‣ Pencils Down is a 24-page full color comic book

‣ 12-page story by Hojo with art by John Dillard

‣ Includes a fan art section showcasing work from indie artists

‣ All artwork is finished, and the lettering process has begun

‣ Total raised on all platforms: $6710

‣ Estimated Release Date: Summer 2025

The Story

In Pencils Down, a lazy comic book artist at the Big Two faces the shock of being fired, igniting a desire for revenge against those who betrayed him. Desperate and frustrated, he turns to an old Ouija board, hoping to summon a demon to carry out his vengeance. Instead, he inadvertently brings to life his #2 pencil—a sarcastic and unpredictable entity with a mind of its own. Pencils Down blends humor, action, and satire, exploring #2's wild escapades and revealing that even the most ordinary tools can have extraordinary tales to tell.

Main cover by Erik Hodson 

John Dillard's new cover!

Korey Barton Cover

 

New Sven Stoffels Cover!

Interiors by John Dillard 

Witness Dark Angel's stunning debut in Pencils Down!

 

 

As #2 descends into the slums, nothing will stand in his way.

Dillard Line Art Edition

Fan Art Section

 

NEW Belmont Press Vault II

Rare Virgin Variants

Rare Sketch Covers

Demon In A Bong Limited Edition Print

Stretch Goals

#2 Sticker by Six AM

6K UNLOCKED

Amount Raised on All Platforms $6710

                                                         

 

Dark Angel Sticker by Six AM

7K LOCKED

Amount Raised on All Platforms $6710

  

 

Add-On's

Smokes Iron Age Icons Card by Adam Miller

Belmont Press Keychain and Magnet

Hall of Thanks - Your name Showcased 

Creative Team

Creator / Director: Justin Belmont (Smokes the Fox)

Writer: Hojo (The Mythicals)

Artist:  John Dillard (The Mighty Golden Patriot)

Colorist: Gonzalo Layola (Soltac)

Letterer: Kurt Hathaway (Youngblood)

Editor: Aldous (Cash Grab)

Video Producer: Goodstuff (Escape From Monster Island)

Cover Artists

A. Erik Hodson (AR-13L : The Little Mercmaid)

B. Korey Barton (Kozor)

C. Sven Stoffels (Butch Killigan)

D. John Dillard (The Buckler) 

Pencils Down Song!

 

What We Need & What You Get

Funding Goal: Our target for the Pencils Down campaign is $5,000. This amount is vital for ensuring that we deliver a high-quality comic that meets our creative vision and your expectations.

Production Costs: While I have personally self-funded 75% of the artwork, we are seeking support to cover the remaining costs, including coloring, lettering, pre-press services, and graphic design. This funding will not only help us complete the project but also allow me to recoup my initial investment. These essential elements will ensure that Pencils Down is polished and professionally presented, allowing our creative vision to shine through on every page.

Printing Costs: We aim to provide you with a beautiful physical comic, so a significant portion of the budget will cover high-quality printing and materials.

Shipping and Handling: We’ll ensure that your rewards are securely packaged and shipped.

Contingency Reserve: We understand that unexpected costs can arise. This reserve will allow us to address any unplanned expenses during production and fulfillment.

 

Risks & Challenges

Quality Control: Ensuring the highest quality of both physical and digital products is a priority. We will conduct thorough reviews and quality checks throughout the production process to prevent any potential issues before fulfillment.

Community Engagement: Building and maintaining a supportive community around Pencils Down can be challenging but is crucial for ongoing success. We are committed to engaging with our backers through regular updates, feedback sessions, and social media interactions to foster a strong connection.

Unexpected Events: Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected personal or global events (like natural disasters or health crises) could impact our ability to deliver on time. We will keep our backers informed if any significant events arise that affect our project.

Other Ways You Can Help

We understand that some people just can't contribute financially but you can still support us. If you like what you see, we ask that you please promote the campaign on your social media. With your help we can reach a bigger audience and get more eyes on this incredible project.

We Deliver!

Your comics arrive safe, secure, and ready to enjoy – straight from Belmont Press!

Thank You for Your Support!