Chimera’s Comics owners' Kickstarter campaign exceeds goal by $2,000

LA GRANGE – It was a dream that had been put on the back burner for too long, so when Carmelo Chimera, co-owner of Chimera's Comics in La Grange, decided it was time to publish his first comic book, he looked to his friends, family and comic book enthusiasts for help.

Chimera began a Kickstarter campaign, an online tool that allows anyone to donate money, in October to raise money to cover the cost of printing his comic book, “Magnificent,” which he has been working on for several years. Chimera’s goal for the 38-day campaign was to raise $6,000, but he ended up exceeding his goal, raising just less than $8,000.

“That made me want to cry,” said Chimera, 26. “It’s a dream come true to tell this story and see so many people care about it the way I do. It’s beautiful.”

Chimera wanted to try crowdfunding for his project to engage and involve his customers and community. Each donor will receive a copy of “Magnificent” once it’s printed and ready to ship, which should be sometime in April. He said the book will be sent to the printer at the end of January.

“I knew that our community would like to be a part of this, and I’ve just been humbled by the enthusiasm of those who wanted to be a part of our dreams,” Chimera said. “The point is that our book is for our community, so it made sense that the community be a part of its creation.”

Chimera is the co-owner of Chimera’s Comics, along with friend Steven Brown, who illustrated “Magnificent.” The two opened their La Grange location in 2011 and have since opened stores in Oak Lawn and Woodridge. Chimera said he’s always wanted to create his own book, but that dream had to be pushed back after he opened his business.

“There’s always a good reason to defer your dreams,” he said. “If you want to achieve a dream, you have to make time, and that’s what Kickstarter was all about.”

About 125 people contributed to the campaign, and Brown said that while he and Chimera knew about a third of the donors, there were many the duo didn’t know. He said they were surprised by the donations from strangers.

“People from Russia donated, a woman in Australia donated, and there was a guy from England,” Brown said. “It’s so humbling and very strange to think this many people are interested in what we’re doing.”

One donor Chimera and Brown were very familiar with is Ken Schmidt. Chimera said Schmidt is a good friend and was one of the largest donors. Schmidt said he wanted to do whatever he could to make their dream happen.

“They do a lot of good for their friends and community, and they’re so passionate about the book,” he said. “They’re two of the nicest guys and just really good people who deserve all the success they’ve worked so hard to attain.”

Once the book is out, Chimera said he plans to submit it to major comic book distributors, as well as smaller retailers, in hopes of getting it in comic book stores across the country. He has lots of plans in the works after “Magnificent” is released. He would like to publish other projects, including a prequel to that story. He’s also planning on writing a book about Kickstarter for beginners.

Chimera knows how important his customers are, so he also offered those who shopped in his store Nov. 27 to 29, including Small Business Saturday, the chance to win tickets to see a screening of the new "Star Wars" movie before its official release. He bought 80 tickets to the 7 p.m. show Dec. 17 at the Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in Woodridge.

“The buzz around this movie is insane, and everyone is chomping at the bit to see it,” he said. “We wouldn’t be here without the customers, and it’s so important to be appreciative of the people who shop at our stores. They’re awesome.”

Chimera said the winners will be announced later this week.