Upstart #1: The Hero Journey Begins on Kickstarter
Get Ready for the Most Epic Hero Story Ever!!!
Are you ready to witness the birth of a brand-new hero?! Because it’s finally happening! We are beyond thrilled to announce that Upstart #1 officially launched on Kickstarter, and let me tell you, this is the project we’ve all been waiting for! Created by the brilliant and incredibly talented Riley Malnak, this isn't just another comic book – it’s a heart-pounding, hilarious, and deeply moving journey that will make you remember exactly why you fell in love with heroes in the first place.
Upstart #1 is the story of a kid with a massive dream and an even bigger heart. It’s about that burning desire to be something more, to stand up for what’s right, and to look cool doing it (even if you trip over your own feet once or twice along the way).This project is the definition of creator-driven passion, and we need YOU to help us bring it to life right now.
BACK THE KICKSTARTER HERE AND JOIN THE JOURNEY!!
A Story Full of Heart, Humor, and Total Awesomeness!!
What makes Upstart #1 so special? It’s the perfect blend of high-stakes action and those quiet, funny moments that make a character feel like your best friend. Riley Malnak has crafted a world that feels incredibly relatable. We’ve all been that kid staring out the window, dreaming of saving the world, right?!
How cool are those covers? From the dynamic action shots to the moody, atmospheric city-scapes, every single version of Upstart #1 is a collector's dream come true. Whether you want the main cover or one of the exclusive variants, you are getting a piece of comic book history.
The humor in this book is absolutely spot-on. You’ll be laughing out loud at the relatable struggles of being a "hero in training" while simultaneously rooting for our protagonist with everything you’ve got! It’s rare to find a book that can balance laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional stakes, but Riley has nailed it.
Meet the Genius Behind the Mask: Riley Malnak!
At Dreamscape Publishing, we are all about supporting independent creators who have a unique voice, and Riley Malnak is exactly that. This project is a labor of love that has been years in the making. Every line of dialogue, every panel layout, and every character design has been meticulously crafted to deliver the best possible experience for you, the fans.
You can check out more about our incredible team on our Creator Credits page. We pride ourselves on working with the best in the industry to bring you stories that stick with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
Look at the emotion in that art. You can literally feel the weight of the character's dreams. This is what sets Upstart #1 apart from everything else on the shelves right now. It’s got a soul.
The Art Style You’ve Been Craving.
Can we talk about this art for a second?! It is GORGEOUS. C.R. Lillis style is so fresh and energetic. It’s got this wonderful, punchy vibe that feels like a modern classic in the making. The colors are vibrant, the line work is clean, and the character expressions are just... wow!
Check out this character sheet to see the level of detail that goes into every single design!
Notice the sneakers? The backpack? The casual-cool look versus the hero suit? Everything is designed to tell you something about who this character is. This is storytelling at its absolute finest, folks.
If you want to see even more of the world Riley is building, you have to check out our Upstart Collection on the main site. We are building a whole universe here, and Upstart #1 is just the beginning.
Why We Need YOU on Kickstarter
Why are we doing a Kickstarter? Because we want to involve YOU, the fans, directly in the process. By backing this project, you aren't just buying a comic – you are becoming a part of the Dreamscape family. Your support allows us to maintain our independence and continue publishing the kind of creator-owned stories that the big guys often overlook.
Plus, the rewards are great!
- Exclusive Merchandise like stickers and prints!!
- Retailer Bundles for those of you who want to stock Upstart in your shops!! (Check our Wholesale Registration for more info!)
- The chance to get your name in the credits of the book. Time is running out to get those Early Bird rewards, so don't wait. Every second you hesitate is a second someone else is snagging that limited edition variant. GO, GO, GO.
Unleash Your Inner Hero!!
This is more than just a comic book launch. It’s a celebration of the hero in all of us! Upstart #1 is going to be the sleeper hit of 2026, and you have the chance to say you were there from the very first day.
We are so proud of what Riley Malnak has achieved with this book. It’s funny, it’s exciting, and it’s going to tug at your heartstrings in all the right ways. We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it.
The Hero Journey Begins NOW. Let’s make Upstart #1 the biggest Kickstarter of the year. Thank you for supporting independent comics and for believing in the power of a great story.
DON'T WAIT - CLICK HERE TO BACK UPSTART #1 ON KICKSTARTER RIGHT NOW!!
See you in the city streets, heroes.
Dreamscape Publishing – Where Legends are Born.