NEWSLETTER: February 2026
Hello, Thrill Seekers!
We wanted to take a moment to share a couple of important updates, some good news, and a peek at where things stand as we move closer to the finish line.
NEW TRADING CARD DESIGNS!
We wanted to share a quick update regarding the trading card reward from our recent Kickstarter.
After considering the final artwork and failed attempts to obtain the .psd or .clip files, we’ve come to the conclusion that the artist we originally hired to ink and color the trading cards used AI tools to finish the artwork. We are under the assumption now that Diego Vilma was an alias used by a scammer who used either AI or other people’s artwork to book the gig. He has since disappeared from social media and cut off communication. It’s important to us that Thrill Comics projects feature real artwork by real artists. That’s a core value for us, and we want to make sure we’re delivering something that truly reflects that.
Because of this, we’ve decided to replace the original trading card designs with all-new cards illustrated by Blues: Lore & Legends artist Eric McMeans. These will be completely fresh designs created specifically for this reward, and we’re incredibly excited about what Eric is bringing to the table.
The original cards have already been printed and packaged, so you’ll still receive those as well. Ryan still has the original pencil sketches and plans to eventually finish them himself, possibly for some limited prints or free downloads in The Juke Joint. So, those designs aren’t gone forever. They’re just being handled in a way that better aligns with how we want to do things.
COMICS PROGRESS
We’re happy to report that Blues: Lore & Legends is 95% complete and ready to go. Memphis vs. Zombies #2 is right behind it and nearly finished. Aline is wrapping up the final round of colors on a few remaining pages, and Ryan is putting the finishing touches on the Shout Out page to make sure every Kickstarter supporter gets the love they deserve.
At this point, with the exception of a few pages of story, the only remaining pieces we’re waiting on are a few advertisements from supporting businesses. Once those are finished and in hand, everything will be locked in.
The redesigned trading cards will not affect the timeline.
“Shout Out” page work in progress. Original art by Ryan Ladner.
Juke Joint Progress
We’re still hard at work building out The Juke Joint, the exclusive members-only section of the Thrill Comics website for Thrill Seekers. There are a few more features we’re putting the finishing touches on.
One are we’re especially excited to introduce is the Graffiti Corner. This will be a space where Thrill Seekers can download coloring sheets, printable art, and other fun extras, perfect for kids, families, or anyone who just wants to relax and get creative with our characters.
As always, thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your continued support. Making independent comics is a labor of love, and we truly couldn’t do this without the encouragement of everyone reading this. We’re incredibly proud of these books and grateful to be on this journey with you. We’ll have more to share very soon, and we can’t wait to put the finished work in your hands.
Stay Thrilled,
Crestwood and the Thrill Comics Team
MAIL: Thrill Entertainment LLC, 1546 W Crestwood Dr, Memphis, United States
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Thrill Comics <news@thrillcomics.com>
Tue, Feb 3, 8:45 AM (2 days ago)
to me
Comics are good for you!
Hello, Thrill Seekers!
We wanted to take a moment to share a couple of important updates, some good news, and a peek at where things stand as we move closer to the finish line.
NEW TRADING CARD DESIGNS!
We wanted to share a quick update regarding the trading card reward from our recent Kickstarter.
After considering the final artwork and failed attempts to obtain the .psd or .clip files, we’ve come to the conclusion that the artist we originally hired to ink and color the trading cards used AI tools to finish the artwork. We are under the assumption now that Diego Vilma was an alias used by a scammer who used either AI or other people’s artwork to book the gig. He has since disappeared from social media and cut off communication. It’s important to us that Thrill Comics projects feature real artwork by real artists. That’s a core value for us, and we want to make sure we’re delivering something that truly reflects that.
Because of this, we’ve decided to replace the original trading card designs with all-new cards illustrated by Blues: Lore & Legends artist Eric McMeans. These will be completely fresh designs created specifically for this reward, and we’re incredibly excited about what Eric is bringing to the table.
The original cards have already been printed and packaged, so you’ll still receive those as well. Ryan still has the original pencil sketches and plans to eventually finish them himself, possibly for some limited prints or free downloads in The Juke Joint. So, those designs aren’t gone forever. They’re just being handled in a way that better aligns with how we want to do things.
COMICS PROGRESS
We’re happy to report that Blues: Lore & Legends is 95% complete and ready to go. Memphis vs. Zombies #2 is right behind it and nearly finished. Aline is wrapping up the final round of colors on a few remaining pages, and Ryan is putting the finishing touches on the Shout Out page to make sure every Kickstarter supporter gets the love they deserve.
At this point, with the exception of a few pages of story, the only remaining pieces we’re waiting on are a few advertisements from supporting businesses. Once those are finished and in hand, everything will be locked in.
The redesigned trading cards will not affect the timeline.
“Shout Out” page work in progress. Original art by Ryan Ladner.
Juke Joint Progress
We’re still hard at work building out The Juke Joint, the exclusive members-only section of the Thrill Comics website for Thrill Seekers. There are a few more features we’re putting the finishing touches on.
One we’re especially excited to introduce is the Graffiti Corner. This will be a space where Thrill Seekers can download coloring sheets, printable art, and other fun extras, perfect for kids, families, or anyone who just wants to relax and get creative with our characters.
As always, thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your continued support. Making independent comics is a labor of love, and we truly couldn’t do this without the encouragement of everyone reading this. We’re incredibly proud of these books and grateful to be on this journey with you. We’ll have more to share very soon, and we can’t wait to put the finished work in your hands.
Stay Thrilled,
Crestwood and the Thrill Comics Team
