EYES ON BECKONED: RECOURSE
The Heart of Devanis Will Bleed and The Empire of Thal is Holding the Knife in BECKONED: RECOURSE
Dive into a richly imagined world of peril, resilience, and hope with BECKONED: RECOURSE. Suitable for a teen audience, this comic forms the first of a three-part prologue that sets the stage for a grand, long-form epic series. In addition, the comic is also an original role-playing game (RPG) of fantasy adventure. The demo version of the game is currently available on Steam.
Tapestro, a Jiri father from the tree-dwelling village of Tula’Banya, is determined to protect his community’s hope from the encroaching Denithite Empire of Thal. This comic serves as the inaugural issue of a three-part prologue, setting the stage for an expansive long-form series.
ABOUT THE CREATORS
The series was created by Jeremy Thevenot, who is also the interior artist and letterer of the book. Cover artists include Jeremy Thevenot with the main detailed wrap cover in color and greyscale version, Shanth Enjeti with a watercolor cover (we’ve seen his art before in THE LUCENT: Painted Death), and Joe Catapano (Star Circuit). The book is published by Thevenot Publishing aka Zade Studios.
Zade Studios LLC, established in 2016, is an independent venture developing video games and comics. Their flagship project, Beckoned, is a single-player epic adventure game planned for PC release that features progressive role-playing combat mechanics.
The studio aims to produce engaging and advanced titles that reflect their passion, honesty, and purpose. they aim to craft experiences that blend passion, honesty, and purpose. The studio’s first comic project, BECKONED: RECOURSE, is the foundation of its immersive storytelling universe.
THE BOOK
BECKONED: RECOURSE is a 36-page stapled fantasy comic book printed on high-quality paper with a soft cover, published by Zade Studios, suitable for a teen audience. The book contains the main story, a Devanis World Map, a Devanis Star Map, a glossary, the Loden Chart, and an ad for the RPG game. As the first issue of a three-part prologue, this story ignites the key conflict for the coming long-form BECKONED comic series.
THE STORY
On the mystical world of Devanis, two great powers wage a relentless struggle for control over the planet’s fate. One seeks to build in harmony with nature, respecting the delicate balance of life, while the other is driven by an insatiable hunger for domination, crushing everything in its path.
This conflict has reached the serene village of Tula’Banya, a peaceful tree-dwelling settlement where the inhabitants live in unity with the land. However, their way of life is now threatened by the relentless expansion of the Denithite Empire of Thal, a force that consumes and destroys all that stands in its way.
At the heart of this unfolding struggle is Tapestro, a devoted father and apprentice Loden Tuner, a sacred calling that allows him to channel and harmonize the planet’s life force. Tapestro’s life revolves around safeguarding his family and ensuring the survival of his people’s traditions. But his world is about to be shattered, as the encroaching darkness of the Denithite Empire looms ever closer, forcing him to confront the impossible.
Guiding Tapestro on this journey is his mentor, Sarphegan, a legendary Watcher of the Nightmare Eater, an ancient order sworn to defend Devanis from corruption. Once a battle-hardened leader who led the Jiri people to safety during times of great turmoil, Sarphegan carries the weight of his past victories and failures. He believes in Tapestro’s potential, but the road ahead will demand strength far beyond what he has ever known.
A day that begins in Tula’Banya’s peaceful routine takes a deadly turn. Betrayal strikes from within, shattering the village’s fragile hope. Tapestro is thrust into a world of chaos, where he must rise against overwhelming odds and uncover the hidden truths of his heritage. As darkness tightens its grip and the lines between good and evil blur, he must make a choice—fight for the light that remains or surrender to the shadow consuming his world.
The battle for Devanis is not just one of survival but of identity, faith, and the eternal struggle between destruction and harmony.
THE CHARACTERS
- Tapestro: A Jiri father and apprentice Loden Tuner, striving to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors and protect his village, family, and people from destruction. He embodies resilience and determination.
- Eulifi: The wife of Tapestro who is supportive & tries to be understanding, and she is also the protective mother of Sarduje.
- Sarphegan: A revered Watcher of the Nightmare Eater, Sarphegan is both a mentor to Tapestro and a guide to the Jiri people. His wisdom and combat prowess are critical in their fight for survival.
- The Denithite Empire of Thal: A menacing force threatening the freedom and existence of Tula’Banya. Their relentless expansionism and militaristic strategies place them as the story’s antagonists, sharpening the stakes for Tapestro and his people.
- Nightmare Eater: A loden child consumed by Denithite, which corrupts the bodies and minds of its host. His child appears to halt the Denithite from spreading throughout Tula’Banya.
- Tula’Banya: While not a character, the village feels alive with its culture and community, representing a beacon of hope worth fighting for.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The story masterfully blends themes of sacrifice, familial bonds, and the fight for survival against an oppressive empire, drawing readers into a richly crafted world filled with emotional depth and high stakes.
Tapestro’s journey is not just a tale of resistance but also a profound exploration of duty, resilience, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. The story combines personal struggles with larger-than-life conflicts, creating a compelling saga that resonates on multiple levels.
THE WORLD BUILDING ARCHIVE OF BECKONED: RECOURSE
For new readers, BECKONED: RECOURSE offers an immersive experience. The world-building feels organic and fully realized. The story’s foundation is firmly established, with meticulously detailed lore covering everything from the planet’s diverse landscapes to the intricate social structures of its inhabitants.
The existence of a comprehensive world-building bible or archive is evident. This guiding document or archive outlines the characters, geography, celestial bodies, and rich history and culture of Devanis, ensuring consistency and depth in storytelling. The attention to detail allows the audience to step effortlessly into the world without feeling overwhelmed, making it an accessible yet complex narrative.
FROM RPG to COMICS
Interestingly, the transition from RPG settings to visual storytelling mediums such as comics and graphic novels appears to be a growing trend in the industry. Similar intellectual properties, such as Seeds of Wars: Sky-Gods Day and Infinitale: Chronicles – The War of Trees saga, have successfully made the leap, proving that intricate worlds originally designed for interactive experiences can thrive in sequential storytelling formats.
The expansive lore and character-driven plots of RPGs provide a solid foundation for visually rich narratives, allowing creators to explore their worlds in new and exciting ways while engaging both existing fans and new audiences.
This adaptation trend speaks to the versatility of RPG-based IPs, as their established world-building and character arcs translate well into the episodic and visually dynamic nature of comics and graphic novels. With BECKONED: RECOURSE, readers can expect a seamless blend of compelling storytelling and stunning visuals that bring the world of Devanis to life in ways that resonate with both seasoned fantasy enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
THE ETERNAL FIGHT BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL
At its core, BECKONED: RECOURSE explores the timeless struggle between good and evil, a battle that transcends mere conflict and delves into the choices that define individuals and civilizations alike. The story presents a clash of ideologies, one side striving for harmony with nature and the preservation of life, while the other seeks domination and control at any cost.
Through characters like Tapestro, who must rise against overwhelming darkness to protect his family and heritage, the narrative examines the sacrifices required to stand against oppression. It’s a powerful reminder that the fight for what is right is never easy, but it is always worth it.
A NEW WORLD, A NEW RACE, A NEW CULTURE
BECKONED: RECOURSE introduces readers to the captivating world of Devanis, a realm teeming with unique landscapes, rich traditions, and a newly imagined race with its own distinct culture. From the peaceful, tree-dwelling village of Tula’Banya to the imposing might of the Denithite Empire of Thal, every aspect of this world feels alive and intricately designed.
The story presents an opportunity to explore a fresh mythology filled with untold histories, spiritual connections, and customs that shape the characters’ identities and their struggles. With a deep respect for world-building, BECKONED: RECOURSE offers an exciting escape into an original setting that feels both unfamiliar and deeply immersive.
It also makes me wonder about the possibility of such a race ever existing in the real world. Archeologists have found and are still finding ancient relics that indicate the existence of an intelligent human race. Is it possible that that race wasn’t human and was extinguished like the dinosaurs?
THE CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN
Zade Studios launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund the production of the first issue of “BECKONED: RECOURSE.” The campaign offered various editions of the comic, including:
- Thevenot Color Edition (main cover A): A full-color comic with a detailed wrap cover.
- Enjeti Edition (variant cover A): Featuring a watercolor cover by artist Shanth Enjeti.
- Thevenot Greyscale Edition (main cover B): A greyscale version with a wrap cover.
- Catapano Edition (variant cover B): A greyscale edition with a cover by Joe Catapano.
THE SELECTION
When I backed the campaign in February 2023, I chose the main cover A which is what first attracted me to this project and then finding out more about the world. It’s good when you find projects that have their characters, their world, and their rules crafted.
It shows a level of discipline that is not so easy to find. And then I also got the variant cover A, it looked different and stunning (wish there was a poster). Unfortunately, the main cover A edition had a printing defect on page 3 and page 5. It’s not that bad for a reader copy and thankfully I had also ordered variant cover A.
THE CAMPAIGN
The campaign launched in November 2022. Along with the books, there were other items related to the Beckoned world including loden crystals replicas, a handcrafted loden display lamp, a handcrafted loden shard, a handcrafted chime cube replica, and finally a star registry confirmation. You could name a star in the Beckoned universe and receive a certificate. The creator shared the progress of the handcrafting on his YouTube channel and it all looked great. I’m sure those who got these pieces are very happy with the result.
DELIVERY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Updates on the progress of the campaign were periodically provided via email. After overcoming many challenges, the campaign began fulfillment in November 2024.
I received the books bagged and boarded along with the following bonus items: A main cover art trading card, a Tapestro, and a Nightmare Eater Sicker by Six AM Comics, a Tapestro A4 print by Eric Weathers, and a second A4 print of which I don’t know the name of the creator and I can’t place the character either. It doesn’t seem to be from the Beckoned world. Reminds me more of The Planet of the Apes.
The tracking number was not provided. Even though there were no issues with the shipment or customs, I would gladly see everyone make it a standard practice to provide tracking numbers to backers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
BECKONED: RECOURSE is more than just a comic, it’s a gateway into a richly crafted world filled with depth, intrigue, and endless potential. With its compelling characters, layered storytelling, and breathtaking artwork, it offers readers an immersive experience that lingers beyond the final page. The story masterfully balances personal struggles with grand-scale conflicts, delivering a journey that is both emotionally resonant and visually captivating.
Whether you’re drawn to the intricate world-building, the heartfelt character arcs, or the epic struggle between creation and destruction, BECKONED: RECOURSE stands as a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s a gripping entry into an expansive universe, promising an unforgettable adventure for both longtime fantasy fans and new readers alike.
The crowdfunding campaign is closed but the first issue is available on the Zade Studios webstore. Check it out!
For more interesting titles, check COMIC BOOKS under the “EYES ON” series I documented my experience with crowdfunding entertainment and shared my notes on the products I received.
My notes are all set. Let me know what you think.
See you on the next page!
