Poker commentator and stand-up comedian Joe Stapleton has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Trapped, a new poker-themed graphic novel. Described as a “Rounders meets Deadpool,” the comic will follow the story of a fictional counterpart to Stapleton.
The comic was illustrated by Neil Gibson, who is an experienced comic book artist and founder of Twisted Comics.
A Story About Rediscovering Passion
Trapped will follow Joe, a poker genius with a short fuse who has a tendency to make poor decisions every now and then. Joe also is a passionate player and a professional commentator with a deep love for the game.
The story starts with Joe getting fired from his job as a commentator. Increasingly dissociated with poker, he starts to get frustrated by the game’s shift from people to mathematics. Despite his belief that poker has become “boring and hard to win,” Joe finds himself tangled up with drug dealers and is forced to continue playing.
The novel is based on Stapleton’s real-life experience playing and commenting on poker and is a “roaring ride” about a man trying to reconnect with his passion for poker after falling out of love with the game.
Trapped, among other things, action, comedy, romance and even a spicier scene, according to Stapleton himself. The story will explore topics, such as the motivating power of desperation and the rediscovery of one’s own purpose in life.
Poker Fans Can Back the Project on Kickstarter
The trapped Kickstarter campaign is currently live and, as of the time of this writing, has accumulated $8,881 in pledges. While still falling short of its $13,177 target, the Trapped campaign still has 25 days to go.
The comic has already been finished meaning that there will be no risks and challenges to the campaign – all Stapleton and Gibson need to do is send it to the printer.
By pledging $10 players will receive a digital copy of the graphic novel. $20, on the other hand, will yield them a physical one. There are also other pledge options that include special goodies, tickets for a stand up show, a meeting with Stapleton and even the opportunity to play a game with the poker pundit.
Poker aficionados can also purchase a variety of add-ons, including branded t-shirts, playing cards and stickers.
