By Zack Quaintance — As of this writing, it’s unclear whether any new comics will be available this coming Wednesday. The coronavirus pandemic has shut down most major American cities, and that shut down includes printing companies that pump out the weekly physical books, as well as Diamond Comics Distribution, which is basically the sole comics distribution mechanism in North America. Publishers could (and still might) but their books online digitally, but it remains to be seen whether they actually do that, presenting as it does a risk of alienating comics retailers who see digital as a threat to their business.

Phew! In other words, these are truly unprecedented times, but you know what is still going strong out there? The high quality of new comics being made via crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter. That (finally!) brings me to today’s new Small Press Preview: 20 Fists by writer Frankee White, artist Kat Baumann, and letterer DC Hopkins. Billed as “a three chapter black and white comic best described as a queer Romeo & Juliet meets The Warriors,” 20 Fists is a singular and strong story of an illegal fight ring running rampant throughout a city, and two women sorting through their strained relationship within that.

Here’s a more robust synopsis:

It was desire at first sight, Billie saw Chel across the battlefield pummeling someone's face in. Chel's smile made her heart skip a beat. It was right then and there that she knew she had to have her. For a bit things were good, but unfortunately it's hard to navigate a budding relationship and two crews who are constantly butting heads. Something had to give. Now, with their crews about to meet up for another battle, Chel & Billie need to decide once and for all...to make love or war?

It’s really excellent work, and there’s a new Kickstarter live now (and rapidly approaching it’s first goal), and you can get the full 3-issue story for as little as $10 (though you can and should check out the other options, because there’s some really cool stuff available).

>>CLICK HERE to visit the Kickstart Campaign for 20 Fists Round 1 - 3!<<

Anyway! Without further ado, here are four preview pages from 20 Fists - Round One…enjoy!

Click here for more great Small Press Previews!

Zack Quaintance is a tech reporter by day and freelance writer by night/weekend. He Tweets compulsively about storytelling and comics as Comics Bookcase.