It’s hard to imagine how a colouring book can amass over £43,000 on a Kickstarter, especially when the goal they were originally hoping to meet was just £6500 – yet that is exactly what happened for Neil Thomas…
With 1479 backers, the activity to acquire extra funds for the start of a new retro computer and console exhibition certainly captured the imagination of many enthusiasts. Stoo Cambridge, known for his sprite work on Cannon Fodder and Sensible Soccer would also be creating the actual retro nostalgia filled pages too, where armed with a crayon you could add a splash of colour all of your own invention to the various hardware featured.
The digital version of the colouring book (with the physical copies not far behind) have now been received by eager Kickstarter backers and if you funded at a certain level, you could also sponsor one of the pages – which indeed I did. I have long been a supporter of Neil’s YouTube channel and I was lucky enough to interview him on my podcast and work with him as a researcher on his book too – so when I heard he was raising funds for an exhibition I wanted to help where I could.
Retro has seen quite a resurgence in the console and computing world. As the hardware and software starts to really show its age though, we really need dedicated individuals, communities and indeed exhibitions to keep these important pieces of technology alive so we can introduce new generations to its wonder and place in history.
I look forward to visiting Neil’s exhibition myself in the near future! Congratulations to everyone involved.
