We’re a little OVER halfway to UltraViole(n)t’s Kickstarter deadline date (09.25.11) and a little UNDER halfway to our desired financial goal of $2600. Figured now would be as good a time as any for THE HARD SELL, folks. Here are some things I would like you to think about …

IS ULTRAVIOLE(n)T PORN?
Before launching this Kickstarter project, I was told that it would fail because of its *rolls eyes* ‘porn connection’. In fact, I recently found out that a large percentage of my family (well … MOST of my family, actually, sans TWO individuals so far) have decided NOT to pledge to the project because, and I quote, ‘It’s X-Rated and a total waste of my God-given talents.’ In my opinion, equating UltraViole(n)t to porn is like equating the beauty of Lita Lenee and Violet Doll to that of Snooki from Jersey Shore. Yes, UltraViole(n)t stars/features girls from OnHerCam but aside from that, will someone please explain to me how UltraViole(n)t is porn? How is UltraViole(n)t X-rated? Call me naive but I do NOT consider OHC a ‘porn site’. Quite frankly, I’ve seen more graphic content on a variety of FX series. If anything, I say we – as a movement – stick it to the puritans who will mock UltraViole(n)t‘s potential failure with ‘I told you so’ comments by proving to them that imaginary ‘porn connections’ don’t affect a series’ potential/ability to succeed.

IT’S NOT ABOUT CHEATING, IT’S ALL ABOUT DEMAND
A friend of mine recently asked me, ‘Why don’t you contribute some money of your own to the project, Gary?’ to which I responded that for me to do that would be cheating, in my opinion. You see, for me this project is a test. My whole reason for launching this Kickstarter is to see if there’s an audience out there for UltraViole(n)t in print/comic book format. We’ve already established that there IS a worldwide UltraViole(n)t audience for the ONLINE comic. Today’s Statcounter check alone details visits from (not including states within the US, mind you) Germany, Estonia, Australia, Poland, Egypt, France, Brunei Darussalam, Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Finland, and Iceland. In the end, though, are people willing to pay for a print series of something that they can see for free online? THIS is my question posed to – literally – the World. For the record, there WILL be small differences between what you see online and what you read in print. Don’t wanna say much more regarding this just yet. Suffice to say that if this Kickstarter is successful, you will all see what I’m talking about for yourselves. In the end, I’d like to think that what I bring to the table is – literally – the series, itself. I sincerely hope that people deem it worthy of seeing print.

SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO …
Minor inking gigs and pin-ups aside, it’s been SEVENTEEN YEARS since I’ve done any MAJOR work in the field of comics. The last thing I did of substance was Machete for 5th Panel Comics (which went on to become the company’s best-selling series). Since then, much of my time has been spent working in the field of television for Fox/Film Roman (King of the Hill, the Simpsons, Family Guy, the Oblongs) where I was nominated TWICE for an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Storyboarding or working in the field of Independent Professional Wrestling, running my own company, EPIC WAR. Honestly, my ego really wants my return to comics to be something that makes an impact, if not – at the very least – a statement. Every single person reading this has the ability to not only help me do this, but to be AN ACTIVE PART of it, as well. Your voice MATTERS and your SUPPORT is a way to make that statement heard loud and clear.

SUPPORT THE INDIES
For as long as I can remember, I have been a supporter of the INDEPENDENTS. Whether it’s film or music, wrestling or comics; the Indys are where REAL magic happens! Yet, since re-entering the comics field earlier this year, I’ve seen so much that – quite simply – sucks. Titles are changed, rebooted, or retooled to coincide with the almighty ‘Major Motion Picture’ release/adaptation. Prices are simply too damn high for casual fans to give something a curious glance. The DC Universe reboot is a prime example of inept, boneheaded thinking, supported by individuals who would rather ‘cheat’ by starting something from scratch than … y’know … WORKING with rich legacies that span generations. Where has the fun gone? Where has the CREATIVITY gone? Where are the true ARTISTIC CHALLENGES? I stated in my Kickstarter VIDEO that not only do I wanna see UltraViole(n)t in print, but that I legit believe that I can pull this off at an even cheaper cover price than that of the average comic, hopefully enabling folks to take a shot on us. If for no other reason alone, the thought of potentially CHEAPER COMICS is a great motivator in supporting UltraViole(n)t‘s transition to the print format.

VIOLET SPEAKS
The star of UltraViole(n)t herself – Violet Doll – recently came out in full support of UltraViole(n)t, posting the following on her BLOG – I’m assuming all of you have been following the super awesome web comic UltraViole(n)t. If not, get your butt over to Art Over Life Studios and catch up on the latest panels! If you’re an art appreciator like myself, you might be interested in backing the transition from web comic to print through Kickstarter. You can pledge anywhere from $1 on up. Each backer is given a reward option, the minimum being a credit in the publication and online series. The more you donate, the more reward options you’re given. And wow! Some of the rewards include signed posters, special edition issues with NSFW covers, original art work, and more! FYI, this is not some money making scheme. I just want to make that clear! This is strictly for the love of art, and support in an amazing project. That’s why I’m asking you to pledge. I’ll admit I do have one selfish motive … I take great delight in seeing my image in this series. I adore being drawn, and I can’t wait to see more! I’m excited to see other models I’ve actually met evolve into the series as well. Watch the VIDEO for further information, and please make a pledge! Get a hold of those limited edition UltraViole(n)t goodies while they’re still available.

Not only did Violet give us her ringing endorsement, she backed it up by pledging, as well. Talk about leading by example.

ONE LAST THING …
Finally, to those who wanna help but don’t really know how to go about pledging via Kickstarter, you can also Paypal me directly at merch@artoverlifestudios.com and I’ll get it onto the Kickstarter account on my own, as well as coordinate it with its corresponding pledge reward. Don’t let computer illiteracy stand in the way of supporting a good cause

In closing, this is about as grass roots as it gets, people. Between being told we won’t succeed to getting banned from Facebook (which is a whole ‘nother story unto itself), the odds against UltraViole(n)t succeeding have looked pretty overwhelming from the get. Yet, here we are, almost halfway there. This CAN be a reality but we NEED NEED NEED your support in order to make it so. Thanks for reading and I hope it motivated you to ACTION.