Family Business Explores Organized Crime History Through Satirical Comics
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ADDISON, Ill. - illiNews -- Cartoonist and true crime researcher Bret Juliano announces the launch of Family Business, a 132-page full-color comic collection blending documented organized crime history with sharp visual satire. The project launches on Kickstarter on March 24, 2026.

Family Business presents a curated collection of short-form comics inspired by real events, cultural myths, and historical figures from the American Mafia. Each story is grounded in research and reframed through stylized, character-driven artwork that entertains while examining the gap between mob legend and historical reality.

"There's a difference between mob mythology and mob reality," says Juliano. "This book lives in that tension. The goal isn't to glorify—it's to examine and sometimes undercut the legend."

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Unlike traditional prose true crime books, Family Business uses visual storytelling to explore organized crime culture, the persistence of myth, and the way pop culture reshapes public memory. While visually stylized, the material is rooted in documented history and is intended for teen and adult readers.

Book Specifications

• 132 pages
• Full color interior
• 8" x 8" square format
• Softcover with matte laminated cover

The square trim size gives the collection a distinctive shelf presence, while the matte finish reinforces its archival, collected-edition feel.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bretjuliano/family-business-an-offer-you-cant-refuse

The Kickstarter campaign will fund printing and production of the book, as well as limited-edition variants and collector tiers for supporters. Stretch goals will unlock additional bonuses as funding milestones are reached.

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Juliano has successfully launched more than 20 Kickstarter campaigns and is the creator of Dust Bunny Mafia and the Based on a True Story comic series, known for combining historically grounded research with stylized illustration. His work has developed a dedicated readership among true crime fans and independent comic collectors.

Campaign Details

• Title: Family Business
• Creator: Bret Juliano
• Format: 132-page full-color softcover (8" x 8")
• Launch Date: March 24, 2026
• Platform: Kickstarter
• Funding Goal: $3,500

Campaign page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bretjulian...