The following is an interview with edged-weapon specialist and Filipino martial artist Doug Marcaida regarding the Kickstarter campaign launch for collected trade paperback of the comic book series, Lineage. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Marcaida about his shared creative process in bringing the series and its characters to life on the page, the exciting backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the Kickstarter campaign launch for the Lineage collected trade paperback! For those who may be new to the Lineage series, how would you describe its overall premise?
Doug Marcaida: Thank you! EVERY BLADE HAS A STORY TO TELL, starting with who is telling the story. It starts off with page one where you see a “Still Life” image …as in while there is still life in me, let me tell you my story. You see a blade who’s life force is fading away surrounded my images of characters that are part of its story. You see a candle flickering to symbolize that when the flame goes out…so does the life of the blade. But before he goes…let the blade tell you its story.
It begins as it awakens as a silent witness to the training of two brothers, Miguel and Virgil, under their father’s watchful eye—until a demon shatters their world by claiming their father. As Miguel battles haunting nightmares and Virgil unwittingly stirs this darkness through his paranormal explorations in the present, the brothers confront their fears when the demon manifests in their apartment. Miguel instinctively draws the blade, recalling childhood lessons, and together they rediscover their bond, ultimately unmasking the demon to reveal a man—a reminder that real monsters often lurk in the shadows of the past. Though the blade can’t influence their fate, its true purpose is to bear witness as they embark on a quest to uncover their lineage where the truth is found in their past but sometimes the truth hurts.
But book 1 is simply the story of the brothers. When the blade dies, its soul is reincarnated into another blade in another era and time to tell a new story. Hence LINEAGE.
BD: In looking back at the development of the series, what can you tell us about your shared creative process in bringing it to life on the page that really made this series unique?
DM: I have an amazing team of writers and artist that share the same vision. This is a story that comes from within. Meaning I start my storytelling form a place I know..myself. My culture my experiences. So, having a team team of Filipino Americans and artists in the Philippines helps bring about images from our culture. We are able to conjure insights that only those who have ties to the Filipino culture can envision and bring to life in our first story.
Our creative process was highly collaborative. We held brainstorming sessions where everyone could contribute ideas, allowing us to blend our individual experiences and perspectives. I provided the outline for the whole series but welcome the process of making it flow into a comic series.
BD: Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators and publishers?
DM: Because I wrote this for my great-great-great grandkids that I will never ever meet. I want this to be handed down to them as part of their LINEAGE. With the comic series comes the characters which are my very own knife designs. So, crowdfunding not only will give them a chance to attain the blades to pass on which is common practice in inheriting family heirlooms but everyone who supports the Kickstrater will have their names forever listed on the comic books. This means that they too can have their LINEAGE of the comic book passed on to their great-great-great grandkids they will never meet and see that they were part of creating this comic series. Imagine if George Lucas or the Game of Thrones sage offered for its fans to be listed in their books or comic series? They did not…but I am.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DM: Definitely! We’re offering some exciting rewards, including exclusive art prints and limited edition variant covers. Backers will also gain access to behind-the-scenes content, creator Q&As, and early previews of upcoming projects. And most especially…. the storytellers as replicas of the real thing. Pendants and future cosplay artifact because the story line is about cosplay. Just as the blade telling the story has a soul, so will the the fans have meaning to the comic series and ownership of something to pass on.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to share with our readers?
DM: I will be doing seminar featuring the Karambit Markado knife and the Kalihawk tomahawk as seen on the comic series starting March 28 & 29, 2026, in Hialeh, Florida. Just visit KarambitUnleashed.com and we will also be doing it in select cities Atlanta before blade show and during SDCC and NYCC are being planned.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about the Lineage Kickstarter campaign and your other work?
DM: I invite everyone to visit our Kickstarter page for updates and exclusive content. We’re excited to connect with our community and share this journey. Follow us on social media for sneak peeks and insights into our creative process!
