September already? It’s ok. I prefer the fall weather (even though it is still 800 degrees in Jersey). Today for the Small Press Spotlight we have eyes on White Cat Entertainment’s Rise of the Kung Fu Dragon Master VOL 2, a 100-page graphic novel follow up to VOL 1, which was successfully funded via Kickstarter. The book brings together writer Chris Mancini and artist Fernando Pinto again after their first graphic novel, Long Ago and Far Away, which was released digitally in 2019 from Starburns Industries Press.

Read details here:

Rise of the Kung Fu Dragon Master is a comedy/action/fantasy graphic novel about Rick, a small-time crook in Los Angeles who becomes an unlikely hero in a mystical battle between good and evil that has been fought since the days of Ancient China. It’s a love letter to the ‘80’s action, buddy, and comedy movies Chris Mancini grew up on. Along with the action/comedy, the story explores the self-destruction a life of anger and violence can bring, and how to follow a new path that can lead to peace and balance. But, even so, the book features epic martial arts fights, fantastic creatures, and surly baristas.

“I love mixing genres, and I thought about how cool it would be to mix martial arts, fantasy, and comedy in a modern way that also explores contemporary attitudes towards masculinity,  violence, and our personal relationships,” Mancini said. “I wanted to tell a big, fun story, where you’re laughing one minute, thrilled by the action the next, and then  surprised by a thoughtful character moment.”

Mancini is multitalented. He’s a stand-up comic and podcaster, and he has also written, directed, and produced everything from soap operas to parenting books to horror films.

Originally from Chile, Pinto is a Kubert School graduate and has worked as a sequential artist on Tales of the TMNT, Moon Lake vol. 2, Hack Slash, Monarchs, Eat Fighter, and his own books Warped! and GunPunch.

The Rise of the Kung Fu Dragon Master VOL 2 Kickstarter has been up since the beginning of August and is close to reaching its funding goal. To back the project before September 5, click here. Check out some preview pages below.

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