Metal Ninja Charity Challenge

Metal Ninja Studios' Annual fundraising event returns!

Welcome to the second annual Metal Ninja Studios Charity Challenge!

In 2023, Metal Ninja Studios proudly launched the Charity Challenge event, a unique initiative that combines our passion for comics with a commitment to making a difference. Spearheaded by our CEO, Joel Rodriguez, this annual event harnesses his enthusiasm for health and fitness to bring our community together in support of worthy causes.

Each year, Joel selects a physically and mentally taxing endurance challenge to act as the catalyst for the event. Joel's training for and completion of the challenge serves as the basis for the event and, through a combination of shares, donations, merchandise sales, and sponsorship partners, Metal Ninja Studios donates 100% of all net proceeds to the year's charity benificiary.

Our 2024 Charity Beneficiary is:

St Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude is dedicated to treating kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to patient treatment,St. Judeis focused on cutting-edge research to help us better understand pediatric cancer and how to treat it. Each day, we are working toward a cure, so every child who comes to us can be given their best chance to grow up. 

About St. Jude

What is St. Jude?

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Our researchers and doctors work together to turn laboratory breakthroughs into lifesaving treatments for children from across the United States and around the world.

And with your support, St. Jude can provide cutting-edge treatments at no cost to families — so they can focus on helping their child live.

St. Jude's mission

The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

What does St. Jude do?

St. Jude is dedicated to treating kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to patient treatment,St. Judeis focused on cutting-edge research to help us better understand pediatric cancer and how to treat it. Each day, we are working toward a cure, so every child who comes to us can be given their best chance to grow up. 

Why support St. Jude?

Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% within the U.S., and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.

Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you help give kids with cancer around the world that chance. Together, we can save more lives.

Disclaimer: Images and information from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Metal Ninja Studios, Inc. is in no way associated with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude is not a sponsor, contributor, or associated with the Metal Ninja Charity Challenge in any way. Net Proceeds collected during the charity challenge will be donated directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital upon conclusion of the event.

LIMITED EDITION CHARITY COMIC BOOK

BEYOND THE CHALLENGE

A Limited Edition Charity Comic Book for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Discover the heart-pounding, emotional journey in Beyond the Challenge, a powerful new comic book created to support the life-saving work of St. Jude Children's Hospital. In this inspiring tale, as the Metal Ninja pushes his body to the limit in a grueling obstacle race, a young child fights an even greater battle from a hospital bed. What mysterious connection ties their destinies together? This unforgettable story of perseverance and hope will remind you that true strength comes from within.

Featuring the incredible cover artwork by Drew Zucker, and brought to life by writers Joel Rodriguez & David Byrne, artist Roman Gubskii, editor Blake Thomas Morgan, and letterer Cristian Docolomansky, Beyond the Challenge is a must-have for comic book collectors and fans alike. All proceeds from this limited edition release go directly to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, helping fund vital research and care for children battling life-threatening illnesses.

Support a great cause and own a piece of exclusive comic book history—grab your copy of Beyond the Challenge today!

All artwork and printing costs are covered by our generous sponsors - Comics Elite Comics, Comic Impressions, and Centerpointe Realty - ensuring that 100% of your donation amount (less shipping) is sent directly to support St. Jude Children's Hospital!

Our 2024 challenge event is:

World's Toughest Mudder

Get ready to cheer on Joel Rodriguez, CEO of Metal Ninja Studios, as he takes on the 24-hour World's Toughest Mudder—the ultimate endurance test! Joel has tackled 24 obstacle races since 2018, but this challenge is his biggest yet. With a personal best of 13 miles in a single event, he’s aiming for 50 miles in this relentless race.

Here’s the exciting part: the length of our charity comic, Beyond the Challenge, is directly tied to Joel’s performance! For every two miles he runs, 1 page will be added to the comic, with a minimum of 12 pages.

The further he runs - the longer the story is!

Every mile pushes the story further and helps us raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Support Joel as he races not just for glory, but to make a difference!

Disclaimer: the metal ninja charity challenge donation levels, bundles, and rewards are pre-order purchases. production on "Beyond the challenge" will begin upon completion of the World's toughest mudder event. Reward delivery timeline is explained in more detail below.

Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q.

How long is the comic?

The length of Beyond the Challenge is directly tied to Joel’s performance in the World’s Toughest Mudder. For every 2 miles he runs during the 24-hour race, we’ll add 1 page to the comic.

  • The comic will have a minimum of 12 pages.
  • The more five-mile laps Joel completes, the longer the comic becomes, meaning his endurance will help shape the final product!

What does "Pre-Order" mean?

Pre-Order means that when you make a donation, you are guaranteeing the rewards associated with that particular donation level. However, due to the nature of the challenge, we won’t know the final page count of Beyond the Challenge until after the World’s Toughest Mudder event on November 09-10, 2024.

Once the page count is established, Joel and David will finalize the plot details and script the story, officially launching the production process.

The pre-order store will remain open throughout the production, and supporters will have access to the exclusive community, weekly updates, Q&As, and other rewards during this time. The digital and physical comic rewards will be printed and distributed after the completion of the production process. This allows you to stay engaged and informed as the comic comes to life!

What is the difference between the Standard and Premium physical editions?

The main difference between the Standard and Premium Physical editions of Beyond the Challenge lies in their finishing details.

  • The Standard Edition is a high-quality physical version of the comic, offering excellent print quality and vibrant colors.
  • The Premium Physical Edition takes it up a notch with a Silver Foil sleeked cover and Raised Spot UV detailing, providing a more luxurious, textured finish that enhances the visual and tactile experience.

Both editions feature the same compelling content, but the Premium Edition offers a more collectible, visually striking presentation.

What is the Collaborative Fan Art Gallery?

The Collaborative Fan Art Gallery is an opportunity for both new and established artists to contribute their skills to support our cause. By making a minimum donation of $5, artists can submit their original artwork, which will be included with every digital offer of Beyond the Challenge.

All submitted artwork must follow the theme of motivation, perseverance, and overcoming hardship and be suitable for an all-ages audience. Please note that Metal Ninja Studios reserves the right to refuse artwork that displays inappropriate content or imagery.

Every artist’s contribution adds value to what every supporter receives, making it a meaningful way to showcase your art and support a great cause.

What does it mean to "Sponsor a Page"?

Sponsoring a page is a meaningful way to showcase your dedication to our cause. When you sponsor a page, your name will be listed within Beyond the Challenge as the official sponsor of that specific page. This allows you to proudly share your support with your friends, family, and associates, while contributing to a great cause. It’s a unique way to be part of the comic and leave your mark on a project that’s helping make a difference.

What is the Exclusive Facebook Community?

The Exclusive Facebook Community is a special group for those who are passionate about supporting the Metal Ninja Charity Challenge. By joining, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to supporting great causes
  • Receive exclusive weekly updates on the production of Beyond the Challenge
  • Interact with members of the creative team as the comic comes to life

It’s a unique space where supporters can stay involved, get behind-the-scenes insights, and engage with the community throughout the entire process.

What does it mean to "Become a Racer/Medical Professional"?

When you "Become a Racer/Medical Professional," you get the unique opportunity to be drawn into Beyond the Challenge! Depending on your donation level, you can choose to appear either as:

  • An obstacle course racer competing in the story’s challenges
  • Or as a medical professional working at the hospital

It’s an exciting way to become a part of the comic, immortalizing your support while helping bring the story to life.

I'm a creator, can my characters be featured as racers or medical professionals?

Yes, as a creator, your characters can absolutely be featured in Beyond the Challenge!

  • Racers: Any character—whether in costume or out of costume—can appear as a racer. Obstacle Course races are fun community events where people often dress up, so your character will fit in perfectly while facing the challenging tests of endurance.
  • Medical Professionals: Characters appearing as medical professionals must be out of costume or depicted in their “civilian” persona to preserve the respectful nature of the hospital scenes in the comic.

It’s a great way to bring your characters into the story while supporting a good cause!

What is the "Making the Challenge" webinar?

The "Making the Challenge" webinar is an exclusive live event where members of the Metal Ninja Studios team will deconstruct the creative process behind Beyond the Challenge. This educational webinar takes you through the full production journey of the comic, using it as a real-life example of the creative process from start to finish.

Live entry to the webinar is reserved for supporters of the Charity Challenge, and after the presentation, there will be a Q&A session where you can interact directly with the team. It’s a unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insights and learn from the professionals who brought the project to life.

What does it mean to be a "Producer"?

Becoming a Producer is the highest level of contribution in this year's charity challenge. As a Producer, your support includes:

  • Access to all other donation rewards, including the chance to be drawn into the comic as a runner or a medical professional.
  • A direct impact on the creation of the comic, with exclusive access to vote on key creative decisions, such as character names and which obstacles to feature.
  • Recognition as a Producer in the credits of Beyond the Challenge, proudly showcasing your contribution to the project.

Your dedication plays a vital role in bringing the comic to life and supporting the cause.

Is this comic "Limited Edition"?

Yes, Beyond the Challenge is considered a Limited Edition comic. The pre-order store will launch on November 1, 2024, and will remain open throughout the production process, allowing for maximum levels of donation during the event.

However, the pre-order store will close once production is complete and the comic is sent to print. Importantly, no physical copies will ever be reprinted or reordered, meaning the challenge pre-order store is your only opportunity to secure a printed copy of Beyond the Challenge. Don’t miss out on this unique chance!

Showcase YOUR Art for a Cause!

Join the "Beyond the Challenge" Collaborative Fan Art Gallery!

Join artists from all backgrounds and skill levels in supporting our mission! Following a $5 minimum donation, submit your original artwork to be shared with every digital copy of Beyond the Challenge. Art should reflect themes of motivation, perseverance, and overcoming hardship, and be suitable for all ages. Every piece adds value for our supporters, offering artists a unique way to showcase their work and give back.

How to Contribute:

  1. Make a $5 minimum donation
  2. Email "Charity@metalninjastudios.com" with "Charity Art" in the subject line
  3. An MNS team member will guide you through the submission process

Metal Ninja Studios reserves the right to refuse artwork with inappropriate content.

Join Our Exclusive Community

Be Part of the Challenge!

Support the Metal Ninja Charity Challenge by joining our exclusive Facebook group for a $50+ donation. Connect with others passionate about making a difference, enjoy weekly updates on Beyond the Challenge, and engage directly with our creative team.

How to Join:

  1. Donate $50 or more
  2. Click "Join the Community" below
  3. Request access to the Facebook group and answer the required questions with your order info
  4. Our team will verify your info and grant access to this unique community!
Join the Community

Charity Sponsors

Beyond the Challenge and the 2024 Metal Ninja Charity Challenge are made possible thanks to the generous donations of our sponsorship partners.

Learn more about our partners below.

Retail Partner

Comics Elite Comics

Comics Elite Comics is a comic book retailer and publisher known for its exclusive variant covers, partnerships with popular artists, and deep engagement with the comic book community. They offer a wide selection of mainstream and indie comics, with a strong focus on limited edition and collectible issues, often working directly with creators to produce unique content. In addition to their online store, Comics Elite is known for fostering a dedicated fan base through live sales, social media interactions, and special promotions, making them a prominent name in the world of comic book retail and fandom.

Visit Comics Elite

Print Partner

Comic Impressions

Comic Impressions is a high-quality comic book printer based in the United States, specializing in producing comics, graphic novels, and other print materials for independent creators, publishers, and crowdfunding campaigns. Known for their fast turnaround times, excellent customer service, and a wide range of printing options, they cater to projects of all sizes, from small indie runs to large-scale orders. With a strong reputation in the comic book industry, Comic Impressions supports creators by offering affordable, professional printing solutions that help bring their projects to life.

Visit Comic Impressions

Corporate Partner

Centerpointe Realty

Centerpointe Realty is a trusted real estate company specializing in property management across Volusia and Flagler counties. With a focus on delivering personalized, reliable service, Centerpointe Realty expertly manages residential and commercial properties, ensuring smooth operations for property owners and tenants alike. Their comprehensive services include tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting, allowing property owners to maximize their investments with peace of mind. Dedicated to building lasting relationships, Centerpointe Realty is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Visit Centerpointe Realty