Is there an hour live-stream covering everything Lock and Doc?

Yes. Check it out:

What's the story?

Lock, an intrepid 12-year-old detective, and his sidekick Doc, an anthropomorphic teddy bear, solve mysteries within the stuffed animal community. In this inaugural issue of Lock and Doc, the two investigate a decapitated stuffed giraffe unceremoniously dumped in a garbage bin, and untanlge the web of deception spun by Chip, a medium with dubious intentions and an even more dubious stuffed elephant. Are these incidents truly isolated, or is there a more sinister plot underneath? (Spoiler: there's a sinister plot underneath.)

This is the first installment of an ongoing series with a mixture of short stories, and full-length original graphic novels. Get in at the very beginning, because Lock and Doc are going places! (With your help, of course.)

In this particular issue, you will receive two stories:

1. Adventures With A Headless Giraffe. Exactly as the title suggests. Lock and Doc investigate the suspicious decapitation of a stuffed giraffe. Who could possibly have so crudely severed the head of a stuffed friend so beloved by Reggie, the bereaved? Is it his mother? His sister? Or someone else entirely?
2. A Below Average Medium. Attending a seance in which a medium claims to be capable of communicating with stuffed animals, Lock is ready to cry foul (and he often does). But can he out the medium for the fraud that he is? And what if someone else really can speak to stuffed animals like Lock can? *gasp*

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Meet Lock!

Lock is a 12-year-old detective determined to solve all the problems in the stuffed animal world. It helps that he is the only human alive who can speak with stuffed folk. He has a penchant for silly—and often unnecessary—disguises, a whip of wit, and enough sarcasm to power a small village, if there was a viable means of conversion. He's also annoyingly smart, and thus the main obstacle thwarting the seedy underbelly of the stuffed animal world. Whether it's Chip, the semi-nefarious "medium" from A Below Average Medium, or Lock's nemesis Marty, the list of badgering foes that lock intellectual horns with Lock is unrelenting. And he would have it no other way, for the challenge keeps him on his toes, and keep justice flowing regularly to all who seek it. 

Meet Doc!

Doc is a sentient teddy bear and the ever-trusty sidekick—and best friend—of Lock. He also has a fantastic mustache. A true team player, he does whatever needs doing to ensure that his stuffed comrades are treated properly, and, ideally, not beheaded or crushed under a boulder. A sporting fellow. Where did he come from? How did he become sentient? Does he have a British accent, because he looks like he does? Logistically speaking, how can he grow a mustache at all? Valid questions that will be answered over the course of the story, but for now, appreciate him for who he is, and he will do the same for you. 

Meet The Team!

Why this story? 

An astute question. Simply put, long ago I (Josh speaking.... writing....) found myself irreparably in love with the world of Sherlock Holmes, and since my sense of humor stalled out in sixth grade, I have merged the two, creating a Holmsian mystery world for all ages. And the best part about it (or the worst, if you hate everything about the sound of this) is that this world has so much to give, and I have so many plans for it. Short stories, webcomics, full-length graphic novels. There is nothing that Lock and Doc can't do! But that all starts here. I love this story and these characters. I think I've overstated that at this point, but I want others to love them too. 

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Who is the audience for this?

You. 

More specifically, anyone! Yes, this is an "all-ages" comic featuring a 12-year-old and a sentient teddy bear, and it is written by one who is obsessed with middle grade literature, with art geared towards a younger audience. It's meant to inspire curiosity in the youths of the world, and maybe get them to laugh a little bit (or a lot a bit) as well. However, as a fully grown adult, you will find plenty to enjoy in the mysteries and shenanigans of a boy and his stuffed bear. 

If this still sounds too "kiddish" for you, consider letting yourself indulge in your inner child a bit. Just for a moment. We promise not to tell anyone. 

Where does the money go?

Probably should be the first question asked.

1. First and foremost, the money goes to the outstanding artists who gave their talents to this campaign—Yury Guzman and Sophia Hickerson. As well as the cover artists, Léa Charbonnier and Megan Kearney.
2. The money also goes to the fantastic Pete Carlsson, who is designing the layout of the book and making sure it looks just right.
3. And, of course, the money goes towards printing and merchandise production, as well as shipping.

A numbers breakdown: 

• $4,900 goes to the artists, $800 to the cover artists.
• $500ish goes to the production, layout, and formatting of the book.
• $800ish goes to printing.
• Everything else, perk fulfillment, shipping, and the like, comes either out of pocket or—should the generosity be flowing—from us exceeding our target goal. 

And! I get none of the money. Nor do I want any of it. I just want to see these characters come to life. In fact, in all likelihood, I will lose money on this, and I couldn't be any happier about the prospect. Bring Lock, Doc, and Doc's mustache to life! 

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How big is the story? 

Emotionally? Immense.

Physically? 36 story pages. 6.625 x 10.188.

It is in a traditional comic book floppy binding and full color so you can see the true glory of Doc's mustache. Am I belaboring the mustache at this point?

Can I see some of the story?

I don't know, can you?

May I see some of the story?

Indeed. Please enjoy the first two pages of Adventures with a Headless Giraffe, featuring art by Yury Guzman:

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How about another sample?

Yes, good idea. The first two pages of A Below Average Medium, featuring art by Sophia Hickerson.

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What will the covers look like?

While you should never judge a book by its cover, I certainly welcome you to judge this book by its incredible covers. And it comes in two variants. The first, from Lêa Charbonnier:

And the second, from Megan Kearney: 

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Who else is in the story besides Lock and Doc?

Many humans, mostly kids. Many animals, mostly plushes. You could have your stuffed animal in the story if you check out the perks. But in the meantime, consider this lovely cast of characters created by Sophia Hickerson, who is illustrating A Below Average Medium:

What are some of the perks of backing the campaign?

Look to your right. Very good.

Now take note that, as if shopping, you can add as many perks to your cart as you wish. You need not (and should not) choose just one. If you would like 18 enamel pins, seven sticker sheets, and 38 physical copies of the book, by Doc, add it all. And then consider signing up for a call with an industry professional to advance your own artistry, because nothing is more important. 

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Anything else?

Actually yes. *Puts on serious face*

I (Josh) have been engaged in the art of writing children's literature for the majority of my life, and as most creatives know, getting work out there is really difficult. I have spent far longer than I'd care to admit (eight years) looking for an agent to give me a platform to make a splash on bookshelves. While that hasn't materialized, and I am still looking for representation, my love of writing and telling stories has never diminished. I never wanted to do crowdfunding in the past because, in a way, it felt invalid. Like I needed an agent's or publishing house's stamp of approval to validate my stories. To make them worthy.

This is my first big attempt to buck that way of thinking. The eternal quest for external validation in publishing is rough, and the joys of telling a story can too often get mired in the frustrations of the business. Writing Lock and Doc has been the most fun I've had writing in a long time, and I hope that the joy of telling these stories is matched by your joy of reading them. I really mean that. Also, have I mentioned how incredible it feels to have such talented artists assisting in this endeavor? I hardly feel qualified!

The end.

*Takes off serious face*