Hands down, nothing beats getting in on the ground floor of an indie comic. I have yet to be disappointed with anything that involves so much energy and excitement as a creator owned and published comic. Long ago it was difficult to get these projects off the ground but thanks to Kickstarter, it’s a hell of a lot easier these days. For instance, Justin Gray‘s newest labor of love is Jail Bait & Trailer Trash.

I got the chance to see an almost final copy and it is everything you’d expect from one of the dudes that brought you Sex and Violence: Volume 2 a couple of years ago. Read on for more information!

Consisting of three stories, this graphic novel is grim, gritty, and in your face. It explores some of the basest human emotions and delves down to the core problems and reasons that make people do what they do. It forces the reader to think and not just about the stories. It fills you with a sense of right and wrong, forcing some introspection and analysis of our own lives. These are not stories of superheroes or tales of fantasy. This is real life, bundled up and shoved in front of the reader, forcing a confrontation and, hopefully, understanding. In one project, Gray has managed to bring to light alcoholism, racism, personal regret, and much more. I couldn’t even begin to explain each one because after reading it twice, I discovered something different each time. Certainly, this is one of anthologies where there’s something for everyone.

Now, I don’t want anyone to think this is preachy or tedious. In fact, it is quite the opposite of that and is chock full of excitement and adventure. One story tells the tale of a man with more regrets than friends who is trying to impart a tidbit of wisdom. His intentions are not precisely altruistic and he is abrasive throughout but he genuinely wants to help in his own way. Another tale revolves around a dysfunctional family and the way some individuals create their own prisons, wallowing in their pain and problems. My favorite part was the tale of two young lovers on the road. Because when some folks say they would kill for you, they mean it. I even got a quick peek at an extra story that may make into the book if Gray and team can raise enough funds to finish it and get it in there. I obviously simplified it all but trust me when I say that each tale is a full length comic on their own. This could easily have been several different crowdfunding campaigns but it’s a hell of a deal all rolled into one.

this is not Justin Gray’s first creation, it’s not even his fiftieth or hundredth. He’s a well-known artist and writer who has worked on Hawkman, Jonah Hex (seriously, a lot of Jonah Hex and it’s all ridiculously amazing), Power Girl, Punisher, and more! He’s a founding member of Paper Films publishing. This guy has also been a chef, worked with animation and film studios, and been a web designer. I honestly have trouble not calling him a modern-day renaissance man. He brings everything he’s got to this project and partnered with some great folks to help him out. Pulling top talent from all over the globe is no small feat but he does it in stride and, moreover, he does it for us, the reader! All he needs is just a little financial assistance to help bring this book to you. Not that he expects something for nothing, heavens no!

As with almost all Kickstarter campaigns, there are incentives and rewards. You can get the book in digital and/or physical forms. They start off at five bucks and go up from there. You’ll get even better deals when the graphic novel is combined with the first two volumes of Sex & Violence, the companion book, or art prints from the comic. There are even t-shirts available, though only for ten lucky people! Several tiers are already sold out, lots of people have already jumped on board with this campaign so I urge you to not hesitate and go check it out, as it ends on March 24, 2017. The Kickstarter page can be found here. Before you go, however, take a moment to check out the video that I dropped in below. It gives a lot more detail to things I merely glossed over.

I hope you enjoy the comic as much as I do. But of course you’ll need to pitch in to reap some of these benefits. I’m telling you now, it is totally worth it. This graphic novel takes no prisoners and will have you begging for more stories. Which we better see! I’m looking at you, Justin Gray!

Video