Madison, Wisconsin, 1981. An unexpected publishing event collided with the status quo of the major comic book publishers. The creators of this event were Mike Baron and Steve Rude. The book was called Nexus. Artist Steve Rude’s classically-styled artwork pushed the boundaries of graphic storytelling, earning him every major industry award.

After 35 years in the comic-book industry, Rude conceived the idea of revitalizing the once hugely popular newspaper comic strip by adapting “Nexus” and “The Moth” in the same format. The first release featured Nexus.

While Dark Horse Comics has agreed to publish a collected edition of the Newspaper Strips, the cost of funding every page for the oversized book is cost prohibitive.  In order to continue creating Nexus, patronage is a necessity.

WHY PATREON?

Continuing the Nexus Newspaper is an expensive collaboration costing Rude Dude nearly $100,000 to create, print and mail the first 7 papers.While we are no longer creating physical papers, we do wish to continue creating the Newspaper strip in the oversized format and want to continue a regular release schedule.

To release 4 strips a month will cost $2,700 for the creative team (writer, artist, colorist, designer, office helper).Anything above that goes to keep the lights on, air flowing, and Chloe, the beagle, in puppy chow.

WHY THIS WILL WORK

Those of you who followed the Rude Dude Kickstarter for the Newspaper know that while the Kickstarter itself was successful, and most of the initial rewards were released, we were unable to keep up with a 1 year, monthly printed schedule due to the high cost of creators, printing, postage and supplies.Our first month alone was $7,000 just for shipping, and supplies!Talk about a wake up call.

The Patreon campaign focuses on value through digital rewards from not only the Newspaper strip, but on Steve Rude as an artist sharing tips on drawing and struggles working with different mediums.We have an intern turned office helper that will help keep digital content rolling out and assemble monthly Q&A and commission suggestions while mama Gino carts kiddos and dogs around when she’s not doing a namaste impression at the gym.

MEMBERSHIP REWARDS

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
While we release general blogs online, we will maintain a more in depth and personal inside look into the life of Steve Rude, and the creation of the Nexus Newspaper and other works via our Patreon blog.  You will also have exclusive access to downloadable images!


FRONT ROW PASS
Everything mentioned for general members plus much more.  We'll be doing a once a month video of Steve creating a commission chosen from submissions from the VIP level, but you can submit Q&As to be answered and get exclusive access to the final edited video!  We will also be using Patreon's LENS to download some quick streamed video and video notes from the Dude!  All this and a monthly discount code for 15% off any online store orders!

VIP PASS
As a big THANKS for being a big supporter, we will send first time VIP PASS members some amazing free Steve Rude book downloads worth nearly $200, exclusive access to scanned pages from his infamous personal sketchbook, AND you can submit monthly a sketch option for Steve to use for his monthly drawing demo.  If he picks yours we'll send you the original!  All this PLUS a monthly discount code for 20% off all your orders from the online store.

LIMITED VIP GOLD PASS
For our GOLD member superfans, not only do we offer everything above (yes, submit your drawing request and you could get FREE ART), put as new Nexus collections and Steve Rude sketchbooks are released you will receive a SIGNED mailed copy!  PLUS signed copies of all prints created while you're a member AND 25% off all your online store orders.  PLUS when there's new artwork for sale we'll send you a note through Patreon with an exclusive link to give you FIRST OPTION to purchase original art in our store.  At least 24 hours before the artwork is available to the public.  WOW!