Book
“COMPLEX CHARACTERS. A THRILLING PLOT. A JOY TO READ.”
“A SPRAWLING WORK OF IMAGINATION AND EMPATHY ...”
“FOR THE HIGH-MINDED ... A BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED FANTASY NOVEL.”
SYNOPSIS
It’s an uncertain world in an uncertain time. Dale Sunday, a veteran of the Republican Guard is hoping to find some measure of peace. But when the local thieves’ guild appropriates his waterfront business to smuggle in agents of a secret society, all hopes are dashed. Swept into a dark conspiracy, Dale must struggle to protect those he loves, venture through the Wilds, aid a guerrilla resistance, and become the captain of his own submarine if he’ll have any chance at peace. Enter Parabolis–a world in flux, dark and depraved, but not without wonder. Not without hope.
SPECS: 6" x 9" x 1.1", 1.6lb (15.24cm x 22.86cm x 2.79cm, 756.5g), FLEXIBOUND COVER
3 COLOR PRINTING: BLACK, CREME, AND ORANGE ON 120GSM WOOD-FREE PAPER WITH A MATTE FINISH
OVER 70 ORIGINAL PIECES OF EDITORIAL ARTWORK SPANNING 336 PAGES BY CURT MERLO
NOVELZINE: AN AMALGAMATION OF A NOVEL AND MAGAZINE, IN CONTENT AND DESIGN RESPECTIVELY
ART & DESIGN
ART
The artistic style was inspired by 1920's Russian Constructivism, Gerd Arntz and the Isotype, and elements of pulp magazines. Each illustration underwent a meticulous process of digital compartmentalization, collaging, and an acetone-based transfer that simulates the textures of a printing press. As a result, the narrative is complemented with visual impressions of culture and history that is not necessarily explicit in the text.
DESIGN
The limited color pallet, layout, typesetting, dimensions, and texture were all carefully considered to effect function to the form. For example, the variations in page color serve as visual cues for a change in POV. The pages are also smyth-sewn to a 310gsm flexible cover binding that allows for the utility and convenience of a paperback with all of the substantive weightiness of a hardcover book. A matte-laminate finish provides a smooth tactile reading experience.
BACKSTORY
Eddie and Curt have always shared similar artistic sensibilities. So the decision to collaborate and turn Parabolis into a novelzine was an organic process. The challenge was finding the resources to bring their vision to life.
Although the conventional approach would have begun with an appeal to the publishing industry, given its current metamorphic state and the prospects of surrendering creative control, they decided instead to turn to crowdsourcing and join what Andrew Keen calls “the cult of the amateur.”
They launched a Kickstarter campaign in July of 2012. In little over a month, they had reached their goal. By September, they had exceeded it by 33%. With the generous support of their backers, they were able to establish their own indie publishing house and begin production in October of 2012.
