Brand New! RAI # 3 Review

RAI # 3
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Clayton Crain

Valiant Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Spylocke and Father keep some secrets. Rai is looking for answers. And a certain Doctor in the Valiant Universe decides it is time to spill. 

ART:

                The book is still one of the most gorgeous, detailed books that has ever graced the comic book market. The richness of Crain’s work just brings so much life and action into this wonderous work. There is such kinetic actions. The fluid look of the art is really grabs your eyes. Crain gives us some great expressions with our characters and Rai in particular. The near cinematic style of the book really allows you to immerse yourself in New Japan.  The colors, like I said in previous reviews, are toned extremely well. They are not as dark as they normally are and Crain does some great scenes with Lula.  From the first panel to the last panel, every last piece and line in this book creates a truly immersive and powerful tapestry that will make you want more.

WRITING:

                Kindt writes another solid issue. We got to learn something fairly big this issue as the murder mystery starts to open some interesting facts about Rai and Father. More importantly, we start looking at the fact that this future is considering Earth  Hell while New Japan encompasses so many different cities we used to know. Definitely some great world building. And I love the characterizations of Rai, Lula, Spylocke and …., who really develop and further as main characters in their own way. Kindt does a good job of answering some questions while only making you ask more afterward. My only gripe, and it is very little, is the introduction of the Positron. Maybe it is just me but I felt that it’s addition to the book is …placed in the wrong part of the story. It felt, to me, that is should have come up much sooner than it did. Yet, I am sure it fits into whatever Kindt has planned. Otherwise, this was a great read.

FINAL VERDICT:
                For every answer, we got more questions. The action was insane. The art is absolutely ridiculous. The writing is fairly solid with one minor hiccup. But still, I feel fully immersed into this future and more more.  Kindt and Crain are definitely shining with this work.  I give Rai # 3 a 4.5 … out of 5.

Straight Forward Reviews : Bubblegun # 5

Molli and her team have come back for their 5th issue. It seems to be the end of the line, for the story arc anyway. Does it end strong?

Writer - Mark Roslan

Artist - Mike Bowden

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

The story is all about a climactic showdown between Molli and her crew and Drazic's forces. The bad guy's have all kinds of advantages and Molli's crew have to fight against all the odds. There's not so much in terms of plot advancing dialog save for the end. That isn't to say there was nothing of note in terms of character development. Molli's character grows in a believable way and just as important as the combat she goes through is her moral battle.

The ending of the issue wraps things up nicely enough for this story arc and definitely lets the reader know that there are still plenty more for the main characters of BubbleGun to tackle. You'll just have to read to know just what happened to the team and why their story seems to have just begun.

Art

The art in this series has always been something I enjoyed in this series and this issue is no exception. Since the issue is mostly action the art could make or break this book. Molli and her friends look fantastic with their acrobatics and using their gadgets. If nothing else sells reader on the book the art most likely will still get people to look at it.

Verdict

BubbleGun's fantastic action and character growth has really seen it turn into quite the nice cyberpunk swashbuckling adventure series. Great art and a storyline and character development has made this series grow and it was nice to be along for the ride. I give BubbleGun # 5 a 9 out of 10.

Comics News: Comic Banned by Catholic Church Available For the First Time in English

KRANTZ:
THE COMIC BANNED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME!

 MOBILE, AL -- Bronco Ink Publishing, LLC is proud to present the first English-language collection of KRANTZ, Horacio Lalia and Jorge Claudio Morhain's time-travel epic originally published in Revista Skorpio!

Originally banned by the Catholic Church and never before available in English, KRANTZ is the story of Ross Krantz, a time traveller trapped in the 16th Century after preventing a brutal Protestant massacre known as the “Night of St. Esteban”. With the help of Nostradamus, Catherine de Medici, and other legends of the Renaissance, he must find a way home without rewriting history in the process!

Editor-in-Chief, Scott O. Brown, is enthusiastic for this project: “We believe in and have supported Horacio's work whenever possible over the last decade. And Jorge is a powerhouse writer deserving a wider audience. Their KRANTZ is a great comics collection for science fiction fans, history buffs, and lovers of classic bande-dessinee style comics. If GAME OF THRONES or DA VINCI'S DEMONS strike your fancy, then KRANTZ is right up your alley.”

The Kickstarter ends on March 12. You can see sample pages and learn more about the project as well as contribute to the Kickstarter athttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acbrown/krantz-banned-by-the-catholic-church-and-now-in-en

After the Kickstarter, KRANTZ, Book 1, will be available though Ingram Distribution or direct from the publisher.

Comics News: THANIEL Redefines the Supernatural Genre in All New 4 Issue Miniseries

“THANIEL REDEFINES THE SUPERNATURAL GENRE”

Surrounded by death his entire life, THANIEL is a high-school dropout with a very troubled path that only gets more complex when he discovers that his father is the Grim Reaper himself, Death. Written and created by Omar Spahi (XENOGPLYPHS) with art by Terry Huddleston, THANIEL launches in April with its first two issues of a four issue mini-series, each
issue priced at $3.99. Both issues will be available at your local comic shop and online at www.ossmcomics.com, April 9^th (issue 1) and April 23^rd (issue 2).

A cross between “Boys N The Hood” and “Dead Like Me,” THANIEL blends together different genres that don’t often crossover. Having grown up on the wrong side of the tracks, THANIEL has been surrounded by loss. He’s lost close friends and family, particularly his own mother, who was taken far before her time. After her passing, THANIEL comes face to face with his destiny as energy begins to manifest within him. Discovering that this energy is cosmically linked to death, THANIEL tries to aim his new power at evil people in his city, trying to bring some good to the world. These acts of his bring the attention of another being tied to the cosmos, Death, the Grim Reaper, who claims to be THANIEL’S father, with a very dark plan for his son.

“Thaniel’s one of those characters I sadly don’t see enough of in comics,” Huddleston explains about the title character. “He’s proactive, street smart, and visually very interesting to draw. I’m very excited to be a part of this new project.”

“It’s been a real pleasure collaborating with Terry on this book, bringing to life, and death, a really unique character,” Spahi says excitedly. “We’re aiming to create a comic book series that Terry and I have always wanted to read, and I think we did just that. It’s hard work. Hopefully people enjoy it.”

PRAISE FOR THANIEL

"Sharp, stylized, and fun!” -Brian Buccellato (THE FLASH, DETECTIVE COMICS)

"Great story with beautiful art! 5 out of 5 pocket protectors!” -Nerd Nation Radio

“Quite honestly one of the best books to read while at gunpoint.” -Luke Anthony, The Outhousers

BLEEDING COOL recently did a great piece on the upcoming series, showing off artwork from the first issue, a sneak peek at the cover to the upcoming third issue, and a nice bio on the book’s main characters.

For more information on THANIEL, both the SON OF THE REAPER website is now active, as is the new OSSM COMICS site.  

Comics News: Save Reality From Thieves of Eden

SAVING REALITY

From the Enemies of Life

New Comic THIEVES of EDEN takes it on!

(Richmond, VA, February 1, 2014) Robert Simon Siegel announces the launch of the Thieves of Eden graphic novel at http://www.thievesofeden.com. 

THIEVES of EDEN is a quantum thriller to SAVE REALITY! This high concept story exploded into comic life when artist Chris Hopkins met SCI-FI writer Robert Simon Siegel. Issue #1 is now available at the website, where readers can also see a free teaser and subscribe to this exciting new series.

With eye-popping art, the story unveils a “who done it mystery” that connects new sciences like bio-physics (how human energy fields operate as cellphones) and rare knowledge from Siegel’s personal trainings with authentic Native Medicine Men, Chinese Qigong (Energy) Masters and other amazing lineage holders of wisdom traditions. 

“My goal” Siegel says, “is to usher in genuine wisdom to illuminate the treasures of different cultures, traditions and peoples from ancient to futuristic now needed to "win" THE GAME.  We ignite with humor, outrageous art, wild story twists and beautiful characters. I want people to be curious. Is THE GAME real?”

Awareness becomes action that unites people and purpose as four characters meet and discover they are a game – THE GAME – for the very life of our planet. Their opponents, with a 6,000 year advantage, are about to trigger Earth’s end with a final environmental death clench for their game-winning move.

To quickly stop these Enemies of Life, the four must cooperate and combine rare knowledge closely guarded by elders in their respective sacred traditions. They must connect ancient wisdom puzzles with cutting-edge science to form an unusual energy device, the source of unexplained “miracles” hidden to all but an elite few throughout history.

 Who blocked this knowledge and why?

THIEVES of EDEN is a QUANTUM THRILLER about REALITY. We share this reality. It’s now time to SAVE IT!

Want more information visit www.thievesofeden.com

Friend us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thieves-of-Eden/154896994559721

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thievesofeden

Coming Soon: Get Into the Arcade Style in Space in NOVA PHASE

Nova Phase: A treasure hunt in space with old school video game graphics!

We have all had dreams. Dreams that we would have given anything to achieve and yet have eluded our grasp. It is about reaching for the stars and missing, it is about what one does with the failures that seem to make up most of life.

Veronica Darkwater is a down on her luck bounty hunter who finds herself plunged into an intergalactic treasure hunt for a legendary world of untold wealth. But she must compete with a crazy military commander who will stop at nothing to cement his name in history. Will she stay alive long enough to see if the legends of the mythical world of Una Tesara are true? A riveting adventure with retro 80's/90's arcade style art.

Nova Phase is a creator owned six issue series by Matthew Ritter (Writer) and Adam Elbatimy (Art).

Nova Phase is being published through Slave Labor Graphics. The first issue will be available for free digitally through www.comixology.com on January 15th, the second issue will be up the same day and on sale for just 99 cents. A print version of the first two issues will be collected and for sale in February through the SLG website and amazon. Issue #3 and #4 will be out in March and April respectively, with another two issue collection out in June, and issue #5 and #6 shall be out in July and August, with the final two issue collection coming out for print in September.

“I wanted to do a space western because I love space and I love westerns. I also love old video games. So there you go.” -Matthew Ritter

“I love pixel art. I think of it as a genuine aesthetic choice, as apposed to a limitation. It has allowed us to give Nova Phase a really unique look.” -Adam Elbatimy

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 20

After the all the action in Unity # 2, Valiant hits you again with the latest issue of X-O Manowar which resumes the action where Unity left off.

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

As stated above this resumes right after Unity # 2 so it's highly recommended, heck one could say it's required, to read Unity # 2 before jumping into this. Also, because of that I'll try and not give too much details about the plot in this review in case you don't know what's happening from Unity # 2. You can read the review for that here. On with the review.

This issue tells it's story through action more than expositional monologs and the like. The actions Aric takes against Harada and his team gives insight into his character and shows that he is more resourceful than people would think. There is some meaningful dialog exchanged between Aric and the Eternal Warrior and the Eternal Warrior definitely does some useful stuff in this issue. If you've read the review for Unity # 2 you'll know what I mean.

After the main action scenes we see a build up for what looks to be round 2 or maybe even round 3 and with things changed it definitely leaves the reader with a sense of wanting more.

Art

With this issue being mostly action the art really shines. Seeing the Manowar suit pull off some crazy

feats and Harada's Harbinger powers is fantastic. The panels look like extremely well polished animated movie stills. The art in this is absolutely fantastic.

Verdict

Even while going through this issue looking at minute details there really isn't anything to complain about in this issue. There's a good narrative, lots of action and fantastic art that really conveys how great the action is. I give X-O Manowar # 20 a 9.5 out of 10

Comics News: Cosmic Waves Returns in April 2014

COSMIC WAVES returns APRIL 2014, via FUNDANYTHING.COM!

With his first original graphic novel set to be released by Dark Horse Comics next year, and a resume which boasts published work by such prominent comic book companies as DC Comics, Drew Ford is now setting out on his own, in an attempt to publish a collection of homespun tales of mystery and wonder!.  And he needs YOUR help to make it happen!

Twenty years ago, inspired by both contemporary and classic collections of genre comic book fiction, Ford had the idea to produce a new comic book anthology, which would feature all-new fantastical stories...the name of that comic was Cosmic Waves.

The original Cosmic Waves #1 was released into a very different comics landscape than what exists today.  For that reason, Cosmic Waves struggled to find it's audience, and eventually fell by the wayside.

Times, however, have truly changed.
The current mainstream popularity of comics throughout society, mixed with crowd-funding and the addition of new digital distribution possibilities, allows for comics such as this to have a real shot at succeeding!  Because of this, Ford has decided that now is the time to breath life back into this anthology of comic book goodness.
Ford is hoping this new, upcoming issue of Cosmic Waves, featuring a diverse mix of characters, stories and creators, will be embraced by readers of such popular, contemporary anthologies as Dark Horse Presents and Popgun, along with fans of such classic EC favorites Tales From The Crypt, The Vault of Horror, Weird Fantasy, and more...basically anyone who loves a good fantastical collection of stories!
The ability to publish this new incarnation of Cosmic Waves will depend heavily on the success of the fundanything.com campaign, which has already begun to help facilitate it's 2014 publication.  Anyone interested in seeing this new issue of Cosmic Waves spring to life is strongly encouraged to go to the campaign website, and make a contribution here:
https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/cosmic-waves-a-comic-book-anthology.
The anthology itself will be a mix of both stand alone and on-going stories.
On-going story lines include The Unseen (a horrific crime drama), The Light (a bizarre twist on the superhero genre), Phenomena (a contemporary ghost story) and The 10 Percent (a science fiction thriller).  Examples of interior artwork from each story can be seen below.
If you are interested in thoughtfully written, expertly drawn stories of science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, crime and more, Cosmic Waves is the place to be.
Again, anyone wanting to help us publish Cosmic Waves can make a contribution here: https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/cosmic-waves-a-comic-book-anthology

Please send all questions, including interview requests, to: cosmicwavescomic@gmail.com

(sample page from The Unseen - artwork by Jaime Martinez Rodriguez and Santiago Ramos.)

(sample page from The Light - artwork by Hoyt Silva)

(sample page from The 10 Percent - artwork by Ruth Garcia Martin and Roberto Cota.)

(sample page from Phenomena - artwork by Cristian Baez and Victor Nava)

(possible cover to Cosmic Waves #1)

(possible cover to Cosmic Waves #1)

 

Preview: BubbleGun # 4

BUBBLEGUN #4
Mark Roslan ­ Story / Mike Bowden ­ Art / David Curiel, Erick Arciniega -
Colors

They like the tech, but live for the high stakes!

The BUBBLEGUN team is banged up, worn down, and low on confidence after their leader is taken from them. Molli, in desperation, resorts to extreme measures in order to rescue her captive sister back from the dangerous clutches of Drazic, Craine and Vitadrone. The odds of survival are low--which is par for the course with this group!

Creator and writer Mark Roslan, along with penciler Mike Bowden and colorist David Curiel invite you to take part in what¹s sure to become Aspen's next hit sci-fi, action adventure series, BUBBLEGUN!

BUBBLEGUN #4 is in stores November 27th, 2013!

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 19

Welcome again to Straight Forward Reviews! Where we take a look at those wonderful things we read and have interesting pictures known as comic books. Was that intro too cheesy? Anyway this time we're looking at Valiant's X-O Manowar # 19. With the events of Unity just beginning you can bet this is going to be important to that story.

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

This issue focuses on Aric's point of view of what happened right after the events of Unity issue 1. Which goes to show how Aric can be seen as both a villain and a hero if you read both of these books.

Besides dialog with Ninjak this issue really isn't about the wider plot as much as it is just about Aric and what kind of man he is. We get to see plenty of action still but it isn't about determining the fate of the world or anything that major. It is however really awesome and gives more insight into Aric and his people.

The dialog in this is very well written, you get the sense these really are people from another time that were forced into our modern world. They are confused and a little lost with the new world but willing to fight. Just as you would expect warriors from another time to be like if they did see our world today.

Art

I remember in previous issues of X-O Manowar that Cary Nord has worked on I mentioned them being some of my favorite art of the year. Seeing this has only made me feel stronger in that belief. The art in this comic has flavors of the art I would see for fighting games. It's a western comic drawn in a realistic style but the style has the flavor of the more realistic art that was made to promote Street Fighter 2 and
King of Fighters. It's what the art invokes memories of, for me.

Verdict

Looking through this book, I couldn't find anything that I didn't like. Not a thing. The dialog and the wonderful art all gelled together so well that all I left with after reading this issue was a smile. With that I have to give X-O Manowar issue 19 a 10 out of 10. It really is amazing to see the different views and worlds of the people of the Valiant universe and how villains can be heroes and heroes, villains.

Comic News: Sci-Fi Anthology COSMIC WAVES Returns!!!

COSMIC WAVES: 90's INDY COMIC BOOK ANTHOLOGY RETURNS!

Cosmic Waves originally collected stories back in the 90's from the genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror and beyond!  This new incarnation of Cosmic Waves will continue to present all new stories of mystery and wonder, from a group of talented creators from all around the globe!

Aside from their general all-consuming love of comics, the contributors have a special place in their heart for comic book anthologies.  From the early horror and mystery collections to more modern anthologies such as Negative Burn and Dark Horse Presents, they are huge fans! 

 

Aside from massively enjoying the format itself, they also believe that anthology titles are incredibly important to create and support because they offer creative opportunities to young or under-appreciated creators from all walks of life.  This also means that fans get to see an insanely diverse group of artists, who might never get a chance to work together, all under one incredible roof!

Cosmic Waves need your help to make this anthology a reality.  You can contribute here: https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/cosmic-waves-a-comic-book-anthology

With your generous contribution, you will ensure the publication of the first issue of the all-new Cosmic Waves comic book anthology!  Also, what you are really doing is allowing Cosmic Waves the ability to print a larger number up front, so that they can lower the cost of each individual book in the future.  The more they can print up front, the less each one will cost.

Cosmic Waves is asking for $3000.00, which will cover design, printing and distribution and shipping on the first issue of Cosmic Waves.  If they are lucky enough to raise more than the initial goal, those additional funds will be used to promote, advertise and market this first issue.  If, for some reason, Cosmic Waves far exceed what they are asking for, those funds will be used to produce future issues.

Straight Forward Reviews: Bubblgegun issue 3

Bubblegun is back for more cyberpunk action. What's one of Aspen's newer heroines up to now?

Writer - Mark Roslan
Artist - Mike Bowden
Publisher - Aspen 

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

This issue sees Molli and what's left of her team try desperately to get back her sister from the weird techno coma she's in. We see more backstory this time for the antagonists and some nice character development for Molli.

In short the story and dialog in this issue is all about leading up to the bigger stakes and action we'll see soon and it does a fairly good job.

There's some good storytelling here but all the different technologies in this sci-fi world could use some explaining. There were different variations of robot and cyborg being thrown around at different specific entities and for what the antagonists are after it seems that the differences between them are important but since the reader doesn't know it might as well be gibberish for now.

Art

A very varied color palette takes the spotlight in this issue, along with good emotive close ups of the character's faces. As this issue is pretty tense for the protagonists seeing their emotions does a lot for the storytelling.

Molli's character design is one of my favorite designs in comics this year, as I've probably already said in my reviews of issue 1 and 2. It really stands out here as she's doing a lot in this issue. Her design is one of those character designs that really makes the character look especially cool while in motion. Not unlike Cowboy Bebop's Spike Spiegel, when standing still he may have looked goofy but while in motion he pretty much defined cool. For Molli her two colored hair makes her look very unique and much like an action hero as in some panels where she's moving her hair in the wind looks very much like a flame.

Verdict

This book is a ton of fun, and subjectively, one of my personal favorites. Objectively, this has the potential to be a really well done series. Right now it could use some more fine tuning but it's really worth the read and I have faith it'll only get better from here. I give Bubblegun an 8 out of 10.

Comics News: Monte M. Moore Kickstarts His Art Book

For Immediate Release Monte M. Moore is announcing the Kickstarter Campaign to produce his 7th "Art of Monte Moore" art book entitled MISCHIEF, which includes art from the last 10 years of his career in the PIN-UP, GAMING, COMICS and ENTERTAINMENT industries. For those not familiar with Kickstarter, it is an AMAZON backed fundraising platform for Creatives to launch new projects. In essence you are pre-ordering the Mischief art book and this helps the creator cover expenses for the publishing and shipping of the book, and allows said creator not to have to go through a Publisher who reaps most of the benefits of the artist's efforts. This campaign includes GREAT rewards like custom sketches, signed prints, games, and private commissions for drawings and paintings (including the FRONT and BACK covers of the book!) Monte Moore now asks if you would like to aid him in producing the next Art of Monte Moore book and enjoy the images for yourself, or as a gift for someone you know. Please visit the page and pledge your support. For those not interested in Fantasy Art Books, there are also those who pledge their financial support to the project to help the artists meet their goals, and ask for no reward/item in return, but know they have done a good thing in supporting the Arts. If you would like to learn more about the project and watch the video Michael Moore has created, see the rewards and goals and images from the book, then please visit this link:http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2044665875/mischief-the-art-of-monte-m-moore

Elysium Review (and stuff)

SPECIAL: A Look at Brandon Easton's BRAVE NEW SOULS- BLACK SCI-FI & FANTASY WRITERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Here is a sneak peak of prolific writer, Brandon Easton's upcoming documentary dealing with a brand new generation of African-American creators in movies, novels, graphic novels and more.

 The sneak peak talks with many different creators as well as ends with an interview with director/producer of the film, Brandon Easton. Easton has worked for over 15 years as a writer, working on many scripts to animation (Thundercats) as well as comic books, such as his recently Glyph Award Winning book, Shadowlaw.

Here is an extended look at the film.

Action Labs Month: Ghost Town # 1 Review

GHOST TOWN # 1
Written by Dave Dwonch
Art by Justin Greenwood & Brian Dyck
Action Labs: Danger Zone

FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We open to young “college aged” scientist making a major breakthrough (Slight SPOILER), they are about to send objects through time. When the breakthrough happens, it signals the beginning of a mount conspiracy against the country and its current regime. With CIA looking for the culprits, the American Reclamation Front make national threats which will lead to decimation and the reason why the title of the book is apt for it.

            As Agents Bronson and Hendricks lead the charge to bring down the terrorist group as the stakes get higher and higher after the destruction of more than 1 American City.  As the final confrontation comes to head … we find a very neat twist at the end of the story showing that this is far from over.


ART:

            Justin Greenwood gives a strong showing with his pencils and inks on this issue. While the style might seem rough, Greenwood makes it work extremely well. Everyone looks distinct. The President looks like the President. The action looks good and the more mundane scene really look good. Dyck provides good colors that liven up Greenwood’s pencils and inks.  The muted colors worked to give mystique to the story and keep its more conspiracy, thriller tone.

            The backgrounds are simple yet appealing. My only real gripe is that some of Greenwood’s pencils of the President are good, but others are looked a bit rushed. But overall, there my only real gripe artistically. This tandem worked well together in this outing and looking forward to more.


STORY:

            Dwonch weaves a great thriller with a sci-fi edge. The sci-fi edge is very limited but essential in the plot and Dwonch makes sure readers know that. From the beginning of the story to the final panel. Time Travel in any stories is tricky but Dwonch handles it with ease, enhancing this thriller.

            Dwonch shows us very interesting characters … even if they may not be around long. Hendricks and Bronson felt real in terms of reactions and what they were trying to accomplished. The American Reclamation Front felt like realistic and very devoted to their cause. This only made them more frightening … particularly at the end.

            I will admit, I was a little confused by Emil in the book because while he says he’s not a fighter, he clearly has no problem using weapons. That felt odd. Otherwise, Dwonch delivers a good paced, solid sci-fi, conspiracy thriller with Ghost Town.

OVERALL:

            While I did have a couple small gripes, Ghost Town # 1 delivers an enjoyable, gripping and hauntingly realistic look at technology and terrorism today. Good, solid art with a strong, thought provoking story that keeps you on your toes make this one shot a great opener to eventually because an ongoing … I hope. Great job by Dwonch, Greenwood, Dyck and crew.


RATING:

            With the destruction of 2 American Cities and a trippy, smart script, I give Ghost Town # 1 an 8.5 out of 10. This book has potential and is worth the buy. Get it.

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 14^th 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