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Kickstarter Spotlight: Paragon

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Paragon 1by Paul Jamison

This Kickstarter Campaign is for compiling 4 issues of the self published independent comic Paragon into a single Trade Paperback.

Here’s my story: I came up with the concept of Paragon because I wanted to do an ongoing project about a subject matter that I believe in and one that no one else will ever do. The challenge was to come up with an idea that could follow through with many of the aspects of toxic chemicals’ effects on the human body. I chose to use the idea of a superhero or for this book a “PARAGON” to tell that story.

I did my first issues of Paragon as a 1A and 1B. You could say instead of doing a variant cover I did a various issue. 1B is written in all narration and dialogue and is hand drawn and colored by Illustrator Gilbert Dudley. 1A is written all in exposition and is hand painted by Illustrator Godfrey Mawema. The first issues are almost entirely colored in monochrome blues and greys. This effect represents how sick we are as people. With each issue introducing color as the story evolves.

I sold copies of Paragon 1A & 1B to over 50 comic book shops in California. I began with a limited run of 500 copies of 1A and 500 of 1B. Nearly all were sold. The few remaining issues will be given as rewards for this Kickstarter Campaign.

I did 18 months of market research with Paragon in shops throughout California. In that time, I was able to gauge comic store retail. I met a lot of comic fans and built report with many shop owners. Certainly, there is a market for new and creative ideas. Also, many comic book fans are willing to invest in a grounded reality based story with a character whose fantasy-like powers uncover true aspects about our world. I was happy to find that those comic fans that bought issue 1 bought again with issue 2 and 3.

Reviews for Paragon have been positive from Comic Uno, The Long Box, DarkAvengerC86, Pete’s Basement, FanboyComics.net, GraphicPolicy.com and Impulsive-Reactions.com.

GraphicPolicy.com called Paragon; “A poem in comic form!”

The Long Box said; “Some of the best Indie work being done in comics right now!”

The word is getting out there but I need help getting to the next level and really spread the word about the very different concept. Collecting the four issues into a trade paperback will open up the market a great deal. Even more retailers will buy a book as opposed to a single issue. And while many comic fans bought issue 1 of PARAGON there are many more that want to read a single completed story and will wait for the trade.

Here are the Paragon issue covers as well as sample pages. Please contact me with any questions you may have.

Images by Godfrey Mawema

Images by Gilbert Dudley

Paragon #2 cover by Godfrey Mawema

PARAGON ISSUE #2 Cover by Godfrey Mawema

Paragon #2 inside cover and art by Gilbert Dudley

Paragon #3 inside art by Gilbert Dudley

LOOK FOR CAMPAIGN, REWARD AND VIDEO UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE 30 DAY KICKSTARTER RUN!!

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Review: Paragon 1A and 1B

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paragon 1aBenjamin Byrne is a teenage boy who exists in an overly idyllic world. After years of depression over the loss of his Father, Ben wants to end it all. The attempt passes him through a doorway into our world. Lost and alone; Ben is homeless earning money ingesting experimental medicines. However, when the side effects kill him, Ben’s system restarts itself imbuing him with special abilities. With the assistance of Latisha, a volunteer at a shelter, Ben embarks on a journey to uncover why this world cannot metamorphose into the world of the unspoiled.

The first issue of Paragon is a fascinating debut. Two comics from similar perspectives but done in completely different styles. Paragon 1A and Paragon 1B are the same story, the origin of the character Paragon, but the style in which they’re presented are completely different. Each separate the comics are ok, but put together, it’s a very cool concept. Instead of one comic with two covers, this is two completely different comics.

1A is done in an exposition style with the story driven by captions instead of dialogue. The art is solid in this one and the whole comic comes off as more of a poem in comic form. 1B is the comic style we’ve come to know. While I like that storytelling style better, I think the art is a bit weaker. The combination of the two read back to back is really interesting.

I really like the concept. Paragon is a superhero genre with a focus on toxic chemical’s effects on the human body. Paragon seeks to enlighten and educate while seeking out the reasons behind governing and corporate powers which are motivated by their own agenda.

Imagine you were born and raised in a perfect world. Where there was no greed or corruption or negative agenda. Where the governing powers were motivated towards the betterment of society. Where there was no dysfunction or disease or disorders or addictions. Then, you passed through a doorway into our world. What would you do? How would you cope? How would you see this world?

Overall, the comic, as the two issues is a very cool start and I’m looking forward to seeing what the team does next. This is a solid independent comic and you should definitely check it out if you have the chance.

Paragon 1A
Story: Paul Jamison Art: Goffrey Mawema
Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Paragon 1B
Story: Paul Jamison Art: Gilbert Dudley
Story: 7.75 Art: 7 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Superhero Network Entertainment Group provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review