ABOUT THE PROJECT

In 2024, millions of red-eyed insects will rise from the ground across the United States. They've been waiting for this moment for 13 years. And so have I.

That's why I've created a graphic novel that follows two squirrels, Fae (a prepper) and Cyrus (a foodie) as they confront the emerging cicadapocalypse. Throughout the story, facts about the periodical cicadas are sprinkled into the narrative, making it an immersive and educational read that's ideal for the cicada-curious elementary and middle school reader.

Now you can get a 30-page preview of the book, plus some other sweet cicada swag.

PROJECT HISTORY

Back in 2004, I was living in Maryland when Brood X emerged, and I was in awe at such an unusual, massive emergence of insects. I spent a lot of time in the woods and made some art about them.

When Brood X emerged again in 2021, I wanted to create an educational tool that would get others as excited about the cicadas as I was.

I wanted to make a graphic novel that told the story of these amazing creatures while also confronting people's fear of the insects. I wrote several drafts of the script and started storyboarding it out, but realized I just wouldn't have time to do the story justice in time for the Brood X emergence.

Instead, I published a cicada-themed activity book, Cicadas Don't Scream, for the emergence of Brood X. It sold over 500 copies, and was mentioned by The Washington Post, CBC News, Rosemary Mosco, and Cicadamania.

Now, 2 years later, I've revised the script, sketched the pages, and am finalizing the book in time for the 2024 emergence of the 13-year periodical cicadas of Brood XIII and Brood XIX*.

This campaign is to give you a preview of the book, get you excited about the upcoming emergence, and fund the final production of the 90ish-page graphic novel so we can take pre-orders in October. (I'm currently working with a talented colorist to finish the book, and your contributions now go directly in their pocket.)

REWARDS

With Crowdfundr, you can create a custom rewards package instead of relying on whatever weird package is available. So feel free to bundle anything you see on the right.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The first 30 pages will introduce most of the characters, the environment of our cicadas, and common fears and misconceptions that cicada haters might have. All of this will set things up for an epic reversal in the latter portion of the book. There will admittedly not be a ton of cicadas or even facts in this portion of the book, but I promise there will be a payoff!   The 30 pages will be delivered in PDF format, so you should be able to read it on your phone, tablet, or computer without any issues.   Digital copies will be sent to you before August 13th, 2023.

Below are a few pages from the 30-page sample:

*In 2024, Brood XIII (blue) and Brood XIX (red) will emerge in the following states:

Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.