Kickstarting a New Cyber Force

If you were collecting comics 20 years ago, you might recall a comic called Cyber Force—a science-fiction series created by artist Marc Silvestri (The Darkness, Incredible Hulk) and writer Eric Silvestri that launched Top Cow. And if you’ve never heard of it, that’s okay too—because to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cyber Force, Top Cow and Image Comics are re-launching the series with a new bio-cybernetic steampunk look! And even better? They’re bringing it back—FOR FREE.

Together with Kickstarter, Top Cow is hoping to make comics history by providing the first five issues of Cyber Force free at your local comic book store. FIVE FREE physical copies. Of the first FIVE issues. Think that sounds amazing and awesome and crazy? That’s probably because it is!

For those of you who haven’t heard of Kickstarter before, it’s a funding platform for creative projects. People can pledge an amount towards a project of their choice, and the amount is theirs to choose. Whatever you feel a project is worth, you can donate.

For the Cyber Force Kickstarter campaign, Top Cow is looking to reach a goal of $75,000 by August 17th, 2012. Which is pretty soon! Even if they don’t reach their goal, the comics will still be free—but I think this is a fantastic thing to help fund! Plus, the money you give goes towards paying the art team on Cyber Force (which includes Khoi Pham, Sunny Gho, and Troy Peteri), and towards helping offset the cost of printing physical issues. And the more money you pledge, the more awesome stuff you can get. Pledges start at $1, with rewards that include exclusive variants, signed prints, a hardcover edition, original art, and more – and pledge amounts go up all the way to $10,000 or more. While a $10k donation is super pricey, the majority of the donation amounts are incredibly reasonable – and you get extra swag, too! How can you say no to that?

Staying true to the core that is Cyber Force, but with a new visual style, this new series is sure to be perfect for new readers, as well as fans of the old. The story will centre around cybernetically-enhanced resistance fighters on the run from a monolithic international conglomerate. And let’s be honest—I had most of you at bio-cybernetic steampunk, right?

So what are you waiting for? Go pledge something and be a part of comics history, and support the people who are making this happen. And if you really need more convincing, check out the video below.