FAQ: The Art of Steve Rude 2026 — Inside the Nexus Studio
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Backerkit Crowdfunding!

What do Patreon members get during this campaign?

Patreon members unlock special tiers that aren’t available to the public, PLUS, all Patreon Tiers receive the 45th Anniversary Patreon Exclusive Mini-Print, SIGNED for FREE

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:35

What are the Patreon-only tiers?

All Patreon Tiers receive the 45th Anniversary Patreon Exclusive Mini-Print, SIGNED for FREE

$39 MERK — Signed softcover at the unsigned price

$99 SUNDRA — Hardcover with permanent earlybird perks

$199 SUNDRA — Guaranteed Remarque hardcover

You’ll see these automatically unlocked when you log in with the same email you use on Patreon.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:36

Do I have to stay on Patreon to keep the reward?

You just need to be an active member at the time you pledge. After that, your pledge stands like any normal campaign reward.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:36

Can I join Patreon now and still get the bonuses?

Yes — but there’s one extra step right now.

BackerKit’s Patreon linking is a brand-new feature, and it does not sync automatically yet. First, join Patreon. Then we’ll manually forward your account info to BackerKit so your Patreon-only tiers unlock.

Please allow one business day for processing.

If you join right at the end of the campaign and there’s not enough time to wait, choose the Create Your Own reward so you’re in — then email us after the campaign and we’ll update your pledge to the correct Patreon tier.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:36

Does Patreon replace backing the campaign?

No. Patreon keeps the studio going month-to-month. The campaign funds printing and production. They work together to keep the studio lights on and new books on your shelf!

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:37

Who can choose the Retailer Starter Bundle?

Comic shops, bookstores, and specialty retailers. We’ll verify accounts after the campaign.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:38

Can retailers change the mix of books they receive?

Yes — during pledge manager, we can help adjust within available inventory.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:39

What if I back and I’m not actually a store?

If a pledge comes in that isn’t from a verified retailer, we’ll adjust it to the closest matching non-retailer tier instead of issuing a refund. You’ll still receive rewards equal to the adjusted level, but you won’t have access to wholesale pricing or retailer benefits.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:39

How does retailer shipping work?

Shipping is collected after the campaign and calculated by weight

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:39

Do retailers get marketing materials?

Yes — we’ll share digital assets and updates you can use to promote the book to your customers

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:39

What is the Nexus Family?

The Nexus Family - You know that massive Nexus Encyclopedia* we’ve been working on for 10+ years? The Nexus Family is helping us finally finish it. For $49, you’re funding the actual work - research, editing, accuracy checks. When we launch the Encyclopedia* (once it’s 95% done), you’ll have early access to a special Family-only hardcover with your name sewn into the binding. No extra charge - just pure appreciation.

*Nexus Encyclopedia is a working title. Head over the the community board and vote on the final title. (Pro tip: This also gets you community points towards original art and cookies!)

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:41

What do Nexus Family Members receive?

Your name listed in the Family Members section of the Compendium

Family-only Discord space

Behind-the-scenes development updates

Occasional voting on presentation choices

Digital badge and recognition

Nexus Family members will also have access to a Family-only hardcover edition of the Encyclopedia* with a sewn-in recognition page, at no additional charge, when the book launches.

*Nexus Encyclopedia is a working title. Head over the the community board and vote on the final title. (Pro tip: This also gets you community points towards original art and cookies!)

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:43

Is the Nexus Family the same as Patreon?

No. Patreon supports ongoing studio work. The Nexus Family (Encyclopedia* Crew) specifically supports the Nexus Encyclopedia* Preproduction work..

*Nexus Encyclopedia is a working title. Head over the the community board and vote on the final title. (Pro tip: This also gets you community points towards original art and cookies!)

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:44

Does joining Nexus Family give me the Nexus Encyclopedia* now?

Not yet. This tier funds the front-end work needed to complete the book— organizing, scanning, writing, and documenting — and gives you a front-row seat to that process. It also grants you exclusive Nexus Family access during the Encyclopedia* campaign (planned for later this year if funding goals are met).

*Nexus Encyclopedia is a working title. Head over the the community board and vote on the final title. (Pro tip: This also gets you community points towards original art and cookies!)

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:45

How long has the Nexus Encyclopedia* been in development?

The Nexus Encyclopedia* has been in development for more than ten years, and this anniversary gives us the moment — and the push — to finally complete it. This book will not be possible without Nexus Family funding.

*Nexus Encyclopedia is a working title. Head over the the community board and vote on the final title. (Pro tip: This also gets you community points towards original art and cookies!)

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:46

Will Nexus Family members get something special when the Encyclopedia* launches?

Yes. When the Nexus Encyclopedia* launches, Nexus Family members will be eligible for a Nexus Family-only hardcover upgrade.

This upgrade includes a special sewn-in Nexus Family thank you page added during the binding, at no additional charge beyond the limited hardcover price.

The upgrade does not mean a free copy of the book — Nexus Family will pay the same price as the limited hardcover, but their copy will include this extra thank you page as part of the special edition.

*Nexus Encyclopedia is a working title. Head over the the community board and vote on the final title. (Pro tip: This also gets you community points towards original art and cookies!)

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:48

Where do Nexus Family funds go?

Your $49 goes directly to the people creating the Nexus Encyclopedia (formerly called the Compendium).

SPECIFICALLY: *Paying the editor - A former Nexus editor who’s organizing 45 years of material *Supporting the designer - Who’s already spent years assembling content behind the scenes *Funding the actual work - Research, fact-checking, organizing, and verifying decades of Nexus history

This isn’t overhead or marketing - it’s labor costs for the team actively building the Encyclopedia right now. These funds are kept separate in the Nexus MBSR LLC account specifically for this project.

Without Nexus Family support, the Encyclopedia would take years to complete (if ever). With your help, we can actually pay the team to finish it while everyone’s here and ready to work.

Think of it as pre-funding the creation process, not pre-ordering a book. You’re making the Encyclopedia possible.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:54

Do I have to stay active or promote anything?

No pressure — ever. You’re part of the Nexus Family simply because you believe the story matters and want to see the Encyclopedia* finished the right way.

*Nexus Encyclopedia is a working title. Head over the the community board and vote on the final title. (Pro tip: This also gets you community points towards original art and cookies!)

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:55

Why not crowdfund the Nexus Encyclopedia now?

Because the Compendium is massive — years of research, verification, editing, and design. We made a promise: we won’t launch a crowdfunder until the book is at least 95% complete.

That way, when supporters back it, they’re backing a book that’s essentially finished — not something still in pieces.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:56

Does that mean nothing is happening on the Encyclopedia right now?

Quite the opposite. The work is actively moving forward — editing, layout, and historical accuracy checks. We simply don’t want to take broad public money until we know the finish line is in sight.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:57

Will there eventually be a full crowdfunder for the Nexus Encyclopedia?

Yes — once the Encyclopedia is 95% finished, we’ll launch a public campaign strictly for printing, production, and fulfillment. No guesswork. No long waits. Just delivery.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 22:57

When will I be charged for shipping?

Shipping is collected after the campaign ends, during the BackerKit survey. This lets us calculate the most accurate rate based on what you ordered and where you live.

Digital-only rewards do not require shipping.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:00

How much is shipping in the USA?

For most U.S. orders, shipping is a flat $15, which covers postage, packaging, and the materials needed to ship books safely. We built this to reflect the real cost of sending books without cutting corners.

Oversized items like posters ship separately and have a small flat extra fee of $15 since we send them in heavy-duty tubes and refuse to fold them.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:01

How much is international shipping?

International rates vary by country and will be calculated during the survey. We use prepaid DDP, tracked services whenever possible so your package arrives without surprise customs charges.

Posters and oversized items ship separately due to size and protection needs. This is a flat rate as shipping several posters is no more expensive than shipping 1.

We use the USPS Group Zones for shipping. Below is the cost of 1 paperback. This will usually cover taxes and duties. If it doesn’t we will reach out to you with shipping options.

Group 1: Canada $30* Group 08: Spain, Sweden, $35 Group 09: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway: $40 Group 10: USA $15 Group 12: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore: $30 Group 15: France $35 Group 16: Germany $40 Group 17: Japan $30 Group 18: Hong Kong $30 Group 20: UK $25

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:11

Why do you collect shipping after the campaign?

Every order is different. Some people get one book, others get bundles, notebooks, posters, or art. Collecting shipping later lets us give you the fairest rate without overcharging or guessing.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:12

Will I get tracking?

Yes. Most packages ship with tracking so you can follow your order from our studio to your door.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:12

What if I move or need to change my address?

No problem. You’ll be able to enter and update your shipping address in the BackerKit survey before orders ship. We are also able to hold your order if you are in the middle of a move or on a long vacation.

Part of the perks of being “the little guy”. Just communicate with us and we’ll take care of it.

We got you!

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:15

What happens if I forget to complete my survey?

We’ll send reminders, but if we do not receive your completed survey within 90 days, your physical rewards will be rehomed through ComicBooks for Troops, where they will go to service members who love comics. We do this so no books sit forgotten in a warehouse.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:15

Can I combine shipping with items from your online store?

Yes. If you have orders at steverude.com, use code CROWDFUNDCOMBINE and we will ship everything together whenever possible.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:16

What about oversized posters?

Posters ship in rigid tubes and never folded. They carry a flat oversized shipping fee and may ship separately from books so everything arrives safely.

See the FAQ on shipping rates. The poster rate is the same as the 1 book rate so if your 1 book rate is $30 the poster rate is also $30. This means if you get a book and an oversize poster you’ll pay $60 in shipping.

If you get 1 book and 20 posters you’ll still just pay $60 in shipping.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 23:18

Do International Backers Need to Add the Free Mystery Studio Inset to their Order?

No, the Mystery Studio Insert will be added to all packages shipping to an international address. They will be added at the time of shipping. If you are international, but ship to a freight forwarder here in the US, the Studio Insert will not be added.

The Studio Insert is our way of saying THANKS to the international backers that are paying $20-40 more for shipping. Just something to say thanks for being here.

Last updated: January 15, 2026 11:07

What do you charge for USA shipping?

We charge weight based, calculated when you check out. The estimated fee for this campaign is $10 based on it’s anticipated 2 pound weight which includes shipping, full insurance and new packing materials. See the end of the campaign story for further details.

Please note that our oversized posters ship separately in a tube, but multiple may be ordered for one flat rate.

Last updated: January 27, 2026 21:07

Why is my shipping so high?

If you do not have a country added to your checkout you will be charged the highest fee until that is entered. Once your country is added you will see the correct fee. If you believe the shipping is still too high please contact us at [email protected] and we will review your order.

Please note that what is charged we aim to include all insurance, duties and taxes. We did raise shipping fees, but we hope to not have to circle back for duties and customs.

To save money consider getting together with a few friends. We are happy to ship to a single address and split the shipping costs so a single order of $55 could be $18 split 3 ways! Or ask your retailer if they want to place a wholesale order or be a drop off point which would also save you shipping fees.

Last updated: January 27, 2026 21:07

Where do I get my downloads?

We distribute digital rewards post campaign via BackerKit. You still need to complete checkout to receive your rewards as this verifies you email. NOTE: If you log in using APPLE and HIDE your email address you WILL NOT receive any post campaign updates as Apple blocks them. Please unlock your email or email us via Kickstarter private message with your correct email. You are never added to a mailing list, we use the email strictly for updates, checkout instructions, and shipped notifications.

Last updated: January 27, 2026 21:07

Shipping Updates
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Backerkit Crowdfunding!
No shipping updates are provided.
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