‘Total Recall’ Meets ‘Prison Break’ In Graphic Novel ‘On Mars’ — Live Now on Kickstarter
by Austin Gorton
On Mars, a new sci-fi graphic novel from writer Sylvain Runberg (Warship Jolly Roger) and artist Grun, is live now on Kickstarter. It is available in three premium formats including a trade paperback, a campaign-exclusive hardcover, and a limited die-cut slipcase set complete with an exclusive art book.
Set in 2132, On Mars chronicles a time in which Mars is colonized on the backs of a conscripted labor force composed of convicted felons. It follows Officer Jasmine Stenford as she is sent to the red planet following a wrongful death committed on her watch.
“Grun and I are very inspired by American science fiction, from Philip K. Dick to Ray Bradbury and William Gibson,” said Runberg. “On Mars allows us to talk about the past, the present and a possible – but not really desirable – future, and that’s what science fiction is about: exciting imaginary tales that also open doors to reflection on our future, and to perhaps allow us to exorcize our fears.”
The Deluxe Limited Edition Slipcase Set is exclusive to the campaign. It contains the hardcover edition with an exclusive, limited-edition 64-page hardcover art book featuring design sketches and concept art by Grun. A combination art book and in-world sketchbook diary kept by one of the prisoners, it reveals features and corners of this universe unseen in the main graphic novel.
The premium hardcover and trade paperback will also be available in shops in Summer of 2025. The Kickstarter campaign ends September 26th.