I just got back from the post office today after dropping the first batch of issue 6 in the mail, so I wanted to tell you a little bit about it before it hits your mail box. 

This issue we got to use  a cool technology to print the covers. Previously the covers had been offset press by our beloved Eberhart press. But when they ran into troubles and couldn’t print the last issue of the season, we scrambled to find someplace that we could make them at a similar price. This was no small task. Eberhart liked the project and had been cutting us an incredible deal. 

In the end we settled on the Independent Publishing Resource Center.We used their laser printers to print the guts, and Risograph machines to do the covers. 

Risograph, if you’re not familiar, is a technology that’s been around since the 80s that never really caught fire in the United States.  It’s similar to a black and white photo copier, but  allows you to print in a single color. You can then change out the drum and run the same sheets through the printer a second time for a second color. 

I’ve loved this technique, and wanted to try it for years. The finish product looks both professional and home made at the same time, which we figured was a fun aesthetic for the series. 

So the new issue features a Risograph dark green and red cover. Each one is unique, with it’s own artifacts and little printing glitches. I think it’s super cool.

Printing at the IPRC is fun, but it’s taken MUCH longer than anticipated, with an issue that has already had _many_delays. I’ve done six sessions at the center so far, and there are still about 40 more copies that need to be printed, which essentially makes up all the international orders. I hope to get back there this week and make a dent in those. 

Slipcase

We’ve also been working on creating the slip case backers will be getting in the mail as the next reward. Jesse has done some incredible work taking my original proof of concept design from two years ago, and turning it into a sturdy box, that should make a great home for the whole season, as well as the bonus issue that’s going to be printed after the slipcase goes out. 

The current design (which is still a work in progress) has a hole cut in the side to show the issue cover of your choice. But, it’s actually the interior of the case that’s my favorite part.

Since the spines of these issues are the thickest part of the book, when you stack all six of them together they make a triangle shape, kind of like a cheese wedge. Jesse figured out how to make the interior of the slip case triangular, while keeping the exterior a rectangle. So it holds the issues snugly, right up against the open circular window, while the box can still sitting squarely next to the other books on your shelf. It’s super cool. I can’t wait for you to see it. 

We’re still working on the final design features, but I had to share that part with you. 

Thank you

Thank you so much for being here. I can’t believe we get to make these comics. 

As always, if you think you know folks who might like the series, please send them a link to incredibledoom.com.

There are such exciting things to come!

• Matt