The Saga of Metalbeard began as a webcomic many moons ago. It started as mainly a creative outlet for two friends. Resulting in two separate crowdfunding campaigns for several books in the series. But, as with many things, life got in the way, and the recanting of the saga was put on hold.

But the time draws nigh, the fires are lit, the mead is flowing. Gather around and listen (or rather, read) as we break down what this project and story is all about.

Here's a breakdown of every reward tier!

Digital PDF - $10 Digital PDF download of the finished book

The Book - $20 + shipping Physical copy of the book Limited run thank you card

The Book + PDF - $30 + shipping Physical copy of the book Limited run thank you card Digital PDF download of the book

Digital Book Pack - $20 Digital PDF download of the book PDF copies of Metalbeard 1, 1 epilogue, and 2. 4 digital books total!

Book + PDF + Artwork - $75 Physical copy of the book Limited run thank you card PDF digital download Original artwork

Custom 6pg Comic + Cover - $650 Physical copy of the book Limited run thank you card PDF digital download Original artwork 6pg comic & cover illustration Book design of 6pg comic

Retailer Pack Own a store and want to support an indie creator? This is the right tier for you. Comes in 5 and 10 QTY varieties. With free local delivery within Toronto, or pickup at SPX. If shipping is required, this will be calculated and charged closer to delivery date.

Add ons
These can be added on for several of the rewards, but not all.

• Interior sketch - Matt will draw on your book for a small fee! Could be anything! You as a viking/ pirate maybe!
• Art print pack (TBD!)  - This will be two art prints (not including the thank you card). Keep an eye on the updates through the campaign to see what they will be.

Shipping
It sucks, but shipping from Canada can be quite expensive. Previous campaigns have resulted with us dipping into our our funds to get the book out due to underestimated fees. The shipping costs are the same across the board for any tier level. With the exception of the retailer backer rewards. From the lowest priced reward, right through to the top tier.

Within Canada - $10
US - $15
Anywhere else - $20

Toronto // SPX Pickup
Pickup from Toronto or at the Small Press Expo in September is an option as well. Launch party or pickup location in Toronto TBD. 

Josh & Matt met when they worked together in the newsroom of an unnamed Australian Public Broadcaster. They became fast friends and once played Halo together, ate KFC, drank Code Red, and didn’t afraid of anything.

(or the story so far)...

**SPOILERS AHEAD!**

In book one, Metalbeard is (or was) a young viking prince. Who lost his magnificent beard during a hot soup accident. As a result, he lost the right to rule over his kingdom and was exiled to the moon mines. Where he regained his confidence and forged a new beard, made out of metal.

In the epilogue, Metalbeard is a penniless travelling musician. Trying to find a purpose for himself after confronting his father. Where he comes upon some hedge wizards who try to trick him out of this beautiful sounding guitar. But he defeats them, only to discover they are battle mages on the pirate ship ‘Kalevala II’. The crew of which capture him. Where the captain inducts him into the crew.

Saga of Metalbeard 2 finds Metalbeard working in the bowels of the Kalevala II as a glorified garbage man. His new crewmates have little trust for him. As the ‘Wizzards Storm’, the battle mages he defeated, have been causing trouble for him. Isolated and alone, as the ship is becalmed, Metalbeard finds a potential solution to his predicament in a group of Mermen.

As we begin Metalbeard 3, Metalbeard’s situation hasn’t changed. Though, he has gained the trust of many of his crew mates. The Wizzards Storm still have it out for him, and he still works the garbage room. But he wants to change this. As the Kalevala II & her crew hunts for the cave of the Midgard Serpent. Said to hold treasures & wonders of untold value.

Here's some interior preview pages to whet your viewing whistle! More pages are available on various platforms, including Matt's Patreon & on the Tumblr site.

Once we've reached the target goal, the next aim will be to break $3250. This will mean printing costs will be covered entirely. While we don't have anything planned, here are some ideas if it looks like it'll go that way! 

• First goal - $3250 - Actual amount needed for the project to be self funding! Woo!
• Second goal - $3500 Stickers for all physical reward getters.

Other goals/ ideas!

• Matt will create a quickplay TTRPG game based on Metalbeard. Will be available for digital download.
• A recorded game of the aforementioned TTRPG game will be recorded like a podcast and available as a digital download.
• Short comic: 'What Herman the Merman Did!' Detailing the side adventure Metalbeard's betrothed, Herman, got upto to make the galley staff sick!
• EPILOGUE COMIC (TBD)

This section will get a proper update if it looks like we'll smash through the total funding needed

It can be a little weird. Sending your money to strangers on the internet I mean. Especially if you get one of the bigger tier rewards! Rest assured, we have run and fulfilled several successful Crowd Funding campaigns on several platforms through the years. Starting with printing costs for the webcomic 'Space Pyrates', 'Saga of Metalbeard' #1 & #2, and 'AML#2'. The first from Australia and the rest while in Canada. Rest assured, the only thing that would stop us from fulfilling the rewards is something severe. As in, personal injury (or worse). This is our business and our reputation matters. So we will do everything we can to get the books & goodies to you. Pending, like, death or what-have-you.