The Inkwell Awards Announces the 2014 Joe Sinnott Inking Challenge Results And Fundraiser

For Immediate Release

The Inkwell Awards, a non-profit organization devoted to the art of inking, will be displaying the long-awaited results of its fourth annual Joe Sinnott Inking Challenge in a series of fund-raising online auctions beginning Saturday, April 5.
Bob Almond, founder and director of The Inkwell Awards (AKA "The Inkwells"), said, "Joe Sinnott is our Hall of Fame namesake and recipient, Special Ambassador, a living legend, and the embodiment of what the art form of inking is really about, with over a half-century career of work to prove it. This inking challenge has become an essential platform for us to both teach and promote the ink arts, while raising much-needed funds for operations."

To best display exactly what inkers bring to the form, Sinnott pencilled a drawing of  the Black Panther, Marvel's—and the industry's—first black superhero, as well as a “breakdown”, or rough sketch, of the popular Incredible Hulk. This art was scanned and then sent in blue-line form to various inkers around the USA and elsewhere. The ink artists were invited to "take their shot" at inking "Joltin' Joe", whether staying more or less faithful to the original lines or reinterpreting and creating something different but equally special. This is especially true of the Hulk breakdown, which requires the ink artist to complete the drawing and then finish the art in ink, adding more diversity and upping the challenge. Most of the pieces also sport a classic, hand-lettered logo to enhance aesthetics.

The original art is being auctioned off at The Inkwells' eBay store and will later be collected into book form. All pieces for this challenge are personally signed by the great Mr. Sinnott himself and include a certificate of authenticity, increasing the desirability and collectibility of the art.
The list of ink artists contributing is equally impressive: Scott Hanna, Bob Wiacek, Keith Williams, Neil Vokes, Scott Koblish, Mark Pennington, Mark McKenna, Jack Purcell, Gerry Acerno, Josef Rubenstein, Charles Barnett III, Almond himself, and many other professionals all lent their skills and have pieces in the auctions. (Many other top names have competed in previous challenges. The list changes each year.)

“Begun in 2011,” added Almond, “based on a similar challenge given by Steve Morger at his Big Wow Comicfest in San Jose, California, we've had Joe draw many great Marvel characters since: Namor The Sub-Mariner, Dr. Doom, Thor, Captain America, the Thing and Silver Surfer. Now with the Black Panther and the Hulk, the inkers had a chance to flex their skills with jungle action or urban destruction, respectively. Some even created mock comic-book covers. The diversity is stunning and really shows what good inking can add, even to great pencils."

Joe Sinnott commented, "...after embellishing the likes of Kirby, Buscema, Romita, Steranko, Colan, Kane, Perez, Byrne, Frenz and so many other greats for the past 50 plus years, I'm on cloud nine that my pencils are being rendered by the elite of the [inking] profession. To have [these artists] work on my pencils makes me proud to have been selected by Bob for this great assignment. I can't say it enough, they're all great and I appreciate their contributions to The Inkwell Awards."

All the art, from last year up to the current pieces, can be seen at The Inkwell's ComicArtFans gallery at http://tinyurl.com/inkwellawards-CAF. The first wave of inked blue-line pieces from the latest Sinnott Challenge will be on the eBay auction block beginning Saturday, April 5 at http://tinyurl.com/baapz4d. The following week, on April 12, the inking advocacy group will set up a second wave auction.

The Inkwell Awards web site also offers Sinnott Inking Challenge book collections of previous art donations with regular and signed and limited editions available for monetary donations to the organization—all with front and back covers from top professionals. Art from last year’s third challenge will be collected for the Heroes Con in June. Fans and pros are encouraged to check the Inkwell Awards' Web Store for prices and availability on these editions and other merchandise.

The Inkwell Awards is an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize and award the best ink artists and their work. Now in its seventh year, the organization is overseen by a committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and numerous contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.

Web site: http://www.inkwellawards.com/

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 21

Coming off the heels of the events in Unity # 3 comes X-O Manowar # 21!

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

As mentioned above, this issue takes place right after Unity # 3 and follows what happens with Aric right after the big events happening then.

Before reading this issue, it's best if you read Unity # 3 as the impact of this story will be felt and the transition from the last issue to this one won't seem weird. Although, the comic does a good job of not leaving you in the dark on exactly what happened. So, it's not required but it is recommended.

The story in this issue focuses on Aric's new plans; which are mainly the safety of his people, who all happen to be incarcerated along with him. The story gets filled out with flashbacks to Aric's youth and we see like we have in previous issues why Aric fought to keep the land he proclaimed to be for his people. They've been in captivity so long and he has had to see his people with bars and fences around them for so long that he's utterly sick of it. We also see the starts of what seems to be a new arc for Aric in this issue. A government agent explains to Aric that they didn't get what they wanted out of him but that it seems that he can have other uses. Without spoilers, of course, it seems that these other uses will lead to a new story arc and that it seems right to keep the name X-O Manowar for this series.

The pacing is really well done and the dialog is really intriguing. Aric, speaking to the government agent,  was pretty cool and something I see that can be in a movie.

Art

I have mentioned before that I like the art style the series is using right now. The color palette reminds me of old Street Fighter promotional art.

I am aware there are people who find the art style strange or don't like it however. It is still technically well done though and the art won't detract from enjoying the story. You might not like it, but, in this review, I say it's excellent.

Verdict

Valiant's comics lately have been hitting us with crazy curveballs and X-O Manowar is no exception. For that, I stopped guessing what might happen in future issues and just enjoy the ride. Coming right after Unity # 3, X-O Manowar melds action, suspense and even a little mystery for what turned out to be a fantastic comic. I give X-O Manowar # 21 a 10 out of 10.

Asylum Press and Pretend For Real Studios Team Up To Develop Gritty Horror Franchise Rough House

Trailer for upcoming film and comic book series Rough House now on YouTube

September 26, 2013 (Los Angeles) Asylum Press and Pretend For Real Studios have released a trailer for their upcoming film and several comic book preview pages for their latest horror franchise entitled Rough House.

Rough House is a gritty, action-packed horror movie and comic book series that examines innocent victims thrown into a caged fighting match with deranged serial killers where they fight to the death.  

Rough House combines the brutal ruckus of Fight Club, the twisted horror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and drapes it under a cloak of a government black ops conspiracy.

The story begins with an athletic young woman known only as “The Girl” who is kidnapped and thrown into a bizarre world of masked serial killers who torment their victims in brutal underground fights, backyard wrestling matches and deadly mixed martial arts bouts.  She soon proves herself able to hold her own in death matches against colorful masked killers with names like “Bone Job”, “Baby Fat, and “Skeeter the Devil Boy”. Once inside the Rough House ,“The Girl” uncovers dark secrets that possibly link her to a secret government program and to the fighters themselves. As “The Girl’s” psyche is worn down by brainwashing and psychotropic drugs, she becomes more and more of a stone cold killer herself. She must decide whether she will escape the Rough House or stay focused on her true target, the ringleader called “Big Daddy.”

Rough House is based on a story idea and trailer created by Mike L. Taylor of Pretend For Real Studios and a feature length screenplay written by Elizabeth J. Musgrave (Farmhouse,Darwin’s Pâté).

The project will be released as a digital first 4-issue comic book mini-series through Asylum Press and later in print as a graphic novel.

“I have a long history as a comic book artist and I am thrilled to see my movie concept brought to life on the comic book page,” says creator Mike L. Taylor. “We put together a great teaser trailer, we have a killer script and we’re in the process of doing storyboards and concept art for the film.”

“Mike gave me an outline and together we were able to create an interestingly warped world,” reveals writer Elizabeth J. Musgrave. “Each member of “Big Daddy’s” crew is a trained killer, but I tried to inject a tormented soul to each one.”

“We are excited to release this first glimpse into Rough House,” explains publisher Frank Forte. “It’s a dark, twisted tale that delves into what would happen if the victims in a slasher film were bad ass fighters themselves that could give the killers a run for their money…and show the viewer some brutal fight scenes in the process.  We also delve into MK-Ultra, The CIA, Black Ops and government conspiracies, it's very twisted.” ”

The Rough House trailer was directed by Mike L. Taylor based on a script by Elizabeth Fine and a story by Mike L. Taylor.  It features Ramona Cast (Rad Girls) as “The Girl”, David Yow (Scratch Acid, The Jesus Lizard) as “Big Daddy”, Devyn Ashley as “Baby Fat”, Noshir Dalal as “Bone Job”, Maria Kanellis (WWE DIVA, Playboy) as “Trixxi”, Mike Bray as “Skeeter” and Carlos Cespedes as “Trixxi’s victim”, Rob Czar and Ganesh Hennings as “Dead Heads”,  Nick Seone  as “ear donor” and Brandon Riley, Matt Fry, Joel Peterson, Brian Testa, Mike L. Taylor, Ganesh Hennings  as “Baby Fat’s fans”, Brandon Riley was co-producer, Mike Spatola was make-up FX Supervisor, Anton David was stylist, music by Fantasizer, sound design by Micah Johnson, Matte Paintings by Brandon Riley.

Rough House the comic book will be available digitally on iPad, iPhone, Android, Kindle, Mac and PC via the following apps: Comixology, ComicsPlus, Graphicly, My Digital Comics, iBooks, DriveThruComics, and AVE Comics.

Sample pages:
 

Rough House Trailer Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZjxBOngSEs&feature=youtu.be

Rough House Comic Preview Link

http://www.asylumpress.com/titles/rough-house/

ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS

Asylum Press is a publishing company that produces premium comic books and graphic novels within the horror, science fiction, and action genres. Some of Asylum Press’ titles include Fearless Dawn, Warlash, Zombie Terrors, Undead Evil, EEEK!, Chopper and Asylum of Horrors. The books feature original, character-driven stories and cinematic artwork by top creators and newly discovered talent that will appeal to not only comic book fans, but also mainstream fiction readers who don't normally buy comics. Asylum Press delivers its books via a bold new business model that focuses on digital publishing and new distribution outlets in both the American and international markets. Asylum Press is distributed by Diamond Comics Distributors, SCB Distributors, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.  Distribution in the United Kingdom is handled by Turnaround Distribution.

ABOUT PRETEND FOR REAL STUDIOS:

Pretend For Real Studios is a digital effects and animation studio located in Burbank, CA. The studio is owned by Mike L. Taylor, a television director and DP whose credits include The Bachelor and Rock Of Love. Pretend For Real Studios have created music videos for Twiztid, Girls And Corpses magazine, and the Moonshine Bandits with over a million views combined.

Frank Forte

Publisher

Asylum Press

PO Box 2875

Hollywood CA 90078

www.asylumpress.com

www.twitter.com/asylumpress

Frank Forte

Publisher

Asylum Press

PO Box 2875

Hollywood CA 90078

www.asylumpress.com

www.twitter.com/asylumpress

Straight Forward Reviews: X-O Manowar issue 13

Planet Death continues in X-O Manowar. What happens when Aric interacts with other Vine and humans on the Vine home world?

Review by Jeremias de Leon


Story

Aric goes to the Vine home world and sees how his people have survived as slaves for the Vine and sees that not all Vine see him as a threat. We get some backstory about Aric and the Visigoths early on in the issue. Then it's mostly action from there on.

The writing in this issue really does Aric justice especially. It explores his motivations and history and fleshes him out. The dialog is written well too, the characters all have believable interactions for people out in space who are slaves and all of a sudden see a guy wreck their masters in a way that would've seemed impossible. Even though it's about a magical armor wearing alien killer, people act realistically or as realistically as you would imagine they'd would.

Art

The art in this issue is gritty looking with a slightly sketchy look but still pretty detailed. The action scenes in this issue are done really well, which is a definite plus in this issue since it is mostly action scenes. The use of color on the Manowar armor's sword and projectile is brilliant and the motion of Aric's body and the enemies reactions to his attacks is brutal. I applaud Cary Nord pencils and Moose Baumann's colors.

Verdict

The issue does a great build up in the first few pages then goes into EPIC fighting and leaves with a cliffhanger. You might be a little lost if you didn't read any previous issues but there's a recap at the beginning of each Manowar issue including this one and it does a good job with it's recap, so as long as you read the quick synopsis you'll be fine in this issue.

X-O Manowar has good storytelling and fantastic action if you love great action and you don't want it to be brainless this is the comic for you. I give this issue a 9.5 out of 10.

MARIO GULLY SEEKS INVESTOR FOR NEW COMIC PROPERTY! (April 10th 2013)

Mario Gully needs your help. He needs someone to invest in one of his latest comic book. If you want to be in the ground running on a new property from this creator you should email him quickly to learn more details. this is what I received in my email from OMG. He requires your help. Thanks folks. ~Jake

Interview by Dion Johnson with Mario Gully (O.M.G) 

He's known to a few but has gained a place in comic book history.  His name is Mario Gully and he is a comic book artist with a very inspiring story.

In  1996 he was convicted of robbery in Florida at 19 years old. The youngest child of a family of six, Mario started drawing at an early age. While incarcerated, His life  was changed forever. "One day,"Mario recalls."I was looking out the cell window and I noticed a tiny ant crawling on the window sill". "I was feeling so bad". "That my life was over and I was so ashamed, I wanted to disappear." I felt like that tiny and I wanted to trade my life for his". Filled with grief, his cell mate encouraged him to draw to pass the time. What happened next is nothing short of amazing. 

"I turned that Ant into a superhero in my head."Mario says, I wanted to better my life so I decided to draw again."

Draw is what he did and the character ANT was born. A red hot sexy female with razor sharp antennas that could block bullets! \

Mario was a huge fan of comic books and especially Todd Mcfarlane the Creator of Spawn.  "He was my idol, my focus".The young artist recalls.  Trying to get Mcfarlane's attention wasn't an easy task. Mario's character was turned down by Image Comics and many other publishers.    

                                                                                                                                                                                One publisher saying "A idiotic idea for a character that nobody is interested in".

'

Not being deterred, Gully kept trying for 8 years! Even getting financing from a friend to get better color and variant covers from comic book superstars for a better package.

"Finally, when I exhausted all my resources, I received an email from an small publisher in Canada". My wife kids and I were living with my dad in a small apartment because money was hard to come. I was working at an air conditioning helper in Louisville KY. 

One email from Arcana Studios. That's when it all started.

ANT launched in 2003 and the book sold out in 9 days. Ant was legitimately a hit. "I cant say I was surprised".Mario says, "or I may have been in shock, "I've always believed in my characters". "I just think they are cool that's all". "It was fantastic to see other people believing they were cool also".

"I think Mario is one of the best talent I've worked with...brilliant!"-Publisher for Arcana Studios Sean O'Reilly

Mario's story gets even more interesting! Gully finally got excepted by his mentor Todd Mcfarlane's company Image Comics! 

ANT was now published at a major publishing house! The publisher at Image Comics Erik Larsen brought his book aboard with skepticism.

"I wanted it bad"! Mario say."I wanted to prove I could play with the majors"!

ANT played with the majors an issue#1 sold out now under a huge publisher. "I talked to Erik Larsen (the publisher) and he told me the numbers.  "I cried". "I fell down and cried because it was a huge accomplishment for me"

 ANT was in the starting line up and was one of the top selling independent comic books. Selling on ebay for over 100 dollars a issue for a specific retailer cover.

"Ant is one of the most iconic, original characters created in the last 20 years"!-Comic book veteran and a founder of Image Comics Erik Larsen

Later Mario continued his success drawing books for many other publishers including comic book powerhouse Marvel Comics! Drawing special illustrated books and working with a comic book legionary writer Roy Thomas!  

 "Hey,this is another great - looking batch of pages"! "You gave us some great action - packed pirate scenes with real drama". "I’m very impressed". "You continue to get better on all fronts". "And you keep such a wonderful schedule". "Glad you’re a big part of this fine effort"!-Senior Marvel editor Ralph Macchio

It would appear that this artist had everything he wanted. A Creator owner title, drawing a new series for Marvel Comics.  A promising road to success?

"It was difficult behind the scenes". "With all I've been through and how very hard I fought to get my chance to fight..I've kept battling with publishers about my ideas". "I had to change Ant's story for Image Comics to publish the book". "I believe the originally was her story not her costume".Gully bellows.""Also,many comic book creators didn't except me". "I guess they felt that I wasn't qualified enough to be where I had gotten to in my career". "Rather me being self taught and not being groomed by Marvel or D.C comics before I became popular like most creators were.. or being a black dude". "I can't be honest and say I didn't feel that animosity"."One time, I was even asked to not stand behind the Image Comics booth at San Diego Comic Con"! "I felt very bad". "That was like crushing my dreams all over again".

There were also the vultures circling Mario's success. People that promised movie deals and video games that ultimately took Gully for a ride.

"That was my biggest problem". Mario's recalls. "Most of these people I met didn't have the resources they pretended to have". "I would try to help develop my characters in other forms of entertainment but it was a lot of work". "In addition to penciling,writing and producing a monthly title at Image". "It was hard". "I was very worried that if I passed up an opportunity a deal I was looking for could fall through".

It became difficult for the artist. Having a wife and 4 kids things because hard financially and they couple decided to file for a divorce after 14 years. 

Gully: "Thats was the darkest time in my life".we separated and I have my 4 children".  "I left Florida to move to Nevada to start over". "Our Marriage was bad for 3 years before it finally ended. I tried everything even going to church and I even taught Sunday School while going to seminary".  "I wanted to save my family". "It seems it went from bad to worst". It felt like God was laughing at me".

More tragedy struck Mario when on route to Nevada he was in a serious car accident! 

"The car I was in flipped a couple times on route 66". "I know for sure I could have been killed". "I almost rolled into a semi truck in the snow."

 The relocation to Las Vegas Nevada was anything but smooth. Mario would eventually become homeless with his 4 children!

"It was very..very hard"." I literally lost my mind". "I felt like so many people I helped wouldn't even return my calls". "I couldn't draw because I was so depressed". "I thought about suicide one night very seriously". "To this day it was the lowest point I ever been". "I got locked up because we got evicted because I brought a puppy for my daughter". "The place where we were living wanted a pet deposit or us to vacate". "I didn't have it. "It was less then 200 bucks". "I tried to steal it".

This can be one of the best come back stories in comic book history. Since then Mario Gully has changed his name to O.M.G and he's more determined then ever to live the dream he always wanted!

O.M.G: "O.M.G stands for Original Mario Gully".  "It's that guy that I wanted to be that follows his heart and march to his own drum beat". "I feel I'm my original self".  "My honest self". "After all I've been through, I draw better now then I ever have".  "I'm more focused then I ever been".

O.M.G has creations he's been developing for years.  He is looking for one investor that can help make this story the beginning of his new life!

O.M.G: "I just need one chance". "One shot to do a few books my way without the restraints or any of that jazz I get from publishers every day". "I only need one investor". "I've done a lot with very little experience and very little resources with Ant and my career.

I've learned a ton". "I've worked with so many great people in this biz". "Now, I want to show the world I'm ready for round two"! "I know I've got a golden opportunity here". "I'm ready now and I'm disciplined! 

O.M.G is offering a percentage of his characters for life as well as a return on the investment!

O.M.G. "I know I'm a sure investment". "I've proven most wrong about my characters all my life". "I've had time to develop my strategy and marketing plan". "I know with certainly this is my destiny.

I asked the amazing artist does he has any thing to say to anyone looking to invest in his new venture? 

O.M.G:

Yes. This is to my possible investor. All my life I felt I was meant for something. I know in my heart it's to inspire people to be better today then you were yesterday. To show kids that no matter what obstacles that are in your path you can overcome them with hard work and dedication.  Sometimes everyone needs just a little push to take off and fly higher then one ever has.

Help me live the life I was always meant to live.

Wow. A truly amazing story that has an ending waiting to be written!

Invest inquires can me made to Creator / artist Guru O.M.G by contacting him here:

Mariogully@gmail.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/mario.gully

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