In a move similar to Fantagraphics’ last fall (see "Fantagraphics Financing Spring-Summer Line"), alternative comic and underground art book publisher Last Gasp has turned to Kickstarter to fund its fall print line. 

"The book business is changing.  In the past, it was 'difficult' to publish unusual books.  Now it is nearly impossible.  To cover the costs of printing we need up-front support from people who love books," said the Kickstarter statement.  "The money you contribute will go directly into the printing and production costs of these forthcoming publications."
 
The campaign, which runs until October 16, has a goal of $75,000.  It has raised $21,403 from 354 backers ($60.46/backer average) as of this writing.
 
Backer premiums vary from single titles from their fall line to signed, deluxe limited editions, bundles of Zap and Weirdo comix, to barbeques, warehouse shopping trips, and a night out in North Beach with Ron Turner, founder of Last Gasp.  There is also a wholesale package of five copies each of the entire fall line.
 
The fall line includes Mirror, Black Mirror by Camille Rose Garcia, A Blind Man's Journey by Mike Davis, Beyond the Dark Veil: Post Mortem & Mourning Photos from the Thanatos Archives, Forbidden Activities for Neglected Children by Skinner, The Fetish Coloring Book, Ron English's Vandalism Starter Kit, The Art of the Mandala by Henry Sultan, and Punks Git Cut Anthology by Jay Howell.
 
ICv2 columnist Rob Salkowitz predicted this model of financing becoming more widespread in the alt-comic publishing segment last November (see "Ain't that a Kick! Fantagraphics' Kickstarter Points Toward a New Model for Niche Businesses") and discussed the phenomenon in more depth after Slave Labor Graphics launched a similar crowdfunding campaign in June (see "What Next for the Alt Comic Press?").