Ringo Award-winning publisher and Half Evil Comics founder Rylend Grant is closing out his latest Kickstarter campaign in true daredevil fashion — by risking his own neck. As EVEL KNIEVEL: THE LAST GLADIATOR enters its final hours, Grant has vowed to perform a live Evel Knievel–style jump at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 if the campaign tops $30,000.
From his Las Vegas compound, Grant announced he’ll take to the air on his 1989 GT Interceptor BMX bike, leaping over a lineup of fellow comic creators including David Pepose (Cable), Charlie Stickney (White Ash), and Steven Prince (Monster Matador).
“Evel taught us that if a guy doesn’t have any gamble in him, he isn’t worth a damn,” Grant said. “Well, I’m willing to put it all on the line for this campaign. Let’s go. Fire it up. Let’s get to $30,000.”
Evel Knievel: The Last Gladiator — The Daredevil Rides Again
The Kickstarter-exclusive series brings the legendary stuntman Evel Knievel roaring back to life in his first-ever full-length comic series, officially licensed by Kelly Knievel and the Evel Knievel Brand.
The creative lineup includes:
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Writer: Rylend Grant (The Jump, The Peacekeepers)
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Artist: Dave Acosta (Terrorwar, Elvira, Dragon)
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Colors: Edson Ferreira
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Letters: HdE
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Editor: R.E. Nelson
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Covers: Ray-Anthony Height, Flops, Jon Pinto, and Fabio Alves
Set on the eve of Knievel’s historic 1967 Caesar’s Palace jump, the story follows the daredevil as he squares off with a ruthless biker gang who want a cut of his fame and fortune. Across 32 full-color pages, The Last Gladiator transforms the real-life showman into a mythic American folk hero.
“Evel is a folk hero in the purest sense,” says Grant. “He’s our gunslinger on a steel horse—solving mysteries, throwing punches, making insane jumps, and fighting tooth and nail for truth, justice, and the American way.”
“When people read this comic, I want them to feel what I felt growing up,” adds Kelly Knievel, son of Evel. “Watching my dad get on that bike, knowing he might crash, but also knowing he was going to get up no matter what. Evel stood for courage, for taking risks, for living big. That’s The Last Gladiator.”
Read our interview for even more info on the project.
The Final Hours — Last Chance to Take the Leap
As the campaign nears its end, backers still have a chance to grab exclusive variant covers, limited-edition prints, and one-of-a-kind collectibles that will never be reprinted. Some reward tiers even allow fans to appear in the comic — for less than the cost of a used motorbike.
Grant’s trademark showmanship has fueled excitement all week, with fans rallying to push the campaign toward its final milestone. But time is running out fast.
“Grant is crazier than my dad ever was,” Kelly Knievel said with a laugh. “I’m seriously a little worried about this guy.”
If history (and gravity) have taught us anything, it’s that Evel Knievel never backed down from a challenge — and neither does Rylend Grant.
The campaign for EVEL KNIEVEL: THE LAST GLADIATOR ends tonight. Back it before the clock hits zero, and join Grant, Knievel, and crew in taking that big leap — because as the man himself said:
“Bones heal, pain is temporary… and chicks dig comics.”
Archival Highlights from the Evel Knievel Legacy
(Suggested visuals to accompany the story)
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Evel Knievel mid-air over the Caesar’s Palace fountains, 1967
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Vintage Evel Knievel action figures and posters from the 1970s
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Exclusive preview art from Dave Acosta’s pages of The Last Gladiator
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Rylend Grant’s 1989 GT Interceptor prepped for the SDCC jump
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