#Details
The COSMIC PROTECTION BUREAU (CPB) is an intergalactic police force that uses a Silver Age-style comic book called SPACE COPS as propaganda to draft recruits into service, human and alien alike. But the truth of the CPB is far removed from the romanticized version found in these recruitment comics—the CPB is dirty and corrupt, a problematic organization that prioritizes protecting its own over their sworn duty to serve and protect.
Our story centers around two of these space cops: DYLAN JAX, a hot-headed, brash go-getter eager for action, and SKIZZ, a veteran alien in a career backslide who’s comfortable toiling away in the Bowels of THE PRECINCT, the homeplanet of the CPB. She's a self-described SHITKICKER, aka the Being doing the most menial tasks possible. When the cocky Dylan is assigned to do bullshit busywork with Skizz, he’s forced to confront the reality that his great destiny was just a lie his mommy fed him, and the organization he’s committed his life to isn’t as benevolent as it claims to be. Bored out of his gourd and trigger happy, Dylan kidnaps Skizz to go on a mission to crack open one of his new partner’s cold cases that sends them spiraling down a wormhole of intergalactic conspiracies, dirty cops, and big-time daddy issues.
SHITKICKERS is a series that lives somewhere between the humor of the Jump Street films and the high-stakes action of Guardians of the Galaxy—with a little Starship Troopers for garnish, and it sounds like this. If you like comics such as Fear Agent, Wasted Space, or Scud the Disposable Assassin, we think you’ll dig this too. But underneath the dick jokes and bad attitudes, this is a story about fighting against a system designed to oppress, even if it takes you a while to realize the side you should be fighting for isn’t the side you’re on. It’s about finding your place in the universe with a little help from your friends and the importance of chosen family. It’s about telling your past to screw off so you can carve out your own future. You can also preview the comic here at GlobalComix'
This project has been funded out of pocket until now—we just need the extra boost to be able to get the book printed and in the hands of readers. Funds raised will go toward the cost of printing and shipping these two issues, plus their variant covers (more on that in a sec), and some of our rewards on offer.
We've got some real rad shit available — first and foremost, the incredible Declan Shalvey and Seth Damoose graced us with Zoop exclusive variant covers of issue #1 and #2 respectively, and we couldn't be more pumped!
JOEY ESPOSITO is a writer from Maine, where he lives with his wife and pets in a house full of soulmates. He writes creator-owned comics like SHITKICKERS, THE PEDESTRIAN, and PAWN SHOP, in addition to cool books like BATMAN: URBAN LEGENDS, SESAME STREET, and AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM.
Hailing from the faraway Land of Pizza, ANDREA SCHIAVONE is a caffeine-fueled geek, comic book artist, self-styled ape connoisseur and space exploration enthusiast. His work has appeared in Jeff McClelland’s PLANET COMICS and Limit Break’s anthologies DOWN BELOW FRACTURED REALMS, and WISH UPON A STAR. He’s the co-author of GANGSTERS VS. NAZIS, written by Matt Garvey, and SHITKICKERS, penned by Joey Esposito.
Born and raised in Italy, SABRINA FILIERI is a children's book illustrator; quite reserved, possibly a coffee addict, she's a book and video game lover. Her work includes the series MILO GRAY'S IMAGINATION ADVENTURES published by Capstone, soon to be expanded with a second season. She provides colors for SHITKICKERS.
LUCAS GATTONI is a Ringo Awards nominated comic book letterer with over 20 years of experience as a graphic designer and typesetter. He’s lettered for many indie creators and publishers, including DC Comics (DC PRIDE, BLUE BEETLE, HARLEY QUINN), DSTLRY (Eisner winner SOMNA), AWBW (multiple award winning YOUNG MEN IN LOVE), Dark Horse (Eisner nominee KILLER QUEENS), Boom, IDW, and Mad Cave Studios. He lives in Argentina with his husband and their three unnamed goldfish (oops! Make that two now!).
ERIK NORRIS is an editor based out of New Jersey, where he lives with his wife and two fur children. Previously, he wrote for a number of pop culture media outlets, but now focuses his energy on creative projects with friends.
TBD - Cover Upgrade
TBD - New Pinup!
SHITKICKERS #1 and #2 are completely finished, ready to go to the printer. In fact, we’re hard at work on issue #6 now — so the series is damn near done as a whole, and if we can get these funded, there will absolutely be much more to come.
Printing and shipping should take around 3 months after the campaign is over, so delivery of rewards is expected to be done around mid summer 2025.
Zoop will always be here to communicate with supporters should any delays occur, if there’s confusion about delivery, or if any other concerns pop up.