QUIET: LEVEL ONE – An Original Graphic Novel by Jonah Lobe

QUIET: Level One is an original work written and illustrated by award-winning artist and world-builder Jonah Lobe (Skyrim/Fallout/Marvel Anatomy). This 180+ page epic will feature artwork rendered in classic black-and-white, as well as richly colored chapter pages. The enhanced Kickstarter-exclusive Hardcover Edition will add behind-the-scenes concept art, writing, and Quiet-themed work from guest artists.

In this epic adventure, a brave little skeleton, Quiet, and their companion, the Narrator Worm, are on a quest to save the Tree of Worlds from destruction. Level One takes place in the Labyrinth, where – with only the voice of the mysterious Spider to guide them – our heroes must rely on each other to prevent Galahorn, the unstoppable invader, from ascending the Tree of Worlds. Meanwhile, the evil blade known as Threadcutter has at last been found… and is beginning to whisper.

Like Yggdrasil, the Norse Tree of Life, Quiet: Level One’s Tree of Worlds contains a multitude of realities. Each branch is a world unto itself; a new Level replete with different environments, creatures, and quests. Together, these Levels form a stepladder to the font of Creation itself… which is exactly where Galahorn is headed.

The Tree of Worlds is beautiful, terrifying, and exceedingly strange – while feeling familiar to fans of fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons, and videogames. In the Labyrinth, Quiet must contend with traps, monsters, magical items, and more. How can our Level 1 skeleton possibly defeat the Level 100 barbarian? We’ll have to find out…

Quiet: Level One is my first foray into the world of comics, and I’m developing a new art style alongside the new story. My 3D artwork in Skyrim and Fallout can be described as fantastical realism. For Marvel Anatomy, I took a different approach—let’s call it Super DaVinci.

For Quiet, I’ve developed a sharper, bolder, and more dynamic monochrome aesthetic, elevated with lettering by the one and only Tom Napolitano. I’m going this way for a number of reasons: First, I’m enamored of black-and-white as a medium; if you’ve seen my Word of the Day series on Instagram, you know what I’m talking about. The second reason is nostalgia; in this modern landscape of flashy CG entertainment, I think there’s something special about black-and-white that reminds us of the comics and video games of our youth. The third is plot-driven: Level 1 of the Labyrinth is underground and upside-down… and the world down there is devoid of color.

Here’s a look at my process—from rough sketch to inking, solids to shading, then whatever is needed to help the frame pop:

And now, a gallery:

I’m extremely grateful to have contributed to the universes of Skyrim, Fallout, and Marvel, but for years I’ve yearned to build something entirely new. Q:L1 is very dear to me, and I have no desire to sell it to a corporation. Kickstarter will provide me with the creative freedom and vital resources to bring the world of Quiet to life, while continuing to hold myself to the very high standards that have always guided my work. This platform allows me to connect directly with you — to hand you this piece of my soul. And if all goes well, Quiet: Level One will be just the beginning.

I believe in Quiet – and I ask that you believe in me. Here are just a few reasons to get in on this new world at the ground level:

• HARDCOVER EDITION: This hardcover version of Q:L1 will be EXCLUSIVE to Kickstarter. Only a very limited number will be sold through conventions, my online store, or retail sales.
• SPECIAL DISCOUNTS: Kickstarter supporters get all available products at discounts from 5% to 35% off the prices they will be sold at after finalization of the campaign.
• LOYALTY BONUS: Anyone who pledges to this campaign will automatically receive loyalty discounts/bonuses in any Q:L1 follow-up projects on Kickstarter.
• HELP THIS INDEPENDENT ARTIST MATERIALIZE HIS VISION: I’ve spent my career making Dragons, Giants, Mutants and Heroes. Now let me make something for you. By supporting me at any level, you’re granting me the time and space I need to realize Quiet: Level One to its fullest extent and I will forever be grateful to you for the support!