Showing posts with label Darryll YTC Carter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darryll YTC Carter. Show all posts

Friday, June 7, 2013

Free Comic: THE MAGNIFICENT BLACK MAGE #0

  As we continue our 1st year celebration, here is the reissue of The Magnificent Black Mage by our own Darryll B. Carter.


   Join Daniel Christianson as he discovers the powers dormant within him and stands against a darkness that threatens to consume Philadelphia.

Read it below.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

ONI #1

ONI #1 Script
Desperate Girl

by Darryll B. Carter

Cover Art by 
Christopher Rice,
Darryll  B. Carter

ONI logo by
Darryll B. Carter

ONI created by
Darryll B. Carter

Warning: Explicit Language

Page One

Panel One
This series of panels should be from a side scroll view. Show a night view of a city reminiscent of Las Vegas crossed with Coruscant through the windows of a skyscraper office. These are floor to ceiling windows. Just focus on the window, don’t bother to show any of the office.

Panel Two
Same view. A female scientist, Kate, struggles into panel from the right. Kate looks just like Karen, they’re twins; except Kate is a redhead and wears glasses. She’s wearing her glasses, a white blood stained lab coat, a pink camisole with one strap broken and her black skirt is ripped on the side. She’s holding her arm as if it is wounded. She’s dragging that arm against the window leaving a blood smear trail.

Panel Three
Same view. Kate should now be on her way off panel (left). Kate’s blood smear begins to pull in the opposite direction to the center of the window. Think of water being pulled by a vacuum. In the upper right corner; have a menacing hellhound type creature stalking into the panel, walking on the window.

Panel Four
Same view.  Kate is out of panel. The window crawling hellhound is well on his way off panel following Kate. He’s now joined by a swarm of hell hounds running on the ground after Kate. The blood travelling toward the center of the window is on its way to forming a menacing pair of eyes and a maniacal grin.

Panel Five
The hell hounds are out of panel. The window darkens and the set of red eyes are formed.

Panel Six
Full black panel with only the blood assembled maniacal face.

Page Two

                Panel One
Camera should be on a slant. Kate enters a dark room. The only thing that should be seen is the light from the hallway, as she shuts the door and the shine of her glasses.

Panel Two
Close shot of her hand locking the knob.
SFX- click

Panel Three
Another close shot of her hands locking the top bolt on the door.
SFX- shunk

Panel Four
She pushes a nearby couch in front of the door.
SFX- ERRRRRRNNN

Panel Five
Kate begins to pull out a chair in front of a computer. The light from the computer is shining on her.  It is the only light source in the room. There is another set of windows behind the desk chair.
Kate- I hope you get this Karen…

Panel Six
Kate is sitting at the computer typing with a focused look on her face. Behind her, on the windows, the hellhounds begin to converge on her.
Kate- You may be our last hope.

Page Three

                Panel One
                Straight shot from the shoulder up of Karen. She’s a brunette short hair, petite. She looks a lot like Jenny Lorenzo. She’s wearing a black hat that says Space Bean Coffee and a green apron. She looks very agitated.
                        Karen Caption- Are you #*#$%#*% serious?
Karen- Are you #*#$&%@ serious?

Panel Two
                Side shot. Karen is actually behind the counter facing a guy in a hoodie, James, who has his arms around a very attractive woman, Cosmo. Karen is slamming her hand down on the counter with a coffee in the other hand. People around the three are shocked by the force of the slam. Karen is causing a scene. James, is a text book definition of what a nerd looks like. He is somewhere between George McFly, pre Marty’s trip to 1955 and Dexter, the alter ego of Freakazoid. This girl is a textbook blonde cheerleader and she’s about a foot taller than James. He’s short.
                Karen- You’re leaving me for Cosmobitch?
                Cosmo- Cosmochick.
                Karen- Shut the #*#$ up.
    Karen Cap- She says one more thing and this coffee’s in her face.
    Karen- Are you #*#$&%@ serious?
                James- Karen, things just weren’t working out. And Cosmo is… well, better.
                Karen- Better at what? Running trains on our entire raid party or getting trains run on her?

                Panel Three
                Karen is facepalming and shaking her head. James grins in creepy manner while Cosmo is checking out the menu above and behind Karen’s head. Like in any fast food place.
                James- Cosmo is open to having an open relationship. If you wanted to join us…
                Cosmo- Can I have a Tripple Mocha Latè?
                Karen Cap- That’s it.

`               Panel Four
                This moment should look fairly epic. Karen is pissed and she’s pulling her hand back to toss this hot cup of coffee at James and Cosmo. This shot is heavy on anticipation.
                                Karen- Here’s your @#@&$!% latè!

Page Four

                Panel One
                Headshot of Karen sitting in the office getting berated by her boss who is off panel in the foreground. She is struggling to keep a straight face; anger is battling her composure.
                                Karen Cap- That was a horrible idea in hindsight.
                                Boss- You’re fired! What the hell possessed you to throw a scalding hot coffee in a customer’s face!? If they press charges we won’t be held accountable. Get out of here!
                                Karen Cap- How the hell am I gonna pay the rent now?

                Panel Two
                Karen storms out the coffee shop front door throwing her hat on the ground. She’s wearing an open leather jacket over her clothes now with a yellow motorcycle helmet in her hand. The area outside is visually a typical New York City scene; traffic is going by, tall buildings and skyscrapers in the distance.
                                Karen- Coffee tastes like dog shit anyway!
                                Karen Cap- That’s right Karen. Vent.

                Panel Three
                She hops on her yellow vespa and puts on her helmet and goggles.
                                Karen Cap- Let it all out. Woosah.

                Panel Four
                Side scroll view as she floors it down the city street on her vespa. She passes a parked cop car. One of the police officers spits out his coffee.
                                SFX- Vroooooommm
                                Karen Cap- Feel the speed releasing your stress. Woosah.

                Panel Five
                Same view, different scenery to show the progression. She’s pulled over and the cops are writing her a ticket.
                                Karen Cap- This day is such bullshit…

Page Five

Panel One          
She pulls up outside her apartment on her vespa. It is night now. Her apartment looks like a New York Brownstone. On the door to her apartment there is a pink eviction notice.
                Karen Cap- Finally home.

Panel Two
She takes off her helmet and holds it in her hands as she looks to the side at her apartment door. She’s calmer now. Her face has regained its composure.
                Karen Cap- We just go inside kick back. Farm some gold. Farm till our eyes bleed. Cause selling gold is going to be my only income for awhile…

Panel Three
Her face freaks the out. Like “WTF?” Her eyes widen in shock and her mouth is agape.
                Karen Cap- What the @#$# is that???

Panel Four
This is a tight shot of just the pink eviction notice taped to the door. Show the address numbers; 669, but have the nine swing down hanging by its tail upside down so it reads, 666.
                Karen-  Eviction notice? What the #@#@ man…

Panel Five
She loses it again, overcome with anger and crushes the notice in her hand.
                Karen- That little shit didn’t pay his half of the rent before he peaced out?!?
                Karen Cap- All will be well Karen. Just get inside.

Page Six

                Panel One
She makes her way inside the apartment to a foyer. She ascends the stair case and opens another door.
                Karen Cap- Just leave reality, all this bad mojo and all the-
                Karen- bullshit!
                Karen Cap- behind.

Panel Two
She opens the front door and turns on the lights to see a very bare living room. The only thing left is a floor lamp in the corner, some bras on the floor and a desk with her desktop pc on it. Her eyes narrow but she keeps a straight face.
                Karen- There is nothing left that can surprise me today.

Panel Three
She sits her helmet down on her desk on top of a past due electric bill and pulls out a chair to sit down. The focus of this panel should be on the electric bill. It should be a close shot that only really needs to include her hand putting down the helmet and the other pulling out the chair.
                Karen- Least he had the decency to leave my tower alone.

Panel Four/Five/Six
These are small panels. Her hand pushing the power button to the desktop.

Panel Five
Her hand pushing the power button to the desktop.
                Karen- Okay…?

Panel Six
She jams her finger into the power button with considerable force.
                Karen- What the #@%$?!

Panel Seven
She turns the desktop around to find the power supply unit is missing.
                Karen- That SOB took my PSU?

Panel Eight
She takes the cover off to find her entire desktop has been gutted.
                Karen- He took everything!?!?!?
Page Seven

                Panel One
The desktop tower is flying through the window. Should be a beautiful scene of destruction shattered glass from the window should still be in panel falling.
                SFX- Crrrrrasssssssh!

Panel Two
She’s standing with her body still in the position from the throw in the center of the living room floor. She angry and breathing hard as if physically venting her outrage.
Karen Cap- Okay, in hindsight- that wasn’t really the best idea.

Panel Three
Panel is totally black.
                SFX(Karen)- Sigh.

Panel Four
This panel is still mostly black. Light from her cell phone starts glowing in her pocket. It adds a little light around her leg revealing some details but very little.
                Karen- This better be Morpheus with that red pill.

Panel Five
She’s holding the phone in her hand. Phone should show the following messages (top to bottom); KNovak@odatron.net -Subject: no subject, ECECO Energy- Subject: Your Bill is Past Due, Premier Reality MMORPG- Subject: Cosmochick69 Wants to Be Your Friend.  The panel should focus on the phone.
                Karen- KNovak@odatron?
                Karen Cap- Kate?

Page Eight

                Panel One
                Karen throws a few things in a duffle bag, clothes and toiletries, using the flashlight app on her phone to see. The app light is a substantial lightsource.
                                Email Cap- Karen it’s me, Kate. I know we haven’t spoken in a long time. Since I left.

                Panel Two
                Karen grabs some game cases, a Dreamcast looking console with controllers, and a Pandora Construct book and puts it in a book bag.
                                Email Cap- And I’m sorry about that. But I really need your help and you’re the only one who can help me.

                Panel Three
                It’s the dead of night now. Karen is sitting on her parked Vespa with the back loaded up with her bags. She puts on her helmet and goggles. In the distance behind her there is a black four door sedan with black tinted windows.
                                Karen- Kate, what the hell have you gotten into?

                Panel Four
                Karen pulls off and the black sedan follows her. The emphasis in this panel should be on the sedan, a subtle emphasis.
                                Email Cap- It’s not safe to give the specifics through this email.

                Panel Five
                Karen rolls into the Lincoln Tunnel, traffic is light. The tunnel is the star of this panel. It should be showcased along with the scenery.
                                Email Cap- Just come to my apartment in Solheim and I’ll explain everything.
                                Karen Cap- Solheim, the city of tomorrow. I’ve heard of it. Revolutionary city with revolutionary tech. Top notch nextgen shit. GPS says its 1 day and 13 hours.

                Panel Six
                Same view as previous panel only with the black sedan entering the tunnel behind Karen.
                                Email Cap- Please Karen. You’re my only hope.
                                Karen Cap- The Star Wars esque closing is what really got me out the door.

Page Nine

                Full Page Panel- Karen arrives outside the city limits and gazes upon Solheim. It’s daytime. The city skyline is clear and it’s massive. Solheim looks like a sci fi city, a cross between Coruscant and the New York from the Fifth Element during the day. (It looks like Coruscant and Vegas at night.) The city itself is inside a massive outer wall just like the city of Troy.
                Setting Cap- Solheim, Utah- 2 days and 12hrs later…
                Karen Cap- Solheim, Utah. Sparkling city amidst the sand, plains and Mormons.
                Karen- Holy shit. Okay… I’m impressed.

Page Ten

                Panel One
                Karen drives through town admiring the high level tech. Show her watching a holo-message between a woman and her boss in the park. The woman has like a holo-screen tablet. The vehicles on the street are more futuristic too.

                Panel Two
                Karen leans back to continue catching a glimpse of the holo-conversation, amazed and mouth agape.
                                Karen- They’ve got holoterminals???

                Panel Three
                Karen and her vespa pull up onto the sidewalk in front of a building that looks like it was plucked straight off of a motherboard.
                                Karen- This looks like the place.

                Panel Four
                Her helmet is resting in her hands, goggles still on, as she stares up at the new age building.
                                Karen- This thing has more in common with the chipset on an MBoard than a building. Must take mad gold to live here.

Page Eleven

                Panel One
                The view of this panel should be an angle from above. Karen steps off an elevator on the 14th floor. Her goggles are still on her face.  As she steps off she turns to look down the hall. Behind her is a large window. The angle should allow a view of her vespa parked out front and the black sedan pulling up behind it (the vespa).

                Panel Two
                Karen knocks on door 1417. There is a lever mechanism that you find in most hotels, but no key hole. There is a fingerprint scanner.
                Karen- 1417. This is it.

                Panel Three
                Zoom in on the fingerprint scanner pad. It has a red light glowing on it.
                                Karen-No answer. Hmmm. I wonder.

                Panel Four
                                Same panel as previous shot with Karen pressing her thumb on the scanner. The light on the scanner is now green.
                                SFX- Deet Deet
                Panel Five
                Karen steps into an apartment completely devoid of personality. The walls are white; there is no couch, no furniture, just a huge wooden sword, a desk and a laptop on it that’s plugged into the wall.
                                Automated Voice- Welcome Home Karen.
                                Karen- Geez, Kate. Looks a lot like my spot did.

Page Twelve

                Panel One
                Karen reaches for the large wooden sword mounted on the wall. She has a grin on her face. She’s surprised and happy.
                                Karen- I can’t believe she still has this…

                Panel Two
                This panel is identical to the previous, except Karen has a subtle surprised look on her face; her reaction to the sudden arrival of the men that have been tailing her.
                                MIB1- Don’t move.
                                Karen Cap- Oh, @#$@.

                Panel Three
                Two men in black suits and shades, think agents from the Matrix or the MIB, stand in the doorway. One has a silenced gun pointed at her the other is putting on a pair of disposable gloves. The guy with the gun has a grin on his face, holding his chin up.
                                MIB1- Option One: Cooperate and this’ll go smoothly. Easy.
                                MIB2 (with the gun)- Option Two: You don’t want Option Two.
                                MIB1- Where’s the DG-IX?
                                Karen Cap- What did you get me into Kate?

                Panel Four
                Karen has her hands in the air, she’s distressed. The MIB with the gun steps forward with his gun extended. He’s irritated.
                                Karen- I… I don’t know what that is.
                                MIB2- Bullshit. You drove 2,000 miles to get here without a moment’s notice! You know what we want!
                                MIB1- Don’t play coy with us Ms. Novak. My partner can be very trigger happy. Now tell us where your sister hid the DG-IX!

                Panel Five
                Zoom shot of Karen’s face, primarily her eyes. Her eyes are looking off to where the wooden sword rests on the wall.

                               Karen Cap- They’re not gonna let me walk out of here. Even If I could give them what they wanted.
                               Karen Cap- What if they’ve done something with Kate?!
                               Karen- I have to get out of here!
Page Thirteen

                Panel One
                Karen snatches the wooden sword off of the wall and bashes the MIB with the gun in the head really hard. She puts her whole soul into it; you can see it in her face. He buckles from the force.
                               SFX-  (sword impact) Crack!
                               MIB2- Ommph!

                Panel Two
                She baseball slides pass the MIB still in the doorway, with the sword in hand. He reaches out to grab her as if she was still at full height.
                              MIB1- You won’t escape!
                              Karen- #$%# that!
                              Karen Cap- Mirror’s Edge FTW.

                Panel Three
                MIB with the gun is leaning out the doorway bearing his teeth and fires off two shots at the fleeing Karen down the hall. Emphasis more on the MIB.
                             MIB2- That bitch is dead!
                             SFX- (silenced gunshots)Ffft! Ffft!

                Panel Four
                This shot is from outside the window. Karen cuts the corner. One bullet goes whizzing through her hair. Both bullets go through the hallway window.
                              SFX- (bullets passing through glass) Pssh! Pssh!

                Panel Five
                MIB1 (without the gun) slams MIB2’s gun against the wall.
                              MIB1- No! We need her alive remember?! She can’t lead us to the DG if she’s dead!

Page Fourteen

                Panel One
                Karen darts out of a hallway into another hallway at a cross road. She looks lost. There is an exit sign on the ceiling toward the bottom of the panel. She still has the sword.
                                 Karen- Shit. I’m lost.

                Panel Two
                Same panel, but MIB1 emerges from a hallway at the top of the panel. Karen turns her head to see him.
                                MIB1- I’ve got ‘er. Northeast corridor.
                                Karen- @#$#%!
                                Karen Cap- @#$#%!

                Panel Three
                Karen is running frantically down the hall with MIB1 chasing her. Their positions in the panel are; Karen, mid and MIB1 rear.

                Panel Four
                Same panel. They are closer to the foreground now. MIB1 is practically on top of Karen reaching out for her.

                Panel Five
                Same panel. Karen is in the immediate foreground getting tackled off panel by MIB2.

Page Fifteen

                Panel One
                MIB2 and Karen crash through a hallway window. The wooden sword crashes on impact against the window frame. The DG flies out of the broken sword and through the window as well. The DG looks like a red and black video card.
                                SFX- Crasssssh!
                                Karen Cap- Oh, no…

                Panel Two
                Karen and MIB2 are in free fall; falling with shattered glass, his gun, the broken sword and the DG outside the apartment building. Both Karen and MIB2 are afraid and in shock. The DG is in the foreground at the bottom of the panel. It is activating, the fan is spinning within and it’s glowing a fierce red. Karen is seemingly grasping for it.
                                DG- Emergency Proximity Activation. Makai Change.

                Panel Three
                A red portal, a demon gate, opens from the DG and Karen is falls into it.

Page Sixteen and Seventeen
                Henshin Sequence- Think Sailor Moon crossed with the Schumacher Batman Suit up, and Iron Man Suit up.

                Panel One
                ONI’s gauntlets materialize over Karen’s hands.
                                   DG Cap- 14%

                Panel Two
                ONI’s greaves materialize on to Karen’s legs.

                Panel Three
                The DG becomes ONI’s belt buckle and the belt materializes.
                                    DG Cap- 42%

                Panel Four
                Karen is in free fall like a skydiver with her arms and legs spread out. Her body is naked, but glowing. Think back to Sailor Moon’s transformation sequence. The environment she’s falling through is a hellish mix of fire and blazing red energy.

                Panel Five
                ONI’s torso armor materializes on to Karen’s body.
                                    DG Cap- 70%

                Panel Six
                ONI’s tail skirt materializes over Karen’s butt. Emphasis on the butt.

                Panel Seven
                ONI’s helmet materializes over Karen’s face.
                                   DG Cap- 98%

Page Eighteen

                Full Page Panel
                Karen crashes to the ground Iron Man style creating a small crater in the asphalt. MIB2 crashes into the roof of his black sedan.
                                 DG- Transformation Complete.
Page Nineteen

                Panel One
                Karen, now ONI, is excited and hops up with her arms outstretched examining her new form.
                                ONI- No $%#@ way!
                                Karen Cap- Nah uh!
                                ONI- I’m #$%#&*@ Iron Man!
                Panel Two
                Karen’s face inside the helmet examining her HUD. She’s smiling like a kid on Christmas.
                                DG Cap- Optimizing interface for new user.
                                DG Cap- Unable to connect to ONI Network.
                                DG Cap- Tasks. Primary Objective; Reboot ONI Network
                                DG Cap- You have new messages in your Inbox.
                                Karen- Whoa, Whoa wait a minute. First things first…
Page Twenty

                Panel One
                MIB1 is has his back turned to the window Karen and MIB2 crashed out of. He’s holding two fingers to his ear as if using a radio transmitting device.
                                MIB1- We have a new development.

                Panel Two- Splash Panel
                ONI leaps up into view of the window ready to pounce on MIB1. MIB1 turns around in panic, looking at ONI.
                               ONI- Payback’s a bitch!
                               To Be Continued Cap

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

CoW: Cover of the Week 11/28/12

The CoW is influenced by my life this time around. I purchased Transformers: Fall of Cybertron from WalMart on Black Friday (for 25 bucks, not bad). I just beat the game Monday night and will be posting a review of it sometime later this week. But let me tell you, it was a wild ride. If you love Transformers; you'll love that game. If you don't it's still a great game. My favorite chapter from the game was when I got to use Grimlock. That's right, "me is king"! It was frick'n awesome! He's totally my favorite Autobot now. Hence why this week Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots #1 takes home the Golden Udder. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Harbinger #6 Review

Over the weekend we got our hands on a few previews, courtesy of Valiant Entertainment. One of them was Harbinger #6. This is my first time with the series so I made sure I read the briefs on the inside cover and on Valiant's site. But basically the main character, Peter Stanchek, has high level psionic powers and was recruited to join the Harbinger organization by the antagonist of the story, Toyo Harada. When it turns out Harada's plans aren't in line with Peter's the two bump heads and Peter deserts the organization.

Issue six picks up after that debacle with Kris, a love interest of Peter's  (whom he brainwashed into loving him in an earlier issue). Kris narrates the entire issue, which was interesting seeing as though she wasn't the protagonist I was prepared to read about. She was interesting and her narration on its own did a good job of filling in the blanks of the previous 5 issues and some of the back story. She's the sort of female lead that takes care of her own business and doesn't necessarily need the hero to save/make decisions for her. She proved that aptly in issue six, as it was Kris who ultimately stepped into a leadership/commander role. She assumed responsibility of the problem and thought of a way to solve it, which was a pretty clever and simple way to set up a 'build a team' storyline. The pacing was smooth and kinda drifted through one of Kris' thoughts to the next... but not in a bad way. In a logical 'I'm thinking about all this crazy $#!+ that's going on around me' way. I would buy issue seven just to see what she has in store.

Kris and Faith
The other characters didn't impress me as much, especially Peter. He didn't do much in the issue to be 'the hero'. But he was recuperating, presumably from his epic battle with Harada in one of the earlier issues. Faith aka Zephyr was interesting, but it wasn't character driven. She's a 'glass half full' kind of girl; bubblegum, optimism and probably Twilight. Her obesity was the most memorable thing about her as the character archetype has been done over and over. I will say this though, I did like her. It was hard not to. It would be similar to disliking someone cause they're happy its a sunny day. She has room for growth though, as she seems to have some loyalty to Peter; a loyalty that will probably be put to the test one day.

Yeah. I'd like to see where this story goes.



Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Magnificent Black Mage #0


The wait is over. Begin the journey.

Join Daniel Christianson as he discovers the powers dormant within him and stands against a darkness that threatens to consume Philadelphia.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

CoW: Cover of the Week 11/14/12

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Darryll B. Carter

I've had the original film version of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo siting in my Netflix queue for as long as I've had the damn thing. I always look at them, intrigued by the film covers and the feelings they evoke; shadows, sex, flames and anarchy. But ultimately I've never managed to make that confirming click of the mouse or push of the 'A' button. Then I found out they were turning the famed film into a graphic novel. I figured that would be easier to sink into, which directly brings us to the cover of the week.

The shadow work on this cover is flawless. It totally captures the mood and her anatomy It's really enticing. I love the smoke too. It was a good creative choice and does more than just look fantastic. It's clearly symbolic; a reflection of her character and similar to a dragon's fire.

I have to say though, the line work is my favorite part of this piece; particularly on the chain and her hand. Especially that hand... those of you who are artist know that hands can be a #$@!. And that one is damn impressive.



Saturday, November 10, 2012

Magnificent Black Mage Release Nov. 15th


Join Daniel Christianson as he discovers the powers dormant within him and stands against a darkness that threatens to consume his city.

The Magnificent Black Mage #0 will be available for online viewing November 15th for FREE! Stay tuned for daily posts and updates.

Check out the preview if you haven't already, at magnificentblackmage.blogspot.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/magnificentblackmage

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

CoW: Cover of the Week 10/10/12

The Magnificent Black Mage #0
by Darryll 'YTC' Carter

Character Darryll B. Carter
Pencils/Inks Dennis Crisostomo
Colors Anthonie Wilson
Letters Nikki Foxrobot


I'm here again BI readers, Darryll 'YTC' Carter, with an all new cover of the week. This time around I'm doing a bit of self promotion. This week the CoW is The Magnificent Black Mage #0. 

My favorite thing about this cover, aside from it being mine, is the bleeding Black Mage emblem in the back ground. That's just badass. Nikki did a reat job merging the emblem with the lettering. That whole logo feels like it belongs on the cover. I love the rocks and the wind blowing away from him too. It really captures his presence. Dennis really rocked the pencils and inks. While Anthonie brought it all to life with the colors. I can only say so much before praise becomes bragging. I think the cover speaks for itself. 

If you want to see the progression of the cover from the ground up check it out at  MBM's blog. And don't forget to like the Magnificent Black Mage and Broken Infinite on FACEBOOK.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

CoW: Cover of the Week 10/4/12


CoW: Cover of the Week 10/4/12

It's me again BI readers, Darryll 'YTC' Carter, with a brand new CoW: Cover of the Week. Typically I only talk about the cover bringing the Golden Udder home. But since I have been gone awhile; in honor of you all I will post three covers. And they are....


Detective Comics #13
(DC Comics)
Cover by Jason Fabok

This Detective Comics cover features the Caped Crusader himself and long time nuisance the Penguin. While the Penguin himself isn't particularly cause for alarm among us Batman readers, the actually layout of the cover is what caught my eye. It's just a nice classic compilation. The hero is in the foreground and the villain is leering over him. I presume that's Comissioner Gordon in the background accompanied by an ominous full moon and a small piece of the Gotham City skyline. It very effectively sets the tone, expertly standing by colors we associate with the night, mystery and the Dark Knight.






Spaceknights #1
(Marvel)
Cover by Chris Batista
This first issue of Spaceknights is on the list because of the nostalgia it created. I picked up the issue, looked it over and realized it reminded me of G-Force/Gatchaman. The hero busts in the foreground and then their alternate selves soaring through space in the background. Its neat. I really dig the yellow and blue suit in the center. One thing i did notice though, is that the armor they're wearing below is not the same as armors soaring above. There's probably a plot explanation for that.

GOLDEN UDDER WINNER











Robyn Hood #1
(Zenescope)
Cover (C) by Stjepan Sejic

Last but certainly not least, in fact this is my favorite cover of week and the Golden Udder winner; Robyn Hood #1. I read the title of this book and saw the replaced the 'I' in Robin with a 'Y'. Then I saw that it was a Zenescope book and automatically concluded it would revolve around a female Robin Hood, which is bad-ass to say the least. There are three covers for this  book. Cover A by Eric Basadula is pretty awesome. I love the fairytale feel of the cover that the colors bring out. Cover B by Greg Horn features some great art. But it lacks color and the imposing stature that Cover A brings.




Cover C is by far the best of the three. The painted feel of the colors seems more of a match for a Robin Hood tale. The action pose is stereotypical of Robin Hood and with that comes a bad-ass factor. When you add in the flaming arrow, the hint of a burning blaze in the foreground and the arrow in her mouth; you come out with a winner. I'm picking this up.



Saturday, September 15, 2012

Cover of the Week 09/13/12


Cover of the Week



SCARLET SPIDER #5 
Cover Art by Ryan Stegman

Article by Frankie Rodriguez (Subbing for Darryll B Carter)

This week's cover is a little old. It's from artist Ryan Stegman for Scarlet Spider #5. The explosive cover is a real eye catcher. A bomb looks like it is going off with Scarlet Spider (Kaine Parker) in Ground Zero. The cover really has a great, fiery and impactful way of bringing you to it. Easy on the eyes. And it is AWESOME! I love it.  That is why it gets this week's Golden Udder.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Cover of the Week 8/22/2012



COVER OF THE WEEK



Alabaster Wolves # 5 (of 5)
Cover by Greg Ruth
Dark Horse Comics



   This cover is amazing. I have not read or even know anything about Alabaster: Wolves but I want to now. This cover is frightening and hauntingly stunning at the same time. This gets me interested in knowing more about the mini-series and the characters. The art makes it life like with an interesting tone of gore and beauty wrapped with a pretty bow. This cover makes me want to know more about this. That is why it gets the Golden Udder This Week.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Cover of the Week: Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye # 8



Cover of The Week

by Frankie Rodriguez (subbing for Darryll "YTC" Carter) 



Be Careful! Grimlock's Gonna Get Ya!

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #8
IDW
Cover by Alex Milne.




   While Darryll's away, I'll be talking over CoW. And my first CoW comes from the recently released Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye # 8. Ah ... the crew of the Lost Light, lead by Hot Rod is definitely a motley crew if you ever met one ...

  Yet this cover speaks to me in different levels. We see Skids with another Autobot (not sure who) on the bottom. And the two look very nervous and scared ... which is great. Why are they scared? Cause of Motherfuckin' Grimlock! It is Dinobot Month in IDW in all the Transformers books and this cover certainly makes it know that Grimlock ain't the one to be fucked with.

   Grimlock looks so savage and regal at the same time. Kudos to Alex Milne for a fantastic Cover. Thus making him This Week's Golden Udder Winner! Congrats!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

CoW: Cover of the Week 7/18/12

BATWOMAN #11
by Darryll YTC Carter

Ah.... The return of JH Williams III to Batwoman's covers. As always Williams brings his trademark abstract and captivating art style to Kate's world. I find Williams work to be beautiful and magnificent. For everyone else? They at least make you say "wtf is going on here?", which is partly the point. Don't be surprised when Batwoman #12 is up here a few weeks for now. With Kate and Diana on a cover together... and Williams doing the cover? Yeah, they'll clutch the cup again.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Premier Reality: Chapter I - Dawn


by Darryll B. Carter

The shining eye of heaven rose and spread its light across the land. The light shone into a bedroom adorned with ivory walls. It enlightened the first bed covered by pale sheets. Underneath the milky covers was a caramel female with blue hair, Jayda.

“What happened…?” She rubbed her head.

She stepped out of bed to the warm floor. She examined the clothing she was wearing. Her body was dressed in white bloomers and a matching chemise. Her face filled with confusion. She scratched her arm and held it there.

The room was void of objects besides the bed she emerged from and the bed across the way. The sheets draped over a body on the bed. Jayda walked over to the bed slowly. She stops a few feet away and leaned forward on the tip of her toes. The body rolled over to reveal a light skinned female. She opened her eyes much like the sun rose.

“Who are you?” She stared Jayda in the eyes.

“Jayda. You?”

“Athena.”

“Where are we?” She said waving her hand around.

“How the hell am I supposed to know?” Athena said rising up. “Don’t you know?”

“My guess is a church.” Jayda said pointing to a steeple outside.

“Is that door locked?” Athena asked.

Jayda turned around and looked at the gold and crimson trimmed silver door. She walked over and turned the handle. The door opened with a click.

“Guess not.”

Athena walked over with long brown hair trailing behind to her waist. The two females crept into the unknown hallway. The flooring was made of white marble and seams of gold. The hallway was bright as a summer day and lush with paintings.  Athena stopped and stared at the picture of a behemoth figure hovering in the night sky blocking out the moon.

“I think we can scratch the church theory.”

Jayda walked up to the painting. “What the hell is that?!”

“I dunno.” Athena said examining the picture.

“Well despite the picture, this doesn’t seem like a bad place.”

“Love doesn’t seem like a bad place at first either.” Athena began to look down the hall.

“It just doesn’t make sense!” Jayda stomped her foot. “I was outside waiting for the bus, next thing I know I wake up here!”

“I know what you mean.” Athena’s eye noticed an open door at the hall’s end. “Yo, let’s go check out that room down there.”

The flowing brunette and sapphire pigtail scaled the hall and entered the open room. The room was an overall contrast to their own. It was filled with color and stayed to the theme of the doors. The carpet was wine and the walls were covered with pearl and gold tapestries. In the center of the room was a bed with a corresponding frame and matching sheets. Under the bleached sheets was a young man no older than them.

“There is someone…In the bed.” Jayda whispered. “You think they got here like us?”

Athena walked closer and looked at his face. She examined him up and down.

“I think so. He’s dressed in weird clothes too.”

Jayda walked forward and her mind was blown away.

“Oh shit! That’s Darc!”

“Darc?”

“Darc indeed.” Ingrid entered the room.

Jayda and Athena turned around to the blonde mistress dressed in her gown. Ingrid stood in the doorway and smiled.

“I am Priestess Ingrid.” She bowed. “I am sure you cannot fathom as to why you are here.”

“Damn right.” Jayda said with a glare.

“Please follow me.” Ingrid walked down the hall.

“What is with the dress code in this place?” Jayda looked at her clothing shaking her head. “I say we wake Darc and get out of here.”

“I’m gonna follow her.” Athena said walking out of the room.

“Wait, why?”

Jayda jogged up to Athena and the two followed Ingrid down the hall.

Darc’s eyes opened as he pushed up off the bed. He rolled over and fell the four feet to the ground.
“Ugh.” He looked down at his clothing. He seemed be wearing some form of medieval bed-wear.
Darc looked around and took note of the elaborate room; the drapes, the lavish bed and the golden trimmed floor. He got up, dusted off his white tunic and shorts and walked out the door. He descended a flight of nearby stairs. Several females dressed in white and powder blue priestess gowns, similar to Ingrid’s, stood at the staircase’s end. The gowns and the headdresses resembled that of a nun.

“How’d I get in church?” He said scratching his butt.

The nun-like women knelt before him as he passed by. He was confused and disoriented. He stumbled down a flight of stairs and fell into a garden of elegance. Bushes, trees, and flowers of all colors of the spectrum radiated the area. The fallen Darc was crowded by a flock of little girls. They all swarmed over him and jumped on him with smiles and laughs. Ingrid arrived on scene with Athena and Jayda.

“Ok. But what does Darc’s lineage have to do with us?” Athena folded her arms.

“He needs you.” Ingrid said softly.

“What?” Jayda questioned.

Darc stood up and a few of the children grabbed his hands. Darc looked at them with a laugh and a smile.

“Are you guys my cousins too?” He laughed.

“Darc.” Ingrid called.

Darc looked up and saw his cousin with two females beside her. He didn’t recognize the brunette, but he stared at the little one more than twice. She was a caramel beauty that put a sweet dinner desert to shame. Her soft round tipped nose and cat- like shaped eyes made his heart pound. His eyes scrolled from her eyes downward along her sloped shoulders and small but proportionate frame. His view rolled pass her average chest to her small waste. He stood to his feet as she walked over to him standing just below Darc’s shoulder.

“Jayda…?” He said in awe. “What are you…?”

“That’s what I wanna know.” She glared at him.

“Darc is but fraction of what is needed to restore the balance.”

“What?”

“Let her finish Jayda.” Darc looked at the sapphire-head.

“To correct the flow of energy, certain individuals must be assembled. Darc is one of these individuals, as is every rightful king.” She turned to Athena and Jayda. “You two are one of these individuals as well.”

“What?” Athena glanced at Darc. “Why us?”

“Exactly!” Jayda added.

“The ones chosen depend on the king. You two are the only souls compatible along with the others. There is a connection between your souls. There aren’t any others over two universes.” Ingrid looked at the silent Darc.

“I don’t even know him.” Athena stressed.

“She’s right.” Darc sat down and stared off into the air. “This is all pretty heavy…”

“Darc, you can’t possibly go along with this.”

“Jayda…” He looked at her softly. “My life was a pain in the ass already.”

“Exactly.” Jayda turned to Athena with her hand out. “Athena?”

“I don’t know…”

“The world is doomed if you do not fulfill your birthright.”

“We’re not even from this world!” Jayda stressed. “Send me back home!”

“If Tellus falls into destruction so will Earth. To balance the universe if one planet goes, all its equivalents will perish as well. Like a chain, they are all connected.” She grew concerned. “You would still deny your duty knowing your world faces peril as well?”

“I never planned to deny it in the first place.” Darc turned and looked at the girls. “Jayda you know I have to do this. I need your help on this.”

Jayda turned away. “You’re asking for a lot.”

“I know…” Darc turned his attention to Athena.  “I don’t know who you are, but apparently I need you too.”

Athena stared into the depths of Darc’s brown eyes. She almost seemed to be judging him. Her mind raced, her heart pounded, and she was lost. She was lost in this foreign world, with people she didn’t even know.

“I’m in.”

“What?” She turned to Athena in shock. “You don’t even know Darc.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather not see Earth destroyed.” Athena stood sternly.

“Jayda…?” Darc stood up.

Jayda could feel Darc’s eyes. “Fine…”

Darc closed his eyes and bowed his head. “Thank you. So what do we do Ingrid?”

“You must seek out the lost sanctuaries of the Goddess. At the sanctuaries you must acquire your Knight Arms and their guardians.”
“What is a Knight Arm?” Darc asked.

“A Knight Arm is a sacred and ancient weapon created by the Goddess, to give man a chance to save themselves from damnation. They are the tools used in restoring the balance or destroying it.

“You said something about guardians?” Athena asked.

“I am unable to truly elaborate.” She spoke in dismay. “They haven’t been seen for several centuries. All I know is they protect the Knight Arm and its bearer. In time of dire need they will come to the bearer’s aid. ”

“Sounds like a load of crap.”

Darc looked at Jayda.

“It does.” She shrugged.

“So I guess we’re off?” Darc asked.

“It would be best to rendezvous with the others at the Tower of…”

A young girl came running up with cuts and bruises and fell to the floor. She fell to the floor in distress. Ingrid knelt beside her as did Darc.

“Fi…fi…fiend…” She gasped for air. “Armory…”

Ingrid took off running into the building. The girl grabbed Darc’s arm. Her eyes burned with fear. Her hand lost its grip and fell to the ground. Darc was befuddled. He looked at her chest which was no longer pulsing and watched blood flow from beneath her. Darc took off into the building as Athena and Jayda watched in shock. Darc followed the screams and arrived in a large room with a creature. It was a large creature and about five men tall.  It was a monstrous plant, green like a flower’s stem and shaped like a bulb. Tentacles, the color of a rose’s pedal swung around the room spawning from within the bulb. Along the side Ingrid lay unconscious.

“Ingrid!” Darc stood before the creature as another young priestess arrived.

“Help me!”

Darc looked upward to find a girl being constricted in the vines of the monster. Athena and Jayda arrived on the scene and gazed upon the colossal giant.

“Whoa.”  Athena was stunned.

“Is she ok?” Jayda checked Ingrid’s vitals.

A tentacle skull thick knocked Darc into the air. He soared into a rack of swords. His body was mutilated with flowing wounds.

“AHHH!!!”

Darc lay on the ground and grabbed a large sword. He stood and took a stance.

“There is a big weed attacking me!” He grinned. “That’s what I’m talking about. Finally something to really use a sword on!”

The tentacles of the plant were numerous, but there were four that were dominant. They were thicker than a tree and acted as appendages causing all the destruction and damage. One of the death-vines raced for Darc. He dove to the side and hit the ground. He rolled under the vine and clung to it. The vine retracted at great speed and sent Darc flying toward the captive girl. He soared right for her and straight through the vines. The tentacle was severed by his sword and fell to the floor along with Darc. It writhed on the floor sending the violet dressed girl rolling toward Athena and Jayda. A dominant vine coiled around Darc’s body and hurled him into the bulb and swallowed him whole.

“Darc!” Jayda nearly died.

Athena’s shock was only enhanced. She started to scan the area. She grabbed a bow and quiver. She slipped the quiver onto her back and readied a shot. The violet adorned girl struggled up coughing and gasping.

“Shoot…it in the eye...”

“What eye?” Athena searched the area.

“Look… at the end of the black tentacle.” She coughed.

Athena searched for the onyx vine amongst the threads of red and green. Then amidst the vines an eye and black tentacle emerged.

Athena staggered backward. “Holy…”

“It’s going underground.” The girl rose to her feet.

“Hurry Athena!”

“I’m trying! I’m not Robin Hood!”

“I am. Give it to me.” Jayda walked over and put her hand out. “Stop it from getting away!”

Athena handed Jayda the bow and quiver and took off. Jayda took aim. She fired arrows repeatedly tearing down the vines in her path. Every time an arrow came close to the eye another of its tentacles took the hit. The man eater was half way under the ground.

“Ugh! The damn vines! Athena!”

Athena ran up with a lance and charged right into the weed. She left the lance in the demon plant and braced it against the floor. She ran for another and rammed it in its side. Then again all around the beast like the numbers on a clock. The fiend burrowed further and screeched in pain. As it burrowed deeper the lances dug deeper into its sides. Jayda cocked her bow and armed it with two arrows. She let go and sent the arrows darting through the air. They rushed for the eye, one was deflected by the small vines and the final continued on piercing right through the eye. The creature began to shriek bringing everyone to their knees. It began to convulse and spewed red fluid all over. Its belly tore open as it collapsed in death. The tear opened wider as the wet and grassy Darc stepped out. His face was blank as everyone looked at him in silence.

“What? No victory music?” Darc fell to the floor.

“He’s gonna need new clothes.” Jayda said with a grimace.