Sidekicks - The Official Thread

[Russell Brettholtz]

I'm not sure what happened to the old thread, but I'll be updating this one once a week as we head toward the release of Sidekicks #1.

But first, a refresher for those who may have forgot or missed it the first time around.

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In a world where Super-Heroes are celebrities, egos rampage out of control. Five of Chicago’s most dependable Sidekicks are faced with the reality that despite their dedication, they will invariably be disrespected by the Heroes they work with and the citizens they protect. Taken for granted by society and ignored by the media, how much can the Sidekicks endure before they decide they’ve had enough?

[Russell Brettholtz]

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[Russell Brettholtz]

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[Russell Brettholtz]

I didn't like the way the attachments work, so let's try this again with images instead.

[Russell Brettholtz]

[Russell Brettholtz]

Concept Art - The Scepter



The Scepter is one of Chicago's most popular Super-Heroes.

While on an archaeological dig in Egypt as a student pursuing his PHD, AJ discovered the scepter. Upon touching the ancient artifact he could feel its power coursing through him. Keeping the scepter secret, AJ smuggled it back to his apartment in Chicago. Through seemingly endless experimentation, AJ learned how to channel the energy of the scepter to generate blasts, shields, and several other energy manifestations. Running with the Egyptian theme, AJ designed a suitable costume and took up the mantle of The Scepter.

Atlas is The Scepter's sidekick.

It should be noted that AJ is, in fact, of Arabian descent.

He was originally written as just another white American, but as I fleshed out his back story I realized I was falling into the same trap of so many other Egyptian themed characters: namely, not having a direct link to the heritage or culture being represented.

AJ's name is Asim-Jabari.

[Russell Brettholtz]

Concept Art - Captain Celerity



Captain Celerity is Chicago's fastest super-hero.

As a child, Brian was always fast. And he only got faster as he got older. Realizing that he was one of the lucky few on the planet to be born with super-powers, Brian kept his gift a secret. But not such a secret that he didn't win every race he entered.

Earning a track and field scholarship to a top university, Brian shattered local, state and national records. It wasn't long before the Olympic team came calling. Hungry for the attention and adulation, Brian joined the US Olympic team. In his first Olympic outing, he broke four world records. Four years later, he broke them again (but never by enough to make his feats seem illegitimate).

But the glory of the Olympics soon faded. Brian needed the attention. So he did what any ambitious, self-absorbed, super-powered twenty-something would do: he became a Super-Hero.

Moving to Chicago (a city without another speedster to rival), Brian quickly established himself as Captain Celerity: Chicago's fastest Super-Hero!

Mustang is Captain Celerity's sidekick.

[Russell Brettholtz]

Some more concept art.

Flood

Flood is one of the many villains terrorizing Chicago one criminal act at a time.

[Russell Brettholtz]

Another piece of concept art while you wait for the book to be finished.

Yin & Yang

Yin and Yang were originally just generic bank robbers. But frankly, that was boring. Listening to the myriad complaints of the lack of female power in the book, I thought this would be the perfect spot to fill that void.

Hope you like them.

[Russell Brettholtz]

An Update from the Sidekicks Kickstarter Campaign:

All of the Poster Rewards have been mailed.

Those of you in the US should receive them shortly. International Backers may have a bit of a longer wait (it could be a couple of weeks).

When you receive your poster(s), feel free to mention how AWESOME they are on your favorite social media websites.

Please contact me if you don't receive your poster(s) or if they arrive damaged.

Enjoy!

[Ghost]

Cool concept and great art. Thats a good-looking comic.. I missed the kickstarter though. Any plans on looking for a publisher?

[Russell Brettholtz]

Cool concept and great art. Thats a good-looking comic.. I missed the kickstarter though. Any plans on looking for a publisher?

Thanks, Ghost. We are hoping to run another Kickstarter toward the end of this year to fund the rest of the mini-series, so you'll have another chance to get on board.

We have not been actively pursuing a publisher (which isn't to say we haven't been entertaining offers when publishers have approached us).

[John Jett]

I just ran over to FB to like this. Very cool!