Snow White Zombie Apocalypse #1-#5

Now Available: Express SWZA Kickstarter Fulfillment!, Durruti covered by Bleeding Cool, Durruti #3 Launches 1/14/25
6 days ago – Fri, Jan 03, 2025 at 03:08:51 PM

Hey folks!

First off, before we talk about SWZA, I'm happy to announce that come hell or high water, Durruti #1-3 is scheduled for TUESDAY 1/14/24! 

Before you do anything else *please go and pre-follow the page:

Did you pre-follow? Great! 

If you didn't please go back and pre-follow. It is critical to making sure the KS algorithm treats us well. Yes, it will help, even if you don't get the book. As everything extra I make on Durruti is rolled into SWZA, it will help immensely.

There. Now I can brag about the mainstream coverage we've gotten in Bleeding Cool! Probably the second most prestigious comic site on the whole dang internet!

We would not be here without each and every one of you. That is a responsibility that I take seriously. I’m constantly pushing myself creatively, but it has become painfully clear to me that greater success breeds greater obstacles.

You may have noticed that the last few kickstarters have taken significantly longer than normal. I certainly have, and I don’t accept it. Here’s why it’s happening, and what I’m doing to fix it.

Why So Long Between Issues?

The fact of the matter is that in a scant five years my comic career has gone from ONE 44 page double issue to this:

It’s absolutely the third best thing to ever happen to me (Behind marrying my wife and having my son) but the fact is, I’m not simply sending you SWZA issue by issue anymore. With THREE DIFFERENT series, a graphic novel and a TON of super-high quality merchandise…I and Autonomous Collective have hit a wall.

This is a very small operation, and most of the heavy lifting is done by me. The orders we have are so large and intricate that between con appearances, kick-starters, writing new issues and being a full-time dad and husband, I can't get these books to you in a manner that I consider appropriately timely.

Meaning I need to either hire someone to help me, OR pay a contractor. I can't depend on volunteer labor from the rest of Autonomous Collective, because it's a very small operation and everyone is already giving it their all.

However, this requires money. Money I don’t have. 

I could try to find a high-paying job, but if I do that I may be able to pay for fulfillment help, but THEN that job takes over my life and I have to slow down writing, funding, and publishing new issues.

So it’s a horrible catch-22: If I solve the money problem, things stay slow. If I keep throwing everything into doing it alone things *still* stay slow.

So you can see my dilemma: The answer to one problem makes the other problem worse.

Now, I don't ever take anything lying down...so I've spent the last few months working towards a solution, that’ll work for everyone. Here it is:

I have started a Patreon. Technically I’ve had one for a while but never did anything with it because I was so focused on the kickstarters and didn't really have a reason to ask for monthly support. 

However, now I do and so--that changes today.

The puzzle that I’ve been trying to solve is that I need regular, predictable income to supplement the kickstarters, and I need to do this WITHOUT piling more and more work on my plate. 

ie: It doesn't make sense to get money to fulfill campaigns faster, if I have to work so hard on it those campaigns still stay slow.

As Patreon allows individuals to engage in mutual aid to creators they support with a set monthly amount, you can keep me going, get some really cool benefits AND get your books sooner.

The money from this Patreon will be used to speed up fulfillment for everyone whether you're a member or not.

Starting with SWZA #5, NPCs #1 and Durruti #3, those who give $5 or more per month will get their books FIRST regardless of how complicated their order is. 

And if you don't give to the patreon, you STILL get your book sooner than you otherwise would.

For the price of less than a single cup of coffee you can help me, yourself, and ensure that I get to keep telling this incredible story that we all love in the biggest and best way possible.

I am aiming for $4000 a month eventually, but $500 is my goal for the month of January. As there are more than 600 of you wonderful folks, if each and every one of you of you pledges just $1 we’ll sail past that by tomorrow morning.

Thanks for everything. There are some really big announcements on the way. Keep an eye on this page.

Cheers,

Brent & Autonomous Collective

>>> Click here to pledge to the Patreon <<<

And once again: 

>>>Pre Follow Durruti #3 <<<

SWZA #5 is *DONE* + NEW SWZA Challenge Coin MINTED + Exclusive Durruti #3 Cover Reveal!
about 2 months ago – Sun, Nov 17, 2024 at 02:50:19 PM

HEY Folks! 

First off: before you do anything, go pre-follow Durruti: Shadow of the People #3. You're probably sick of hearing me say this, and lord knows I'm sick of saying it, but it's true: Pre Follows are CRITICAL to a campaign's success. 

Even if you don't get the book (you should) it takes five seconds, and it tells the kickstarter Algorithm: "This is a worthy project that people like and support" which translates into more people seeing the Durruti #3 campaign, which results in more pledges--meaning we are much more likely to hit or exceed our goal.

All profits beyond the initial book will be rolled over into SWZA, so if Durruti continues to succeed the more you're helping keep SWZA going at the level it's currently at.

So go do that. Right now. (It's okay, I'll wait.)

Alright, WELCOME BACK!, uhh first thing I wanted to say is:

WE DID IT! SWZA #5 is DONE. 

At long last the first completely original SWZA comic since Issue #0...and it just hit your inbox! 

Check your email, and if you were one of those who commented "I have returned" also check your PM for extra downloads!

As Promised, here's the THIRD SWZA challenge coin! This was the hardest one to make, (Oh my god you have NO idea) but I'll tell ya, it was worth it!:

The runes are Elder Furthark, and they all translate. On the heads side you see Queen Skuld Half-Elven in all of her imperious glory. 

The runes say: "By Fate and Blood Unbound." Also, notice the "web of weird" rune in the bottom right. That is the "Master Rune" which contains all other runes. Also, notice the nod to Berserk, with the brand of sacrifice on the skull. 

The Runes around the outside read: "Skofnung Sings Aloud in Skull and Bone". You see a dragon twisting around the blade, on which is a traditional Icelandic kenning. The Kenning reads: "Tyr's Razor-Sharp Trollhammer". 

The larger symbols are the Valknut (top left), a raven (associated with Odin) and the bottom left has the triple mead horns, which is a traditional symbol for Odin and is mythologically associated with poetry. 

The smallest symbols are: (top left to top right):

1) A Trollcross, which keeps away magical creatures.

2) Gungnir (Odin's magic spear) 

3) A Celtic "Shield Knot", which guards against physical harm.

If you haven't already gotten your coin go get it right now. You missed the $10 50% off sale during the campaign BUT you can still get a set of three for $30.

Durruti Cover Reveal:
 

Here's the much-awaited cover reveal, and it's honestly my single favorite cover of all time:

Now, I know what you're all thinking: "WTF is The INFINITY GAUNTLET doing in a comic about Durruti?"The answer is...well, when I was first writing Durruti, during my research I found out that Franco was an absolute NUTCASE (big surprise). 

In particular, during the Spanish Civil War, Franco carried around the actual severed hand of a SAINT like it was the f%*king nuclear football! He took it everywhere he went. He slept with it under his pillow. He literally died clutching it. 

The hand in question was the hand of St. Theresa De Avila and...well I'd probably better just show you. Here it is:

When you add on that Durruti is quite literally "The First Avenger" and he had a real-life "crossover" with Nestor Makhno...a literal winter soldier, well. This right here was the moment that I decided the universe wanted me to tell Durruti's story, and to tell it specifically as a comic.

The book itself is gorgeous but there's just no way I can finish the lettering & production without your support, let alone print enough copies:

Whether you're new, or just getting into my work, if you liked literally any story I have told, you will LOVE Durruti #3. The book is a labor of love and boasts some impressive artistic chops as well (ESPECIALLY Issue #3. I want to tell you but I also don't want to spoil the surprise. 

As such, just in case you're still reading and you haven't done so PLEASE pre-follow the campaign. Even if you're hard up for cash, this is a free way that you can help in the collective work of telling Durruti's story to generations who will otherwise forget about it. 

All you have to do is click the link below (or on any of the images) and then click "Notify Me". It takes five seconds. Shares are also helpful and appreciated. 

>> Click Here to Pre-Follow Durruti #3 <<

There's also a TREASURE TROVE of breathtaking Durruti premiums which will be available at a discounted price, during the first few days of the campaign.

Thanks for everything. You'll hear from me again soon with some other cool stuff that I'm really excited about. 

Cheers, 

-Brent & Co.

SWZA #5 Production DONE + NPCs #1 Coloring Complete + The Burning Maid
3 months ago – Tue, Oct 08, 2024 at 06:59:22 PM

Hey Folks!

First off, I wanted to make sure to let you know: WE DID IT! Thanks to YOUR support SWZA got its THIRD Ringo Nod!

Ultimately, we lost out...to JEFF FRIGGIN' SMITH of BONE.

As he's one of the greatest living cartoonists in the whole damn world (if not of all time) I'm beyond overjoyed that our scrappy little book is becoming the industry powerhouse it deserves to be. 

Back in 2019, no one in comics even knew who we WERE. Now, just a few years later we're getting real recognition and that's due in large part to you guys!

SWZA #5 Production COMPLETE:

For once I got something done early digital versions of SWZA #5 will be going out over the next few days, and the book will go to the printer after Durruti #3 launches!

NPCs Coloring COMPLETE!

If you backed my THIRD series, you'll be happy to know that the book is now FULLY COLORED and is entering production. Took twice as long as I thought it would, but then I remembered: "Oh yeah, I actually made that a double issue!" 

Still, you can't argue with the results!

If you have been waiting to jump on board, you still can preorder the first issue!

The Tether

So, some of you may or may not know, but my editor Andrea Molinari is a huge part of why my books are so good. He's got a new issue of his own acclaimed horror/supernatural series: "The Shepherd".

and well, I'll just let him tell you about it: 

"Hello! I’m Andrea Lorenzo Molinari, and I’m Brenton’s editor. You are familiar with my work even though you probably don’t know it. That’s because I work behind the scenes on all three of his series: Snow White Zombie Apocalypse, Durruti: Shadow of the People, and NPCs: Myth, Magic, & Retail. This effort is no burden because, like you, I am a fan of Brenton’s work. 

Today I am coming to you to ask for your support on a Kickstarter campaign I’m running for my series graphic novel series The Shepherd. 

The Shepherd is a guide of souls in the afterlife. If you’re wondering what my stories are like, let’s just say that my favorite book of all time is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. So if you like ghosts and redemption stories, I’ve got you! 

Please check out my campaign and consider pledging and/or sharing it as we are still $1500 shy of our goal with only 22 days to go! Thank you!"

You heard him folks! Andrea's solo work is as top of the line as his editing, and I'm personally excited about this newest chapter. PLUS if you comment "Lengel" on the page, he'll send you a FREE digital bonus comic from the same series: The Burning Maid! Sample page BELOW.

>>> Click Here to Support The Shepherd Vol. 1-4: The Tether <<<

SWZA #5 *IN PRODUCTION* + NPCs Moving into Lettering + Masala Walla Chai!
5 months ago – Sat, Aug 03, 2024 at 08:15:02 PM

Hey Zombies! Sorry for the radio silence (it's been INSANE),

So first of all I want to thank you for supporting my work, both via this kickstarter, and by voting for us at the 2024 Ringos.

Thanks to you, WE DID IT! Snow White Zombie Apocalypse has secured it's THIRD nomination, this time for "Best Humor Book!"

This is a MAJOR milestone for the series and one I was sure wasn't going to happen. Honestly everyone who has poured their heart and soul into these books is absolutely hea dover heels for your enthusasm for SWZA!

SWZA #5 Update:

I am HAPPY to announce that SWZA #5 has ALL the inks, colors, lettering, and editing COMPLETE! Now we go into PRODUCTION! I can't share too much with you for fear of Spoilers, but here are two pages that out of context capture humor AND Horror of our favortie world of fairytale zombies!

NPCs #1 Entering Production

I was thinking of the project as one book, when in fact I realized too late that we were in fact making TWO books PLUS several more pages? Turned out to be harder than we had anticipated. Still, the work we're getting back is absolutely PHENOMENAL:

Still, my loss is your gain, because this is SO FREAKING GOOD I can't even.

We're currently on the last few pages that need to come back colored, after which time it will enter a phase of lettering and production. The book SHOULD be ready shortly after Durruti #3 funds. 

Masala Walla Chai

So, this is not comics related, but by now you guys know how my ADHD brain works (or rather doesn't :P) 

As such: WHO WANTS SOME BADASS CHAI?!

If you're on my mailing list you may already know, but my good friend Holly has launched her first kickstarter (with my help) and guess what? SHE'S FUNDED & going for STRETCH GOALS:

Holly studied authentic chai making in India, and her chai is absolutely exceptional and more than worthy of your support.  

She has less than NINE hours to go, so now's the perfect time to pop over and grab yourself some of it, and/or some of the really awesome recipes and benefits she has available. It's now or NEVER and there are some REALLY cool discounts on the higher end stuff. Pledge NOW so you're not shit out of luck!

As such, go pledge to Holly NOW. Don't wait, don't finish reading this update, pledge to her and then return!

>>>Click Here For Some Divine Chai<<

You Back? Cool. There's one more thing...well HALF of at thing: 

Secret Patreon Project

So, this is not so much a preview as it is a preview of a preview. So, I have a patreon, and as you can see, I haven't done anything with it (Yet).  

One of the things that I have been working on, is a way to get these comics to you sooner WHILE providing a decent level of benefits that DON'T require a huge investment of time, when I should be making comics and sending them to you.

As such, keep an eye on this and y other pages because there are TWO major changes coming soon. I can't tell you what they are YET. But here's the thing: You're gonna love it AND it will help get my comics to you much faster, so everybody wins!

If you want to pledge now, I will be giving everyone who pledges early either a free digital comic OR one of the upcoming SWZA challenge coins. You will get more details over the next few days.

That's it for now,

Cheers!

Brent & Co.

SWZA #5 Surveys Inbound + Ringo Awards + SWZA's NEWEST coin reveal!
8 months ago – Thu, May 23, 2024 at 04:42:38 PM

Hey folks, 

SWZA #5 Backerkit Surveys will Launch TOMORROW 5/24/24, so be on the lookout for those. 

First, I need everyone to take a second out of their day and vote for SWZA and/or Durruti in the Ringo Awards RIGHT NOW. 

SWZA has already been nominated twice, and we have a real chance of winning. The Ringos are by popular vote and voting ENDS TONIGHT 5/23/24.

If we get another nomination and even a win that would be HUGE for the series. The more awards we rack up the more your books are worth, so please, don't wait. Don't finish reading this, go vote now. It takes less than 5 minutes.

Suggestions below I have also included a suggested list of creators so you can just cut and paste for the other categories at the bottom.

>>>>Vote Here<<<<  

Cool. Thanks so much. Here's the coin:

 

Badass, right? And bearing all the hyper-detail that you expect from me. It's the perfect companion piece to SWZA's gold and silver coins:
 

THIS COIN features the visage of SWZA #5's antagonist Queen Skuld Half Elven. It will be sent FREE to anyone with a base pledge of $40+ (not including S/H).

The first twenty orders can get it for the unheard of price of just $10 a coin. The regular price will go up to $20 after thart, so like with your voting, don't wait. Answer your Survey when it comes in tomorrow night.

Thanks!  

-Brent

Cut-And-Paste voting suggestions below!