Welcome Sam Kusek: Kickstarter’s New Comics Leader

We're thrilled to introduce Sam Kusek as our new Senior Outreach Lead for Comics here at Kickstarter. Sam brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for the comics industry that spans over 17 years.

In his role, Sam will report to Liz Mowe, our Senior Manager of Outreach, and will be instrumental in building and nurturing relationships with comics creators within the Kickstarter community. His responsibilities include connecting with creators who are looking to bring exceptional projects to life on our platform, as well as providing guidance and support to ensure their campaigns thrive.

With a diverse background that includes roles at BOOM! Studios (14 Kickstarter campaigns and counting) and experience in direct market sales and manga reviews, Sam has a deep understanding of the comics landscape. Most recently, he served as the Special Projects Manager at BOOM! Studios, where he played a pivotal role in developing and managing Kickstarter campaigns including The Expanse Dragon Tooth, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Return, and Farscape 25th Anniversary Comic Book Celebration..

Prior to that, Sam was a Manga Reviewer at Pop Culture Shock’s Manga Recon, an Assistant Editor on the Thrilling Adventure Hour graphic novel from Archaia, the events coordinator for the Eisner Award-winning retailer Comicazi, and an Operations Manager for James Tynion IV’s Tiny Onion Studios. In addition to his experience in comics, Sam has also worked as a project manager in the technology & website design industry, for over 10 years.

On his role at Kickstarter, Sam said, "I've had the great fortune to work and live in a lot of different parts of the comics industry and am excited that my next adventure will take place at Kickstarter. Having used Kickstarter myself as a creator and having worked with other creators to run successful campaigns, I’ve witnessed firsthand the tools & exposure the platform can offer. I’m excited to join and to be able to bring my experiences to the table, so I can help guide creators, shape many more successful campaigns and see interesting, expressive work get the life that it deserves."

Liz Mowe, Senior Manager of Outreach, expressed her excitement about Sam joining the team, saying; 

"Sam's wealth of experience and passion for the comics industry make him an invaluable addition to our team. As a creator himself, Sam has deep knowledge of what it takes to run and own a creative venture and understands the nuts and bolts of how to make a Kickstarter campaign successful. His unique vantage point of the comics industry and crowdfunding will make him an incredible support for Kickstarter’s comics creators. We're thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the impact he'll make in supporting our vibrant community of creators."

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sam as he embarks on this new journey with us at Kickstarter!