My name is Joumana Medlej, graphic designer, illustrator and concept artist (known on the 'net as Cedarseed), and since late 2006 I've been devoting most of my time to writing, drawing and publishing my graphic novel Malaak, Angel of Peace.It is the story of a young woman sent by mysterious forces to save Lebanon from war – but it's also, and mostly, a story where ancient mythology and current folklore are woven together into an action-packed adventure with a distinct local, based-on-life flavor. You can learn more about it by visiting the Malaak website.
Video here Kickstarter
This story in 7 volumes is not only my first published comic, it is Lebanon's first adventure series ever. In a country where no publisher will touch comics, this has been an upstream climb, though an exciting and fulfilling one. I knew, when I started, that I would see this project through to the end regardless of cost. That decision hasn't changed, but in the meanwhile a wonderful thing called Kickstarter was created to help independent artists bring their dreams into being without having to sell their pants.
My goal here is to raise the $3000 that will cover the printing of this book. By pledging any sum to this project, you're helping me achieve this but you're also pre-ordering the book and a bunch of other very cool treats for yourself. EDIT: By now we've raised the needed amount, but don't hesitate to pledge anyway to enjoy the special offers: any surplus is set aside to print vol. 5 next year!
Volume 4: Marked by Fire will be a 48 page, A4 format (21x29.7 cm), soft-cover book like the first 3, and include unpublished art from talented guest artists (whose names I'll reveal when some details have been locked in.) On the right of your screen is a list of the additional rewards offered for each pledge option. Let me describe these for you in a bit more detail...
The books:
The main item, obviously: volumes 1 to 4 of Malaak in print. As they retail for $10, plus shipping when applicable, you can see that any of the pledges here (which include shipping) represents a significant discount. All books will be signed and stamped with their respective symbol, as I usually do during booksignings. If you choose a pledge that offers 1 or 2 volumes, you can pick the one(s) you like, it doesn't have to be the latest one if you're new to the series.
Run for Cover:
An original track from the album For the Good of the Nation, by London-based band Bleak, which is featured (along with the band) on pages 4-5 of this volume. The album will be released on April 30, and they kindly allowed me to offer the track as a reward to all backers.
Original drawing:
This will be a handmade drawing by me on A4 art paper, stamped and signed, and mailed to you with your book(s). You tell me what you'd like me to draw for you (one character or animal or thing), and if it's within my abilities you got it!
Companion sketchbooks:
These are A5 booklets of 12-16 pages where I collect the best sketches, in their raw form, for each volume. There are 4 total so far, one for each book, and you get to pick which one(s) you want (except for the highest 2 pledges, which get all 4 sketchbooks.)
The High Ones silkscreen print:
This art piece, created specifically for my Kickstarter backers, will be produced as a limited run, based on how many people pledge for it. Printing is done through an artistic process, with environment-friendly water-based inks, on Tiziano 160g/m2 paper. Prints will be numbered and signed. (Colors and composition may be tweaked before printing; this preview is only an indication)
A cameo appearance:
Your likeness will be featured as an extra in a future volume of Malaak, and if context allows I'll work in something additional to identify you (favorite clothes, color, interest, characteristic pose, something like that). In addition, you will be named with the "cast" on the title page of that volume (the example below is from vol 2.) There are limited slots for this reward!
Original inks:
To be clear, the original inks for all volumes of this comic are done on tracing paper and not suitable for giving away. For those who choose this last pledge, I will redraw the inks by hand on handsome A3 bristol that is suitable for framing and displaying. You can choose the page of your choice from any volume for this purpose. This reward also has limited slots.
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