Bi The Way - A Comic that puts the "Bi" in "Autobiography"
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What's "Bi The Way" about?
In my mid/late twenties, I came to the realisation that I was bisexual. This comic aims to tell that story in a way that I hope is enjoyable and relatable. As well as covering my realisation, my coming out (including a guide of do's and don'ts for any Allies out there), and all that jazz, the book is also about the stuff after that. Stuff like the conversations and reactions I've had with family and co-workers, being a bisexual in a "straight" relationship, and how hard it can be in general to figure out queer feelings in a heteronormative world. Although Bi folk make up a large part of the LGBT population, we don't tend to get a lot of acknowledgment (It can be hard to name even one character from TV who uses the word "bisexual" to describe themselves), or space to discuss our experiences. So I'm putting my story out there. Hopefully that's helpful to someone, even in a small way.
Bi The Way is a personal story, but it's one that I aim to make accessible and enjoyable to folk of all genders and orientations. Maybe you'll get a new perspective on something, or relate to it from your own experiences. Hopefully it will also make you laugh!
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What Will It Look Like?
Bi The Way will be 52 pages long and perfect bound, with dimensions of 240x157mm. The covers will be in colour, with the interior in greyscale.
In fact, if you want a sneak peek at the book, you can read a 6 page preview here. Enjoy!
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Who are you, anyway?
I'm MJ, a comic book artist & illustrator from Glasgow, Scotland. I make comics about lots of stuff, such as my life, cool animals, ghosts and much more!
My work has appeared in publications such as BBC's The Social, The Skinny, Hens Tae Watch Oot Fur and TGC (Scotland's all-female comics anthology). I also make the webcomic Rollerskates & Breakfast Dates, and self-publish my own books.
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Contact Info
My Artist FB
Rollerskates & Breakfast Dates - The Webcomic!
@TheMysteriousMJ
Reviews for the "Rollerskates & Breakfast Dates" Book:
"...an effective palette cleanser from the doom and gloom." - GeekSyndicate
"heartwarming and hilarious" - Nancy Joyce, Whatcha Reading
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Why are you crowdfunding this?
In the past, I've printed my books using money out of my own pocket. While that's great (and I've never had a book not make back its print costs), it does limit me regarding the quality and size of print run I can afford.
Bi the Way is going to be printed at a higher quality than my previous books (Hello perfect binding and non-A5 page size!), and I want to do a larger print run than I have in the past. The money I raise here will all go into printing costs, so I can afford to get the book printed in the quality and amount I think it merits.
I've chosen to go with a flexible-funded campaign so that even if the full amount doesn't get reached, I can still get a smaller print run produced. However! Reached £800 or more will mean I can get the print run I think the comic deserves and keep the print cost per issue at a place where I can still make money back from sales, so please do contribute if you are able too. Even just a few pounds makes a big difference to me.
Once the book is printed, I will be selling it at conventions and also make it available for purchase online.
Potential Risks?
The lineart is all done, the colouring is almost finished, and I've started lettering. This book is definitely going to be made! Delays can always happen, but I'm confident that I will have it back from the printers in time for July 2017. I'll be debuting it at Glasgow Comic Con on the 1st of July, so if you'll be nearby feel free to come say hello and pick up a copy!
How you can help
Even if you can't donate, just sharing this campaign and get the word out is super helpful! Indiegogo has a bunch of tools to help you share it around and spread the word, so if you can, please give this campaign a shout out. Thank you for your support!
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