No Holds Bard: The First Folio Original Graphic Novel

The Show Must Go On!
almost 5 years ago – Tue, Jul 30, 2019 at 08:40:45 PM

Hey everyone! Long time no see... ummm about that: I wanted to first and foremost apologize for the delays and lack of communication. It’s not how I wanted to do things, but like Commissioner Gordon, I’ve been playing this close to the vest. This has been really tough leaving you hanging, and I know it’s been frustrating for a lot of you. I am ever grateful for your support and patience. So without further ado, here’s what’s going on with No Holds Bard: The First Folio:

After completing about an issue and a half of art Logan decided that he couldn’t make his schedule work and dropped out of the project entirely. I spent months trying to get him to fulfill his contractual obligations to no avail. It just wasn’t going to happen. It was a bummer to lose him and not be able to deliver exactly the book that was advertised. That said, I have no ill will toward him and wish him the best in his career moving forward. 

At this point, I had a decision to make: I could either abandon the project altogether, or try to find a replacement who wasn’t just suitable, but perfect for it. Knowing how much this project means to me and to you, and knowing that you paid your hard-earned money to make it happen, I needed to find a solution and see it through to the end. 

Enter Gabrielle Kari...

About two months ago, we hired Gabrielle Kari to take over art duties from page one. She’s done some amazing work and has been relatively quick, considering she’s doing both line art and colors. Although she's fairly new to the comics world, her palate and humor really fit the tone I was going for. To date, Gabrielle has completed the first issue and much of the second.

My logic was that I wanted to give a better idea of the new direction and actually have something to show for it rather than releasing snippets and causing confusion (although I don’t think my radio silence has helped much on that front). To me, that meant having a full issue ready before announcing the change. I honestly should have let you know about the new direction as soon as she was hired, but I’ve been so caught up in the “surprise” factor, I’ve neglected to be transparent. I kind of dug a hole for myself thinking “this is the day, this is the day,” but comics are a long and intense process, and so delays are inevitable. For example, a few weeks ago, she was in the middle of doing final colors for issue #1 when her computer crapped out (I swear, this thing has such bad luck, we should call it “The Scottish Comic”). 

So here it is: The full first issue can be seen here digitally, right now: Just click the link! 

We’ve hired letterer Aditya Bidikar, and he has been an incredibly dedicated and thorough dude. Seriously, this guy is going to win some Eisners one of these days. 

The new ETA for the whole book is TBA 2020, but most likely, we'll have it sent to the printers (roughly 6-8 weeks before starting shipping) before giving a firm estimate. The great game designer Shigeru Miyamoto said, “A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad.” I think that applies to comics too. I’ve learned my lesson about underestimating timeframes and would rather just let you know how it’s going on a regular basis. Now that we’re back on track, I’ll resume weekly updates with new panels, process pages, and all that good stuff as I get it. My intention has always been to deliver the thing we all wanted, and I intend to keep that promise. Some of you might not like the change, but give it a chance. It’s exceedingly charming, and I think you’ll really like it. If not, hit me up, and we'll work something out.

I sincerely apologize for the lack of communication, but don’t lose faith. Everything is moving, and everyone will get what they paid for. I’ll also think of a nice gift for all of you to thank you for your patience. Over the next couple of hours, I’ll be updating the websites and socials to reflect the creative changes. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, I’m happy to answer them to the best of my ability.

I really can’t thank you enough.

Yours in Bard,

Eric

A slight delay!
over 5 years ago – Wed, Oct 17, 2018 at 11:36:55 PM

Hey FRC, 

Eric here with a quick update. 

Logan is here in Los Angeles for Adobe MAX, and we went out for dinner the other night. He's a super busy guy, but he's still working hard on the Bard. However, we may have underestimated just how long drawing and coloring six full issues would take. Add in the months it takes for lettering and physical production, and we, unfortunately, have to delay the book until it meets our standards. The new release estimate is now summer 2019! As Shigeru Miyamoto said, "A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad." Just, y'know, apply that to comics.

Thanks for bearing with us! I know it's disappointing, but it'll be worth it!

Love you lots,

Eric

Checking in with new art!
over 5 years ago – Wed, Oct 03, 2018 at 11:20:03 PM

Hey everybody! 

How's it going? I'm just writing to say hello. We have some new context-free art for you. 

I'm loving the way Logan's bringing this thing to life. We're getting closer to the goal every day!

I got my confirmation that I'll be heading to Los Angeles Comic Con (formerly Stan Lee's Los Angeles Comic Con, formerly Stan Lee's Comikaze) October 26-28, but probably only for one of those days! I'm not tabling or anything, but I'm happy to meet up and buy you a pretzel or some street ice cream. 

Oh, and if anyone wants to cosplay as the Bard and/or Page for Halloween or otherwise, that would be really special, and I'll do something cool for you. That's the dream, at least.  

That's about it.

Next week: more stuff!

NYCC! More art!
over 5 years ago – Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 11:07:21 PM

Hey FRC, 

Eric here with a quick update. Sorry I didn't write last week, but that doesn't mean we haven't been working on some great stuff!  Check out this amazing never-before-seen page from issue 2:

Logan's going to take a short break from drawing duties when he attends New York Comic Con next week (actually, knowing him, he'll still be drawing while traveling). I don't think he's tabling, but you can follow him on Twitter to find his full schedule! Say hey if you see him! 

That's about it. Gotta get back to this one thing I hope you all find out about in the near future. Sorry to be vague, but it'll be really cool if it happens and I don't want to jinx it. 

Love you. Talk soon. 

Eric

Chugging right along!
over 5 years ago – Wed, Sep 12, 2018 at 10:48:56 PM

Hey Friends,

Got some news you can use! Our first round of digital rewards are out, which means you can download our Insincere and Sincere Thanks packages (Wallpapers, More Wallpapers, and Music, specifically) right now from your Backerkit portal! While wallpapers might not be the most exciting thing, maybe they can tide you over for a little while?

If that's not enough, Logan's doing linework for issue 2 already! See some of his works in progress here:

If you haven't locked your survey yet, there's still time! Get in on it, and you won't be inundated with reminder emails.

If you're in Asheville, NC or its surrounding environs on Thursday, October 25, new residents Logan Faerber and Sara Stewart a co-hosting a meetup at Hatchworks. Go and get sloshed! It'll be fun! More info here!

Our friend Sina Grace is making his triumphant return to Marvel's Iceman, and TODAY (9/12) he'll be signing his all-new #1 at A Shop Called Quest in downtown LA. Who's coming with me? More info here!

Finally, for all you Los Angeles music fans: Spencer Owen, of the No Holds Bard Theme Song is playing two shows here at the end of the month, one at Hotel Cafe, and the other at Patt's Guitar Shop! More info here!

That's it! See you next week.

-Eric