What is ImpStory?

ImpStory is a graphic novel (planned to be the first in a series) written and drawn by myself (Cody Baier) with artistic collaborator Victor Neumann. Striving to be a departure from the typical fantasy story, ImpStory features an atypical cast of characters in an adventure that spans across several different worlds. Familiar fantasy races and monsters are depicted in unique ways, and our heroes will face off against completely new and original foes (as opposed to the typical goblins/skeletons/etc. one would find in your average fantasy tale). 

The art of ImpStory also takes a novel approach, as Victor does not simply color my artwork. Rather, the art of the comic is a true collaboration, where I draw the initial version of the page, and Victor adds to it before finishing the colors, in order to truly combine our individual artistic strengths to create a more visually engaging experience.

The Premise

Within the great cosmic tree of the Sephirot, the universe is in turmoil. Twenty years ago, the Demons--long exiled to the hellish realm of Qliphoth for the nature of their creation--stormed the realm of the gods, led by a being known only by what they called him; "Demonlord". This Demonlord not only slew the entire pantheon, but did so effortlessly, leaving the entire Sephirot without divine rule or guidance. Nothing to protect the countless worlds within it from the Demons' cosmic crusade.

Before she was struck down, the goddess of creation Cerenis did as she always had when the universe faced a dire threat; she sent her blessings, which would find newborns destined to be exceptional people, and deem them as Chosen Ones. But with the gods long dead, when the Chosen Ones discovered what they were, they ignored the calling. 

All except one: a Shadow Imp mage named Zippit.

Having spent years travelling to many worlds through the Starways, using his immense magical powers to help others, Zippit alone decided to answer the call--gods or no--and see what he could do to help. In order to learn what he can do as a Chosen, he must seek out the Cosmic Scribes; keepers of all the universe's knowledge, and former wards to the gods.

Sample Pages

The Characters

A wandering Shadow Imp possessing incredible magical power (which he attributes to the teachings of his Master, whom he adores). Zippit's magical prowess is matched only by his motormouth, especially when gleefully sharing his magical knowledge with others. Not wanting for more than just good times and good company, Zippit travels from country to country, world to world, using his powers to help those in need. Upon discovering he is one of the Chosen, he's the only one to heed the call despite the death of the gods.

Zippit's apprentice, a former guard captain (and mercenary before that) looking to become a spellblade. An experienced warrior and tactician, as well as someone to rein Zippit in when he starts getting a little too excited and long-winded. Laurence holds a great deal of respect for Zippit's selflessness and magical abilities, though he harbors secret, more selfish reasons for following the Shadow Imp. Reasons fueled by revenge...

Daughter of a Cosmic Scribe, Ingrid is a scholar who's as beautiful as she is book smart, though her street smarts are severely lacking. Shortly after the Demonlord killed the Gods, her Scribe father left under mysterious circumstances, and never returned. Before he left, he gave her a living tome, calling itself "Nac," which seems to hold all the knowledge one could ever want to know, but cannot answer questions directly. Using Nac's clues, Ingrid has embarked on a search to find the Cosmic Scribes' keep (somewhere her father never let her see), and learn the truth about what happened to her father.

A charismatic young Vampire noble from the Monsterman nation of Allhallow. While Morticof weilds considerable power as a Vampire, it pales in comparison to his powers as a mage. Though he's only versed in water magic, his power and skill in the oceanic arts is unmatched, even by Zippit. Initially offering to help Zippit and his companions as a favor, Morticof quickly finds himself compelled to accompany the Imp on his quest by the allure of a grand adventure, something his drab life of politics and privilege has made him yearn for.

A captain in the Demon army, Sarona is a force to be reckoned with. Possessing not only superhuman strength, but a host of strange and formidable abilities. Having experience the hell of Qliphoth in her early childhood, she grew up especially enamored with the Demonlord, viewing him as a savior much in the way most other Demons do. Also like most Demons, she grew up with stories of the ruthless and self-destructive humans and Monstermen living in the Sephirot. Sarona has lived most of her life as a true believer in the Demonlord's cause, but perhaps that could change...

No one knows where he came from. No one knows where he got his power. He appeared in Qliphoth one day as if by a miracle. He brought the Demons safety from the horrors that lurk there, and security under his rule. He is known only by the title they gave him: Demonlord. He came to the Demons offering them salvation from the gods, and the bounties of beautiful homeworlds once only afforded to the denizens of the Sephirot. To the wide-eyed amazement of the Demon hordes, he slaughtered the gods one by one without an ounce of effort. Now he has set his sights on worlds he deems fit more for Demonkind than mankind. The only hope the people have lies in the knowledge that though he cannot be defeated, he can be sealed away. Though how long this will last is anyone's guess, as rumors have spread that he is only getting stronger...

What We Need & What You Get

They money raised by this campaign will go into funding a print run of the comic, setting up an avenue for future printings of the comic (we do not want this to be a limited run just for backers, we want people to be able to buy copies at any point in the future), and toward Victor and myself so that we can work on this comic full-time. Should we exceed our initial goal, additional funding will go toward stretch goals, which are to be determined at this time. Should we not reach full funding, the book will still be developed, though distribution plans may change (and, of course, production will be much slower).

The Impact

Since I was a small child, it's been my dream to make comics. Creating worlds and characters, then telling their story with my art, has been my singular passion for most of my life. From drawing comics in marker on construction paper and stapling them together, all the way to pursuing a career in self-publishing comics of my own. Now, I come to you folks to help realize my dream. I've teamed up with a colossally talented artist to make this book as great as I can make it, and worth every penny you're willing to give.

But this isn't just about me, it's about you; the audience. I can't ask you to fund a book without making it worth your while, after all. I'm offering you a compelling story, with memorable characters, a unique setting to be immersed in, and some damn fine art (which wouldn't be possible without Victor).

Risks & Challenges

The biggest challenge we face is simple: time and money. Victor and I both have our obligations, our bills to pay, clients to draw for, and even our own personal side projects. However, with your help and enough funding, we can devote the necessary time and resources toward making and distributing ImpStory, possibly even giving us the opportunity to bring you other titles in the future!

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can't donate to the campaign, but you want to help, there's still plenty you can do! Word-of-Mouth is incredibly important to independent creators, so spread the word! Be sure to link to the ImpStory IndieGogo page on social media, or just tell your friends! Every little bit counts. Even if you only tell one person you know, that's one more person who may be able to contribute to the project, and we appreciate each and every one of you.