The critical review of the first year of Break-Out Comic Book Experiment
If it happened to the late, great Dick Giordano, then I guess it’s good it happened to me.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
False Dawn #12: Crossing Over Part Two-Short Story Format
False Dawn #12 : Crossing Over
Part Two of Four: The Truth
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
“Mom’s a statue?” I demand.
Uncle Connor can’t meet my eyes. “Yes.”
“But…she’s a statue. Like, stone and rock and Mount Rushmore.”
“Well, technically, she’s been frozen, like a Popsicle or those waffles you pop in the toaster, but—”
That did it. I snatch my uncle like nerds grab first-edition comics and slam him against the wall. “Technically!? TECHNICALLY!”
And before I know it, the words spill from my mouth faster than the Flash can run. “In the last six months, I’ve been traveling the East Coast with a reincarnated immortal and a were-phoenix. I’ve been attacked by SHADOW WARRIORS who have kidnapped you and Mom, and I’ve been transported to another dimension through the head of Edgar Allen Poe and almost been eaten by a freakin’ live dragon. I’ve found out that the two people who have never been three feet from me my entire life are actually immortals called Sojourners, and maybe—just maybe—I might not even know them at all. And you use the word ‘TECHNICALLY!’”
Part Two of Four: The Truth
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
“Mom’s a statue?” I demand.
Uncle Connor can’t meet my eyes. “Yes.”
“But…she’s a statue. Like, stone and rock and Mount Rushmore.”
“Well, technically, she’s been frozen, like a Popsicle or those waffles you pop in the toaster, but—”
That did it. I snatch my uncle like nerds grab first-edition comics and slam him against the wall. “Technically!? TECHNICALLY!”
And before I know it, the words spill from my mouth faster than the Flash can run. “In the last six months, I’ve been traveling the East Coast with a reincarnated immortal and a were-phoenix. I’ve been attacked by SHADOW WARRIORS who have kidnapped you and Mom, and I’ve been transported to another dimension through the head of Edgar Allen Poe and almost been eaten by a freakin’ live dragon. I’ve found out that the two people who have never been three feet from me my entire life are actually immortals called Sojourners, and maybe—just maybe—I might not even know them at all. And you use the word ‘TECHNICALLY!’”
False Dawn #12: Comic Book Script
False Dawn #12 : Crossing Over
Part Two of Four: The Truth
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Part Two of Four: The Truth
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
After Connor frees himself from the warriors, the gang finds out the truth about Connor and Addy's abduction, but just what that is might change everything.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Who I Want to Grow Up To Be
Hey, my first question! (*waves to SaphGem*)
Where do I get my inspiration, and who do I read?
My inspiration--I hate to use cliche answers, but right now, I'm sitting in training for my new job with the lights low. In front of me, model-straight blond hair sweeps the college's students athletic shoulders as she fidgets on her computer. She sighs and slurps her iced coffee, rolling her eyes as the dark shadow comes up behind her.
"Oh, Bruce, you think you have me?"
In one rapid movement, she's on her heels, pulling her batarang, only to stop inches from the attacker's chest.
"Tim?" she asks, her batarang still heaved to stab. Buffy has nothing on her.
Tim pulls off his cowl. "Will people stop doing that? That's the fifth time this week."
Hey, I'm just the fly on the wall. Actually, "Steph" was a member of my class, but the point is: Inspiration comes from everything and everywhere. My mom walks with two canes (just like Tim does now--except she needs them), so the limp in "Jammed Hip" came from her plight. Raleigh's name is actually a take on my sister's nickname, Reigh. Your stories and your characters are here--you just have to find them.
As for writing/editing idols, I aspire to be (like) Judd Winick, Geoff Johns, Fabian Nicieza, Mike Marts, Jim Lee, Tony Daniel, Ed Brubaker, Chuck Dixon, and Devin Grayson. (THERE ARE TONS MORE!) I know many people didn't appreciate Ms. Grayson's tenure on Nightwing, but she's really paved the way for female Bat-Fans. She was the first female writer on a mainstream Batman comic (Gotham Knights still remains one of my favorite comics of all time.) She is the only woman to achieve that feat.
So, I hope this helps. Trust me. As you keep on with your writing career, you'll learn what I have. There really is no such thing as writer's block. You just have to persevere.
Dev
P.S. Judd, please finish your "Long Shadows" twist! I really, really want to know! (Saying that as if Judd reads this...*laughs*)
Where do I get my inspiration, and who do I read?
My inspiration--I hate to use cliche answers, but right now, I'm sitting in training for my new job with the lights low. In front of me, model-straight blond hair sweeps the college's students athletic shoulders as she fidgets on her computer. She sighs and slurps her iced coffee, rolling her eyes as the dark shadow comes up behind her.
"Oh, Bruce, you think you have me?"
In one rapid movement, she's on her heels, pulling her batarang, only to stop inches from the attacker's chest.
"Tim?" she asks, her batarang still heaved to stab. Buffy has nothing on her.
Tim pulls off his cowl. "Will people stop doing that? That's the fifth time this week."
Hey, I'm just the fly on the wall. Actually, "Steph" was a member of my class, but the point is: Inspiration comes from everything and everywhere. My mom walks with two canes (just like Tim does now--except she needs them), so the limp in "Jammed Hip" came from her plight. Raleigh's name is actually a take on my sister's nickname, Reigh. Your stories and your characters are here--you just have to find them.
As for writing/editing idols, I aspire to be (like) Judd Winick, Geoff Johns, Fabian Nicieza, Mike Marts, Jim Lee, Tony Daniel, Ed Brubaker, Chuck Dixon, and Devin Grayson. (THERE ARE TONS MORE!) I know many people didn't appreciate Ms. Grayson's tenure on Nightwing, but she's really paved the way for female Bat-Fans. She was the first female writer on a mainstream Batman comic (Gotham Knights still remains one of my favorite comics of all time.) She is the only woman to achieve that feat.
So, I hope this helps. Trust me. As you keep on with your writing career, you'll learn what I have. There really is no such thing as writer's block. You just have to persevere.
Dev
P.S. Judd, please finish your "Long Shadows" twist! I really, really want to know! (Saying that as if Judd reads this...*laughs*)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
"Baptism of Fire"/STORY GIVEAWAY
STORY GIVEAWAY!
The story giveaway is currently going on, so if you've become a follower (*waves*), email me the characters/idea you want. If you haven't yet, it's quick and easy. Become a research assistant, and I'll write you a story with the characters of your choice. Send me an email or comment right here on the blog, and I'll get write (HA!) on it! But hurry! I'm looking to close the giveaway by the end of the year.
Thanks!
Dev
Sunday, November 21, 2010
JOB UPDATE!
BIG NEWS!
As you've probably noticed (if you're here), I've quit the DCU and Bludhaven Boards because of my new job. Yup, that's right! I accepted a job recently at a retail wholesaler as a pricer to get out of the print shop, and it requires at least sixty hours of my week. BUT that doesn't mean the experiment ends. No, my friends. The Dream still lives, and with two more years to go on my deadline for breaking into comics, I'm in overdrive. The Annual's currently in scripting, and Connor's giving his side of the story to the Crew in FD#12.
Stay tuned!
Dev
As you've probably noticed (if you're here), I've quit the DCU and Bludhaven Boards because of my new job. Yup, that's right! I accepted a job recently at a retail wholesaler as a pricer to get out of the print shop, and it requires at least sixty hours of my week. BUT that doesn't mean the experiment ends. No, my friends. The Dream still lives, and with two more years to go on my deadline for breaking into comics, I'm in overdrive. The Annual's currently in scripting, and Connor's giving his side of the story to the Crew in FD#12.
Stay tuned!
Dev
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
False Dawn #11-Crossing Over Part One
False Dawn #11 : Crossing Over
Part One of Four: Reunion
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
THEN
Darkness bathed the landscape, and even though Ral slapped his hands over his eyes, he split his middle and ring fingers to see, then quickly shut them. When he played peek-a-boo with his mother, she was always there when he cheated. Now, only pitch black greeted him, and he refused to open his eyes again.
It was dark there, too.
“You belong here.”
Ral stubbornly shook his head.
“Instinctively, you know this.”
Ral shook his head again. “…no.”
“Yes.”
Icy, squishy fingers slithered across his cheek, pulling his hands free from his face. Still, Ral refused to open his screwed shut eyes.
“You cannot fight it forever.”
A brush of his blonde bangs reminded him of his mother, and Ral’s eyes fluttered open. Before him stood a tall man, and Ral refused to meet his eyes, somehow knowing that if he did, he wouldn’t leave.
The man bent a knuckle under his chin.
“You were born from shadows. Welcome home.”
Part One of Four: Reunion
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
THEN
Darkness bathed the landscape, and even though Ral slapped his hands over his eyes, he split his middle and ring fingers to see, then quickly shut them. When he played peek-a-boo with his mother, she was always there when he cheated. Now, only pitch black greeted him, and he refused to open his eyes again.
It was dark there, too.
“You belong here.”
Ral stubbornly shook his head.
“Instinctively, you know this.”
Ral shook his head again. “…no.”
“Yes.”
Icy, squishy fingers slithered across his cheek, pulling his hands free from his face. Still, Ral refused to open his screwed shut eyes.
“You cannot fight it forever.”
A brush of his blonde bangs reminded him of his mother, and Ral’s eyes fluttered open. Before him stood a tall man, and Ral refused to meet his eyes, somehow knowing that if he did, he wouldn’t leave.
The man bent a knuckle under his chin.
“You were born from shadows. Welcome home.”
False Dawn #11-Comic Book Script Format
False Dawn #11 : Crossing Over
Part One of Four: Reunion
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
The crew finally crosses into Skadoia to find Connor and Addy, but what they get isn’t necessarily what they want.
Part One of Four: Reunion
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
The crew finally crosses into Skadoia to find Connor and Addy, but what they get isn’t necessarily what they want.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Down the Pike!
Happy (Belated) Halloween, everyone!
NYCC has come and gone, and my ticket for SDCC hasn't been purchased yet (darn system failure), so I'm looking to head to Chicago and Boston this year, too! Busy, busy, busy! Anyway, this month, we're finally crossing over to Skadoia and seeing just what Connor and Addy have been up to there. I'm also relaunching RAL'S BLOG, complete with pictures of each character, so look for Entry One sometime next week! (Now that I've ventured to the world of mechanical and artist pencils, I'm addicted!) Next month we're going to packed with FALSE DAWN #12; ANNUAL, the FIRST; and hopefully a trip to the Marvel Universe with a little story called "Worth."
Stick around, guys. It's gonna be a blast.
Dev
Friday, October 15, 2010
"Joint Custody"-Comic Script Format
I usually don’t post fanfiction here, considering it is not taken seriously by DC or Marvel. However, this story was one of my highest rated on ff.net, getting more than ten reviews and twenty favorites. So, after the DC Talent Search panel at NYCC, I decided to take this story for a test drive with the comic book script format. (I have posted the short story version below.)
“Joint Custody”—When even Bruce can’t tame Damian, he turns to the one person who can. Set after Bruce Wayne: The Road Home
“Joint Custody”—When even Bruce can’t tame Damian, he turns to the one person who can. Set after Bruce Wayne: The Road Home
Joint Custody: Short Story Edition
Nights off are like scoops of ice cream. You get them few and far between, and when you do, you savor them.
Of course, unless you’re a costumed superhero and burn thousands of calories a day, then you can eat ice cream for breakfast. Nights off? They still come few and far between.
Of course, unless you’re a costumed superhero and burn thousands of calories a day, then you can eat ice cream for breakfast. Nights off? They still come few and far between.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
False Dawn #10 Comic Script Script
False Dawn #10: "Survivor’s Guilt"
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
After the battle with Reger, the gang licks their wounds as Ral comes to terms with living in wartime.
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
After the battle with Reger, the gang licks their wounds as Ral comes to terms with living in wartime.
False Dawn #10: Survivor's Guilt
False Dawn #10 : Survivor’s Guilt
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
NOW
“Don’t forget. The knife’s only for—”
I roll my eyes and click the glistening dagger into the holster at the small of my back.
“I won’t forget, Lance.”
“Stay close to us at all times.”
Casia has always been a worrier.
“I know.”
“This isn’t a game.”
No, it’s not, but the gear is still freaking awesome. Black cargo pants, a black belt, a dagger, and Maiden’s Glory strapped to my waist and right leg. Across from me, Casia looks refreshed from her time recuperating, her scepter’s fire glowing more intensely than blue lightning. And Lance—Lance is strapped with more weapons than I even knew existed.
He looks once to Casia, his face chiseled from pure diamond. Casia nods once. He turns to me. “Ready?”
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
NOW
“Don’t forget. The knife’s only for—”
I roll my eyes and click the glistening dagger into the holster at the small of my back.
“I won’t forget, Lance.”
“Stay close to us at all times.”
Casia has always been a worrier.
“I know.”
“This isn’t a game.”
No, it’s not, but the gear is still freaking awesome. Black cargo pants, a black belt, a dagger, and Maiden’s Glory strapped to my waist and right leg. Across from me, Casia looks refreshed from her time recuperating, her scepter’s fire glowing more intensely than blue lightning. And Lance—Lance is strapped with more weapons than I even knew existed.
He looks once to Casia, his face chiseled from pure diamond. Casia nods once. He turns to me. “Ready?”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dick Grayson Study and NYCC
Hey everyone! It's a study of Dick. Unlike Tim's, where I used all pictures created by Marcus To, I used different artists's drawings as models for Dick. Here we have Dan Jurgens, Tony Daniel, Dustin Nguyen, Jim Lee, AND *drum roll* Marcus To! Shocker. Originally, I had planned only to use Tony Daniel, Jim Lee, and Graham Nolan as my models for ALL my drawings. Wow, how things have changed!
Anyway, UPCOMING NEWS! I will be at Comic Con! I just got my weekend passes and all. Hope to see you there!
Dev
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Robins
Soon to come--studies of Dick and Tim, and I'm hoping to get on Deviant Art!
Dev
False Dawn #9: Divide and Conquer or Aha! I was Right! Reger's Evil!
False Dawn #9: “Lights Out”
Part Three of Three: Divide and Conquer or Aha! I Was Right! Reger’s Evil!
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
SKADOIA
THEN
“Why?” Casia peeped. “Why us?”
Cramped in a small, crate-like cage that hardly allowed her dirty red head to reach to the top, Casia held her legs to her chest, trembling in the dark prison. She was soaking wet, her hair drooping into her eyes.
Next to her in a similar cell, a small hand reaches halfway between the cages. “Because in every darkness, there’s gotta be a little light.”
Casia buries her tear-stained face in her knees. “I don’t want to be their light.”
Reger sighs, and his pudgy face, all of eight, appears between the bars of his cage. “And we won’t be. Not forever. One day, you and me—we’re gonna get out of here.” Hope tainted his voice, and Casia raised her tearful eyes to see his hand. “And we’re gonna find us some heat.”
“One day?” Casia extended a burning hand toward his.
He finished the distance, and together, their hands burned a bright red.
“One day, hottie, we’re gonna find us some light.”
Part Three of Three: Divide and Conquer or Aha! I Was Right! Reger’s Evil!
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
SKADOIA
THEN
“Why?” Casia peeped. “Why us?”
Cramped in a small, crate-like cage that hardly allowed her dirty red head to reach to the top, Casia held her legs to her chest, trembling in the dark prison. She was soaking wet, her hair drooping into her eyes.
Next to her in a similar cell, a small hand reaches halfway between the cages. “Because in every darkness, there’s gotta be a little light.”
Casia buries her tear-stained face in her knees. “I don’t want to be their light.”
Reger sighs, and his pudgy face, all of eight, appears between the bars of his cage. “And we won’t be. Not forever. One day, you and me—we’re gonna get out of here.” Hope tainted his voice, and Casia raised her tearful eyes to see his hand. “And we’re gonna find us some heat.”
“One day?” Casia extended a burning hand toward his.
He finished the distance, and together, their hands burned a bright red.
“One day, hottie, we’re gonna find us some light.”
False Dawn #9: Comic Book Script
False Dawn #9: Lights Out
Part Three of Three: Divide and Conquer
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Page
Devin Leigh Michaels
I think the title says it all.
Part Three of Three: Divide and Conquer
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Page
Devin Leigh Michaels
I think the title says it all.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
False Dawn #8: Comic Book Script
False Dawn #8: Lights Out
Part Two of Three: Birds of the Flare
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Richmond Clocktower Reference - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Street_Station_(Richmond)
Part Two of Three: Birds of the Flare
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Ral still isn’t warming up to Reger, but he has little choice in the matter as the crew is forced to take refuge in Reger’s apartment. Still, just who is Reger, and why does Lance and Casia trust him so much?
Richmond Clocktower Reference - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Street_Station_(Richmond)
False Dawn #8: Short Story Edition
False Dawn #8: “Lights Out”
Part Two of Three: Birds of the Flare
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
NIGHT
Okay, I still haven’t said why I hate Reger.
Have some patience, will you? I’m getting there.
SO! We’re surrounded by this moshpit of robot-suited commandos and quasi-super federal agents, and out of no where, this flying blue-fire were-phoenix shows up. Now, you’d think Casia would be going crazy. I mean, really, how many of these creatures can there be? (No offense, Casia, but creature, monster, fire-breathing bird—they’re all not good names.)
All she can say is: “Reger?”
Of course she knows him. Why wouldn’t she? I mean, I know all the brown-haired male fourteen year olds in America, too.
And the blue-fire phoenix, of course, glances back at her with this confident and oh-so-suave smirk.
“I always know when you need me, hottie.”
I just know Casia’s going to give it to him. They’ll be nothing left of his blue-fire ass because she doesn’t even let Lance call her “dame.”
But she only smiles hopefully. “Reger…I thought—I had—How could—”
I whirl to Lance, whose face tenses. The blue flames cast a dark scowl upon his features, but a moment later, the tension melts. He says nothing, only watches the exchange between the two were-phoenixes.
Am I the only one lost here?
A green laser zips past Reger, and he hardly avoids the shot. He whirls and points with a blue-fired finger, which shoots dark flames and cuts off the approaching army from us.
“GO!” he screams. “I’ll take care of these people!”
“No!” Casia takes flight as Sierra claps her hands to disperse of Reger’s flames. Casia retaliates with her own fire. “Lance, get—”
“Got it!” Lance clamps his hand down on my shoulder and thumbs backward. “Let’s go.”
“But what about—”
Lance jerks me back and drags me along with him. “Let the birds have their fun.”
Part Two of Three: Birds of the Flare
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
NIGHT
Okay, I still haven’t said why I hate Reger.
Have some patience, will you? I’m getting there.
SO! We’re surrounded by this moshpit of robot-suited commandos and quasi-super federal agents, and out of no where, this flying blue-fire were-phoenix shows up. Now, you’d think Casia would be going crazy. I mean, really, how many of these creatures can there be? (No offense, Casia, but creature, monster, fire-breathing bird—they’re all not good names.)
All she can say is: “Reger?”
Of course she knows him. Why wouldn’t she? I mean, I know all the brown-haired male fourteen year olds in America, too.
And the blue-fire phoenix, of course, glances back at her with this confident and oh-so-suave smirk.
“I always know when you need me, hottie.”
I just know Casia’s going to give it to him. They’ll be nothing left of his blue-fire ass because she doesn’t even let Lance call her “dame.”
But she only smiles hopefully. “Reger…I thought—I had—How could—”
I whirl to Lance, whose face tenses. The blue flames cast a dark scowl upon his features, but a moment later, the tension melts. He says nothing, only watches the exchange between the two were-phoenixes.
Am I the only one lost here?
A green laser zips past Reger, and he hardly avoids the shot. He whirls and points with a blue-fired finger, which shoots dark flames and cuts off the approaching army from us.
“GO!” he screams. “I’ll take care of these people!”
“No!” Casia takes flight as Sierra claps her hands to disperse of Reger’s flames. Casia retaliates with her own fire. “Lance, get—”
“Got it!” Lance clamps his hand down on my shoulder and thumbs backward. “Let’s go.”
“But what about—”
Lance jerks me back and drags me along with him. “Let the birds have their fun.”
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
SDCC 2010--BOO-YAH!
Hey everyone!
As you’ve probably noticed, False Dawn #8 hasn’t been uploaded yet. Care why?
I WENT TO SAN DIEGO COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL!
At the last possible moment (seriously!), I was invited to attend and made a mad plane-ride/car-dash to SoCal! It was amazing! I attend NYCC every year, but it just doesn’t compare, my friends! The panels, the people, the artists—*squeals*
Anyway, False Dawn will resume its normal operating schedule next month, and I plan to double up later in the year to compensate.
Thanks for reading!
Dev
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
False Dawn #7: Lights Out Part One Story Story Edition
False Dawn #7: “Lights Out”
Part One of Three: Up in Flames
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
DUSK
I’m not one to hate. Really, I’m not. I have it out for the Skadoian Warriors for obvious reasons. I’m not really keen on the former president. I don’t even dislike Darth Vader. He was just misunderstood.
But I hate Reger.
And Lance doesn’t.
And that annoys the hell out of me.
Maybe I should start from the beginning.
Part One of Three: Up in Flames
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
DUSK
I’m not one to hate. Really, I’m not. I have it out for the Skadoian Warriors for obvious reasons. I’m not really keen on the former president. I don’t even dislike Darth Vader. He was just misunderstood.
But I hate Reger.
And Lance doesn’t.
And that annoys the hell out of me.
Maybe I should start from the beginning.
False Dawn #7: Comic Book Script
False Dawn #7: “Lights Out”
Part One of Three: Up in Flames
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Part One of Three: Up in Flames
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
The crew tries to avoid apprehension by a different type of police, and they get help from an unsuspected ally. The real problem? Ral really hates Reger McClaren. The worse part—Lance doesn’t.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Research Notes #1—Six-Month Review
A critical review of the first six months of the Break-out Comic Book Experiment.
Note to Self: Stick figures are the bane of my existence.
Note to Self: Stick figures are the bane of my existence.
Monday, May 17, 2010
False Dawn #6 Comic Book Script
False Dawn #6: “The Big Gulp”
Part Two of Two: Drowning
Comic Book ScriptPart Two of Two: Drowning
Devin Leigh Michaels
Ah, the Fountain of Youth. Anyone thirsty? Ral wants to trade-up from Perishable to Immortal, much to the disconcertion of Lance and Casia, and the Preds decide they want to, too.
False Dawn #6: Drowning
False Dawn #6: “The Big Gulp”
Part Two Of Two: Drowning
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
DAWN
“No.”
Standing on the steps of the memorial, I turn toward Casia with my best incredulous glare. “What?”
She wags her finger like a gangster’s mother. “Don’t even think about it.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah, and Lance hates to kill.”
“Hey!” Lance objects, coming to stand next to Casia. “I don’t like killing. I’m just really good at it.”
“See?” I smirk.
Casia’s not amused. Yeah, this is normally the time when you duck and final cover. “Hanging out with an immortal and an extended mortal might make living longer seem cool, but it’s not.”
“In fact, it kinda sucks,” Lance adds.
“See?” She pats Lance on the shoulder. “He agrees with that.”
“Of course, being mortal sucks, too. Can you imagine worrying about getting shot? Or even a paper cut. Man, you Perishables might bleed out, and that’s it!”
“Oookay, so not helping.”
Part Two Of Two: Drowning
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
WASHINGTON, D.C.
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
DAWN
“No.”
Standing on the steps of the memorial, I turn toward Casia with my best incredulous glare. “What?”
She wags her finger like a gangster’s mother. “Don’t even think about it.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah, and Lance hates to kill.”
“Hey!” Lance objects, coming to stand next to Casia. “I don’t like killing. I’m just really good at it.”
“See?” I smirk.
Casia’s not amused. Yeah, this is normally the time when you duck and final cover. “Hanging out with an immortal and an extended mortal might make living longer seem cool, but it’s not.”
“In fact, it kinda sucks,” Lance adds.
“See?” She pats Lance on the shoulder. “He agrees with that.”
“Of course, being mortal sucks, too. Can you imagine worrying about getting shot? Or even a paper cut. Man, you Perishables might bleed out, and that’s it!”
“Oookay, so not helping.”
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
BREAKIN', EARTH-SHATTERING NEWS!
Shane Davis, who has penciled such works as Batman Annual 25, Batman/Superman: The Search for Kryptonite, and covers for Trinity, goes to MY comic book store. Apparently, he wants more copies of his works, so he stops by the shop. (Technically, I guess I go to his shop since I just changed shops two months ago. STILL!)
Wow...I wonder if he'll do any signings...
Dev--*who is ecstatic*
Wow...I wonder if he'll do any signings...
Dev--*who is ecstatic*
Thursday, April 15, 2010
False Dawn #5: The Big Gulp Part One, Short Story Edition
False Dawn #5: “The Big Gulp”
Part One Of Two: The Universal Pancreas
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
As if being hunted by Skadoian Warriors wasn’t bad enough, Ral and Co. are now being chased by a Green Beret platoon looking for the Universal Pancreas. Say what?
Part One Of Two: The Universal Pancreas
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
As if being hunted by Skadoian Warriors wasn’t bad enough, Ral and Co. are now being chased by a Green Beret platoon looking for the Universal Pancreas. Say what?
False Dawn #5 Comic Book Script
False Dawn #5: “The Big Gulp”
Part One Of Two: The Universal Pancreas
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Part One Of Two: The Universal Pancreas
Comic Book Script—Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
As if being hunted by Skadoian Warriors wasn’t bad enough, Ral and Co. are now being chased by a Green Beret platoon looking for the Universal Pancreas. Say what?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
False Dawn #4: Comic Book Script
False Dawn #4: “Consequence of Love”
Part Three of Three: Let There Be
Comic Book Script-Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Lance may be at the end of his fifteenth lifetime as Lasantra holds him captive for the Skadoian Lord, and Ral has an important decision to make when he learns the truth about Immortals.
Part Three of Three: Let There Be
Comic Book Script-Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Lance may be at the end of his fifteenth lifetime as Lasantra holds him captive for the Skadoian Lord, and Ral has an important decision to make when he learns the truth about Immortals.
Monday, March 15, 2010
False Dawn #4: “Consequence of Love” Part Three Short Story Edition
False Dawn #4: “Consequence of Love”
Part Three of Three: Let There Be
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
SHILOH, TENNESSEE
STILL LATER
Dusk engulfs Lance sooner than he would have liked, i.e. never. Held firmly by Lasantra’s, he waits impatiently. The bonds tighten to cut off his circulation, and his sweat shirt tears to reveal his tattoos.
“Maldita sea. Tabarnak. Brengsek. Blei. Fan,” he mutters before finally calling out. “Hey, I’d like a little service here.”
Lasantra appears bored as she sits upon Catherine’s stone, her legs crossed regally. “Petulant child.”
“Oh, flattery? What’s the occasion?”
The female Skodian Warrior hardly pays him attention as she forms a nail file from the shadows and tends to her fingernails. “Be quiet, or I’ll simply kill you.”
Lance blinks. “Why don’t you? I’m just so adorable?”
“My lord wants you alive.”
“Wanted: Alive? Do I complete his Bingo Board of Immortals?”
Lasantra swept her hand, and a tentacle slaps over Lance’s mouth. “You are the board.”
Part Three of Three: Let There Be
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
SHILOH, TENNESSEE
STILL LATER
Dusk engulfs Lance sooner than he would have liked, i.e. never. Held firmly by Lasantra’s, he waits impatiently. The bonds tighten to cut off his circulation, and his sweat shirt tears to reveal his tattoos.
“Maldita sea. Tabarnak. Brengsek. Blei. Fan,” he mutters before finally calling out. “Hey, I’d like a little service here.”
Lasantra appears bored as she sits upon Catherine’s stone, her legs crossed regally. “Petulant child.”
“Oh, flattery? What’s the occasion?”
The female Skodian Warrior hardly pays him attention as she forms a nail file from the shadows and tends to her fingernails. “Be quiet, or I’ll simply kill you.”
Lance blinks. “Why don’t you? I’m just so adorable?”
“My lord wants you alive.”
“Wanted: Alive? Do I complete his Bingo Board of Immortals?”
Lasantra swept her hand, and a tentacle slaps over Lance’s mouth. “You are the board.”
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
"False Dawn" #3: Consquence of Love Part Two
False Dawn #3: “Consequence of Love”
Part Two of Three: Necessity
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
ZENITH’S RISE
The Platinum Forest is forbidden.
As it is, danger tempts none. The harmless shadows give no fear. Even the river basin, sliced by the sacred Brook of High Point, creates an oasis for the animals blessed by the light and for those foolish enough to enter.
Death exudes from the serenity that has survived more than a thousand years, and no one is stupid enough in Zenith’s Rise to commit suicide.
Except Griff.
He hesitates. And prays. And cries a little, though he will never tell Sabella that. The young, freckled teen will tell her how he dashed through the first trees like they were hurdles in a relay. He will tell her how he followed signs the best trackers would not have been able to see.
Of course, he will leave out how he abruptly skidded to a halt, his boot heels burrowing into the soft mud just before Brook of High Point that tears through the Platinum Forest.
He will be honest and tell her how he never expected to find his target. He thought he would actually die in the forest like all those who ventured before him.
Instead, as he gazes down upon the golden river at the bottom of the chasm, he sees a hearty man wading half-naked in the water, his shoulders built for a hard laborer with the scars to match the profession. He sees a set jaw and haunted gray eyes. He sees dark blonde hair and a heartless expression upon the tough face.
He sees his salvation.
Creeping down the incline, Griff misses a rock foot-hold and tumbles the rest of the way, skidding dirty and hurting to the man’s feet, as he now stands on the bank of the river.
Griff meets the man’s eyes, which are more demanding than his tone. “Are you stupid, knave?”
Griff nods. He will leave this out of his story as well. “Y—Yes, sir, but I had to come.”
“Why?”
“Lady Adeline and her brother Connor have been found.”
Part Two of Three: Necessity
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels
ZENITH’S RISE
The Platinum Forest is forbidden.
As it is, danger tempts none. The harmless shadows give no fear. Even the river basin, sliced by the sacred Brook of High Point, creates an oasis for the animals blessed by the light and for those foolish enough to enter.
Death exudes from the serenity that has survived more than a thousand years, and no one is stupid enough in Zenith’s Rise to commit suicide.
Except Griff.
He hesitates. And prays. And cries a little, though he will never tell Sabella that. The young, freckled teen will tell her how he dashed through the first trees like they were hurdles in a relay. He will tell her how he followed signs the best trackers would not have been able to see.
Of course, he will leave out how he abruptly skidded to a halt, his boot heels burrowing into the soft mud just before Brook of High Point that tears through the Platinum Forest.
He will be honest and tell her how he never expected to find his target. He thought he would actually die in the forest like all those who ventured before him.
Instead, as he gazes down upon the golden river at the bottom of the chasm, he sees a hearty man wading half-naked in the water, his shoulders built for a hard laborer with the scars to match the profession. He sees a set jaw and haunted gray eyes. He sees dark blonde hair and a heartless expression upon the tough face.
He sees his salvation.
Creeping down the incline, Griff misses a rock foot-hold and tumbles the rest of the way, skidding dirty and hurting to the man’s feet, as he now stands on the bank of the river.
Griff meets the man’s eyes, which are more demanding than his tone. “Are you stupid, knave?”
Griff nods. He will leave this out of his story as well. “Y—Yes, sir, but I had to come.”
“Why?”
“Lady Adeline and her brother Connor have been found.”
False Dawn #3: Comic Book Script
False Dawn #3: “Consequence of Love”
Part Two of Three: Necessity
Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Skadoian Warriors are bad in the nighttime but in the daytime, too? Ral and company want a little space! Meanwhile, Lance finds out why reading the Horror-scopes is a bad thing when he gets some unsettling news from a Starweaver. And someone other than the warriors searches for the crew.
Part Two of Three: Necessity
Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
Skadoian Warriors are bad in the nighttime but in the daytime, too? Ral and company want a little space! Meanwhile, Lance finds out why reading the Horror-scopes is a bad thing when he gets some unsettling news from a Starweaver. And someone other than the warriors searches for the crew.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
False Dawn #2 Comic Book Script
False Dawn #2: “Consequence of Love”
Part One of Three: Hunters and Gathers
Comic Book Script - Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
An Immortal is an Immortal is an Immortal, right? WRONG! As Lances trains Ral both physically and mentally to survive the war, Casia employs the help of an oracle to find Ral’s parents. Oh, and oracles know everything there is to know…right?
Then don’t look behind you.
Part One of Three: Hunters and Gathers
Comic Book Script - Plot for 22 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels
An Immortal is an Immortal is an Immortal, right? WRONG! As Lances trains Ral both physically and mentally to survive the war, Casia employs the help of an oracle to find Ral’s parents. Oh, and oracles know everything there is to know…right?
Then don’t look behind you.
False Dawn #2: “Consequence of Love”
False Dawn #2: “Consequence of Love”
Part One of Three: Hunters and Gathers
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
SKADIOA
I’ve never been scared of the dark. Of course, there’s always the first time for everything.
A whip crackles against flesh. A strangled scream slices the silence, its force cut by pain.
I blink, and all I see is black, like a void sucking in the light, like when the Skadoian Warrior pulled me into his body.
Yeah…that was gross.
Gradually, my sight adjusts to the shadows, but it looks like I’m seeing through coke bottles. Room’s small, dark, damp—a typical cell but with smooth tiles. My hands wipe away some of the dirt—cobblestones? Okay, this just went from scary to freakin’ mind-blowing.
Where the hell am I?
Another crackle. Another scream.
I’m crouching in the corner, but my sight’s still not what it should be. A blurred body hangs with its hands above his head, chained no doubt. His torturer looks way too much like a ninja to be comforting and saunters around the prisoner, unafraid of losing his prey.
Then, through labored breaths, “Loser…”
I know that voice.
“I can keep this up longer than you.”
Oh. My. God.
“CONNOR!”
Part One of Three: Hunters and Gathers
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels
SKADIOA
I’ve never been scared of the dark. Of course, there’s always the first time for everything.
A whip crackles against flesh. A strangled scream slices the silence, its force cut by pain.
I blink, and all I see is black, like a void sucking in the light, like when the Skadoian Warrior pulled me into his body.
Yeah…that was gross.
Gradually, my sight adjusts to the shadows, but it looks like I’m seeing through coke bottles. Room’s small, dark, damp—a typical cell but with smooth tiles. My hands wipe away some of the dirt—cobblestones? Okay, this just went from scary to freakin’ mind-blowing.
Where the hell am I?
Another crackle. Another scream.
I’m crouching in the corner, but my sight’s still not what it should be. A blurred body hangs with its hands above his head, chained no doubt. His torturer looks way too much like a ninja to be comforting and saunters around the prisoner, unafraid of losing his prey.
Then, through labored breaths, “Loser…”
I know that voice.
“I can keep this up longer than you.”
Oh. My. God.
“CONNOR!”
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Ral’s Log: Entry 001
Ral’s new to the realm of immortals and otherworldly creatures, so he’s taking notes. Take a peek, and meet the characters of False Dawn through Ral’s own words.
Entry 001: Ral Dawson himself
Entry 001: Ral Dawson himself
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