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Crowdfunding Corner: Over 70 Black creators, over 30 comic publishers, and Advent Comics team for Epiphany Engine

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Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.

Epiphany Engine

Over 70 Black creators are teaming up with Advent Comics and over 30 comic book and graphic novel publishers for the cosmic crossover project Epiphany Engine, a 192-page graphic novel. The project is led by publishing legend Tony Kittrell and acclaimed editor and creator Joseph P. Illidge, who will serve as the Executive Story Editor. Epiphany Engine will feature an epic multiverse story, assembling iconic Black heroes and villains and original characters in an adventure that spans several chapters. Each chapter will showcase the work of a different creative team, giving Black creators from across the publishing world the opportunity to combine their powers. Readers and fans can back Epiphany Engine on Kickstarter when the project launches on Juneteenth, featuring a variety of exciting reward options.

Epiphany Engine publishers

Brandon Thomas will be launching the book by writing the first chapter; the book will also feature the work of popular creators such as Rodney Barnes, Chuck Patton, John Jennings, Jamal Igle, Colleen Douglas, Chriscross, and many more. Publishers involved in the project include 4th Wall Productions, Griot Enterprises LLC, Konkret Comics, and Second Sight Publishing, among many others.

Continuing the legacy of multiverse crossover stories such as DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths and the family drama of Fantastic Four, Epiphany Engine follows the McKalis, a family of brilliant but grief-stricken scientists searching for their missing member Todd, who was lost in the multiverse after a botched experiment. However…their rescue attempt has accidentally ruptured the fabric of the multiverse, causing universes to bleed into each other and sending all four members into scattered destinations. The rupture has released a cosmic-level threat, the mysterious Abzylom, who wants to collapse and mold a new universe while destroying the McKalis. In order to save the multiverse and defeat their cosmic foe, the family must find each other and build an army of superheroes.

The McKali family is led by father Prof. Dwayne McKali, who is an incredibly brilliant explorer, but often myopic and overcontrolling, and mother Dr. Jackie McKali, a world-renowned physicist who is the balanced yang to Dwayne’s ying. In order to save the multiverse, the parents team up with their gifted kids, 19-year-old Jett McKali, an impulsive tech genius who is unafraid to jump into the fray, and 17-year-old Octavia McKali, a chemist and theorist who keeps the family together and on task. The family is inspired by historical and fictional icons like comics legend Dwayne McDuffie, iconic comic creator Jackie Ormes, Disney’s “The Famous Jett Jackson,” and award-winning Afrofuturist writer Octavia Butler.

Dwayne and Jackie’s son, 10-year-old Todd McKali, is a child prodigy who incorporates all of the specialties of his famous family. It’s Todd’s experiments with multiversal travel that accidentally cause the incident that loses him in the multiverse and creates the chaos that must be solved. The family is hunted by the villainous Abzylom, who has cosmic abilities beyond their understanding. Unhinged, sociopathic, psychopathic and incredibly brilliant, Abzylom has been traversing the multiverse and his body has become infused with the chaotic energies that bind and separate universes.

Along with these original characters, Epiphany Engine will share the stage with legendary Black characters such as:

  • Danny J. Quick ‘s 4th Wall Productions MMA ninja Aceblade
  • Lonzo Starr and Konkret Comics cosmic hero Akolyte
  • Dorphise Jean/Spirits Destiny Studios Haitian heroine Spirit Destiny
  • Andre Batts Urban Style Comics mystical protector Dreadlocks
  • Michael Watson’s Freestyle Komics powerful Hotshot
  • Ray Height/Studio Skye-Tiger‘s heroic vigilante Midnight Tiger
  • Jiba Molei Anderson/Griot Enterprises African deities superteam The Horsemen
  • Tony Kittrell/Advent Comics powerhouse Titan the Ultra Man
  • Quinn McGowan and Legends Press highflyer Wildfire
  • Vince White and The Powerverse’s classic hero Will Power

Each of these characters resonates with fans due to their relatability and heroic spirit, making them true icons in the comic book industry. These fan-favorite heroes and heroines are just the tip of the iceberg of the characters that will be appearing within the pages of the Epiphany Engine graphic novel.

Fans can now follow and save the Epiphany Engine page on Kickstarter in order to get reminders and updates. Rewards will include an option for fans to get a 1:1 creative consultation with Epiphany Engine producer Tony Kittrell and representatives from the creative and editorial teams. Other rewards will include original artwork, exclusive variants, boxed sets, and more. The Kickstarter will officially launch on Juneteenth (June 19) of this year. Fans who purchase the graphic novel will be mailed the book later in 2024.

Review: Vigilance #3

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Vigilance #3

One of the best things to come of the Krypton television show’s short run is an expansion on some key canon characters. We got a different look at Zodd and saw just how connected his family is to Superman’s. Then there’s the evil genius of Brainiac and how he ruled over the power structure on Krypton. The one character that gave Superman fits and appears on the show, Doomsday, is a bit more realized here.

It’s true that the character had more of an arc on Smallville. It’s one which in the end, became quite a quandary rather than a cool entry into the show’s canon. At least in Krypton we find out exactly what Superman had to fear. In the third issue of Vigilance, our hero finds out what type of toll, physically and mentally, a defeat can impose on most.

We find Vigilance in Columbus, Ohio, where she’s fighting a new villain who goes the name Void. It’s a challenge and villain which actually overpowers our hero. As Void informs her of their connection, her stigma to the title of Destroyer is exposed as if there was something that Justice was holding back in his training. We rapidly find out Queen Ma’la had used her guilt and memories against to gain an unfair advantage in beating her. By the issue’s end, Vigilance tells her psychologist of the mental dismay this battle caused her, a fight she was never ready for.

Overall, probably the best issue in the series so far. It offers readers a deeper dive into what makes a superhero tick. The story by Alverne Bell is well characterized and evenly paced. The art by the creative team is engaging. Altogether, a story that seeks to push the definition of the superhero genre.

Story: Alverne Bell
Art: Eder Messias, Matt Keltner, Veronica Smith, and Danny Cooper
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Vigilance #2

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Vigilance #2

Supergirl is one of those shows you either love or hate. It’s easy to see as a copy of Smallville, which it shares some similarities, other than the canon. One of those things that it charmingly imbues is the heart that most superhero shows shy away from. It often reveals the vulnerability of their protagonists, something that the comics usually do. The show’s third season more than pushed the show creatively, in some ways it surpassed what its predecessor did in its lengthy run.

This particular run showed a protagonist both broken and brokenhearted. It also introduced a villain as daunting as she had ever faced in the World Killer, Reign. The first seasons saw her fight villains that gave her a run for her money, but this one was the first time where the villain pretty much left her thunderstruck. In the second issue of Vigilance, our titular hero faces off someone even stronger than the threat she just neutralized.

We find Vigilance, soon after stopping a threat has destroyed much of Hong Kong, when its master, Imperito Lux, an alien invader, stops our protagonist in her tracks, as she soon realizes her new foe’s might. We also get treated to Imperito’s backstory and she came into power, while not only enslaving armies but also entire planets. Imperito also underestimates Vigilance, as we get battle royale between the two superpowered beings as the we also find out that Imperito targeted Earth so she can face off against Vigilance.

Overall, an interesting chapter in this ever-evolving story, one that shows fidelity in the promise its showed in the debut issue.  The story by Micah Cox is action-packed and is well versed in the art of worldbuilding. The art by the creative team is auspicious. Altogether, a story that definitely deserves to be in the pantheon of great superhero stories.

Story: Micah Cox Art: Mel Joy San Juan, Danny Cooper
Story: 8.8 Art: 7.0 Overall: 9.4 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Vigilance #1

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Vigilance #1

When the news broke that Marvel Studios was going to make Captain Marvel, it was a progressive foot forward. One that will take years before anyone can really understand the impact. It’s true that Wonder Woman, had come out the year before and was directed by a female director. That movie was great but did not erase the years of the character being maligned by the very company that birthed her.

Captain Marvel was different in this aspect, as the character had been rebooted and brought up to date by the great Kelly Sue DeConnick. She painted a different hero than anything else in the Marvel Universe. She’s one that constantly topples tropes and subverts gender stereotypes. As great as this is, most of us wanted to see Monica Rambeau, something we may still get. In the very first issue of Vigilance, we get a superhero like Carol Danvers but looks like Monica Rambeau, and in some ways a fiercer titan.

We find Vigilance hurt, as the Extra Human Division has found her, and just her luck, Justice shows up to her rescue. As she recovers, Justice approaches her about being part of the organization using her powers for the greater good, as his honesty was enough for her to follow. As she learned how to be a hero, at first reluctant, as the challenges were too easy for her, but soon she felt a sense of purpose, as the dangers she prevented and the life she saved, became a welcome feeling. She soon finds out that her fame comes with detractors, both human and extra-human.  By issue’s end, a skirmish with a new villain leads her to meet with a greater threat.

Overall, a debut issue that struggles to be interesting. The story by Micah Cox is layered and introspective. The art by the creative team is standard. Altogether, a story that I hope will get better as the story unfolds.

Story: Micah Cox
Art: Valdeci Nogueira, Veronica Smith, Danny Cooper, and Michael Watson
Story: 6.0 Art: 5.0 Overall: 5.7 Recommendation: Read

Review: Hotshot #1

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Underdogs are what most of us root for in a movie. Therefore, the movie, Rudy, is so memorable and almost used as an affectation for anyone having to overcome obstacles. The most recent underdog story that comes to is, Eddie the Eagle, a sappy story taking place during the 80s. What is the connection between these two stories other than actual people, is their heart.

That is why we love superheroes who are underdogs as well. Spider-Man stood up out for this exact reason, as he was relatable but his goodness always shined through. The Flash, was also the same, as Barry Allen, was just an ordinary guy until he sees troubles in the world. This is also why Hotshot, continues to be interesting, as his struggles are real.

In this issue, we catch up with Hotshot shortly after his dustup the Void. We also rehash his fight with his girlfriend and finally how these two worlds collide. What occurs is an all-out fight between Hotshot and the Void, leaving wreckage everywhere, as a character, points, it is pure insanity. Before the issue ends, there is new nemesis who can levitate everything in their wake.

Overall, an excellent first issue, which pulls the reader further in. The story by Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge is continuing to intrigue. The art by Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter, and Joe Bucco, punches every frame. Altogether, a good installment in this hero’s journey.

Story: Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge
Art: Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter and Joe Bucco
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 9.1 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Hotshot #0

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Origin stories are truly the stuff of legends, when one understands how a hero came to be, it can truly be inspiring. The most popular heroes have origin stories rooted in tragedy. The most famous one being Batman, whose parents are killed right in front of him as a child. The other one that comes to mind, is the most epic refugee story, that of Superman, who not only loses his parents but his whole race.

There are also those heroes whose lives are much like our own. The characters that come to mind, is the heroes of the Dakota Universe, as they were normal characters until a life changing event occurs. This was the case with Static, who was an ordinary student, whose life was ordinary, until he gains powers. This is also the case with Hotshot, an art student, who unexpectedly gains powers from what is called the Zero Event.

In this premiere issue, we meet Hotshot, whose alter ego is an art student named Michael. We meet him shortly after he gets in trouble with his girlfriend, who is shocked to learn that he has kept his superhero identity a secret from her. What follows is a cataclysm where he saves some civilians and where his girlfriend breaks up with him. Before the issue ends, he stops a burglary, and teams up with Vigilance to stop a fire.

Overall, an excellent first issue, which introduces the reader to a relatable character who we all can see ourselves in. The story by Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge is immensely entertaining and makes the reader more than invested in these characters. The art by Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter, and Joe Bucco, simply shines and pops off the page. Altogether an entertaining “a day in the life of” that will keep the reader wanting more.

Story: Michael Watson and Victor Dandridge
Art: Ren McKenzie, Michael Watson, Matt Kelner, Marc Voletich, Ryan Carter and Joe Bucco
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy