The Arena Mode universe is expanding even further: a map will now be included in the front of the book, all character profiles will be expanded and include power ratings, AND the supplementary section in the back will be expanded even further to include weapons that are used in the Arena.

Not only is the book getting continuously awesomer, but everyone is getting a ton of free goodies along with their order:

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE 'FREE STUFF' BLUEPRINT

If you already backed Arena Mode I want to thank you for your extreme awesomeness - you are now my BFF. If you haven’t backed it yet, you should give it a try...all the cool kids are doing it.

And it feels good.

A SUPERHERO NOVEL WITH A TWIST

The Mark Millar endorsed, sci-fi superhero novel ARENA MODE is currently one of the most popular publishing titles on Kickstarter! Wanna know more? Read on, true believer...

YOUR TOP 5 QUESTIONS:

1. So this is what, a book?

That's right. When I was your age, television was called books.

2. Has it got any sports in it?

Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, explosions, chases, escapes, four letter words...and it’s written by none other than Blake Northcott.

3. Doesn't sound too bad. I'll try and stay awake. So who the heck is Blake Northcott?

She’s a writer, Twitter-er, and occasional blogger. She wrote two Amazon Kindle bestsellers: 'Vs. Reality' and 'Relapse'; both debuted at #1 in the sci-fi/superheroes categories in the Unites States and the U.K.

4. Alright, so what is this book about?

You can check out the Prologue here, or read the summary below:

In the near future the government announces that superhumans are real. But unlike the iconic heroes of comic book fiction, they never put on capes and venture out to save the world; most keep to themselves in an attempt to blend in with a society that fears their abilities, and considers their very existence a terrorist threat.

One day, billionaire Cameron Frost makes a shocking announcement: the latest in his series of increasingly-violent sporting events will be a no-holds-barred fighting tournament. It will take place in a secured urban combat zone – known as The Arena – where 13 volunteers battle for the largest cash prize ever awarded.

The catch? To participate, you have to be a superhuman.

Comic book enthusiast and lifelong underachiever Matthew Moxon is excited to watch real-life superheroes clash for the first time, but a series of unforeseen circumstances find him tossed into the tournament, forced to fight the most dangerous human beings on the planet. When the game begins his only chance of survival is to outwit the competitors, all while he tries to unlock the mysteries buried within The Arena itself.

5. That seems pretty cool...so who are these Marvel and DC Comics artists involved, and what are they gonna be doing? And are they famous and stuff?

Whoa, take it easy there bub. That’s like three questions all at once!

First of all, here are the amazing artists involved:

Plus:

They're going to be illustrating some of the characters that appear in the book; you'll be able to flip to a special section of the novel and see their designs.

Their artwork will also appear on Kickstarter-exclusive desktop wallpapers and other rewards. This is my vision to blur the line a little between traditional novels and graphic novels, and add some extra value for the reader.

And yes, they're totes famous.

You've probably either heard of these guys, or are familiar with their work. In case you've been living under a metaphorical rock and haven’t heard of them, check out some of their stuff below.

Dan Panosian (Serafina the Butcher, character design for ARENA MODE)

Natasha Allegri (Brynja, original character design for ARENA MODE)

Mark McKenna (Darth Vader vs. Aliens)

Dave Johnson (Deadpool)

Derek Laufman (Marvel vs. Capcom)

Thor Mangila (Daredevil)

Barry Kitson (Batman and Catwoman)

Dan Panosian (X-Factor)

WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK SO SPECIAL, AND WHY SHOULD I CARE?

All I can say is that so far, it’s my best work to date, and I think it’s a very unique blend of sci-fi and superheroes that has some interesting twists on a familiar genre.

And combined with the design work of some truly amazing illustrators and their input into the characters, I believe the world of ARENA MODE will really jump off the page. If you're a fan of action, adventure, science fiction or fantasy, this might be the book for you (it has a Ready Player One, Joss Whedon-y vibe to it, if that gives you any indication...?)

WHAT IS ALL THE KICKSTARTER MONEY GOING TOWARDS?

The goal is to create the most amazing book possible; with professional typesetting, professional editing, and a professional design.

To make this happen I need your help to commission the artists who will be creating the character designs, the cover and logo designers, and the geniuses who will be creating everything visual involved in the book.

I also need a very talented (and patient) editor, who can fix the multitude of errors that will no doubt litter each and every page of my manuscript. Even with spell cheks my spelling is not good, and grammarz not goods either.

I will also be printing the book in both perfect bound paperback and deluxe hardcover versions, AND I’ll be creating some other cool items to give as rewards – like bookmarks and t-shirts.

STRETCH GOALS

Now that I've hit my goal for funding, I will start adding all kinds of bonus stuff to this book and make it even awesomer - and I'll throw in some additional bonus stuff for everyone who has already backed the project.

$6,500 = UNLOCKED!!! The base goal has been reached. The book, along with character illustrations from 6 Marvel and DC artists, will be included.

The base goal has been reached. The book, along with character illustrations from 6 Marvel and DC artists, will be included. $7,500 = UNLOCKED!!! A new artist will be added , bringing the total character illustrations to 7. I will also be sending a free 'Full Contact Swordfighting Logo' sticker to everyone at the $25 level and higher!

, bringing the total character illustrations to 7. I will also be sending a free 'Full Contact Swordfighting Logo' sticker to at the $25 level and higher! $8,500 = UNLOCKED!!! Another kick-ass guest artist and another character illustration. That's 8 so far!

and another character illustration. That's 8 so far! $10,000 = UNLOCKED!!! Yet another artist , bringing the total to 9! How much more awesomeness can be packed into a single book?

, bringing the total to 9! How much more awesomeness can be packed into a single book? $12,500 = UNLOCKED!!! Another free sticker - in addition to the 'Full Contact Swordfighting Logo' sticker, everyone at the $25 level and higher will receive an 'Arena Mode Logo' sticker! (You know the secret to making an awesome sticker? SWORDS.)

- in addition to the 'Full Contact Swordfighting Logo' sticker, everyone at the $25 level and higher will receive an 'Arena Mode Logo' sticker! (You know the secret to making an awesome sticker? SWORDS.) $15,000 = UNLOCKED!!! All 13 superhumans in the book illustrated. Wow, so this is like a novel and an entire art book now...that is crazy! AND there will be a profile included with every character, including their stats, power ratings, and a look at their back story. This will add 30+ pages of additional content to the book!!!

Wow, so this is like a novel an entire art book now...that is crazy! AND there will be a profile included with every character, including their stats, power ratings, and a look at their back story. This will add 30+ pages of additional content to the book!!! $17,500 = UNLOCKED!!! A print-ready version of the stunning HD Arena Mode cover. Print your own poster in almost any size!

Print your own poster in almost any size! $20,000 = UNLOCKED!!! Every character illustration in the book professionally colored! Color pages will be included in all hardcover books, and HD wallpapers + digital images will be included for everyone at every pledge level (even $1!)

Color pages will be included in all hardcover books, and HD wallpapers + digital images will be included for at every pledge level (even $1!) $25,000 = UNLOCKED!!! A tabletop RPG!!! A role playing game with rules, an all new combat system, 13 superheroes you can battle with, and printable sheets so you can make your own characters. This will included as a free bonus, starting at EVERYONE at the $10 pledge level or above. You will receive a digital pack containing the rule book in PDF format, including color illustrations of the characters.

A role playing game with rules, an all new combat system, 13 superheroes you can battle with, and printable sheets so you can make your own characters. This will included as a free bonus, starting at EVERYONE at the $10 pledge level or above. You will receive a digital pack containing the rule book in PDF format, including color illustrations of the characters. $27,500 = UNLOCKED!!! Another character design by a special guest artist - and for everyone at the $25+ Pledge level, a copy of 'Kickstarter: Tips and Tricks for your Campaign PDF' that I will create after my campaign is over.

design by a special guest artist - and for everyone at the $25+ Pledge level, a copy of 'Kickstarter: Tips and Tricks for your Campaign PDF' that I will create after my campaign is over. $30,000 = UNLOCKED!!! Even MORE art, and more awesomeness in the book!! A map of Manhattan in the year 2041 (post-tsunami), to go in the front of the book. Also, expanded profiles for all 13 superhuman characters, with power ratings (strength, speed, etc. all rated from 1-7) and a special weapons section, detailing some of the swords, firearms, and other nifty toys that are used in Arena Mode universe.

A map of Manhattan in the year 2041 (post-tsunami), to go in the front of the book. Also, expanded profiles for all 13 superhuman characters, with power ratings (strength, speed, etc. all rated from 1-7) a special weapons section, detailing some of the swords, firearms, and other nifty toys that are used in Arena Mode universe. $33,500 = LOCKED. An over-sized, full-color collector card to be included with every physical order ($25+). This card will be a limited print, and include a never-before-seen superhuman that will appear in the RPG (!) - the art will also appear in the back of the book as well, expanding the supplementary section even more .

to be included with every physical order ($25+). This card will be a limited print, and include a never-before-seen superhuman that will appear in the RPG (!) - the art will also appear in the back of the book as well, expanding the supplementary section even . $38,500 = LOCKED. All new t-shirt designs , so you can support your favorite superhuman in The Arena! Order the shirt of your choice, or upgrade to a new design if you're already getting a shirt with your package. The logos, designs and artwork will appear in the back of the book as well, expanding the supplementary section even further. Whoa!

, so you can support your favorite superhuman in The Arena! Order the shirt of your choice, or upgrade to a new design if you're already getting a shirt with your package. The logos, designs and artwork will appear in the back of the book as well, expanding the supplementary section even further. Whoa! $45,000 = LOCKED. ???

$50,000 = LOCKED. ???

$75,000 = LOCKED. ???

$99,000 = LOCKED. ???

LET’S DO THIS, PEOPLES!

Backing this project will not only make you happier, healthier, and more attractive to the opposite sex, but it will give you seven years of good luck. So if you've broken a mirror or walked under a ladder recently, you’re in luck – all of that negativity will instantly be reversed!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this nonsense, and if you're on the fence about backing this project, please check out the sample chapter and see if ARENA MODE is for you.



Thanks again!



Super-sized hugs,

Blake xox

Me on Twitter

Me on Facebook

My official Website

My interviews and articles on CBS Man Cave Daily

--

REWARDS

Digital Book

A DRM-free version of the book in any format you require:

PDF (good for reading on PC, or for home printing)

Kindle (.mobi for Kindle devices and Kindle apps)

Epub (Apple iPad/iBooks, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions, others)

LRF (Use only for older model Sony Readers that don't support .epub)

Palm Doc (PDB) (for Palm reading devices)

Audio Book

A DRM-free version of the book in any format you require, including MP3, iTunes audio book and more.







Paperback Hard Copy Book (Perfect Bound)

Printed: Ohio, USA

Length: Approx. 250-275 pages

Size: 5.5" x 8.5"

Paper: 60# White Offset

Cover: 10 pt. C1S, printed full-color with a high-gloss UV Coating

Every book will be signed by Blake Northcott and numbered by hand for this limited first print run. This book will also feature a Kickstarter-exclusive wrap-around cover, showing the full futuristic NYC cityscape.



Hard Cover Book (Case Bound)

Printed: Ohio, USA

Length: Approx. 250-275 pages

Size: 5.5" x 8.5"

Paper: 60# White Offset (Approx. 13 color pages included)

Cover: printed full-color on a gloss stock that is then laminated and glued to a heavy 100 pt. book board.

Every book will be signed by Blake Northcott and numbered by hand for this limited first print run. This book will also feature a Kickstarter-exclusive wrap-around cover, showing the full futuristic NYC cityscape.

Oversized Collector Cards

Printed: California, USA

Size: 4" x 6" (postcard size)

Paper: thick and durable 14 pt. stock

Full-color, limited edition collector cards, with designs by Derek Laufman (Marvel vs. Capcom, World of Warcraft)

Oversized Poster

Printed: California, USASize: 24" x 36" (postcard size)Paper: durable HP photo paper

High-quality HD image. Suitable for framing or mounting.

Bookmarks

Printed: California, USA

Size: 2" x 7.25"

Paper: 14 pt. cardstock gloss



Stickers

Printed: California, USA

Size: 2" x 3.5" (business card size)

Paper: Thick and Durable 70lb Adhesive Stock

Available with the 'Full Contact Swordfighting' logo, and the 'Arena Mode' logo. Printed on a thick and durable shiny UV gloss.



Comic Book Girl 19 Original Artwork

One-of-a-kind! Get it while it's still available...check out her video to learn more:

Original art by Comic Book Girl 19

T-Shirts

White, with two-color 'Full Contact Swordfighting' logo. Available in all men's and women's sizes. Your size and cut will be confirmed when the Kickstarter campaign has ended and you confirm your mailing address and other details.