I have had a few people asking me recently, "What is "BAAKO"?".

So, I thought it would help to start by explaining when it truly originated, why I am doing it, and what I hope to accomplish with it.

WHERE IT STARTED:

It has always been one of those stories that just gets stuck in the back of your head, ya know? And no matter how many other ideas you have, it always seems to find it's way to the front.

It's original conception was about 4 years ago. Which I made a rough, 5 or 6 page short of.
I stuck it in my portfolio and took it to every convention I could get to.
The pages at the time, were the ones that seem to catch the eye of every editor I met.
So from there on, it became a reference point for me to liken the rest of my art to.
Because I thought it was something that "worked".

Looking back at the original concept of this story, I realized, it was never going to convey to people my true intentions and vision. So I scrapped them. And started over. Evolving it into something with more passion, more thought and more heart.

Before, it was just pretty pictures I thought people wanted to see, because it's what I saw. On what seemed like every comic cover out there. And what I saw, was pretty girls in less then flattering wardrobes that would surely not impress their mother's. And not saying there's anything wrong with that, it's just not the direction I wish to take my own personal career.

And over the course of my comic book career, I feel I have in a way, pigeonholed myself into a specific category of drawing such things. When in all actuality, that just isn't me. As an artist, I feel I am capable of more. And I plan to show you just what I mean with, "BAAKO".

BAAKO is the story of a young girl coming of age in a world full of unimaginable terrors. Having the courage to set out on a journey, full of peril, loss, betrayal and tragedy. And overcoming it all.

A story with a strong female lead, but without the "physical" attributes that are so commonly attributed to the role.

BAAKO is a story of standing up for what you believe in, being triumphant over your fears, and becoming the person you set out to be.

A true fantasy tale at heart, but my main goal, is to tell a story that everyone can relate to, no matter who they are. A story for anyone and everyone.

WHY I AM GOING TO KICKSTARTER:

I almost launched the book through a publisher about a month ago. But I felt that going through with it in the way it had taken shape, I would not be 100% passionate about, It was no longer what I truly wanted it to be, and therefore, I felt it wise to walk away.
I have since pitched the story to other publishers. But have gotten the same response in regards to the style approach I wish to take with the book.
Which is something that if I were to agree upon, I fear, would change the entire tone of the book, and once again, my vision.

Kickstarter is my chance to do the book how I see it.

WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH:

Having my own book! But, first and foremost. knowing that standing up for what you believe in, does amount to something, and having the satisfaction of knowing you made the right decision to walk away, not compromising just to make a buck. And accomplish the goal of staying true to ones self. Most of all, to set an example for my children, that in order to do what you love and truly be happy. You must take that leap of faith.

I give you my word that it will be a book well worthy of your time. And ask you for your support in making it a reality next month on Kickstarter.

Thank you.
With the greatest appreciation,
-Joshua Covey