Final Project II

Chapter 3, “The Gathering”

(6 Panel Grids)

Page 1

Panel A: (Wide) The scene is that of a cold suburban landscape. It’s all but abandoned. Snow covers the wreckage of a once great civilization.

Panel B:  Street level shot. We see a car degrading in the middle of the road. The walk is cluttered with fallen chunks of buildings.

Panel C: Panned back slightly from the previous panel, higher eye level. A dark figure becomes apparent against the cold white of the scene. It seems to be a running figure.

Panel D: Close up of a young man’s face. His expression is one of desperate fear as he runs away. We don’t see what he is running from.

Panel E: Low perspective, we see a clawed foot posed in a run – the man is a short distance ahead. It’s clear whatever is chasing the young man isn’t human.

Page 2

Panel A: The man’s foot catches on something.

Panel B: The man falls into the snow.

Panel C:  He looks up from the snow to see that his rifle has gotten away from him. It slid a yard ahead on a patch of ice.

Panel D: We see several shadows looming behind him. The man doesn’t turn, he lunges with his hand outstretched for the rifle.

Panel E: The young soldier, having grabbed his rifle, turns on his attackers ready to fire.

Panel F: A creature takes the gun from his hands before he can fire.

Page 3

Panel A: The creature raises its hand to strike the soldier.

Panel B: There’s a shot from an unknown source. The creature reels.

Panel C: It barks what seems to be an order to the other creatures.

Panel D: A figure in shadow pulls the bolt of a rifle back, expending a spent shell.

Panel E: There’s another shot. The monsters flee, leaving the man in the snow, visibly shaken.

Panel F: The young soldier looks in the direction of the shots.

Page 4

Panel A: A woman steps out of a building across the street.

Panel B: We see her up close – she’s wearing a scowl. “Mangy dogs.”

Panel C: The young man picks up his rifle, looking around alertly. “What were those things?” Woman: “Hell if I know – this whole world’s gone nuts.”

Panel D: Woman: “You got ammo for that rifle?” Man: “Yeah, a bit.”

Panel E: Woman: “Good, you’re coming with me.” She begins to walk. The man looks perplexed.

Panel F: After thinking it over again, the man follows.  Man: “Where are we headed?” Woman: “Closest thing to home on this planet.”

Page 5

A splash scene of the two traveling across the barren snowy waste lands.

Page 6

Panel A: They arrive at what looks like a large steel door in the middle of a snow pile.

Panel B:  The woman knocks on the door a few times, hard.

Panel C: A slot in the door opens, old eyes look out. Old man: “Arizona? That you?” Arizona: “Yes, and I’ve brought something useful.”

Panel D: The door opens. Old Man: “Come in, quickly.” He ushers both of them inside.

Panel E: (Wide) They enter a room without much non-essentials. Boxes of ammunition and canned food are everywhere. Next to the door there’s a shotgun. The two remove their coats as they come in.

Page 7

Panel A: The soldier sits, running a hand through his hair. The old man sees the look on the soldier’s face. “Nothing can get you in here, boy – we’re safe.”

Panel B: Arizona opens a bottle of water. Arizona: “This is Bill, and you heard my name. What’s your name, kid?” Carl: “Carl.”

Panel C: Arizona tosses Carl a bottle of water – he catches it. Arizona: “Why are you out there alone, Carl.” Carl: “Not by choice…”

Panel D: (wide) Carl: “They chose for me.” Carl’s face is in the corner. In the background we see a military unit being torn apart by creatures.

Page 8

Panel A: Arizona and Bill look at one another.

Panel B: Bill: Those monsters – no one knows where they came from. They showed up about the time everything went to hell.

Panel C: Arizona:  “They’re demons.” Bill: “Don’t start with that again. They’re as real as we are.”

Panel D: Bill gives Carl an examining look. “You said you brought something useful, Arizona, but all I’m seeing is another mouth to feed.” Arizona: “He’s a soldier. Aren’t you Carl.”
Panel E: Carl: “I am… I only have enough food and ammo to take care of myself, though.” Bill and Arizona look upset.

Panel F: Carl: “But I am a great shot.” He looks hopeful.

Page 9

Panel A: Arizona: “That’ll do.” Bill: “I guess we have to keep him.”