Final Project III

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.” 

Final Project

Synopsis

The Breakdown:

The story follows three survivors in a world fallen apart. Their stories begin individually as they survive on their own in a torn, hostile world. The Earth has grown to be a very cold place, due mostly to humans meddling with things they shouldn't. Near the end, Megacorps take over as the dominant form of government. "Gen-chem Co." begins human adaptation experiments in the face of climate change. The main focus is to give humans greater cold endurance, like a wooly animal. The test animals and humans escape during the disaster and become the enemy of the survivors. They are bestial and savage. Some think the creature's origin is super-natural - revenge from the Earth itself. The characters eventually discover Gen-Chem Co., telling us where the creatures came from and who the real enemy is. Some fragments of Gen-Chem survive, looking to rebound and take over in the absence of organized government. 

Each of the three main characters has to experience an event to define their character roll in the group and what brings them together. Each has a unique skill to bring to the group - they could not overcome the common enemy alone. The characters face their own survival challenges through the first third of the story. The story focuses around the tale of survival, conquering the common enemy, and ultimately establishing a stable community. 

The Characters: 

Bill: The first man is ex-military, a survivalist held up in the mountains. He's been hoarding weapons and ammunition for years. This man is around 45 years old. He's the old salt in the group - tough and experienced.  

Carl: The second man is smaller in stature. He is younger, in his mid 20's. In the chaos, he was separated from his unit, and was stranded in the hostile lands. He's a beta male type, but he can toughen up when it counts. 

Arizona: The third addition to the group is a woman in her 30's. She has only survived by her ferocity in the face of chaos. She figures dispensing with human morality is the best way to ensure her own survival. At the same time, she has a deep empathy for animals. 

Story note: Girl saves young soldier as his unit is torn apart by Gen-Chem Co. creatures. Her motives are entirely selfish, however. She has no weapons at this time - a soldier would supply her with weapons, ammo, and possibly rations.

The three aren't alone in the world. At the fall of all government, people have divided into groups, or fend for themselves alone. Former test subjects stalk the urban environment, killing anyone they can capture to keep themselves alive. 

Alfa female (crazy woman) beta male (young soldier) old wise-guy (Ex-military survivalist)

The two find the old survivalist. An event drives them from the survivalist's base. They are forced to relocate. 

Domes

Short Comic

Dream Narrative

My dreams are usually unclear and abbreviated - very difficult to make a comic out of. I gave it a try. I'll likely add to this later as I figure out what to do with it. 

Page 1

Panel A: The format is a six panel page. The scene opens on the top four panels of the page. It’s a bizarre landscape with twisting rivers and craggy rock formations. Fountains of a mysterious neon green gas sprout from the river in places.

Panel B: Three vague figures approach the bank of one of these rivers with a canoe.

Panel C: Two of the figures jump in the boat as the third pushes it into the water.

 

Page 2

Panel A: The third figure jumps into the boat.

Panel B: One figure to the others: “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”

Panel C: Four panel block. The figures move down with the current. There is an uncertain landscape ahead of them.

 

Page 3

Panel A: As they go down the river, the figures begin noticing the odd columns of green gas coming up from the river.

Panel B: One of the figures stops the boat with his hands by grabbing onto one of the rock pillars.

Panel C: The figure places his hand over the vent. “It’s warm.”

Panel D: The figure lets go of the rock vent and they continue moving along the river of black and blue. They pass more vents.

Panel E: “I wonder what these are”, one of the figures asks. “Leftovers, I think”, one of the figures answers.

Panel F: One figure, more aware than the other two, notices something ahead. “It’s a drop-off. Get ready.”

 

Page 4

Panel A: Page illustration from a birds-eye view. The boat plummets from a giant black waterfall. A sphere of golden light surrounds the figures and their boat. One of them seems to be causing it.

 

Page 5

Panel A: They land with a large splash below.

Panel B: Everyone seems alright.

 

 

Second Script

“The Pied Piper”
Page 1

Panel A: An exterior view of the town of Hamelin, from above.

Unknown Person: “I’ve had it with these rats!”

Panel B: The view changes to the interior of a house. It looks to be a lower income dwelling. A woman is trying to beat a rat with a cricket bat, but seems to be failing.

Panel C: A child hiding in the corner: “Get him Mama!”

Panel D: Finally after turning over most of the room with the cricket bat, the rat disappears.

Kid: “Good job, Mama!”

Panel E: Mama, not seeming to think so, glances out side. Her hair is a mess.

Panel F: Exterior of the house, Mama looking out the window: “We need to rid ourselves of this infestation.”

 

Page 2

Panel A: There is a knock on the door, both Mama and the child look at the door.

Panel B: Mama puts her ear to the door. “Who is it?”

A voice through the door: “The solution, ma’am!”

Panel C: Curiously, she opens the door to reveal a tall, lanky man. He’s dressed in pied clothing and a long coat. The man looked like he’d traveled a long way.

Panel D: Mama: “My question remains.”

“I’ll offer you the same deal I’ve offered the rest of the town-“
Panel E: The man continues to speak, walking further into the room. “-I’m here to take away your rats. For some payment, of course.” Mama  looks a little concerned.

Panel F: “Sir, we don’t have much money to pay you with.” She looked like she wanted to hire the Piper. He speaks: “No matter.”

 

Page 3

Panel A: Man: “I’ve made a deal with the other towns people for only a small sum of money from each of you.”

Panel B: “Surely you can manage something.” Mama looks through a small purse.

Panel C: She takes out a handful of coins and holds them out for the Piper. “It’s what I can spare.”

Panel D: The coins drop into the Pipers hand.

Panel E: The Piper, looking pleased, pockets the coins. “Consider your rat problem a thing of the past.” The child: “Yay!”

Mama looks happy, but somewhat doubtful.

Panel F: The Piper exits.

 

Page 4

Panel A: The Piper appears at the edge of town. He can’t be seen with much detail.

Panel B: We see the Piper closer than before. It looks like he’s reaching into his coat.

Panel C: A close-up of his hand, rough with age and travel, drawing from the coat a silver pipe. It glints in the light.

Panel D: The Piper raises the pipe, and places the mouthpiece to his lower lip.

Panel E: The Piper behinds to play a tune, looking jovial. He dances as he plays.

Panel F: The view draws back again to show the town, musical notes floating over it.

 

Page 5

Panel A: Inside the town, we see a few rats in a group seeming to sniff the air. The musical notes are floating over them like smoke.

Panel B: The rats, seeming impelled, follow the notes.

Panel C: We see Mama and her child watching several rats leave the house as the musical notes float through the room.

Panel D: The side streets begin filling with rats.

Panel E: The pack of thousands of rats flows into the main street.

Panel F: The Piper walks into the distance, rats following him closely.

 

Page 6

Panel A: Sometime later, the Piper returns asking for payment from the rest of the town.

Panel B: One by one, doors close to him.

Panel C: The Govonor, too, refuses to pay. “We need some kind of proof the rats are gone for good.” The Piper is beginning to look upset.

Panel D: The door to the courthouse closes behind the Piper.

Panel E: He walks through the street. The sun is beginning to set – it’s almost dusk.

Panel F: His hand moves into his coat, pulling out his silver pipe.

 

Page 7

Panel A: “I shall collect now.” his pipe moving toward his mouth.

Panel B: Jovially, the Piper begins to play again. The musical notes, like smoke, travel away from him into the town.

Panel C: The child we met earlier wakes from bed, seeming to hear the tune.

Panel D: He rises from bed and walks through the house to the front door.

Panel E: Through the open front door, he observes a crowd of the town’s children walking through the street. They look mesmerized by the music, represented by floating smoke-like notes. The Child does not, but he follows anyway.

Panel F: We see the Piper, and the column of children walking past him, destination unknown. He stops the Child. “Not you.”

 

Page 8

Panel A: The Piper kneels before the Child. “You will go back to town, and tell them what you’ve seen, boy.”

The Child looks nervous.

Panel B: “Where are you taking-“ The Child is interrupted.

Piper: “Tell the towns people their debt is paid.”

Panel C: The Piper stands. He’s much taller than the Child. As the night begins to fall he looks like an intimidating figure. He begins to walk away.

Panel D: Child: “Why not me?”

Piper: “Your mother paid in advance. Run along now.”

Panel E: The piper, children all around, walks into the darkness. The Child is left standing at the edge of town. Wide Panel.

End.