Zaman’s Guide: A Darkly Comic Manual for the End Times

What if the world ended, but someone left behind a sarcastic, illustrated manual explaining what went wrong—and how to fix it? That’s exactly what Zaman’s Guide is. Now live on Kickstarter, this oversized hardcover book is part graphic novel, part dystopian memoir, and entirely unforgettable. Whether you're into speculative fiction, indie art, or clever satire, this campaign deserves your attention.

A Visionary Comic From the Brink of Collapse

Zaman’s Guide to the End of Time (And How to Fix It) tells the story of a boy named Zaman, who survives the collapse of modern civilization by hiding in a fallout bunker. Emerging alone into the wreckage, he begins to chronicle what led to humanity's downfall. His reflections—by turns hilarious, brutal, poetic, and deeply personal—form the backbone of this striking narrative.

Think of it as Calvin & Hobbes meets The Road, laced with Gen Z humor, handwritten notes, and raw visual storytelling. It’s not just a story—it’s a commentary on the absurdity of the world we live in.

A Unique Format That Blurs Genres

Oversized and Illustrated

The book clocks in at 216 oversized pages, printed in full color with vibrant illustrations, diagrams, and visual metaphors. It looks and feels like a survival manual written by a traumatized teen philosopher. Every page is filled with deeply detailed artwork—some abstract, some literal, all emotionally loaded.

The chaotic visual style echoes Zaman’s mental state as he tries to make sense of everything he’s lost. You’ll find flowcharts about capitalism, scribbled insults toward corrupt leaders, sweet memories of his family, and surprisingly profound takes on mental health, climate change, and AI.

Handwritten, Honest, Human

Unlike most comics, Zaman’s Guide uses a handwritten font that mimics a personal diary. It draws you in like a secret journal someone wasn’t supposed to share—but absolutely needed to. There’s a visceral quality to it, as if Zaman is speaking directly to you through the pages, trying to preserve truth in a world full of collapse and misinformation.

The Creators Behind the Chaos

Writer-illustrator John Rizvi brings an unconventional mix of backgrounds to the table: tech innovation, punk zines, climate activism, and visual arts. This isn’t his first creative venture, but Zaman’s Guide is by far his most ambitious.

The project was incubated for over a year, evolving from Instagram micro-stories into a fully realized narrative experience. With over 25,000 followers already hooked on the digital version, the Kickstarter aims to turn this underground success into a premium physical artifact—something that belongs on the bookshelf next to Watchmen, Persepolis, and Fun Home.

Not Just a Book, But a Cultural Mirror

Zaman’s Guide doesn’t predict the future. It’s already here.

From corporate greed to climate collapse, from broken governments to internet chaos, everything Zaman documents is an exaggerated reflection of real-life headlines. But instead of preaching, the book pokes fun. It uses comedy as a scalpel, dissecting everything from the housing crisis to influencer culture.

And somehow, amid all the darkness, it finds hope. Zaman believes the future can still be fixed—not by going back to the old systems, but by rebuilding something radically better.

Perfect for Readers Who Want More From Comics

This is not a superhero story. It’s a story for people who feel overwhelmed, disillusioned, and still full of fight.

You’ll love Zaman’s Guide if you enjoy:

• Comics with strong voices and experimental formats

• Dystopian themes delivered with humor and heart

• Works that mix personal narrative with political critique

• Books that look like art and read like truth

  
  

This project sits at the crossroads of graphic novels, illustrated essays, protest art, and mental health literature. It’s for readers who want their media raw, real, and unapologetically personal.

Zaman’s Guide: A Kickstarter With Heart (and Style)

Exclusive Rewards and Add-ons

The Zaman’s Guide Kickstarter campaign offers a beautifully designed hardcover edition as its core reward, but there’s plenty more. Limited art prints, signed copies, stickers, and bonus zines are all up for grabs. Backers can even opt for a “Blackout Edition”—a stylized version with alternate covers and visual redactions.

Every reward tier is crafted with attention to design and value. You’re not just backing a book—you’re backing a statement.

Fully Created and Ready to Print

This isn’t a concept or work-in-progress. The full book is already complete. Funds will go directly toward printing, binding, and shipping. That means you won’t be waiting months for updates or wondering if the project will finish. It’s ready—just waiting for your support to bring it into the world.

Backing a Voice That Matters

What sets this campaign apart isn’t just the story or the artwork. It’s the voice. Zaman’s voice—angry, confused, vulnerable, funny, and relentless—resonates because it feels like so many of us. Like someone trying to hold onto meaning when everything seems meaningless.

And that’s the power of this book: it gives shape to a feeling. It validates those of us who feel out of sync with a collapsing world. And it dares to imagine that documenting the fall might just help us rise again.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Own This First Edition

Zaman’s Guide is being crowdfunded exclusively through Kickstarter. That means if you want the hardcover, the prints, the unique cover editions, or any of the campaign-only extras—you need to back it now. This isn’t going to hit bookstores or Amazon shelves anytime soon. It’s a campaign fueled by community and authenticity, not mass production.