❉ Pledge for the first of a four-issue comic series and help raise money for vital research into the causes of ME!
Inspired by the true-life experiences of ME sufferers around the world, The ME Generation seeks to tell a positive, life-affirming story of four sufferers from this most misunderstood of illnesses, who find themselves forming an unlikely superhero team.
People living with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) are warriors who have had to battle with the life-changing affects of this debilitating condition whilst simultaneously fighting the medical establishment to recognise and treat their suffering.
The ME Generation seeks to celebrate their on-going struggle, offer hope and entertainment through a fantastic comic-book adventure, and ultimately raise money for vital research into the causes of ME and to fund the development of new treatments for the condition.
Conceived by actor/writer/director/producer Barnaby Eaton-Jones (The Goodies, Robin of Sherwood, Passport To Oblivion, Running To Stand Still), who has battled ME himself for nearly 30 years, the initial idea for the comic came from Barnaby’s own experiences, and with characters originally based on four female friends of his; who have their own ME stories to tell.
The ME Generation is planned as a four issue comic book series (each issue will be 22 pages long), to be collected and published ultimately as a graphic novel with some extra content. This crowdfunding campaign is for Issue One (though you can pledge for the final combined graphic novel).
Written by veteran TV scriptwriter and novelist Colin Brake (EastEnders, Bugs, Doctors, Doctor Who, Dan Dare), the ME Generation tells the story of Sara, Kerrin, Liam, and Eliza – all dealing with their own personal ME hell.
Offered the chance of a new, radical, and experimental therapy four of them find themselves enhanced with incredible superpowers and thrust into danger.
With the Doctor who transformed them killed in an accident by secret agents trying to shut down his practice, and their superpowers running out-of-control, our four heroes, aided by their tech-savvy friend Arjan, have to uncover the truth about what has happened to them… and why.
With thrilling action, appealing and relatable characters, a good dose of wit and even a touch of satire, The ME Generation tells a story shot through with mystery, conspiracy, and unexpected twists.
“I’m just a few months older than Spider-Man,” says The ME Generation scribe Colin Brake, “and I’ve been a comic-book reader for, gulp, about 50 years! I can’t wait to share these great characters and their awesome, funny and thrilling adventure with an audience and, of course, raise awareness of this terrible illness.”
Each action-packed issue, illustrated in full colour by Yishan Li (Hellboy, Batwoman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Les Contes Du Boudoir Hante), features exciting comic-book action, character development, intrigue, suspense, and each issue ends on a classic cliff-hanger moment, leaving the reader (hopefully) desperate for the next chapter.
“I love that we are using this comic to raise awareness of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis!” says The ME Generation illustrator Yishan Li, “It’s a story full of adventure, actions and hope. Let’s go on the journey together!”
Each issue will be funded by a separate Kickstarter campaign, with the intention to complete Issue One and publish as an e-comic and print edition late 2021.
“I’m aware of how the media and the world has focused in on chronic illness, with the appearance of the ‘Long Covid’ strain of the pandemic we’re living through.” says The ME Generation originator Barnaby Eaton-Jones (taking on the Stan Lee role, as it were!). “It couldn’t be more timely, as research continues to find the markers, to bring out this graphic novel which seeks to entertain first and foremost – giving sufferers some excitement and adventure, that could well be sadly missing because of the severity of their condition. I hope this connects with sufferers, non-sufferers, and comic book fans alike. It’s tale that I wanted to tell and I’m really very happy that Colin and Yishan will be telling it for me.”
❉ ‘The ME Generation’: A Graphic Novel in Four Chapters by Colin Brake (writer) and Yishan Li (artist). Developed from an original idea by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, to be published under his Chinbeard Books company. Back this project on Kickstarter HERE. This project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by Wed, September 8 2021 1:42 PM BST: You’re only charged if the project meets its funding goal by the campaign deadline. Questions about this project? Check out the FAQ
❉ News source: Kickstarter/Barnaby Eaton-Jones,
❉ We Are Cult is not responsible for the content of this news release.
