuce, Tank, Dragonetti, and Legz, called the Angels as they seek retribution.

The series was co-written by RAE Comics President and Founder T.J. Sterling and his brother, music producer Spenser Sterling, who composed the OST. Their collaboration blends their creative skills and serves as a love letter to 90s comics, mech anime, and video games they both were fanatic about as kids.

You won't be disappointed!

Here's the link: https://bit.ly/2SEQJSZ

Mer New release date and Surveys coming soon!
almost 5 years ago – Fri, Apr 09, 2021 at 11:50:51 PM

I am so excited for this book! There has been so much going on. Forgive the lack of updates. 

Look out in the next few days for your email surveys so I can send you your stuff! You should see an email from Backerkit for the book of Mer. Cameos, custom paintings and sticker options will be availible. As well as names for your in book thank yous!

There will be an update to the release date to correspond with Diamond's shift from Free Comic book in May to August and the tide has taken us with it! A few of my collaborators have been dealing with some Covid related delays so to give them a chance to heal up we're going to delay the book a bit and I'll be taking over all the art on issue one! 

So the new release date is August 11th 2021 Just in time for Free Comic Book day! Look out for that Survey email!