We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Travis Gibb. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Travis below.
Travis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
Creating a legacy as a comic book creator is an incredibly personal and profound aspiration. Ever since i was a little boy i wanted to be remembered. I want part of me to live on past when i die. I didnt just want to be name on a gravestone. I want people to hear my voice in my words. For me, it’s about more than the comic books themselves; it’s about building something meaningful, something that matters. I try and do stories that matter and are more then just good and bad guys punching each other.
For me, every project I take on is a step toward that legacy. Whether it’s the raw honesty of Granite State Punk, the spiritual and supernatural depth of Voodoo Nations, or the collaboration of bringing together creators in anthologies like Cthulhu Invades Series, these stories are pieces of me. They’re the bricks I’m laying to construct something that endures.
But it’s not just about the books—it’s about the connections they create. The idea that someone, somewhere might pick up a copy of on of my books decades from now and feel something—that’s the dream. I want my stories to inspire, to challenge, to comfort, and to provoke thought. I want them to become a part of someone’s life, the way the stories I grew up with became a part of mine.
It’s also about community. I love collaborating with other creators, lifting each other up, and contributing to this incredible medium that has given me so much. The Ringo Award nomination, the Kickstarter successes, and the partnerships with several comic publishers are all incredible milestones, but they’re also just steps in a larger journey. I want to be remembered not only for the stories I told but for the way I championed indie creators, pushed boundaries, and helped others tell their stories too.
A legacy isn’t built overnight. It’s the sum of all the moments—big and small—that define who you are as a creator. I know there’s so much more to do, more risks to take, more stories to tell. And I’m ready. Because at the end of the day, I want my name to be spoken not just as someone who wrote comics, but as someone who gave something to the world through them.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into comics began like it does for so many creators—through a deep love of storytelling and the unique magic of the medium. As a kid, I devoured comics, getting lost in the vivid worlds and larger-than-life characters. Stories like Chris Claremont’s X-Men and other iconic runs showed me that comics could tackle complex themes, explore human emotions, and push creative boundaries. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was art, and it resonated with me deeply. I come from a home that was less then safe and my moral compass was formed by these heroes.
But my path into making comics wasn’t a straight line. Life has a way of taking you down unexpected roads, I originally went to school for FILM and I had a daughter at a very young age but that passion for storytelling never went away. I finally reached a point where I knew I couldn’t keep the stories in my head anymore and with some encouragement from my wife—I had to tell them. So, I took the leap into indie comics.
The first comic I really poured myself into was Broke Down and Four Dead Bodies. It’s a gritty, fast-paced crime story with a pulpy edge, blending action, suspense, and dark humor. That book taught me so much about the process of creating and collaborating, and it gave me the confidence to keep going.
Then there’s Voodoo Nations, a spiritual and supernatural horror story that explores themes of faith, morality, and cultural clashes. It’s a deeply layered series that I created to explore a fictional version the time that my mother died and my personality changed but my wife stood by me.
From there, I explored darker and more personal themes with Granite State Punk. It’s a raw and honest book that dives into themes of identity, rebellion, and generational trauma, all wrapped up in a punk rock aesthetic. This project was especially close to my heart because it allowed me to tell a story rooted in New Hampire, where I grew up.
Coins of Judas is another standout in my catalog. It’s a high-concept action horror series that digs into the biblical lore of Judas Iscariot and reimagines the coins of betrayal as cursed artifacts. It’s been a hit with fans of supernatural thrillers and has opened up new opportunities for me as a creator.
Beyond those, I’ve created anthologies like Cthulhu Invades Oz, Wonderland, Neverland and Fairy Tales, Holiday Spirits, and many more getting my company awards and even a RINGO nomation.
Comics have given me an outlet to explore ideas, connect with others, and share pieces of myself with the world. Each title I’ve created is a chapter in my journey, and I’m excited to see where this path leads next.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
So, i come from a poor family and living anything but paycheck to paycheck is a mystery to me. However, i found that Kickstarter could not only help me raise funds for my comic but also build me a fan base at the same time. Kickstarter completely transformed my comic career, giving me the tools to bring my stories to life and connect with fans worldwide. Before the platform, creating comics felt like a distant dream—but Kickstarter changed that, providing not just funding but a direct line to readers who believed in my vision.
Through Kickstarter, I’ve raised over $300,000, funding projects like Broke Down and Four Dead Bodies, Granite State Punk, and Voodoo Nations. The platform allowed me to reach fans across the globe, turning them into loyal supporters who come back for each new project. It’s not just about the money—it’s about building a community that values indie comics and supports creators like me.
Kickstarter taught me how to market myself, engage with readers, and deliver quality work consistently. It’s given me the freedom to create the stories I’m passionate about, on my terms, and it’s opened doors I never thought possible. Without Kickstarter, I wouldn’t have the career I have today—or the incredible fans who make it all worth it.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Some consider me the king of anthologies on Kickstarter—or at least in the top 10. I’ve earned that reputation by successfully managing ambitious projects like Cthulhu Invades, Holiday Spirits, and Hospice. Each of these anthologies brings together dozens of talented creators, and my role is to build strong relationships, foster creativity, and keep everyone aligned with a shared vision. It’s about ensuring that every contributor feels supported and valued while we work together to create something truly special.
For Cthulhu Invades, I focused on assembling a diverse group of writers and artists who could bring unique perspectives to the Lovecraftian world we were crafting. Similarly, Holiday Spirits required creators who could mix heart and horror in ways that resonated with readers. Hospice demanded an even more delicate touch because it was a unique concept that didnt have money cross for the creators.
Communication is the backbone of these projects. I ensure everyone understands the vision, deadlines, and expectations while being available to help with challenges. Recognizing each creator’s contributions is essential, whether it’s through promotion, social media shoutouts, or simply saying thank you.
These projects aren’t just about the stories—they’re about building a community of creators and readers. I encourage collaboration, cross-promotion, and interaction among team members, fostering a sense of camaraderie that makes the process rewarding for everyone involved.
The key to success is leading with clarity, kindness, and passion. When you prioritize the team and the vision, the result is something extraordinary, like the worlds we’ve created in these anthologies. I also build ways to get each of these teams excited by showing that they aren’t just my book and it’s OUR success,s not just my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orangeconeproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesterlou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.gibb/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-gibb-27b77318/
- Twitter: https://x.com/jesterlou
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TravisGibbOCP
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/travisgibb.bsky.social
