Dynamite And Coffin’s ‘Evil Ernie’ Kickstarter Funds In 66 Seconds
by Erik Amaya
Evil Ernie is back with a vengeance.
First announced by creator Brian Pulido back in February, Dynamite and Coffin Comics’ Evil Ernie Kickstarter went live Thursday and funded in, appropriately enough, 66 seconds and brought in over $100,000 within an hour. As of press time, the campaign — which continues into June — has earned around $150,000 in pledges.
This initial Kickstarter sets out to reprint Evil Ernie in three handsome omnibus editions. The combined trio of books collects every solo Evil Ernie and Smiley: The Psychotic Button story from 1991 to 2002 in an oversized format — 9″ by 12″ to be exact. Additionally, Pulido has “gone deep into both his mind and archives to present behind-the-scenes history and newly generated recollections on the tales behind the terror.”
The first volume reprints the original Evil Ernie miniseries, later dubbed Youth Gone Wild, and the following adventures: The Resurrection, Revenge, Straight to Hell, and the #0 issue with a Greg Capullo cover. Vol. 2 follows things up with Destroyer, Evil Ernie #1/2, and the “Vampire Vengeance,” “Fear Itself,” “Christmas Evil,” and “Trauma” arcs from the ongoing series. The final volume includes Depraved, War of the Dead, Pieces of Me, Returns, Relentless, and Alien Evil, in addition to “fun crossover specials facing off against superheroes and movie monsters, a ‘What If’ style book, and all five fabulous Smiley specials.”
Each volume comes in hardcover with special green signed editions (limited to 666 copies) also available. For the die-hard fan, though, the campaign is offering a Super Deluxe edition with “blazing red, page gilding, a ribbon bookmark,” and “spot-laminated covers.” This edition is limited to just 333 copies. Each volume can be obtained separately or as part of a package deal with a bonus slipcase. There is also a special tier for retailers looking to stock the complete collection in stores.
Add-ons include facsimiles of comic reprints, prints, posters, patches, challenge coins, and apparel that all recall the initial Chaos! Comics vibes of the 1990s. A new Ernie print from Simon Bisley will also be available as either a poster or part of a new edition of Youth Gone Wild #1. Additionally, stretch goals and “other surprises” are on the horizon as the campaign continues.
Those interested in securing their own copy of the Evil Ernie Omnibi — and insuring further Dynamite and Coffin collaborations happen — can head over to the campaign page on Kickstarter and pledge.
