FOUNDLINGS is an original comic book science fiction series, pairing industry veteran John Stanisci and up and coming, buzzworthy artist Emma Kubert together for an original series tackling issues of diversability and empowerment for Young Adults is now funding on Kickstarter.
Foundlings is a dystopian young adult comic book series in the vein of Stranger Things and The Goonies, which follows a group of children cast aside by their families and society…until they were possibly the only ones capable of saving it. This groundbreaking book is funding exclusively on Kickstarter, and if successful, will be a full graphic novel. The story also tackles themes of global politics and ableism in a story that will keep readers immersed for all 28 pages.
Set years in the future, a virus has been weaponized by a Russian government hell-bent on destroying America from within. This deadly new strain has been perfected to kill within 24 hours of contact, and only small groups of children, the Foundlings, carry immunity to the effects. This diverse group of children under the age of 16 not only carry the hope for a possible cure but a solution to extinction. The story, inspired by The Foundlings Hospital in New York City, is a real-life home to children, many of whom face physical and emotional issues. The story is rich with themes of empowerment and inspiration for teenagers and adults alike, in a fun adventure story that recalls some of the most beloved films and television series.
In a press release promoting the project, writer John Stanisci (Batman Beyond) said about the project:
“I have always loved the underdog. I have always rooted for the million to one shot. Years ago, when I first learned of the Foundling hospital in NYC and the kids who had been left there by their own families because of the kids’ emotional or physical differences, I always wanted to create an adventure tale where these kids would be called upon to save the world. The kids in Foundlings are truly the unlikeliest of heroes. No one in their right mind would ever entrust these kids to be the ones to save humanity, but in our story, they are the only chance the world has! Everyone involved with Foundlings feels strongly that is high time that a diverse group of kids such as these have their moment as heroes.”
Artist Emma Kubert (Inkblot, Image Comics) added,
“John came to me with a young adult story idea. It was a couple of sentences, and I didn’t even know John well at that time. I was immediately hooked. Foundlings is the story of outcasts becoming the last hope and the ultimate heroes. It’s intense, suspenseful, humorous, and heart-warming. When I was younger, I didn’t see a lot of comic stories that intrigued me. I loved fantasy and sci-fi and genres that weren’t as popular in comics as they were in other forms of entertainment. As I grow in the comics industry and see which directions my career takes, all I know is I want to create sequential stories that my younger self would have fallen in love with, and I believe Foundlings is one of them.”
When asked about his collaborator on the project, John said,
“Emma Kubert has been a godsend on this project! Emma is not only a terrific artist and visual storyteller, but she truly understands the emotions of all the kids. She is able to convey the kids own sense of pain over being abandoned by their own families, which is such an important part of the story. Of course, her action scenes have just absolutely blown me away! She totally captures the edge of your seat action that FOUNDLINGS is! It’s like watching a movie when I see the pages come in! And, to be honest, I think she is just getting warmed up!”
Likewise, Emma said about working with John.
“Working with John has been complete excitement! He is passionate about the stories he creates and cares about the depth and emotion that each character brings. John drives us in an adventurous direction, allowing me to have the freedom to take his words into the visual. It’s pure joy to talk about our project because not only is the story great, but our process for creating is thrilling since we both absolutely love what we do. His tenacity and devotion is really the driving force of Foundlings, and there wouldn’t be a story without it. I admire him as a person and as a creator, and I’m excited for what Foundlings brings!
For more information and to find out what is being offered for backers, visit the campaign page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/punkhouse/foundlings-a-new-comic-from-john-stanisci-and-emma-kubert
There is over a month left to jump on and help make this project possible.