Crowdsourcing: Origin stories

Crowdsourcing is a new City Pulse occasional feature that will highlight local crowdsourcing campaigns. To find the events, go to the designated website and search by title.

Local projects include superhero erotica and hallucinogenic research 

‘Starslam: Erotic Superhero Parody Comic for Adults Only’ (kickstarter.com) “Starslam” is a conceptual piece of graphic novel erotica that sexes up the superhero saga. Lansing-based artist Adam Talley is a 20-year self-publishing veteran who decided to produce a 130-page work that parodies the genre even as it pays its respects.

“Starslam” is about a woman who was born with superhuman abilities and dedicates her life to being a crime fighter. She joins a team with other similarly endowed beings, but when she finds herself in a torrid relationship with one of the other members, she finds that with great powers comes great sexual responsibility. The snafu: She releases a toxin during intercourse that affects all superheroes.

Talley has more than sextupled his goal of $300; at print he had reached $1,851. However, there’s still time to get your name added to one of the characters’ little black books in “Starslam” (for a $5 donation) or an original piece by Talley of any of the “Starslam” characters engaging in the sex act of your choice (for a $75 donation).

‘Demand Greatness: 4 Keys to Unleash Your Potential’ (indiegogo.com)

Michigan State University graduate DeAndre Carter had it tough growing up in Detroit. Despite his challenges, he found a way to stay motivated and discovered that he is good at helping others.

“Demand Greatness: 4 Keys to Unleash Your Potential” is a book written by Carter to inspire and motivate his readers to achieve greatness. He has spent the last 18 years speaking to audiences throughout the country to give a sense of empowerment.

“The money will not just help me get the book out, but it will help people be inspired from the material,” Carter said. Funding from this campaign will cover production costs, including shipping 3,000 hardcover books, design, editing services and an e-book creation. The proceeds will also go to marketing services and hiring marketing interns to help with promotion.

The campaign has received $765 of its $15,000 goal, with the deadline on Nov. 30. Supporters will receive different Demand Greatness Starter Kits, depending on the amount given. The different packages include electronic versions of the book, coaching sessions, dinner for two at Brody Square and recognition from the author.

The Ayahuasca Dialogues (indiegogo.com)

Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic brew utilized by Amazonian tribes to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Jonathan Thompson, MSU alum and co-founder of the Ethnobotanical Stewardship Council, has launched this crowdfunding campaign to promote ayahuasca research, pilot a cultivation project and increase communications.

Thompson said ayahuasca has been used to treat PTSD and heroin addiction. With the help from Ayahuasca, Thompson managed to escape the tight grip of his own alcoholism.

Thompson has raised about $17,000 of his $35,000 goal; the campaign ends Nov. 29.