“We Were Something Else” ISSUE 0 Page 1 (Three Panels) R Panel One We open on a HUGE explosion, debris flying in every direction, mass hysteria, SHIT HAS HIT THE FAN. FLOATIONG CAPTION: HAHAHAHAHAHA (evil laughter) Panel Two We pan back to see the image from panel one is on a TV screen in an evil lair. A large man who looks to be an evil scientist can be seen laughing in a large throne with many gadgets attached to it. He has a receding hairline, typical mad scientist goggles, a crooked smile, and a BAD case of acne…. he is by all means a very typical albeit disgusting evil scientist. CAPTION OF OFF PANEL CHARACTER: “You’ll never get away with this DR. EVILGUY!” DR. EVILYGUY CAPTION: “HAHAHAHA….” Panel Three We close in on DR. EVILGUY’s face with a faint view of the destruction on the TV behind him DR. EVILGUY CAPTION: “…. You THINK that YOU, can defeat ME?” Page 2 (SPLASH PAGE) L A LARGE, climactic, and cheesy super hero is revealed. He stands tall, BUFF, and chiseled to perfection. He has a big WHITE smile, and just the perfect “I just got out of bed looking this awesome” hair. He stands in the generic hero reveal pose: PROUDLY, hands at his waist, and chest puffed out. He is of course; called “CAPTAIN AWESOME” a large banner that says CAPTAIN AWESOME hangs above him. It is very clear this super hero get LOTS of praise, and loves every second of it. CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION: “I don’t THINK…I DO!” (Include all credits at bottom of page) Page 3 (Four Panels) R Panel One* CAPTAIN AWESOME springs into action, he fly’s as fast as he can towards DR. EVILGUY…lots of wind, and speed lines to indicate his immense flying speeds. Panel Two* A tightly wound fist makes contact with the lower jaw of DR. EVILGUY. Teeth fly EVERYWHERE. His goggles get knocked off his face… Very bloody, and very intense. (* Panels 1 & 2 are smaller panels at top of page) Panel Three* CAPTAIN AWESOME holds DR. EVILGUY by the collar of his shirt, cocking his fist back ready to lay him out. DR. EVILGUY has his hands up waving them frantically as he cowardly attempts to stave off this possibly fatal blow. He attempts to save his life by garbling his final plans weakly through his newly broken mouth. DR. EVILGUY CAPTION: “lu-lucky for you…COUGH!…..that was ju…COUGH!…st a staged….COUGH!....explosion…..GURRK!….the real…COUGH!....bomb is attached…ACKK!....to THAT TIMER!” Panel Four* A bomb with many wires and a large timer that reads 1:58 in big red digital numbers can be seen. The withered and beaten hand of DR. EVILGUY is seen pointing at it from the opposite corner of the panel. ACTION lines around the bomb indicating it is only a matter of time before this bomb goes off. (* Caption from panel 3 spills onto panel 4 at “to THAT TIMER!”) Page 4 (Seven Panels: one big, six smaller action panels) L Panel One Close up of CAPTAIN AWESOME’s eyes. He is clearly concerned and almost afraid. Drama and action lines appear in the background to add to the feeling of worry and uncertainty the hero is feeling. CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION: “Oh…FUCK” Panel Two CAPTAIN AWESOME is seen from behind feverishly working on the bomb. CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION “Blue?!...Shit…” Panel Three Close up of time left before the bomb goes off. The timer reads 1:22 Panel Four Same as Panel Two, CAPTAIN AWESOME continues to try and defuse the bomb CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION: “No wait…Green?!?...FUCK…” Panel Five Close up on time left before the bomb goes off…but closer in. the timer reads :45 Panel Six CAPTAIN AWESOME still has not diffused the bomb. He gets more nervous CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION: “RED?!....PLEASE be RED!” Panel Seven Close up on the timer again, this time it’s as close as possible without cutting off the time. The timer reads :01 Page 5 (Two Panels) R Panel One Upward shot of CAPTAIN AWESOME as if looking at him from the bombs perspective. His face is ghostly, and full of regret. Sweat dripping from his face, stains in his armpits, and piss in his pants. He knows exactly what is about to happen. CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION: “Son of a…” Panel Two A HUGE EXPLOSION. The bomb blows CAPTAIN AWESOME away. Debris fly’s everywhere, and massive clouds and fire engulf the panel. (Show char marks on edges of panel to break 4th wall and show this explosion is NO JOKE) Page 6 (Three Panels) L Panel One Were seeing a ceiling with smoke and ash flying about through the closing eyes of CAPTAIN AWESOME. From the looks of it, this awesome hero has been defeated. He mumbles his few words as they connect from panel to panel… CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION: “Every….time….” Panel Two Again we see the same ceiling view but everything is blurry. A mixture of the before seen image (smoke, ash, etc.) the faint image of a human body reaches at the main character CAPTAIN AWESOME CAPTION (CONTINUED) “…every….damn….” FAINT HUMAN IMAGE CAPTION: “Riley…?” Panel Three One last time, the shot is from the main character’s (from now on referred to as RILEY) point of view. He’s looking up at the ceiling and coming to from a dream. The blurry image is now clear, revealing 16 year old Cameron Parker, the autistic boy who lives down the hall. He is wearing a light green hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. His hands are fidgety and he looks uncomfortable, but has a definitive grasp on the situation. He speaks swiftly, and straight to the point. RILEY CAPTION (CONTINUING FROM CAPTAIN AWESOME) “…Time?” CAMERON CAPTION: “8:45…am. Every morning at 8:30am you’re supposed to bring me to the bus…” Page 7 (SPLASH PAGE) R Our REAL hero, Riley Cavanaugh your run of the mill twenty something sits on the edge of his bed, grasping his alarm clock and scratching his head. He looks nothing like the hero of his dream (CAPTAIN AWESOME) but instead has a scruffy two week beard, medium length messy hair, green eyes, and big round earrings that his mom would say ”make him look like an aboriginal” he’s wearing a generic t-shirt, boxer shorts, and one sock. Around him lay dirty laundry, pizza boxes, and the general garbage of a 26-year-old bachelor strewn about. His back wall is covered with comic long boxes from floor to ceiling, all alphabetized and labeled accordingly. Cameron sits Indian style behind him, continuing to explain the situation to Riley. CAMERON CAPTION: “… but at 8:35am you were already 5 minuets late, and you left your door unlocked, so I came inside and tried to wake you up. We’re late for the bus now Riley…” RILEY CAPTION: “Yeah, I know buddy…your sister is gonna kill me….” Page 8 (Four Panels) L Panel One We are now in Riley’s kitchen. Both Riley and Cameron are sitting at the kitchen table. A smoking toaster, and overflowing single cup coffee maker are seen in the background on a counter behind the two. Riley sits on the phone cross armed with one leg bent and the other out, profile view at the end of the table. Cameron sits next to him, facing the reader but head down in a bowl of cereal. Riley is having a conversation on the phone with Cameron’s sister and sole guardian: Mary-Ellis Parker. Only Riley’s speech bubbles are seen continuing from panel to panel RILEY CAPTION: “Yeah, he said he wasn’t feeling too well this morning…. I tried to get him on the bus… Panel Two Same view as before, Cameron sitting completely still, the only difference is a raised hand bringing another bite of cereal to his mouth. Riley is now up and walking towards the overflowing coffee, and continuing his conversation on the phone RILEY CAPTION (CONTINUED): “…It’s no big deal, I’ve already called the school, AND he can come to work with me…” Panel three This time the view is from behind Cameron over the shoulder of Riley, Cameron has still not moved from his spot at the table. Riley wraps up his conversation with Mary-Ellis. RILEY CAPTION (CONTINUED): “Of course not! He loves it at the shop and we love having him!....I will Mary-Ellis, stop worrying!….You too….Bye” Panel Four The view is back to the view of panels one and two, Cameron, still fixated on his cereal sits at the table. Riley is crouched next to him but doesn’t make eye contact with Cameron. The two share a devious, but harmless smile and bump fists. RILEY CAPTION: “She bought it dude…” Page 9 (Six Panels) R Panel One Riley and Cameron are now both dressed and standing at a bus stop seen from the waste up. Riley is wearing a grey hoody with a black jacket over it. The black jacket is covered in various pins and patches. He has an army green messenger bag slung across his shoulder. He is now wearing horn rimmed style black glasses and large headphones attached to a device in his front breast pocket. Cameron stands next to him in the same green hoody, this time with his hood on. He is wearing an orange backpack that is worn and old, and is firmly grasping the straps as he wears it. He stands as close to Riley as possible. Panel Two The boys are seen from the same position; nothing has changed but the background. This time they are on a bus. Speed lines in window to indicate this bus is on its way to a destination. A man with a newspaper sits next to Riley, and a large woman sits next to Cameron. Cameron’s face is showing he is extremely uncomfortable. Riley sees Cameron is uncomfortable, so his face is sad showing that he feels bad for Cameron Panel Three Same view of the boys, this time they are in a subway platform waiting for a train. Subway trains whiz by behind them, and men and woman with briefcases and coffee walk past them, indicating this is busy morning time at the station. Riley has his arm around Cameron’s shoulder; both boys are holding a hot pretzel. Cameron’s eyes are lit up; he is clearly excited about riding the subway. Riley has a smug but satisfied smile on his face Panel Four The boys are again seen from the waste up, this time something has drastically changed. Cameron is clutched as tightly as possible to Riley’s waist, he is very clearly upset. Riley is holding onto a handle bar, and standing in the subway car. A woman next to them has a BIG and scary looking dog on a leash. The dog is not being violent but staring at Cameron. Everyone on the car is staring at the scene being made by Cameron. Riley is flustered, but calmly explains the situation. RILEY CAPTION: “I’m sorry everyone, this is his first time on a subway, and he’s not too fond of dogs… RILEY CAPTION (SMALLER WHISPER TO CAMERON) “We’ll get off the next stop buddy…OK?” Panel Five The two boys are sitting in the back of a cab. Riley is holding a magazine and searching for something with his finger. Cameron sits emotionless next to Riley with his hands in his lap. He’s looking out the window. The sun outside fills the car with light, so they are now both wearing sunglasses. Panel Six This time the view has changed. We see just Cameron’s face and hands pressed against the window. He is no longer wearing sunglasses. A look of wonder and awe is on his face. On the window you can see a faint reflection of the Vegas Strip. Riley deals with the cabbie in the background but is not seen. RILEY (OFF PANEL CAPTION): “Thanks man, keep the change.” Page 10 (Four Panels) L Panel One Riley and Cameron are now standing on a sidewalk and looking upward. Both are in total shock and awe. Riley’s jaw is wide open as he switches his sunglasses for his normal glasses, and Cameron is a little more stoic, but still very excited. There are many people walking around behind them, indicating it’s quite busy. Panel Two Riley and Cameron Still haven’t moved, Riley is now looking down at Cameron who is still awe stricken by whatever they are looking at. Riley has his hand on Cameron’s shoulder. Riley is very excited, and in an attempt to excite Cameron, he starts messing with him. Cameron remains fixated on what he is looking at. RILEY CAPTION: “You ready for this? …Well?? If you want we can just go home… you know what, its fine…I’ll just wave down the next cab…” Panel Three Riley stands with his hand up, waving it into the street, but is clearly more focused on Cameron’s currently ruffling feathers. Cameron starts looking angry, but still playful. RILEY CAPTION: “CAB!...I need a CAB here!” CAMERON EMOTION: anger lines and exclamation points around Cameron’s head Panel Four Riley still stands in the street with his arm out, but this time his face shows pain and anguish. Cameron has taken his backpack and swung it into Riley’s stomach. Speed/ wind lines in an arc around Cameron to show the intense force behind this swing. The backpack makes a clean connection with Riley’s stomach. A few people in the background are commenting on the situation, reacting with embarrassment for Riley with a slight hint of mockery. RILEY CAPTION: “OOF!” SPECTATOR 1 CAPTION: “DAAAAAMN!” SPECTATOR 2 CAPTION: “OUCH! SPECTATOR 3 CAPTION: “GET EM’ KID!” The spectators are throwing their arms in the air as if to be routing for Cameron, or clenching their fists in front of their face as if just watching what happened hurt them too. Page 11 (SPLASH PAGE) R Whole Page Riley is hunched over on one knee in the street, crouching and tending to his stomach. Cameron stands proudly next to him, with a stoic yet fulfilled face. He holds his backpack in one hand on the ground like a victorious battle-axe, his other hand clenched in a fist held up halfway by his waist. CAMERON CAPTION: “I’m ready.” Page 12 (Three Panels) L Panel One A HUGE sign that reads “WELCOME TO THE 2035 LAS VEGAS COMIC BOOK EXPO!” hangs over the entranceway to the Las Vegas expo center. The reader is now aware that the story takes place in a not so distant future. People dressed like super heroes, aliens, movie stars, and anything else you can imagine wait patiently on line for the doors to open. People with cameras race around taking as many pictures as possible of all the amazing and well executed costumes. A large radio tower can be seen in the distance. Panel Two Riley and Cameron walk towards the entrance, their backs to the reader. Riley has one hand on his stomach, and another tossing Cameron’s hair. Cameron is hunched over, un-amused by this. His hands grasped firmly on his backpack, which is now wearing again. RILEY CAPTION: “Well then, lets get to it! We just have to meet James and Alex…. They’re holding our spots on line” CAMERON CAPTION: “Alex and James?... “ Panel Three Close up on Cameron from the waist up. His arms are crossed and his face has gone from excited to sour. He is NOT happy that they are joining others for the expo. A man dressed like a banana in a business suit passes by in the background. CAMERON CAPTION: “GREAT. Just Great. Page 13 (Four Panels) R Panel One Riley and Cameron are walking side by side through a crowd of people each one more elaborately dressed then the last. A man dressed in all green does a cartwheel behind them. Riley is concerned about figuring out Cameron’s ill feelings towards Alex and James. Cameron is firm on his beliefs. RILEY CAPTION: “What’s wrong with James and Alex?” CAMERON CAPTION: “Alex is a gross pig, and James is a prick. I don’t want to spend my first comic book convention with them Riley. I don’t….” Panel Two Riley is both shocked and somewhat amused at Cameron’s comments. He laughs for a second, but then snaps out of it and explains things to Cameron. An over-sized woman in scooter putts by dressed like a caped super hero. RILEY CAPTION: “First off CAM, ease it on the ‘prick’ stuff…your sister would have my ass if she heard you talking like that. SECOND, James and Alex are good guys…. we wouldn’t have our passes without them…” CAMERON CAPTION: “You said you got them from your boss Riley. That’s what you told me. Your BOSS… NOT Alex and James.” Panel Three Riley and Cameron have now stopped walking. Riley is now down on his knee in front of Cameron, and he calmly explains to Cameron why they are here, while also trying to excite him about the expo. Cameron Clutches to his backpack and focuses on Riley who is reaching into his messenger bag for something RILEY CAPTION: “Yeah I did get them from my boss, but he only got them because James and Alex were up his ass about it for weeks…. besides, we need four people for our costumes to make sense….” Panel Four We see Cameron from Riley’s point of view, and Riley’s Hand holding a piece of orange fabric and nun chucks. (This is a nod at their costumes being the ninja turtles) Cameron tries his best to hold his angry face but cant hold in his excitement while being presented with his costume. CAMERON CAPTION: “OK…fine. But I can’t promise I’ll be nice to him…” RILEY OFF PANEL CAPTION: “It’s ok…. Neither can I” Page 14 (Two Panels) L Panel One Were now behind Cameron and Riley. Riley is still on one knee helping Cameron put on his mask for his costume. A large costumed crowd is off a bit in the distance behind a velvet rope the faint undetailed figure of two people can be seen waving at the boys. Cameron is pointing at the figures in the distance. FAINT FIGURE CAPTION: “HEY RILEY! Over here! Hurry up!” CAMERON CAPTION: “I can see Alex and the prick now…” Panel Two Riley and Cameron meet Alex and James at the red velvet rope. Riley is wearing a Blue eye mask and holding a Styrofoam sword. Cameron has on an Orange eye mask and is swinging his nun chucks around. Alex is a short, nerdy, over weight 26 year old and has red hair, chubby cheeks, and is wearing the Red eye mask, and holding a pair of sai in one hand, and a 64oz soda in the other, and has on a green shirt that cant quite conceal his stomach, James is a tall, lanky guy with black spiked hair, and a “Hey check out how good I look” goatee. He’s wearing the Purple eye mask, a black t-shirt that reads, “What’s The Issue?!” and is holding a pretty lack luster wooden stick as a staff. Cameron’s description of the Alex and James are spot on. James is not amused at Cameron’s childish behavior. Cameron is close but obviously fixated on his costume and not the conversation around him. ALEX CAPTION: “Hey, dude” JAMES CAPTION: “Did you HAVE to bring Cameron? I wasn’t really looking to babysit today…” RILEY CAPTION: “Dude… Really? What’s your problem? Cameron is a good kid, it’s hardly babysitting…. besides I like him…he’s funny as hell! Page 15 (Four Panels) R Panel One James and Riley continue their conversation (their captions will flow from panel to panel) Riley eagerly opens a brochure titled “The LVCBE 2035 Program” and clearly just wants to talk about the days events, but James stands next to him, arms crossed and is persistent about his annoyance over Cameron’s company. Behind them Cameron is stoic, but eagerly waiting on line to get in, he is counting down the minutes to the doors open. Alex dazes off in the background sipping on his soda. There are lots of people around them dressed in costumes. JAMES CAPTION: “I mean what happens if he starts freaking out in the middle of a Q&A?...” RILEY CAPTION: “First stop… The Super Hero Hall of Fame….” CAMERON CAPTION: “Two minutes and thirty eight seconds left.” Panel Two James continues to complain as Riley ignores everything he says. Riley is still trying to schedules everyone’s day, but is falling on deaf ears. Alex looks down at his watch with a puzzled look on his face. Cameron continues to count the minutes. JAMES CAPTION: “…Or worse…. What if he gets lost? I don’t want to have to go on some wild goose chase because you’ve got a boner for Arnie Grapes sister…” RILEY CAPTION: “…Next we hit the “Sci-Fi of the 70’s” exhibit….” CAMERON CAPTION: “One minute and twelve seconds left.” Panel Three James has stricken a major chord. Riley gets very angry over James’s comment. Riley pushes his finger into James chest and gets very protective and defensive over Cameron. Alex is seen in the background now shaking his watch as if it’s broken, unaware of James and Riley’s argument. Cameron, also unaware of the conversation is still counting down the minutes. RILEY CAPTION: “Fuck off James. Cameron is an amazing kid, and if you weren’t such a PRICK you would know that. Don’t let me hear you talk like that about him EVER again…you got me?” JAMES CAPTION: “Whoa whoa! I’m sorry ok! I didn’t mean anything by it…jeez…” CAMERON CAPTION “Forty seven seconds left.” Panel Four Riley is now walking away from James and Alex bringing Cameron with him by holding his hand. Cameron still manages to whack James in the shin before Riley pulls him away. James is holding his shin in pain as they watch Riley and Cameron walk off. Alex has a confused but satisfied look on his face, as he is happy James got hurt, but does not understand why. RILEY CAPTION: “ C’mon Cameron, We have an expo to see” JAMES CAPTION: “OUCH! Little fucker! What was that for?!” ALEX CAPTION: “I’m sure you deserved it…” Page 16 (Two Page Spread, Part One: One Panel Inside Splash Page) L Whole Page The scene across the two pages is of the Expo floor. Booths are set up as far as the eye can see, mimicking city streets giving the feel of big time flea market. The aisles are flooded with people in costumes, as more flood in from the doorways. The view is aerial, so people are very tiny, but that does not mean it isn’t crowded. Banners are strewn from wall to wall across the ceiling promoting various videogames, movies and TV shows. Panel one In this panel, Cameron’s face is seen, looking upward with his mouth wide open. He is in amazement that he is at the expo. His caption is outside his panel and is shared by Riley (indicating they are saying the same thing) CAMERON CAPTION (SHARED): “It’s Beautiful…” Page 17 (Two Page Spread, Part Two: One Panel Inside Splash Page) R Whole Page Again, the scene is continued across the two pages and depicts the Expo floor. Booths are set up as far as the eye can see, mimicking city streets giving the feel of big time flea market. The aisles are flooded with people in costumes, as more flood in from the doorways. The view is aerial, so people are very tiny, but that does not mean it isn’t crowded. Banners are strewn from wall to wall across the ceiling promoting various videogames, movies and TV shows. Panel One This panel is similar to the one on page 16, Only Riley’s face is seen, he too is looking up in amazement with his jaw wide open, a little bit of drool dribbles from the corner of his mouth. His caption is conjoined to Cameron’s caption (again, indicating they are saying the same thing) RILEY CAPTION (SHARED): “It’s Beautiful…” Page 18 (Five Panels) L Panel One Riley and Cameron snap out of their daze, and start walking to the ticket takers. Riley is fishing in his bag for their tickets, and Cameron excitedly takes in his surroundings. There are fan girls, cos-players (both amazing and terrible), and photographers galore. People dressed in LVCBE shirts are handing out maps of the expo. Cameron walks right past them like they don’t exist. RILEY CAPTION: “I STILL can’t believe were actually here! This is the biggest comic book convention in Nevada!” EXPO WORKER CAPTION: “Free Ma… Oh…” Panel Two They’ve reached the ticket takers and Riley can hardly contain himself. They wait patiently behind a group of people dressed as jungle animals (gorilla, hippo, giraffe…) Tickets in hand. Cameron’s eyes lock on to a booth that says “Take A Picture With Your Favorite Hero!” RILEY CAPTION: “This is it buddy! We’re next!” Panel Three Close up on Riley’s hand as he hands over the two tickets to the ticket taker. The hand of the Ticket taker is large and hairy. This is the hand of a man you do not fuck with. Riley is speaking, but his face is not seen RILEY CAPTION (OFF PANEL): “Two all access passes please!” Panel Four We now see Riley and Cameron eagerly awaiting their passes, as the man taking the tickets rolls his eyes. Clearly he is not excited about what he has to do for work today. He has on an old baseball cap on, a long ponytail, and a big push broom mustache. He is big, but not over muscular. He towers over Riley and Cameron. He holds the tickets in one hand, and extends his arm out with two all access passes on lanyards. TICKET TAKER CAPTION: “Yeah, whatever…have a good day…” Panel Five As Riley and Cameron walk into the expo, the panel stays on the ticket taker who has reset himself for the next people with tickets. He stands with his arms crossed, still annoyed and very over the comic expo. He mumbles an expletive as they walk away. TICKET TAKER CAPTION: “Fuckin’ nerds…” Page 19 (Three Panels) R Panel One Riley and Cameron are now inside the expo. Riley is facing Cameron and Cameron has his back to the reader. Riley, who is already wearing his all access badge, holds the second pass over Cameron’s head, laying it on his neck like a medal of honor. RILEY CAPTION: “So my good sire, where dost thou propose we begin?” Panel two We are now close up on Cameron’s face, who is now wearing his all access badge, and has a puzzled look on his face. Riley is not seen, but is heard off panel. CAMERON CAPTION: “I can’t understand you when you talk like that Riley.” RILEY CAPTION (OFF PANEL): “Oh…Sorry bud…..It means, what do you wanna do first?” Panel Three (preferably the biggest panel on page) We now see both boys standing on the expo floor. Riley is standing behind Cameron. Cameron is pointing at something off panel, Riley has his Styrofoam sword raised in the air as if they were going into battle. Cameron is happy, and Riley is ecstatic as he yells his response to Cameron in an attempt to both thrill and excite him CAMERON CAPTION: “How bout’….THERE!...” RILEY CAPTION: “AN EXCELLENT CHOICE M’LORD! LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN!” Page 20 (Four Panels: all four same size) L Panel One A cameraman stands under a sheet behind an old style photography studio camera. He holds one arm out with a large flash. He too is very short and routine, as if he’s already done this 100 times, and will do it 100 more times after. PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTION: “OK…1..2..3.. Say CHEESE…” Panel two We are now on Cameron who is standing in front of a green screen in his best “super tough guy pose” with his nun chucks in one hand, and the other extended out in a fist as if he just busted his way through a wooden door. His face is super serious. If you hadn’t known better, you’d think Cameron was about to kick your ass…not take a picture. He speaks angrily and under his breath to sound menacing. CAMERON CAPTION: “Cheese.” Panel Three We are now back on the photographer who hasn’t moved. The only difference is this time his flash is going off (SOUND EFFECT: FWOOSH!) and is EXTREMELY bright PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTION: “Perrrfect…. Pick up your print at the end of the line. NEXT!” Panel Four We go back to Cameron, still in front of the green screen, but this time he is rubbing his eyes because of the intensity of the flash, Cameron is clearly pretty flustered. Riley is just off panel, waiting by the register to pay for Cameron’s souvenir photo. RILEY CAPTION (OFF PANEL): “Cam! Over here buddy!” Page 21 (Five Panels, Panel one the biggest) R Panel one Riley is at the register reaching for his wallet to pay for the photo, both him and the girl at the register are seen from profile view, the girl at the register is young, and blonde with her hair in a ponytail. She seems ditzy, bubbly, and too excited for an attractive girl at a comic convention. As Riley grabs for his wallet, he points at an item in the back of the booth, but the item is not seen. Cameron is behind Riley, still rubbing his eyes from the flash. RILEY CAPTION: “Just the picture thanks….wait actually…and two of those please…” Panel Two We are now looking at the girl from over Riley’s shoulder. As she hands him his bag of newly purchased items, she has a big cheesy grin on her face, so big that it’s causing her to squint. This girl is so happy it borders on sarcasm. Riley is not sure how to react. PHOTO GIRL CAPTION: “Thanks SOOOOO much! Enjoy your day!” RILEY CAPTION: “uhh… thanks” Panel Three Riley moves away and now the Photo girl locks eyes with Cameron, who is still rubbing one eye but using the other to see what is going on. She throws a big and almost patronizing smile Cameron’s way as she bends over the counter to better meet his eye level PHOTO GIRL CAPTION: “You too cutie pie!” Panel Four We are now looking at Cameron from what appears to be the photo girl’s point of view. Cameron, still rubbing his one eye, stands there staring at her as if she said nothing. He is stoic and doesn’t move. Riley calls to him from off panel to get his attention. RILEY CAPTION (OFF PANEL): “Hey Cam, You hungry?” Panel Five Cameron joins Riley and the two walk away from the booth Riley is using his sword to scratch his head where his mask meets his hairline. Cameron has stopped rubbing his eyes, and his hands are back at his sides firmly grasping his backpack. The nun chucks can be seen poking out of the back of Cameron’s backpack. RILEY CAPTION: “I’m not sure why but I’ve been craving some pizza all morning…”* FOOTNOTE IN BOTTOM CORNER: “*I see what I did there…” Page 22 (Four Panels) L Riley and Cameron are now sitting at a cafeteria-style table enjoying some pizza. Riley has his slice perfectly folded in one hand with his other hand holding his cell phone on the table. Cameron has both hands on the crust pulling the slice away from his face, which is covered in sauce and pizza grease, trying to break off the ever-stretching cheese from his slice. Riley while chewing lets out a slight smirk and is happy that Cameron is having a good time he sarcastically comments on their good time. RILEY CAPTION: “Totally worth the $5 slice of arena pizza…” Panel Two The boys are still fixated on their pizza, as James and Alex appear at the end of the table; they are both holding trays of food. James has a plastic bag in one hand and is holding it in the air, almost dangling it in Riley and Cameron’s Faces. ALEX CAPTION: “Hey guys…” JAMES CAPTION: “Mind if we join you? I come bearing gifts!” Panel Three Riley casually goes to sip is soda giving James a very brushed off, but in good fun look and points to Cameron. Cameron stares at James with a face that shows he’s skeptical to accept, but does not want to turn down any gifts. James puts on a big fake smile eagerly awaiting their responses. Alex Starts eating his food. RILEY CAPTION: “Don’t look at me, you gotta plead with the boss man..” JAMES CAPTION: “Well? What do you say Cameron? Can we sit with you?” Panel Four Cameron smiles at James and Alex while pointing at James with an almost stern finger as a warning. Riley sips on his soda. Alex and James begin to graciously sit down and join them CAMERON CAPTION: “Just don’t piss me off…capice?” Page 23 (Four Panels) R Panel One The four boys are now all sitting at the table sharing a good laugh at Cameron’s comment. They are all having a very clearly good time. Cameron is not AS excited at the joke as the rest of the boys, but he’s still happy and enjoying the day. Cameron has not forgotten about James’s promised gifts however. CAMERON CAPTION: “So James mentioned gifts?” Panel Two Riley and Alex continue to laugh, and James is slightly taken aback by Cameron’s comment, but respects him for getting down to business. He ruffles Cameron’s hair playfully with one arm and points at Riley with the other. Cameron sits cross armed unamused. He cares only about his gift from James. JAMES CAPTION: “Damn Riley, your boy likes to get straight to business eh? I like that.” Panel Three In this panel we see only James, he holds a comic book in one hand, and an action figure in the other handing them off to Riley and Cameron who are off panel. James is gloating while he hands off the items. JAMES CAPTION: “A limited edition Transformer for you… and a first print of Marvel’s Civil War issue one for you….. now I probably don’t need to tell you, but these are LVCBE exclusives so you definitely shouldn’t-“ Panel Four The Panel now only shows Riley and Cameron, but contrary to popular assumption, Riley has received the toy and Cameron has received the comic book. Both of them have opened their gifts already and are incredibly excited. Both of them has an ear to ear smile and a twinkle in their eyes. Riley is changing his transformer from car to robot mode, and Cameron is leafing through the pages of his new comic. JAMES CAPTION: “-open them?! DUDES already? You barely had them two seconds…” Page 24 (Four Panels) L Panel One Riley, Cameron, James, and Alex are now all together out on the expo floor. They stand in a line walking towards the reader. They are all wearing their respective costumes, and walk with such confidence throughout the expo that they almost feel like a force to be reckoned with. Riley has his hand on Cameron’s shoulder and is pointing to direct Cameron’s view towards something off panel, James has his staff tucked under one arm, and a plastic bag of purchased items around his wrist a he texts on his phone. Alex is taking in all the views, while also taking in a gigantic mound of cotton candy. We can see booths selling toys, comics, and trading cards all around them. Many other people are walking around as well, some in costumes, some not. Fun is being had by all. Panel Two The four boys are now sitting in a large conference hall listening in on a Q&A panel for a new movie that’s coming out. They sit in the same order as they were in in panel one, only this time they sit with their backs towards the reader. In the distance in front of them you can see a long table with a few actors and directors and writers sitting at a table. The director of the movie is speaking and boasting about their use of the latest “4-D” movie technology. DIRECTOR CAPTION: “We pulled out ALL the stops for you guys, and with the use of 4-D technology we’ve revolutionized going to the movies. NOW when you see a high speed car chase on screen, you’ll feel the wind blowing through your hair, the seat will turn with the car, you will actually FEEL the g-force as if you’re in the car with them!” Panel Three Now the boys are standing in front of a large backdrop that say “LAS VEGAS COMIC BOOK EXPO 2035” with a large “KA-POW!” sound effect bubble underneath it. The boys all stand with their weapons out, and in position as if about to take on a might army of villains. All the boys have stern looks on heir faces except for Cameron who cant contain his excitement. Riley is on the left, with his ninja sword held high above his shoulders read to swing. James is in the middle with his staff held over his head spinning it, while using his other hand to make a “Come get some” gesture. Alex is on the right, with his sai placed between his fingers, and ready to attack. He has some sort of stain on his shirt. Cameron stands in the front spinning his nun chucks and smiling from ear to ear. The camera man is not seen, but speaks from off panel CAMERA MAN (OFF PANEL): “Pick up your photo at the booth to your left…NEXT!” Panel four The four boys are now leaving the expo center and it is starting to get dark out. James and Alex head off in one direction, and Riley and Cameron go off in another. Other people are shuffling in and out of the expo. They all wave to each other as they leave. ALEX CAPTION: “Later guys! Get home safe!” RILEY CAPTION: “you too! See you guys on Monday!” Page 25 (Five Panels) R Panel One We see the boys from an aerial view, they’re standing in front of their apartment complex, and Riley is paying for a cab, Cameron is standing on the curb watching Riley and the cab driver, its starting to get dark and the street lights have just turned on. RILEY CAPTION: “Keep the change.” Panel Two Same view as panel one, the cab is driving off and Riley puts his hand on Cameron’s back as they walk towards the stoop of their apartment. Cameron is tired after a long and exciting day, but Riley has one last present for him. RILEY CAPTION: “So Cam… did you have a good time?” CAMERON CAPTION: “Yeah. It was really fun. Thank you Riley.” RILEY CAPTION (CONTINUED): “Awesome! I’m glad we got to do this together…” Panel Three The boys are now on the steps of their apartment building, Riley stops Cameron on the steps before they can enter the building. Riley is fishing in his pocket for something. Cameron is confused, but also very intrigued. RILEY CAPTION: “Hold on a second…. Before we go in, I wanted to give you this…” Panel Four A close up on Riley’s hand, open palmed with two gold rings. The first ring has a big C on it and is studded with alternating blue and yellow gems. The second is almost identical, but with an R instead of a C. RILEY CAPTION: “I picked these up at the expo today, one for me and one for you. They’re like wonder rings! Now well always be best buddies!” Panel Five Riley and Cameron are sitting on the stop facing the reader. They are both now wearing their rings and touching them together. Cameron is excited beyond belief. Riley is happy and humbled that Cameron accepted his gift. RILEY CAPTION: “I’m glad you like it!, now lets get you back inside to your sister…” Page 26 (Five Panels) L Panel One Riley stands in the hallway at the door of Cameron and Mary-Ellis’s apartment. He is talking to Mary-Ellis who is not in view. The hallway is nice but nothing special. Another door can be seen to the left and behind Riley MARY-ELLIS CAPTION (OFF PANEL): “Thanks again Riley, you sure it wasn’t any trouble?” RILEY CAPTION: “Of course not, Cameron is never a problem for me.” Panel Two We now see Mary-Ellis from Riley’s point of view. She a cute, 28 year old, “girl next door” type. She has Dirty blonde hair that is tied up in a lazy bun. She is wearing a waitress uniform with a few stains on it from todays shift. She seems exhausted but still well kept. Cameron is in the background sitting at a kitchen table eating chicken and fries out of a take home box. MARY-ELLIS CAPTION: “well, I really appreciate it, I know you mean a lot to Cameron. He talks about you all the time…” Panel Three Both Riley and Mary-Ellis are now standing in the hallway as Mary-Ellis closes the door behind them to talk to Riley in private. Mary–Ellis closes the door sneakily so Cameron doesn’t notice. RILEY CAPTION: “Really, don’t sweat it…. Cameron is an awesome little dude…” Panel Four Mary-Ellis is now grabbing onto Riley hugging him and crying. She’s clearly had some rough couple of days and is overcome with how caring Riley is to her and her brother. Riley is surprised but only because Mary-Ellis was so composed a moment ago. MARY-ELLIS CAPTION: “It’s just been so rough lately… ever since Mom passed away, and I’ve become Cameron’s guardian… I have to work two jobs just to make ends meet…. It means so much more than you know that we have someone like you in our lives….” Panel Five Mary-Ellis has now detached herself from Riley and is wiping away her tears. She seems embarrassed, but Riley being the nice guy that he is, consoles her by putting his hand on her shoulder and reassuring her that everything is good. MARY-ELLIS CAPTION: “I’m sorry Riley, I didn’t mean to unload on you like that…” RILEY CAPTION: “Hey, don’t worry about it…. Everyone’s got their moments… if you EVER need anything, you know I’m just across the hall... don’t hesitate. You and Cameron are like family to me.” Page 27 (Five Panels) R Panel One Mary-Ellis and Riley are still in the hallway, Mary-Ellis has a shocked look on her face, Riley’s comment has reminded her to ask him something. MARY-ELLIS CAPTION: “Oh crap! That reminds me….are you free tomorrow?” Panel Two Riley stands in the hallway scratching his head and pretending to ponder if he has plans, even though he knows he was just going to get high and watch TV all day. He tries to play it cool, hoping that Mary-Ellis is about to ask him on a date. RILEY CAPTION: “Hmmm…. I believe I’m free…why do you ask?” Panel Three Mary-Ellis is looking at Riley with a cute, and almost flirtatious look, and is stumbling through her question. Riley is hanging on every word eagerly awaiting a date request. Riley is quite smitten. MARY-ELLIS CAPTION: “I know its Saturday and all, but…. I got put on a double shift tomorrow and I can’t find a sitter….could you come over and watch Cameron for me around 11 tomorrow morning?” Panel Four Riley and Mary-Ellis both have embarrassed and blushing faces, Riley has both arms behind his head, and Mary-Ellis has realized she just played the cute card to get Riley to do her a favor. RILEY CAPTION: “Oh… uhh yeah, sure…of course I can” MARY-ELLIS CAPTION: “Great!… I gotta catch an early bus, ill just leave the door unlocked and you can just let yourself in, he may still be sleeping at that point….Thanks again Riley…for everything.” Panel Five Riley is now alone in the hallway as Mary-Ellis shuts the door (SOUND EFFECT: KA-CHUCK!), he has a defeated look on his face as he stares at the door and sighs. RILEY SOUND EFFECT: “sigh…” Page 28 (Four Panels) L Panel One a smaller panel of Riley’s alarm clock is in the upper left hand corner it reads 9:00am and is going off (SOUND EFFECT: BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!) In the bigger panel, Riley is laying in bed face down. His blanket covers everything except the top of his head and an extended arm that has slammed down on the alarm clock to silence it. Riley is tired, and was NOT planning on being up this early. RILEY CAPTION: “uhhhhg….” Panel Two We are now in Riley’s kitchen, he’s fishing through his cupboard looking for something to eat with his back to the reader. He is wearing a white t-shirt, and boxer-brief underwear. In his cupboard, we see the pickin’s are slim. He’s reaching for a box of cereal. RILEY CAPTION: “Corn flakes it is…” Panel Three Riley is now sitting on his couch in front of the TV, with his cereal in a bowl in front of him on the coffee table. He is taking a hit from a small purple water pipe (BONG SOUND EFFECT: BUBBLE BUBBLE BUBBLE) he holds a remote in his other hand, and turns on the TV (REMOTE SOUND EFFECT: CLICK!) all the channels are taken up by a special news report. A news reporter can be heard but is not seen. REPORTER CAPTION: “If you’re, just tuning in, we’re about to go live to the president, who is set to address the world at the launch the world congress’ new global defense system: THE AEGIS PROJECT…” Panel Four Riley is now exhaling a massive smoke cloud and focusing on the monumental news on the TV. The reporter continues to talk and introduce the President of Earth. RILEY CAPTION: “Oh shit... That’s today?” REPORTER CAPTION: “We now have word that the president is ready to address the world…” Page 29 (Splash Page) R We now see the President standing at a podium. It is a woman, with short brown hair, and a red business suit and skirt. She has on glasses and looks to be about 50 years old. Her name is President Sheila Garant, which is displayed at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. The page is grainy with lines through it indicating that the reader is looking at the address on the same TV screen as Riley. The president talks proudly, and confidently. Behind her are two hulking security guards. They both have on sunglasses and traditional black suits. One of them has his finger to his ear as if listening in on his earpiece. A Flag can be seen behind her, it is a take on the traditional American flag, but with red, black, and white alternating stripes, and a picture of Earth in a green square in the upper left hand corner. PRESIDENT GARANT CAPTION: “Citizens of Earth, it is with great HONOR and PRIDE that I address you on this day. Twenty year ago, we as a planet were able to achieve the unthinkable: WORLD PEACE. Today, we tackle a new frontier… INTERGALACTIC PROTECTION. Now, its no news that we’ve explored space and all of its proposed questions and answers in the past… but today we take the first step in protecting ourselves from any possible impeding threat that could be out there. We as a planet…as PEOPLE, have the right to protect ourselves, and today we exercise that right. Today, we turn on the towers you’ve watched get erected in every country of the world. Today, we finally turn on our newly erected intergalactic protection system…. THE AEGIS PROJECT…” Page 30 (Five Panels) L Panel one We are now back on Riley who is intently watching the news report while shoving cereal into his face. He hasn’t left the couch and is clearly taken in by the historical moment. The president continues her speech off panel PRESIDENT GARANT CAPTION (OFFPANEL): “In my hand, I hold the switch that will turn on all the electromagnetic towers, creating an invisible shield that will coat the planet, making it impossible for anyone to get in….” RILEY CAPTION: “Or out…” Panel Two We are now back on the president who is continuing her speech through the TV and is now holding a small square controller with a single red button on it. She is all smiles as she continues her explanation of how The Aegis Project works. PRESIDENT GARANT CAPTION: “The towers in each country will be regulated by the World Congress and can be opened and closed to their disclosure. I invite all of the worlds citizens to join me in the countdown to its launch…” Panel Three We are still on the TV screen, but now a blonde reporter is seen standing in front of one of the large radio towers that make up the shield. A MASSIVE crowd of people in support and protest of The Aegis Project surround the tower. The people in the background are counting down the seconds to launch. She is holding a microphone in one hand, and her other hand to her earpiece. REPORTER CAPTION: “Ok people….this is IT! We are here LIVE at the Las Vegas Aegis Tower, and we are just SECONDS away from launch…. CROWD CAPTION: “4… 3… 2… 1…” Panel Four Still as seen through the TV, the panel now shows just the radio tower with the crowd of people around it….everything is calm and everyone is patiently waiting for something to happen. Panel Five Still on TV, the tower is now emitting a small purple energy shield around the top, small sparks of purple electricity run along the tower. The people at the base of the tower start cheering for the successful launch. CROWD SOUND EFFECT: CHEERING (YAY! YAHOO! HOORAY!) Page 31 (Four panels, first three vertical, one horizontal at bottom of page) R Panel one The tower is seen emanating purple energy from the top of it, everything seems to have gone according to plan. The reporter comments on the successful launch. But is not seen on screen. REPORTER CAPTION (OFF PANEL): “There you have it folks, a successful launch means a newly protected Earth.” Panel Two The Tower’s energy field starts to grow larger, everything starts to get brighter. The reporter comments on the odd occurrence. She is still heard but not seen. REPORTER COMMENT: “It appears that there’s some sort of disturbance with the tower….and I’m getting reports that all of the energy fields of the towers around the globe seem to be growing in size…” Panel Three The energy field has grown so large and blinding that little can be seen besides the tower itself. The reporter begins to grow worried but tries to keep her journalistic composure. REPORTER CAPTION: “It now looks as if the tower is emitting TOO MUCH energy and I’m being told that the president has advised everyone to immediately seek shelter, and embrace for-“ Panel Four Only the top of the Aegis tower is seen now. The energy has reach critical mass and explodes, giving off a field of electromagnetic radiation. the panel is bright and full of raw energy. The reporter’s equipment is only able to capture this last image before all electronic devices lose power. Page 32 (Two panels, horizontal, each taking up half the page) L Panel one We are now back on Riley who is sitting in front of the TV, SHOCKED at what he’s just witnessed with his eyes wide, and jaw dropped. His cereal bowl and spoon crash against the coffee table. Through a window to Riley’s left, a bright purple light can be seen. RILEY CAPTION: “HOLY SH-“ Panel two Before Riley can even finish his sentence, the purple energy crashes through his window with such force, that his entire apartment seems to get blown across the room with Riley. The wreckage is INTENSE as if a bomb just went off in his lap. The TV, couch, and coffee table are almost completely vaporized, as Riley is tossed across the room like a rag doll. EXPLOSION SOUND EFFECT: KRA-VOOOOOM! Page 33 (Four Panels, all horizontal) R Panel one The first panel is black, nothing is seen except the thoughts of Riley. RILEY THOUGHT: “UHNG! My head…JESUS!, that fucking hurt… what the hell just happened?…” Panel Two We see a sliver of Riley’s newly wrecked apartment as he opens his eyes. Through the small slit in the panel, we can see Riley’s apartment is FULL of rubble and settling dust from the explosion. Off panel, someone cries for help. OFF PANEL CAPTION: “HELP!!!” Panel Three We now see Riley, who is under a pile of rubble and knick-knacks from around his apartment. His face is badly bruised and bloody. He is dazed but the cries for help make him come too. OFF PANEL CAPTION: “HELP!!!” RILEY CAPTION: “Oh FUCK!-“ Panel Four Riley, who is still under the pile of rubble, has come too and realized who is calling for help. His face is pale and scared about what has happened. He starts to pull himself from the rubble. RILEY CAPTION: “-CAMERON!” Page 34 (Five Panels) L Panel One Riley has now freed himself from the rubble of his apartment and running towards his newly destroyed door. Riley has now realized that the voice screaming for help is Cameron from across the hall. Riley is worried because he knows Cameron is alone in the apartment. Rubble and settling smoke fill the apartment hallway, all of the lights are out. CAMERON CAPTION (OFF PANEL): “HELP!!!!” RILEY CAPTION: “HANG ON CAM! IM COMING FOR YOU!” Panel Two Riley is now at Cameron’s door and is struggling to open it because the door is locked Cameron can still be heard screaming behind the door. (SOUND EFFECT: WHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!) Riley’s face is full of worry that he wont be able to rescue Cameron, he has one hand on the doorknob and is using his other fist to bang at the door (SOUND EFFECT: THUD! THUD! THUD!) RILEY CAPTION: “Why is this fucking door locked?! CAM! I’m coming buddy! I’m right here!” Panel Three Riley has grown angry and frustrate that his attempts to open this door have proven futile. He cocks his arm back to give the door one BIG punch, the hand on the door nob starts to turn gold as if his hand is melting into it or fusing with it. Riley does not notice this as he winds up. He lets out a loud force-full grunt that continues into the net panel. RILEY CAPTION: “YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAA-” Panel Four This panel shows only Riley’s clenched fist makes as it makes contact with the wooden door. (SOUND EFFECT: THUD!) The wood around his fist splinters off as his fist starts to meld with the wood as his other hand did with the doorknob. RILEY CAPTION (CONTINUED): “-AAHHHHGGGGG!” Panel Five Riley stands in the hallway facing the reader astounded at what has just happened. One arm has now become complete gold like the doorknob that is still fused to Riley’s hand, his other arm is now wood, with a broken piece of door still attached to his fist. Riley cannot believe what his seeing. RILEY CAPTION: “WHAT THE FUCK?!” Page 35 (Four Panels, one large at top, three smaller in a row on bottom) L Panel One Without hesitation, Riley kicks through the door, pieces of the door fly off in all directions towards the reader as he stands in the door way triumphant, but still confused at what has happened to him. His adrenaline is pumping and Cameron’s safety is his main concern. RILEY CAPTION: “CAMERON!” Panel Two We close up on Riley’s face looking to the left with motion lines indicating he has swiftly turned his head to the left to look for Cameron his words spill through all three panels as he surveys the apartment RILEY CAPTION: “Cameron?!...” Panel Three Same view of Riley’s head, this time turned to the right. Motion lines indicating he has swiftly moved turned his head again. His caption continues from the previous panel. RILEY CAPTION: “…You in here? Are you…” Panel Four Riley is now looking straight ahead (toward the reader) his face full of worry as if he is looking at something truly terrifying. His mouth is wide open. His caption continues from the previous panel. RILEY CAPTION: “…OK!?...” Page 36 (SPLASH PAGE with two smaller floating inner panels) R Whole Page Cameron is sitting indian style and his hands covering his ears floating in the middle of a destroyed room. Rubble and framed pictures are in piles around him on the floor. He is surrounded by purple energy that is causing rubble and other items to float around him (Cameron’s orange backpack being one of the items). Each item is surrounded by the same purple energy that surrounds Cameron. Cameron’s eyes and mouth are glowing purple and slightly smoking. Cameron looks so calm it comes off evil or possessed. CAMERON CAPTION: “Riley…” First smaller inner panel This small panel shows just Cameron’s cold stoic eyes as the glow purple in the upper left hand corner Second smaller inner panel This panel shows Cameron’s mouth glowing purple and smoking as he finishes his caption CAMERON CAPTION: “…Help…Please...” Page 37 (Five Panels) L Panel One Cameron continues to float in the middle of the room and giving off purple energy. Riley begins to run at Cameron to save him. Riley’s arms start to return to normal as he drops the doorknob and wood from the door. Panel Two Riley grabs Cameron from the air, and put him over his shoulder. The floating objects around Cameron lose their purple aura and begin to drop around them, except for Cameron’s backpack, which Cameron is reaching for as Riley pulls him away. CAMERON CAPTION: “Riley! My Backpack!” Panel Three Riley grabs Cameron’s backpack from the air as they continue towards the door. Cameron’s eyes and mouth are still glowing purple. RILEY CAPTION: “We need to get the fuck out of here…” Panel Four Riley and Cameron are now outside the apartment in the hallway of their apartment. Cameron is sitting against the wall, and Riley is examining Cameron’s glowing eyes. He has both his hands on Cameron’s face, Cameron has hands on Riley’s trying to fight them off. A faint hissing can be heard in the background (SOUND EFFECT: HSSSSSSSSSSSSS) RILEY CAPTION: “Cameron! Please stop… I’m trying to see what’s wrong with your eyes!” Panel Five We close in on Riley’s face who is facing the reader, he has one nostril flared up and an eyebrow raised as if he smells something fishy. The hissing is still heard. (SOUND EFFECT: HSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS) RILEY CAPTION: “Do you smell that?” Page 38 (Four Panels) L Panel One Riley looks over his shoulder to see where the hissing sound and smell are coming from. Cameron’s eyes are glowing a little less, and Cameron seems concerned as well. Panel Two We see the stove from Cameron’s apartment on its side, the Gas line has been cut, and is filling the room with gas. (SOUND EFFECT: HSSSSSSSSSSSSSS) Panel Three We cut back to Riley who has a fearful and defeated look on his face as if this was the LAST thing he needed right now. RILEY CAPTION: “Oh, come on!…..” Panel Four We are back on the stove, and now a near by wire has sparked, small flames can be seen on the floor. An explosion is coming. Page 39 (Four panels, one big, three small at bottom of the page) R Panel One A HUGE EXPLOSION (SOUND EFFECT: KA-BOOOOM!) comes from the apartment. Riley is covering Cameron from the blast with his body while holding onto a piece of exposed concrete on the wall behind Cameron. Debris flies in every direction. Panel Two Close up on Riley huddled over Cameron. Both the boys have their eyes closed tight, as Riley protects them. Riley’s skin is now grey and rock-like, as if his skin has now become cement. The explosion happens around them, but because Riley’s skin has taken on the concrete both boys are protected from the blast. Panel Three Riley is still huddled over Cameron as the explosion comes to an end. Riley’s eyes are still tightly closed, but Cameron has his eyes open which are no longer glowing, looking at Riley’s concrete face and is stunned by what he sees. CAMERON CAPTION: “Riley…?” Panel Four Riley is still huddled over Cameron as he was for the past two panels. Both boys now have their eyes open and are looking at each other. The explosion has ended and dust settles around them. CAMERON CAPTION: “What happened to your face?” Page 40 (Five Panels) L Panel One Riley stands up and looks into a broken mirror on the wall, his skin is still grey and stone like. He touches his face in confusion, unable to explain what has happened to them. Cameron is standing behind Riley as he examines his face. RILEY CAPTION: “I’m… I’m not sure, My skin keeps turning into whatever I touch…” Panel Two Riley continues to look into the mirror as his skin begins to return to normal. Cameron is now putting on his backpack and watching Riley check his skin. RILEY CAPTION: “It seems to fade away as I start to relax though…” Panel Three Riley’s skin is now back to normal, he is checking the undersides of his arms to make sure. Both boys are dirty from dust, but neither seem to be bruised or injured at all. Cameron stands stoically holding the straps of his backpack CAMERON CAPTION “Riley?...” RILEY CAPTION: “Yeah buddy?” Panel Four Riley is now crouching in front of Cameron to meet him eye level. Cameron stares at Riley as Riley consoles him and address’ is his concerns. CAMERON CAPTION: “Do you think Mary-Ellis is OK?” RILEY CAPTION: “Mary-Ellis is stronger than you think…I’m sure she’s fine…in fact we should probably head over to the restaurant to find her…” Panel five Riley is still crouched in front of Cameron in the hall. Cameron points at Riley’s waist, and Riley is caught with a red face of embarrassment. CAMERON CAPTION: “OK…but you might want to put on some pants first…” RILEY CAPTION: “Haha.. yeah probably” Page 41 (Four panels) R Panel One Both of the boys are in Riley’s now destroyed apartment. Riley is wearing blue jeans, and a grey hoody, he is looking through the rubble in search of his messenger bag. Cameron is staring out a broken window. RILEY CAPTION: “As soon as I find some clothes, we’ll go find Mary-Ellis, and then see if anyone knows what’s happened…” Panel Two Riley is now slinging his messenger bag over his shoulder and continuing to reassure Cameron that everything is all right. Cameron is standing in front of the mirror but is now focused on Riley. RILEY CAPTION: “I’m sure the police are right outside directing people to safe zones….” Panel Three The two boys are now walking down the destroyed hallway towards an exit sign, facing away from the reader. Riley continues to try and keep Cameron calm, while also trying to convince himself that everything is all right. Cameron has both hands on his backpack straps. RILEY CAPTION: “The government always has exit strategies for this kind of stuff… were going to be just fine…” Panel Four The boys are now at the door, which is open, letting in a blinding sunlight. The panel is mostly white from how bright the sun is, turning the two boys into a silhouette in the distance. RILEY CAPTION: “…Besides, how bad could it really be out there? Page 42 & 43 (TWO PAGE SPLASH PAGE ENDING.) L & R BOTH PAGES. The entire block can be seen. The scene is hectic and gruesome. Buildings lay in ruins, with smoke and dust still rising from its ashes. Cars lay flipped over with dead bodies hanging out of them. A man in the distance is being eaten by three grotesque mutated people(SOUND EFFECT: YEARRRRRGH! & CRUNCH!) A giant bird like creature is flying away with a woman and children in its claws (WOMAN AND CHILD ARE BOTH SCREAMING) as a man on the street runs after them, being chased by more mutated monster like people. Two LARGE men are looting a TV from a near by paw shop. PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR SHIT. This is a new world completely destroyed and almost desolate, filled with many new mutated people and animals. Riley and Cameron watch on in horror, as they look on in horror at what their world has become. They stand in the bottom left corner of the left page. CAMERON CAPTION: “Bad…” BOTTOM RIGHT PAGE TEXT: TO BE CONTINUED…