Thanks so much for sharing your experience — super helpful and really resonates! 
We're also publishing our comic online right now and went with short-strip format — it helps introduce the characters more easily and fits the rhythm of social media (especially Instagram and Threads). It's a good way to build recognition and engagement step by step.
What you said about having a fanbase is spot on. We're still building ours, trying to interact through the characters, adding memes and polls. We know it's too early for crowdfunding without an active community.
The personalized illustrations you did are such a great idea — definitely something to keep in mind! We're currently figuring out how to balance cool bonuses without burning out 
Totally agree that the print version should be something special. We want it to feel like an artifact from the universe — not just a copy.
Also, I followed you on Instagram!
And if you're curious to check out our project, here’s a link to our socials:
Would love to hear what you think!
https://www.instagram.com/joyfulnib