Back the latest issue of this superhero comic from Bristol based team!
Article by Paul Dunne
5th November 2024
Every so often, someone comes along and does something new with Superheroes.
Writer Mike Scrase, artist San Espina, and letterer Ferran Delgado are hard at work on the third issue of ‘Zip’, a comic that uses superheroes an analogy for disability. As Ideas go, I have a feeling that one is fairly original!
The team have already run two successful Kickstarter campaigns and are thrilled to be launching their third.
But what is ‘Zip’ about?
A MEGACORPORATION IS CONTROLLING THE FATE OF HUMANITY!
Their latest product, THE HIVE, is a group of nanobots which share a collective artificial intelligence. Utilising machine learning, The Hive is programmed to analyse objects by atomising them and creating brand-new consumer products from the disintegrated husks.
A combination of 3D printing and generative A.I., The Hive is a market capitalist's dream. All for except one problem. It has identified a subject with unrivalled complexity: human beings.
With no concept of the sanctity of life and an algorithm compelling it to gorge upon as much training data as possible, The Hive has escaped. Those it assimilates are enveloped by a swarm of drones, tearing away flesh and turning bones to ash. From those ashes rises a soulless, part-machine part-monster, wearing the faces of those The Hive has killed.
When Zip clashes with The Hive, she faces her most dangerous foe yet. And when The Hive encounters her it will not rest until it has stolen her powers and exterminated her.
This year, the team will also be able to get Zip into more hands, as they’ve signed a deal with publisher Markosia Enterprises, who have made the series so far available to read on Amazon UK, Amazon US, and Drive-Thru Comics.
There are some great covers on offer with the Kickstarter. Just look at this beauty by Francesco Tomaselli!
More variant covers will be announced throughout the campaign! But what else is on offer for backers?
Campaign rewards:
Physical rewards will be available in all European Union countries which Kickstarter supports delivery options for, as well as the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Backers who missed the first issue will be able to catch up with back-issue rewards.
As before, backers will be able to receive an acknowledgement in the comic’s credits for the contribution they made to the project via their pledge.
They’ll be able to choose from a range of alternate covers exclusively available via Kickstarter when the campaign ends.
Due to publisher Markosia only distributing comics in trade paperback format, the Kickstarter campaign is the only way to get print versions of Zip’s single issues.
Praise for the first issue:
“LOVE the art in this” – Gail Simone, writer X-Men. Birds of Prey, Red Sonja
“Zip is going to be an enlightening, thrilling ride. ★★★★★ ” - Comic News UK
“Really enjoying the experience of reading this. Good, dense but with flow, feels like a proper meal.”- Claire Napier
