Yes. Join anytime at patreon.com/steverude/membership. As long as the email on your Patreon account matches the email on your BackerKit account, your Patreon tier will unlock automatically. It's updated every hour, at :45 of every hour to be exact. This means that if a member joins Patreon at 11:05, they won't see the Patron Only Locked Pledge Level until 11:45. Logging in and out won't speed things up unfortunately here.

Nexus: The Battle for Thuneworld is a 324-page oversized hardcover printed at nearly original art size (12x17 inches / 30x43 cm). It collects Steve Rude's complete Thuneworld story with pencils, inks, and full color pages presented together. Most oversized artist editions only show pencils and inks. This book gives you the full creative journey from rough pencils to finished color, side by side.

Yes! We're planning to launch on Kickstarter in May after our BackerKit campaign wraps up. We run one platform at a time so nothing gets confusing and every backer gets our full attention. One big thing to know: the Studio Edition is limited to 500 copies total across both campaigns. If they sell out on BackerKit, they will not be available on Kickstarter. Orders that come through Kickstarter also cost the studio an extra 5% when we bring them into BackerKit for fulfillment, so backing on BackerKit directly is the best way to support the project and your best shot at the limited tiers.

This is a 324-page oversized hardcover printed at nearly original art size (12x17 inches / 30x43 cm). At this size, only a handful of printers in the world can produce it because the binding has to be hand sewn. Standard binding machines cannot handle a book this large. That hand-sewn binding, combined with the cost of printing, shipping, and fulfilling oversized books, is why the price is where it is. For comparison, oversized artist editions from major publishers typically run $150 to $200 unsigned and $400+ for signed limited editions, and most of those clock in at around half the page count (165-225). We priced this to deliver the highest quality book possible while keeping it accessible for collectors.

The Gallery Edition ($150) is the unsigned oversized hardcover. The Signed Gallery Edition ($199) includes a bookplate signed by Steve Rude. Same book inside.

No. The Nexus Encyclopedia is a separate project covering 45 years of Nexus history. This is the Thuneworld oversized hardcover collecting Steve's complete Battle for Thuneworld story.

Think of them like you would an artist edition. The Gallery Edition is the oversized hardcover. The Studio Edition is the premium version with a slipcase, Steve's hand signature directly in the book, an exclusive signed and numbered print, your name printed in the book, and a behind-the-scenes video. Same book inside, different experience around it.

"Artist Edition" is a trademarked term. Our editions are Gallery and Studio Editions. Same concept, same oversized format, same collector-grade quality. Just a different name.

A standard comic is about 6.6x10.2 inches (17x26 cm). This book is 12x17 inches (30x43 cm). Nearly four times the page area. Steve works at 15x22 inches, so this is as close to his original art size as you can get in a printed book.

The Studio Edition is the only copy Steve signs by hand directly in the book. Every other signed tier uses a bookplate. You also get a premium slipcase, an exclusive signed and numbered 11x14 art print that will never be sold or reprinted anywhere else, your name printed inside the book, and a behind-the-scenes video that only $499+ backers ever see. Limited to 500 total. When they are gone, they are gone. This edition will never be sold through comic shops or distributors.

A Remarque Edition ($749, limit 40) includes everything in the Studio Edition plus an original hand-drawn sketch by Steve Rude in your book. The Deluxe Remarque Edition ($1,199, limit 10) includes a larger, more detailed original sketch.

Yes. You can change your tier anytime before the campaign ends. If you start with a Gallery Edition and decide you want the Studio Edition, just update your pledge. The price difference will be adjusted.

The Crew Pass ($5) gets you access to the add-on store so you can grab items like trading cards, prints, stickers, and Gourmando books without buying the hardcover. It is not a credit toward a book.

There are 500 Studio Editions available to the public. Once those are claimed, they are gone. There is no waitlist and no restock. However, Patreon members have access to a locked Studio Edition tier that is not available to the public. If the public allocation sells out and you still want one, joining Patreon at patreon.com/steverude is your path to getting access.

All paid Patreon members get 48-hour early access to the campaign before anyone else. That means first shot at Remarque Editions, Studio Editions, and every limited tier. They also get the Signed Gallery Edition at the unsigned price ($150 instead of $199). Sundra and above ($25+/month) get all of that plus guaranteed access to Remarque Editions even after they sell out to the public.

Patreon members see exclusive pledge levels during their 48-hour early access window. The biggest perk is the Signed Gallery Edition at $150 (the unsigned price). These tiers are only unlocked to active Patreon members during the campaign.

You need to be an active paid Patreon member when the early access window opens to claim Patreon pricing. Once you have locked in your pledge, the reward is yours. Staying on Patreon helps keep the studio lights on and Steve drawing new Nexus.

Make sure the email address on your Patreon account matches the email address on your BackerKit account. If they do not match, BackerKit cannot verify your membership. Update one or the other so they match, then log out of BackerKit and log back in. If it still will not unlock, email [email protected] and we will sort it out.

No. Patreon gives you early access and better pricing. You still need to place your pledge through the campaign to get the book. Think of Patreon as getting in the door before everyone else.

The Studio Retailer tier ($499) is for verified comic shops and bookstores. Verification happens after the campaign so it does not slow anything down during the pledge window. We verify all retailer pledges after the campaign. If you are not a verified retailer, we will contact you to switch your pledge to an individual tier so you still get your book.

Reach out to [email protected] after the campaign and we will work with you on your order details.

We verify all retailer pledges after the campaign. If you are not a verified retailer, we will contact you to switch your pledge to an individual tier so you still get your book.

Same as all other tiers. Shipping is collected after the campaign through BackerKit surveys. Retailer orders ship directly from the studio.

Reach out to [email protected] and we will help you with whatever you need to promote the book in your shop.

Yes. The Crew Pass ($5) gives you access to the add-on store. It is not a book credit. It just gets you in the door to grab smaller items.

Yes. The large-format museum-quality poster requires a flat $15 additional shipping charge because it ships in an oversized tube to keep it in perfect condition.

Gourmando is a separate Nexus graphic novel. It is not part of the Thuneworld story. We are offering remaining copies from the original print run as campaign add-ons.

The Limited Edition ($250) had a print run of 250 copies. Each one comes in a slipcase, hand-numbered, shrink wrapped, with a signature plate double-signed by Steve Rude and Mike Baron bound in at production. The regular edition had a print run of 1,000. Only 3 copies remain and all 3 are signed by Steve Rude.

Shipping is collected after the campaign ends through BackerKit surveys. You will not pay shipping when you pledge. We collect it closer to when your order is ready to ship so we can give you the most accurate rates.

Final shipping rates depend on your pledge level and add-ons, but we are estimating shipping for 1 book to the USA at $20. We will share exact rates when surveys go out. This is an oversized book so shipping reflects the size and weight.

International rates vary by country. We use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping with our IOSS number, which means customs and import duties are covered for most international orders. You should not get surprise fees at your door. Single-book estimates: Canada: ~$65 UK: ~$55 Australia / New Zealand: ~$60 Germany: ~$75 France: ~$75 Japan: ~$100 Other EU: ~$95 Rest of World: ~$120

Two reasons. First, carrier rates can change between now and fulfillment, and we want to charge you the actual cost, not a guess. Second, collecting shipping later lets you adjust your add-ons during the survey without overpaying or underpaying on shipping.

Yes. Every order ships with full tracking.

Update your address in BackerKit when your survey arrives. You will have time to make changes before we lock addresses for shipping. If you miss the window, email [email protected] and we will do our best to help.

We try hard to reach you. We send 10+ emails and our studio assistant Lynn makes phone calls. If we cannot reach you after 90 days, Gallery, Signed Gallery, and Studio Edition orders are donated to Comic Books for Troops. Remarque and Deluxe Remarque Editions (which contain original Steve Rude artwork) are held for one full year before being listed in the studio's online store. Campaign funds are non-refundable, but if a donated book is later claimed we will offer a replacement at a significantly reduced rate plus shipping if stock exists.

Yes, use code bkcombinethuneae. We will verify you backed the campaign and put your order aside to ship in October with your pledge order.

International backers automatically receive an exclusive bonus item in their package. Every international order includes an additional freebie on top of what domestic backers receive. You do not need to add anything.

You are charged when you place your pledge. Shipping is collected separately after the campaign through BackerKit surveys.

Campaign funds are non-refundable. Please make sure you are comfortable with your pledge before confirming.

USD. BackerKit will show the conversion to your local currency at checkout.

Fulfillment is targeted for October 2026. Files go to the printer at the end of May and books ship directly from the studio once they arrive.

We are sourcing quotes from experienced art book printers internationally and finalizing the best fit for quality, size, and turnaround. Final printer selection will be announced when confirmed.

Every single order is packed by hand at the studio. We use campaign-specific warning stickers and include a seasonal surprise freebie in every package. International orders get an extra bonus item. We care about the unboxing experience as much as the book itself.

Not the same book. The last campaign was for the Thuneworld trade paperback at 9x12 inches. This is the oversized hardcover at 12x17 inches (30x43 cm) with over 320 pages. The color pages have some minor editorial updates, but the big difference is this book includes the full pencils and inks alongside the colors. The trade paperback was the story. This is the full creative journey from pencil to finished color at nearly original art size.

Back the campaign. Even a $5 Crew Pass keeps you in the loop for every update we post. Beyond that, join us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/steverude) for early access and behind-the-scenes content, and catch our Saturday livestream at 1:30 PM Arizona time on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/steverudethedude).

Email us at [email protected]. We are a small studio and real humans answer every email.

BackerKit Crowdfunding is an all-or-nothing collaborative funding platform. Creators share their project ideas and set a funding goal with a deadline. Backers pledge money to help make the project possible.

If the project meets its goal by the deadline, pledges are charged and the creator moves forward. If it doesn’t, no one is charged.

Pledging in crowdfunding is a commitment to support the creation of a new product or project. Unlike a traditional purchase, you're not buying an item that already exists. Instead, your contribution helps bring a creative idea to life, and in return, you typically receive rewards (such as the product itself) as a thank you for your early support.

1. Select a pledge level with the reward(s) you would like to receive
2. Select any add-ons
3. Confirm your pledge!

• You are charged only if the campaign meets its funding goal.
• Charges happen when the campaign ends, not when you pledge.

After the campaign ends, you'll receive a survey to pay for any applicable shipping fees, calculated based on your shipping address.

Pay Over Time allows you to split your pledge into multiple payments over a set period. Your card will be charged according to the payment schedule (four monthly payments). Only available for projects that enable this feature. Learn More »

Only the project creator and the BackerKit Support Team can see your pledge and contact information. Other backers and the public cannot see your individual pledge amount or personal details.

You can change or adjust your pledge level and add-ons before the campaign ends. After the project concludes, cancellations or changes are at the creator's discretion and may depend on what stage the project is in.

Overtime Mode extends your campaign past its original end time to give backers a final chance to make their pledge. It will add an additional 10 minutes past the end time as long as pledges keep coming in. The campaign will end when there is a 10-minute period without any new pledges.

For specific questions about your pledge or the project, you can view the Project FAQ below, search for your answer within the project, or send a message to the BackerKit Support Team or to the project creator.