SwordRealm Sword and Sorcery Fantasy Graphic Novel
Coming to print July 2025! SwordRealm is a new and exciting hardcover fantasy graphic novel series set in an imaginative world called Hephaelion. Forget what you may think you know about scowling barbarians and bearded wizards. SwordRealm turns the sword and sorcery genre upside down and shakes it vigorously.
SwordRealm Rough Cover Inks Added
SwordRealm Comic Book Pages
This ambitious project takes the beloved genres of sword and sorcery, fantasy, and science fiction in a new and unique direction by mashing them into one cohesive storyline set in an exotic realm unlike any other. The first issue introduces the series' first two protagonists, Thunder Vaedra and Zarlorr the Merciless.
SwordRealm brings unlimited creativity by exploring and expanding upon a world of brutal savagery that plunders universes for souls to thrust into its jaws of madness.
Physical book orders can be signed by SwordRealm creator, artist, and writer Mark Bussler.
SwordRealm Kickstarter Launch Trailer
About SwordRealm Indie Comic Kickstarter
What's in Issue #1?
SwordRealm Issue #1 includes two graphic novel stories, the explored map of Hephaelion, sketch pages, and a short story set in the SwordRealm universe. Imagine a sword and sorcery fantasy magazine from the olden days, except refreshed with more lasers, a hardcover printing, and new characters to follow. Page count is estimated at 70-80 pages of gore, violence, magical sorcery, and bar fights!
(Estimated page count example)
Pages 0-5: Introduction
Pages 6-30: Thunder Vaedra
Pages 31-47: Zarlorr the Merciless
Pages 48-55: Tales of Hephaelion
Pages 56-70: Sketch Gallery and more.
Beyond Earth, beyond space, beyond time, there is the world of Hephaelion. A cosmic dumping ground of sorts, Hephaelion is inhabited by beings from different universes from different times. Only the strongest and most cunning survive in this savage land of prehistoric monsters, magic, volcanos, and laser beams.
SwordRealm introduces new heroes pulled from their own worlds and thrust into another dimension of cruel, untamed lands filled with horrors beyond imagination. Graphic novel art, short stories, and more entice those brave enough to open their mind to barbarism on a cosmic scale.
Print Specs:
The SwordRealm hardcover book is planned to be an 8 1/2" x 11" Hardcover book with a color glossy cover and black and white interior pages. Page count is estimated to be somewher between 70 and 80 pages. (the digital version will be the same book in PDF format.)
“Crisp black and white artwork combined with a unique 1970’s-inspired flair for the dramatic grips readers with original stories and unforgettable characters. SwordRealm is meant to feel familiar and completely new at the same time.” Says creator and editor, Mark Bussler. “We all love classic sword and sorcery, but sometimes a sword, an ax, or even a spell won’t do the job. In some situations, you just need laser guns."
Artist Notes:
The artwork on this page at the start of the Kickstarter is rough but indicative of what the final version will look like. I haven't designed the cover yet or finalized their weapons, armor, and tattoos because I want to live with the characters for a while in the writing process before making any final "final" decisions on art. No doubt there will be some subtle changes to the main character designs, but for the most part, this is what the book is going to look and feel like. In fact, it should look even better when completed and in your hands with that cool pint of ale in a SwordRealm glass.
Most of the art in the first days of this Kickstarter feature Thunder Vaedra. I dove into this project coming off 250 pages of Ethel the Cyborg Ninja so my hand is trained to draw the bad-ass female warrior design (which is similar to Ethel except she's shorter, less goofy, and more muscular.) If this Kickstarter gets funded I'll immediately start putting up Zarlorr pages for his adventure which will be a blood and ale soaked gorefest of awesome.
Limited Edition SwordRealm Glassware
Don't miss out. Our 16oz pub glasses are produced in limited quantities. Get the Thunder Vaedra glass and the ultra-limited edition Zarlorr glass. Beer tastes better in the SwordRealm.
Light the candles, rest your bloodied ax by the door, and grab a seat at the bar. Sneer at the disheveled patrons while pouring yourself a cold one into official 16oz SwordRealm glassware designed by series creator (and glassware snob) Mark Bussler. The unworthy can stare in awe as you slurp a refreshing brew from badass glassware fit for kings (the designs are still in development and should be finalized before the end of the Kickstarter.)
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