Riggio cancelled that meeting to begin writing what eventually became his first graphic novel The Arcane Awakening. The novel is meant to be part of a trilogy, and Riggio has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the final two books. He says all proceeds will go to promotional efforts—marketing, attending comic conferences, possible merchandise options, and …
"At the top of the mountain is a live action movie for which the script is already written," says Riggio.
A graphic novel tells a story through sequential art in a traditional comics format or otherwise. They are typically longer than traditional comics, and bound in book form—rather than magazine.
Riggio is the owner of Mess Bucket Comics, an independent publishing company. Alone he has written and marketed his story, but the artwork was completed by many talented artists from around the country. "For three years, I have poured my heart and soul into this project.
In many ways, the novel departs from the traditional comic book hero stories we all know too well. "I love the superhero comic book genre; however, I feel that the audience has been spoon-fed the same stories over and over. I tried to stick to the following guidelines: no capes, no animal powers, no dual identities, etc. If superhero stories of the past go one way, my goal was to go the other. I based the character abilities on the Bible and historical humans."
The story, as Riggio explains, is not 'preachy' or 'churchy' although it is based in religion. After 12 years of Catholic story, Riggio realized that the Bible could offer a lot of inspiration for comic genre characters. "Jesus could walk on water, turn water into wine, perform miracles, and rise from the dead. Moses could part the Red Sea by lifting his arms. God was all-powerful and the devil had demonic minions, can take different forms, and had master temptation ability," says Riggio. "Anyway, I decided to put my own spin on the way this great ancient story ends."
Now, others who enjoy the unique story can help bring the final two chapters to life and maybe even give it a shot at the big screen.
To learn more about the story or Kickstarter campaign, please follow the links below:
KICKSTARTER — THE ARCANE AWAKENING
WEBSITE — MESS BUCKET COMICS
FACEBOOK — MESS BUCKET COMICS / FACEBOOK — THE ARCANE AWAKENING
TWITTER — MESS BUCKET COMICS