False Dawn: Life's Question

Happy New Year's Eve! Hope everyone has awesome plans! (Mine involve MI:4, thank you very much!)

Since False Dawn is on the back burner for a while, I figured I'd end with this. It's my entry into an anthology. Only three stories were chosen, and mine came in sixth. I still take that as a win. I also received great feedback from a writer/artist in the industry who took the time to critique it and from one of the entrants whose story made the cut.

Hope you enjoy!

Summary: Despite living fifteen lifetimes, Lance only has one question: Why is he still here?

DF: Wards of Man Update!

Mau's still hard at work at the sketches/first pages, so here's the latest he sent me.

Sawyer Ryder is Kainoa's uncle and the Resident Gatekeeper, a head of the Defenders. He's only the third person to run the Gatekeepers who isn't Destiny, and he takes that responsibility seriously. He's tough but compassionate, and he has a soft spot for kids who were assassins, like his nephew Kainoa and his daughter, Mattie. This picture is subject to change simply because I'm not a fan of the crew cut. However, it actually fits Sawyer, so I'll probably leave it.

Here we have Mattie, Kainoa's cousin and Sawyer's daughter. She's slightly older than Kainoa and deadlier with her katana (hence why her name was Ravage). She grew up in medieval Japan like Kainoa, but she's adapted well to modern New Jersey. She's found a love of soccer, Chez Doodles, and family, though she still misses her former partner-in-crime, Edge, who was like her twin brother.

122476 is working on the first six pages, so I'll upload those when they come through. His birthday's this week, so send him a message at @122476 or on his blogspot account, http://122476.blogspot.com/, or just give him money by buying a commission! Do me a favor. Whatever you do, call him, "Grandpa."

Thanks!

Dev

False Dawn #24: Reminiscence

In every darkness, there's a sliver of light.

Kickstarting Journeymen!

Since becoming IC Geeks' PR rep, I've also been taking over duties of the Tumblr site and Twitter feeds, and I'll soon be taking over the Facebook account. Check it out and see the awesome new talent that will "breaking in" next year.

Also, help others' dreams come true. IC Geeks is kickstarting Journeymen, a Masterwork. It's a quarterly anthology dedicated to helping good talent become published. Click on the link, and see what you can do to help!

http://icgeeks-publishing.tumblr.com/post/14260451981/the-journey-continues-ic-geeks-publishing-is

Devin Leigh Michaels

P.S. Also, don't forget to follow me for up-to-the-second...okay, probably hour...information about IC Geeks Publishing as well as my own writing.

@Icgeekspublishingpr and @DevinLMichaels

Update!

Thank you to all who went to my Tumblr account and became followers. I am the new PR rep for IC Geeks Publishing. I cannot thank you enough for helping to make a dream come true! To follow my updates for the company, feel free to follow the company’s tumblr and tweets at http://icgeeks-publishing.tumblr.com and @icgeekspublishingpr. I run both.

\Because of this new position, there will probably be fewer posts HERE, but I ensure you the Experiment isn’t over yet. (I have to keep my “day” job.) False Dawn #24 (end second year!) will be up next week, and I also have some pretty pictures Mau drew for DF: Wards of Man to post this weekend.

Time to make good on promises - The MMPR comic will be given to one random follower, but I have to dig it out of storage first (i.e. my bins in my bedroom), so I will send that later this month. Also, I've already worked on SOD, which will now be finished, as well as some TC work for a few followers. Those will be up as time allows. I'm hoping for the first TC story and chapter seven of SOD up by the end of the year.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you stick around. It’s finally getting interesting.

Dev

Seven More!

Hey guys!

I just need seven more followers! Please help me to achieve my dream of becoming a member of the comic book community!

I'll become PR rep of IC Geeks Publishing if I can have forty followers on Tumblr by 11:59 tonight.

We have three hours! We can do it!

Devin Leigh Michaels

http://break-outcbe.tumblr.com

BREAKIN' IN!

Dreams Can Come True—and yes, it’s up to you!

It’s been a long two years for the Experiment and my attempt to break into the comic industry. It comes down this. I have a chance to become the public relations representative for IC Geek Publishing. It’s a new comic publishing/distribution company that has one focus—helping creators break in. Its retailer initiative is revolutionary and the people dedicated to its success extraordinary. (Check out http://www.icgeeks.com for more info!)

I want to be a part of this company.

All I need is forty followers by 11:59 midnight TONIGHT!

Currently, I have nineteen!

FOLLOW ME, and together, we can make dreams come true—yours and mine!

http://break-outcbe.tumblr.com

More Character Studies for DF: Wards of Man

Edge by 122476

It's almost American Thanksgiving, and since the Christmas carols are already on Lite FM, Mau figured he'd just add to the season with these presents. Dude rocks like that. Meet Edge, THE bad boy of the Destiny's Fate series. Determination versus Destiny? Free will versus Fate? I cannot wait to see the fights Mau's going to draw with Edge and Kainoa.

Rena Ryder by 122476

And here we have Kainoa's coffee-addict mom, Rena. She cannot just cook a mean banana pancake and teach a wild lessons in history at NYU; she can also kill you where you stand if you threaten her family. Yeah, just try her.

I’ve also seen the preliminary sketches of the first five pages of the issue one. Damn. Mau leaves me speechless every time I look at his work. I’m seriously proud of how this is coming together.


More to come!


Dev

How Do You Know 032

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you wonder why Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash are above suspicion.

There’s a traitor in the midst of the Team on Young Justice, causing for much speculation among the fandom. Many have believed, as do I, that Artemis is too obvious. I’ve heard M’gann or Superboy could be the traitor subconsciously, but I say it’s Robin.

*insert your laughter here*

Done yet? I’ll wait…okay.

In “Bereft,” the Bialyan military was ordered to shoot to kill the other members of the Team while Robin was to be taken alive.

In “Alpha Man,” Robin’s only defense for not being the mole was that he and KF have “known each other forever.” Uh, so…?

It is also Robin in that episode who needs to know why Kaldur kept the mole a secret—perhaps to make sure Kaldur doesn’t know he’s the mole?

Most recently in “Secrets,” Robin has an awkward expression on his face after Aqualad says there can’t be a mole, and next month in Young Justice #11, Robin will take the spotlight-right before the final episodes this season.

Of course, the biggest detractor from this is: everyone in the cave has a secret. Artemis’s dad and sister are the Team’s enemies. Miss Martian is a white Martian. Superboy was created by the enemy (whether he knows it or not). Robin keeps his real identity a secret. KF keeps his affection toward Artemis a secret. What’s Kaldur hiding?

In any case, the traitor will be known soon, and even if it's Robin, I doubt it's he's actually evil. The more pertinent question this week is: is Tygra?

Dev

False Dawn #23: Domestic Dispute

Lance and Krisk by 122476

False Dawn #23: "Life or Something Called It"
Part Four of Four: Domestic Dispute
Comic Book Script—Plot for 20 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels

The False Dawn/Destiny's Fate crossover finale, and it's the cursed immortal versus the former assassin!

False Dawn #23: Short Story Edition

False Dawn #23: "Life or Something Like It"
Part Four of Four: Domestic Dispute
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels

I am sooo out of the loop here. I’m also not in the suffocating headlock that Lance entraps Kaiona’s little brother, Krisk, so I should take that as a good sign.

“Ral, get over here,” Lance demands, even as Krisk struggles.

I blink at the gun trained upon Kainoa. “Dude, what are you doing? These people saved me from those government WHACKOS.”

“You know WHY they saved you?”

“Does it matter?”

“Because they want to EXPERIMENT on you, Ral! Your parents are immortal. You don’t think Defenders of freakin’ TIME wouldn’t want to know what makes Addy and Connor and maybe even you tick?”

I look back at Rena and Artemis. “Josh, honey,” Rena pleads. “I know Lysander—”

“Lysander?” He motions toward Kainoa. “Try your son, Mrs. Ryder. Your own kid tortured me to find out why I’m immortal, so don’t stand there and tell me you don’t want to do the same thing to Ral.”

“Lysander? Torture?” I glance back at Kainoa, who averts his shameful eyes. “What…What is going on here? How do you guys even KNOW each other?”

Casia comes forward, her hand out to me. “Now’s not the time, Ral. Let’s get out of here while we can.”

“Sorry, that’s not possible.” Behind Lance and Krisk now stands Sawyer, blocking our exit. “Hello, Joshua. It’s been a couple of years.”

“Gatekeeper,” Lance clips. “Move or the kid—”

“Y’know, your parents used to ask me what they could do to reach you.” He crosses his arms like an authority figure. I hate when adults do that. “Just how could they get their son back on the straight and narrow? Y’know what I used to tell them?”

“Let him watch Showgirls?”

FIRST LOOK AT WARDS OF MAN!

Kainoa Ryder by 122476

Anyone else think it feels like Christmas when his/her artist buddy sends sketches? Seriously!

This is a character study of the protagionist of Destiny's Fate: Wards of Man, Kainoa Ryder! 122476 rocked this! He even added the cut-off gloves to the Defenders' wear, which is just soooo badass Kainoa.

And in case you didn't notice, 122476 is a Bills' fan, and he wants you to billieve. Just you. If I do it, apparently the team loses. Go figure.

More to come!

D to the L to the M

P.S. The fantasy novel, Destiny's Fate, still for sale on Kindle!

Dare to Dream

Every day I set a goal for myself. Yesterday, it was to balance on a deserted street's curb and walk like a gymnast on a balance beam for a block.

GOAL ACHIEVED!

Two days ago, it was to complete the four new contracts placed on the escalation list in a single work day.

GOAL ACHIEVED!

Today, it was to submit a resume to DC Comics for a position in editorial.

GOAL ACHIEVED!

I'll keep you posted.

Dev

How Do You Know and Updates!

From Young Avengers #3 by Heinberg and Cheung

How do you know when you’ve read too many comics?

When you hear the U.S. Senate panel passes repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and you can only think—yay, Wiccan and Hulkling!

Apparently, I post How-Do-You-Knows and updates recently.

What’s up, down the pike!

I’ve put in an eight-page story (“Life’s Question”)  to an anthology, so I should here back on that before the new year. If it’s accepted, it’ll be drawn and published in Journeymen by ICG Publishing. If not, then I’ll probably get 122476 to draw it next year. He was supposed to draw this one, but I didn’t find out the contest until the last moment. He was kind enough to switch projects for me. Oh, and what’s his new project? Thanks for asking!

122476 is working on The Wards of Man, the sequel to my novel Destiny’s Fate (Told ya I’d get a better title). The Council of Order doesn’t approve of Kainoa’s decision to bring back Draven, the previous Destiny, and now they want to choose a new bearer of the time-altering power—Edge. Will Kainoa concede to his maniac older brother, or will he fight to death to keep that power that has been the Starbucks’s since time immortal?

122476 has currently agreed on the first six/nine pages of the first issue, so if nothing else, those will be uploaded here once they’re done. If there’s another enough interest, the entire five-book miniseries might reach fruition. We’ll see!

False Dawn #23 will be posted within in the next week, with the cover by—you guessed it! 122476! I do have Addy and Connor’s profile with art by Emily L’Orange to be posted soon, and Wolfram has also offered to do another piece for me. Both of those should be up sometime this month.

Thanks for reading!

Devin Leigh Michaels

Comic!

If you click on it, it will enlargen.

Shannon of Breakaway totally rocked this! The prompt was a one-page comic with a death being shown or insinuated in the last panel. I thought it came out well.

On a side but related note, 122476 and I spoke, and he's going to draw "Life's Question." Sweet. Cannot wait to see how that comes out.

Thanks!

Dev

How Do You Know 31 and Mini-Update

RH&O3 cover by superstar Kenneth Rocafort

How do you know when you’ve read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you believe Red Hood and the Outlaws should consist of Red Hood, Red Arrow (not Arsenal), Red Robin, Red Star, the (but only if he goes by Scarlet Speedster), Scarlet Spider, Scarlet Witch, and Speed (because I like the character!).

Mini-Update!
I’m currently in talks with 122476 to do a short comic—six pages—featuring the cast of False Dawn entitled “Life’s Question.” If it doesn’t pan out, I’ll be posting the story along with a cover, probably drawn by 122476. If it does (yay!), I'll update you as the story progresses.

Also on the front burner is the sequel to my novel Destiny’s Fate. (FIND IT ON AMAZON!) I’m working on a five-book outline to do this sequel in comic form, not as a novel, which will not take longer in writing but definitely will take longer to produce. If all goes well, I’m looking to have it out late next year in comic book stores and potentially available online. I’ll keep you updated on the progress. Working title?

Sparklure Legacy: The Gathering

Yeah…I’ll get something less clichéd as the story develops.

Thanks!

Devin Leigh Michaels

NYCC ROCKED!-Just sayin'.

Shot of the Javis Center Lobby from the top of the stairs by Me

My first comic convention was NYCC 2008. My sister nudged me in the side the whole Bat Panel, whispering, “Ask a question. Ask a question!”

I was nervous just sitting in a crowded room with Tony Daniel, Mike Marts, Ian Sattler, Peter Tomasi, Dustin Nguyen, and Greg Rucka. These were superstars, my Matt Damons and George Cooneys. I ended up leaving a little disappointed. I didn’t speak to one of them. I didn’t know what to say other than, “Oh my God! You’re—”

Flash forward three years and eight months later, my sister is out of the room, getting a Vitamin Water, and I’m one of the few fans left in the panel after questions start. My question is number two.

In the months prior to NYCC, I gained and lost some confidence. While I had lost The Seekers contest, I had been tweeting Kyle Higgins, J.T. Krul, Mike McKeon, Rich Ginter, Jeff Suter, Mikel Janin, Scott Tuft, Rickey Purdin, Patrick Zircher, Ryan Parrott, Owen Wiseman, and Mark Doyle and tons more. On top of that, I’ve even been FOLLOWED by some of the aforementioned. This time, when I went to NYCC, I felt confident (but still nervous) introducing myself because even though these creators didn’t know me, they knew my name. And that, my friends, was KEWL (NJ accent cool).

I spoke with Fabian Nicieza, Mikel Janin, Mike McKeon, J.T. Krul, Jim Cheung, Ivan Brandon (again!), Kyle Higgins, and Bobbie Chase. Many were kind enough to discuss their careers, even my own, and give insight into the industry. Each one was professional and kind. I cannot express how grateful I am for their generosity.

For the last however many years, I’ve been trying my best to break-in to the industry, and normally when I leave these conventions, I feel depressed, even demoralized, because I’m no closer to my dream. This time, I was jumping up and down like a fangirl. I couldn’t believe what I’d learned, how my idols had encouraged me not to give up and to continue working and improving and striving. On the train ride home, I was already mapping out a Destiny’s Fate’s miniseries in my notebook while Red Hood and the Outlaws was up on my iPad.

Where I thought The Seekers might be an end to my career, where I thought just perhaps the comic book industry was kicking me out, NYCC invited me back in.

Thanks.

Devin Leigh Michaels
October 17, 2011

How Do You Know 030

Jason Todd by Jason Haun (in Red Hood: LD, written by Judd Winick)

How do you know when you’ve read too many comics? (Never!)


When you realize Jason Todd actually has a superpower - the ability to never have hat hair after taking off his helmet.

NEW YORK, HERE I COME!

It comes around once a year (and when it switched from February to October, once every nineteen months!).

It's NYCC, baby!

And of course, you know I HAD to buy the four-day pass. Joining me - like at all cons - is my non-geek sister, Marie, and I hope you'll join us as we struggle against the villainy of lines, the destruction of crowds, and the depression of cancellations - as well as enjoy the awesome company of the industry's finest.

For up-to-second updates of my infiltration of the industry, check out my Twitter account - @DevinLMichaels -  or my Tumblr account - http://break-outcbe.tumblr.com/.

I'll have a full recap back here early next week.

Hope to see you there!

Devin Leigh Michaels

False Dawn #22: Comic Book Script

Kainoa Ryder by Emily L'Orange

False Dawn #22: “Life or Something Called It”
Part Three of Four: Normalcy or Lack of It
Comic Book Script—Plot for 20 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels

As the Ryders try to help Ral find his family, they find a piece of lost history as well—and it doesn’t bode well for Ral and Co.

False Dawn #22: Short Story Edition

False Dawn #22: “Life or Something Called It”
Part Three of Four: Normalcy or Lack of It
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels

SKADOIA
The chill of my runny nose slaps me awake, and I wish I’d slept with a ski mask on. Why would Kainoa’s family ever put down the A/C so low?

That’s when the fireplace crackles and pops.

My eyes snap wide, and the blue fire ravenously devours the blackened wood in the hearth. Over the flames is a kettle, like how people used to cook in the olden days. To the left is a kitchen area, not modern but elaborate with knives, pans, pots, a small bar, and what appear to be black diamond countertops. Just behind the kitchen is a thick, wooden dungeon door, and to the immediate left is another, more inviting opening with a stained glass window of a dragon breathing fire.

I push up on the plush but worn couch I’m on. It’s comfy, cradling my bottom and ensconcing me in its warmth. I wrap the afghan—someone must have laid it across me at some point—about my shivering shoulders and bent knees and wait.

So…where am I? Looks like Skadoia, but—

The dungeon door opens, and my heart sinks. Definitely Skadoia because there’s Kalidas, hungrily grinning at me.

“Well, if it isn’t the hybrid.” He drops a knapsack onto the kitchen counter. “What brings you to our little black hole?”

Ral's Blog 003-Lance Evans

Entry 003

Lance Evans by Drake Tsui

If you’re immortal or extended mortal, you’ve probably heard of Lance Evans.

Lance Evans
Known Aliases: Joshua Sterling; Napoleon; various
Birthplace: various; current lifetime: Boston, Massachusetts
Age: Fifteen lifetimes; 19 in the current
Immortal Classification: Reincarnated Cursed
Creature Classification: Human
Known Relatives: None
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Hair: Black with blonde tips
Eyes: Dark Brown/Black

If you’re immortal or extended mortal, you’ve probably heard of Lance Evans. He’s been around since the gladiatorial games, which makes him, like, ancient, even though he only looks nineteen now. As a Reincarnated Immortal, he lives, dies, and lives again. My mom and uncle took him in, in his eighth lifetime and kinda gave him a family when he wouldn’t have known one. I know he’s been a squire during the Middle Ages, a Union soldier in the American Civil War, and a stripper. I don’t ask, and if you run into Lance, you probably shouldn’t either if you like living. Yeah, he’s really good at killing, and he’s deadly with practically any weapon, including TV remotes (really, I’ve seen it).
In his first lifetime, he “let luck and chance guide” him, which led to people dying. He then was cursed by a mage to feel the pain he caused, so he loses the people he loves most in each lifetime. I just hope I won’t be one of them.

For read more of Lance's origin, check out False Dawn Annual #1: Thicker than Blood.

How Do You Know 029

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you think the movie The Thing should be about Ben Grimm, not some really scary person in a robe.

"Return Stroke" Version 2-Comic Book Script

Jai West by Drake Tsui

Not too long ago, I read Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels with Peter David. In it, David explains how one should be prepared with three ideas to pitch when speaking to an editor. Heaving tweaked this to twenty pages and cleaned it with some awesome advice, I had hopes that "Return Stroke" would be one of those ideas. However, with the New 52 - Jai and Irey, as far as I can tell - do not exist and aren't going to exist for sometime.

So, without further adieu, here's the revised, comic book script version of "Return Stroke." The next post is the short story version.

"Return Stroke" Version 2

I’m not a father. Not really. I’d like to think that I had some parental responsibility for Wally, but I haven’t raised my children, the “Tornado Twins.” Yet I’m a grandfather and a great-uncle.

Does that make me feel old.

“I just don’t know what to do with him. Even Linda’s doing a show with a child psychologist hoping to learn something.” Wally rubs his tired face, collapsing to his couch. “Jai—He sits in front of the Xbox all day or plays his PSP. When I was his age, I was always outside, always running.”

“You can’t relate,” I supply.

Wally looks up, and he reminds me of the tearful teenager who used to crash on my couch when his parents set up for Normandy. “He wasn’t like this before Zoom attacked. I wonder, Barry. When Jai lost his powers, did I lose my son, too?”

Ral's Log 002 - Casia LaCroux

Entry 002

Casia LaCroux by Drake Tsui

Real Name: Casia LaCroux
Known Aliases: Dame, Hottie
Birthplace: Unknown
Age: 230
Immortal Classification: Extended Mortal (lifespan is more than seven hundred years)
Creature Classification: Were-Phoenix
Known Relatives: None
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 130 lbs.
Hair: Crimson
Eyes: Sea-blue
Skin: A multitude of colors; mostly gold and platinum

You ever run into a were-phoenix before? No? Don’t feel bad. Not many people have. They’re these mystical creatures (Don’t tell Casia I called her that) who can form fire and become all “fire-bird” during the Solstices. They have other powers like a clairvoyance and flight, but we don’t exactly know where the creatures come from and how their powers work. Casia doesn’t even know much about her past. Her earliest memories are of being held captive in Skadoia by the warriors and experimented on to discover the source of her flames. She only escaped there thanks to Reger, another were-phoenix and fellow captive. My mom and uncle eventually saved her from a hunting pack of Ashlings and kept her safe. They are the only family she has ever known.

Correction. We—Mom, Connor, Lance and me—are the only family she has ever known.

REPOST: 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 by Drake Tsui

Real Name: Raleigh Dawson
Alias(es): Ral; Page
Birthplace: Pequannock, New Jersey
Age: 14
Immortal Classification: Perishable
Creature Classification: Human
Known Relatives: Adeline Dawson (mother); Connor Dawson (uncle)
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 120 lbs.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Green

Great. This is the embarrassing part where I have to tell you my first name is “Raleigh.” Yeah, my mom apparently wanted a dork. To avoid that, I go by “Ral.” Anyway, I had a great life in New Jersey (Wayne to be exact). I played soccer. My mom was a doctor, and my uncle owned a bar in Hackensack (“Forever’s Run”). I worked at it, cleaning dishes, serving some brew, injecting vodka into the peaches. Yeah, I know you’re supposed to be eighteen to serve liquor and whatnot, but my uncle gave some off-duty cops some free beer, and they looked the other way. That was until these guys called “Skadoian Warriors” came and took Connor and Mom. I’m now hanging with Casia, a were-phoenix, and Lance, a reincarnated cursed immortal, who are also looking for my mom and uncle. We pretty much try to avoid the warriors, federal agents, mercenaries, and other immortals as much as possible while looking for where the Skadoian Warriors stashed my family. Oh, and did I mention the company we do keep? Oracles, sages, unicorns, shape-shifting dragons, and the like.

Please. Like your teenage years were normal.

The Seekers' Entry

Since it has been requested, here's what I wrote:

Excerpt from Issue One—“The Awakening”

PAGE ONE
1—Establishing shot of Death Valley’s desert wilderness. Rocky sand, scattered brush, and rising mountains make a barren pressure cooker for Arthur and Jennifer to meet. See http://www.nps.gov/deva/parkmgmt/upload/GMP_001.pdf for great pictures.
JENNIFER (no pointer): Doctor—
LOCATION CAPS: DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

The next four panels are flashback. Note to colorist: Gray scale, please.
2—Inside a collapsing cavern, rock and debris rain from the ceiling, and through the horror, a young man, in his mid-twenties, reaches out to the camera. He has brown, spiky hair and sun-darkened skin with a short-sleeved shirt and khaki pants. He’s terrified.
YOUNG MAN: DAD!

3—In a similar shot, an older African American man (in his mid-forties) is caught in the falling rock as well. He’s dressed similarly to the young man and is built like a former football wide receiver. He, too, is scared but is holding it together as the world collapses about him. He yells to someone off-panel.
OLDER MAN: ARTHUR!

4—Close-up of ARTHUR NORDEN’s face. He’s in his mid-forties with dirt brown hair, soft hazel eyes, and a fatherly face. Scars from his rock climbing days litter his muscular cheeks, and his eyes are wide with fear as he watches the two people he loves most crushed to death.
JENNIFER (no pointer): Doctor Norden—

5—From a hole in the floor, a rather muscular man (think WWE wrestler) rises. (He is the GATHERER!) He has tanned skin, rich, raven hair that falls to his shoulders, and striking green eyes underneath his long bangs. He’s nude save the golden wrist hugger on his left wrist. (Please use discretion. Tweens might read this!) For reference: The formation of the hole caused the earthquake that collapses the ceiling.
JENNIFER (no pointer): I know you said, “GO TO HELL”—

"Cursed"

There are some things you’ll never get over, my mom told me back in April 2009. I had an interview with DC Comics in the production department, and it couldn’t have gone better. “If I could make my decision today…” and “you’ll definitely hear from us” were just key indicators. Three weeks later, I received a very nice letter from H.R. telling me I didn’t receive the job, but they’d keep me in mind for other positions.

I was devastated, so devastated I went to see the Hannah Montana movie. Apparently, I felt the need to be masochistic.

After a few weeks and a million boxes of tissues later, my mom said, “There are some things you’ll never get over.” But that didn’t mean I couldn’t move on. If I wanted to work in comic books, I needed to keep moving forward, continue to write, continue to improve, and I’ve done that. The Break-Out Comic Book Experiment was born later that year, and in its thesis, I gave myself three years to break-in comics in any way—as a sales coordinator, as an elevator button pusher, as a writer on Batman. It’s been twenty-two months.

I don’t know where to go from here.

Stan Lee and MTV Comics’s sweepstakes with The Seekers was a prime opportunity to showcase my talent on a large scale and hopefully break into the comic industry. I awoke every morning at two A.M. to work on this script, to foster it, to make sure it was damn near perfect, and I submitted it a good two days early. I missed one key element, though, one that a teacher in grade school drills into her students’ heads every day.

READ THE DIRECTIONS.

Despite implied nudity in the supplied treatment, there was to be no nudity. Well, I added it with a line, “Please use discretion. Tweens might read this!” I also added links to desert and cave references for the artist. Apparently, that was another no-no. It’s my fault. I should have read the complete contract. I just assumed that it would read, “Any likeness to your script is coincidental…etc.”

So what happens when you are your own worst enemy? What can you do?

Phil Hester tweeted not too long ago that if you work hard enough, a job is there in the comic book industry, but you MUST work hard enough. I wake up every day at three the latest to write before going to my seven A.M. to five P.M. job. I’m taking Saturday art courses at the Kubert School to get some artistic background for an editorial gig. I’m on Twitter trying to learn from the great creators of our time.

What if your “hard enough” isn’t “good enough?”

For the brief time Tony Daniel had a Tumblr account, I asked him if he always knew he was going to make it when he as a child. Was his career, in fact, destiny? He said he had always been a pretty confident kid, so he knew if he worked hard enough, he’d make it. (Spoiler: He did!)

I always thought that. I always thought if I gave it my all, I’d make it. I’d be the first female regular writer on Batman. I’d be an assistant editor, toiling under the great Axel Alonso or Bob Harras. Heck, I’d be the 1700 Broadway official elevator button pusher. (There isn’t one, guys.)

But now…after this…I really thought I had a great treatment and script for The Seekers. I really thought this was it.

And it’s not.

And it’s my fault.

“There are some things you’ll never get over,” my mom had said.

I can move on, though.

I feel like Ted on How I Met Your Mother when Lily tells him, “Maybe this is the architecture world kicking your ass out.” (Okay, that wasn’t the EXACT quote.)

Maybe this is the comic book industry kicking me out, telling me I’m not good enough and I never will be.

But then…I really don’t know what to do. This has been my dream since I bought my first comic book in Sam Goody’s when I was ten. I tell people my first comic was ‘Tec #698, but I lie. It was actually The Adventures of Batman and Robin #1. ‘Tec #698 was second, followed by Nightwing #1.

If I don’t do this, I don’t know what to do—or what to do with the notebook on my desk at work where I jot down bits of dialogue and plot, or the money that goes to comic books, or the Comic-Con tickets that just arrived on Friday. This has been my life for so long.

And just the thought of letting that go feeds the hungry in the pit of my stomach that knows what’s going to happen to Lance in False Dawn #22 and to Donnellie and Casia on that journey in Zenith’s Rise or to Bucky when he finally realizes his father is Ares. (Huh…that might not be possible now, anyway…)

The hungry eats away at me, and just like that, I’m reminded being a writer isn’t a gift. It’s a curse, and damnit. I have another year on the Experiment.

And letting go of this dream—I don’t think I could ever get over that.

Devin Leigh Michaels

How Do You Know 028

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER)

When you believe Captain America should drive a Dodge Avenger, not a motorcycle.

MTV Comics, Stan Lee, and The Seekers

As some of you may know, the last three weeks have been crazy. With NYCC coming up, I wanted to get this blog in order with formatting and proofreading done to all issues, begin positing with covers, and even procure profiles/sketches my characters.

Oh, and y'know, get Stan Lee and MTV Comics's project done.

Yeah, 'bout that...Stan Lee and MTV Comics are launching a new comic called The Seekers, and they're hiring newbie creators for the project. I submitted my entry just last night, and you'll know if I make the first cut Monday.

Okay, you'll know if I don't, but...*crosses fingers* I'm actually more nervous now than I was before I submitted. This is the only contest of this magnitude I know. I enter contests for short stories, novels, and one-act plays monthly, but to a write a comic book - that just doesn't happen. AND TO WORK WITH STAN LEE and MTV COMICS!

Whoa.

This is an incredible opportunity. Hey, if Mark Bagley can win a Marvel contest and go on to draw every major character from both Marvel and DC in the last three decades, why can't I go on to write them?

Devin Leigh Michaels

P.S. ...yes, I know I'm not Mark Bagley. Heck, no one is Mark Bagley except Mark Bagley. That’s not what I meant, and you know it.

How Do You Know 027

How do you know when you've read too many comics?

When you really wish Catagion was based on a Batman story.

False Dawn #21: Comic Book Script

False Dawn #21: “Life or Something Called It”
Part Two of Four: Tolls
Comic Book Script—Plot for 20 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels

Donnellie Jackson by Wolfram003

As Lance, Casia, and Donnellie dig deeper into who took Ral, Lance endures a trip down Memory Lane and boy, are there potholes.

False Dawn #21: Short Story Edition

False Dawn #21: “Life or Something Called It”
Part Two of Four: Tolls
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels

REVERE, MASSACHESETTES, SIX DAYS PRIOR
I pretend this is a dream. I pretend the sweet aroma of burnt smores isn’t the best thing I’ve ever smelled. I pretend the soft Twizzlers against my five o’clock shadow don’t tickle my chin. I pretend the warm body against me can’t burst into flames at any moment and kill me—for the fifteenth time.

Instead, I pretend that the woman I ensconce is the love of my life, and no matter what, I’m going to smell smores and feel Twizzlers for the rest of my poor, pathetic existence. I pretend that if I asked, she’d take me.

Because believing anything else at this moment will make me eat a bullet.

I know Happily Ever Afters aren’t for me. I know it’s not fair to love her. I know she deserves so much more, and yet…

I want to smell smores for the rest of my life.

“Fate is cruel, Ral,” a quasi-familiar voice echoes through my thoughts. “I’m not a fan.”

Ral, my responsibility, fights everyone and everything. I’m so proud of him.

“This, coming from Destiny?”

I take a deep breath, stealing another whiff and settling my chin in the crook of Casia’s neck.

“It’s… complicated. Every event is connected to another and another, and the past is just as important as the present or future. I won’t damn today for yesterday, Ral. Will you?”

“What can I do?”

Casia shifts to get more comfortable, her hands upon my cheek.

“Get me free. Then I will end this. WE will end this.”

I wish this moment could last forever, but I know it can’t, especially when I feel the cool trigger of the blaster against my finger.

“Yeah? Really? If you’re sooo powerful, then how did they get you the first time?”

“Maybe because he couldn’t shut up.”

By the time Ral and Nile whirl toward me, I’m already kneeling over Casia, my blaster pointed directly at Nile’s chest.

I’m not going to let this sonvabitch hurt Addy’s kid. “How’d you find us? Where’d you get the kid?”

"Loud Mouth"

This is just a fun little piece I wrote for my profolio class, Senior Writing 401, back when I was in college. I was writing Destiny's Fate at the time, and Allurin Blood, my first novel, kept popping into my head.

Anyway, Martie was a name I stuck in. I hated writing "I" at the time, and now I love writing in first person POV. Seems like internal narration has grown on me.

"LOUD MOUTH"

The precipitation in Martie’s room fell at a rate of a paper ball every ten seconds. Though she tried to scribble down ideas and finally get her groove going, the page remained silent, lost to her in a way it never had been before. When she tried to write again, her frustration grew until she crumbled up the paper and tossed it effortlessly upon the other hundred or so covering the carpet, the bed, even the hallway ground.

Another ball. Scribble scribble. Another ball, this time at Olympic speed and strength.

“Ow!” her best friend objected, rubbing his forehead. “Mind aiming that way from now on?”

How Do You Know 027

How do you know when you’ve read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When Spider-Man cures you of arachnophobia.

(Okay, he honestly didn’t, but I can at least look at a spider for two seconds now without screaming like a little girl. Progress, people!)

How Do You Know 026

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you've read the majority of these graphic novels/TPBs as single books but you still want the collected editions anyway.

My 2011 Birthday List (in no particular order)
Brightest Day Vol. 3

Fantastic Four: Volumes 1, 3, 4 by Jonathan Hickman
Chaos War: Avengers
Civil War: Hardcover-Ultimate Edition
Firebreather Volume 2
Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape
Avengers Academy: Volumes One and Two
Thor/Loki: Blood Brothers
Legion of Superheroes Vol. 2: Consequences
Young Avengers: Ultimate Collection
Avengers: Hawkeye
The New Avengers: Vol. 1& 2
Spider-Man: The Fantastic Spider-Man
Spider-Man/Fantastic Four
Red Hood: The Lost Days
Hawkeye: Blind Spot
Invisible Iron Man
Hawkeye/Mockingbird/and Black Widow: Widowmaker
Runaways-ALL OF THEM!
Titans: Family Reunion (not out until 9/20)
New Teen Titans Omnibus One
Viking by Ivan Brandon
Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest
S.H.I.E.L.D.: Architects of Forever
Avengers: Vol. 2
FF: Vol. 1 (with Spider-Man)
Spiderman: Am I an Avenger?
New Avengers: Vol. 12: Powerloss
JLA/Avengers
Daredevil: Cruel and Unusual
Daredevil: Return of the King
Wonder Woman: Who Is Wonder Woman?
Wonder Woman: Love and Murder
Young Allies
Hawkeye and Mockingbird
Teen Titans: Child’s Play
Teen Titans: Changing of the Guard
Teen Titans: Ravager-Fresh Hell
Spider-Man: The Complete Ben Reilly Epic Book Vol. 1
Civil War: Young Avengers and Runaways
Dark Reign: Young Avengers
X-Force: Under the Gun
X-Force and Cable: The Legend Returns
X-Force: A Force to Be Reckoned With
X-Force: Cable and the New Mutants
Fullmetal Alchemist: Volumes 25, 26
Civil War: The Amazing Spider-Man
Civil War: The Fantastic Four
Civil War: The Road to Civil War
Civil War: Peter Parker, Spider-Man
Civil War: Spider-Man
Ultimates 3: Who Killed the Scarlet Witch?

Yeah...this took me about three days to compile this list, and now I'm going to have to cut it to about six books.

*facepalm*

How Do You Know 025

Deathstroke #1 cover by Simon Bisley

How do you know when you’ve read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you think this on line at Starbucks while you’re waiting for your morning green tea frap.

Kyle Higgins tweeted that Deathstroke will be like Michael Jordan “trying to return to basketball but no one thinks he can.”

If Deathstroke ends up not being the mercenary he was, then I say his second profession should be Starbucks barista. Seriously. He can whip that foam, beat that frap, even give two, perhaps THREE, shots of espresso, and all with the same smile as a barista.

Perhaps the sword might be a little out of place, but he could use that in place of the big spoon.

Just an idea.

False Dawn #20 by 122476

Good morning, ALL!

Ah HA! I know you were waiting! Now, without further adieu, I give you the cover of False Dawn #20: Tragedies with none other than Lance Evans himself. Special thanks to 122476 for all his hard work. Dude rocks!

Now, go read it! XD!

False Dawn #20: Comic Book Script

False Dawn #20: Short Story Edition

How Do You Know 024

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When this is on your mind at three A.M.

Dudes, I so want(ed) to go to FanExpo! Of course, my bank account was all like, "No can doozville, Baby Doll. You went to Baltimore Comic Con and will be at NYCC!”

I was like, "But dude! Marcus To and Drake Tsui and Jonathan Hickman and Tony Daniel and David Finch and James Robinson and Francis Manapul and Dan Slott and Eddie Berganza and Agent M and ArtForStrangers and Jeanine Schaefer and Dale Eaglesham and Cameron Stewart are gonna be there! FanExpo might be better than NYCC!”

And Account was all like, "Dude, eating or FanExpo?"

Now, I was all set for FanExpo when this massive hurricane decided to butt its nose into Account and my conversation.

Irene howled, "Thou shall flood your granny’s basement!"

Now, what was I to say to that?

Account cheered, happy to be afloat and win the fight.

So I went to my LCS and bought anything and everything I wanted. And you know what I said? "In your face, Account!"

Have a great FanExpo, everyone, and see you in New York in October!

How Do You Know 023

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you believe the model on the new Gillette commerical is actually Ghost Rider.

Things To Do Before October 13, 2011

My new to-do list to complete before NYCC2011. It’s quite a bit smaller than the one for BCC2011 but more time-consuming. I’m working with three artists now - the incredible 122476; the amazing Emily L’Orange; and the awesome Wolfram003. 122476 is taking care of my covers, while Emily and Wolfram take care of my profile pictures. By the time NYCC comes around, my Web site should be up-to-date and all-so-pretty.

Now all I have to do is write; get some nerve to speak to an editor; and get some bizcards.

Crap! Bizcards aren’t on the list! I knew this thing was too short.

Dev

BCC2011 Recap and Experiment Update!

BCC2011 was amazing, and it totally isn't a comic convention without Darth Vader! I spoke with Mr. Mark Waid, Mr. Ivan Brandon, and Mr. Jamal Igle, and all were just really amazing gentlemen. I even brought Mr. Brandon's Nemesis: The Imposters, and he signed them! Considering the last three cons I only spoke to one person (Mr. Shane Davis), I take this to be a success.

Next up is NYCC! Cannot wait!

And gotta love getting up in the morning with a new avatar. Special thanks to Wolfram003 for her hard work on this - AND during the first week of college classes. You rock, girl!

Check out her work on her Deviantart site! Wolfram003's Awesome Art

Look, it's me - peeking over either contracts or my writing!

Dev

How Do You Know 022

How do you know when you’ve read too many comic books? (NEVER!)

When attending comic cons becomes a need, not a want.

I’ll be at Baltimore Comic Con tomorrow, guys! Hope to see you there!

Devin Leigh Michaels

P.S. Keep up with my infiltration of the industry at @Breakoutcbe on Twitter!

How Do You Know 021

How do you know when you're read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you hear the name "Eisner," you immediately think of Will, not Michael.

How Do You Know 020

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When every time you hear/think/dream about tacos, you think of Agent M!

Boo-YAH!

Being published rocks! I'm in this! Check out America's Got Stories Vol. One, now available in print and Kindle formats on Amazon!

How Do You Know 018

Lois Lane by Ed Benes

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you know that Lois Lane had her own ongoing comic entitled Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane.

New DC Offices (West Coast)

SVP Digital for DC Entertainment (you all know him as) Hank Kanalz has been giving Twitter followers a tour of the new offices in California. Take a look. They're freakin' amazing!

Now this is an office!

@Kanalz

Hey guys!


I’m now updating regularly on Twitter. I’ll put up-to-minute updates on FD and just general information as I attempt to infiltrate the comic book industry!

Update: I’ve put in for two really cool jobs at DC - Vertigo Assistant Editor and DC Digital Assistant Editor.

*crossing fingers*

Check it out! @Breakoutcbe

Dev

False Dawn 20: Life or Something Called It

False Dawn #20: Life or Something Called It
Part One of Four: Tragedies
Comic Book Script-Plot for 20 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels

I’m trying to show my ability as a comic book writer on this blog, so from now on, the comic book script will be the lead article with the cover, not the short story edition. I’ll still publish the short story edition, but as we go along, I’m noticing that I like the comic book script more and more. What I write is meant to be seen, and I can do so much more with script than the short story edition.

FD #20: Casia, Donnellie, and Lance attempt to find Ral and Jayden but discover their battle isn’t with Project: Avatar. It’s with Lance’s past.

False Dawn #20: Short Story Edition

False Dawn #20: Life or Something Called It
Part One of Four: Tragedies
Short Story Edition
Devin Leigh Michaels

SAVANNAH, 1864

I will never forget my executor’s face—devoid of emotion, life, and sanity. His name was Sawyer Ryder, and he was a captain in the Union Army. He worked directly under General Sherman, and during Casia’s and my time captured, I had the most contact with him. He brought us some food, later cleaned my wounds, but when General Sherman gave the order, he was to become my killer.

“Do not fret, boy,” General Sherman spat, a model of mock-justice high upon his steed. “You’ll be together—in death. KILL THEM BOTH!”

Bloody, hurt, and broken in more places than I knew or could count, I still managed to grab Casia’s hand. Dying, even if it is only once, is not pleasant, and Casia knew nothing of what it would feel like.

“Lance...” she pleaded, and I smiled as best I could through the crunching cheekbone.

“It’s okay,” I lied. “It’s going to be okay.”

The soldier stepped before us and lifted his rifle, and I broke from Casia’s frightened gaze to meet his eyes. I made a promise that day.

I’ll remember you.

Then, I looked back at her, and even in a homemaker’s dress, Casia was beautiful.

BANG!

How Do You Know 017

How do you know you were meant to work in comics?

When you find the process just as exciting is the finished product.

The Process Behind The Unwritten #28

WHOO-HOO!

More than a thousand hits in one month and ninety-seven hits in one day! You people rock!

How Do You Know 016

How do you know when you’ve read too many comics? (NEVER!)


When you have “Anyway You Want It” by Journey stuck in your head, you haven’t listened to it in ages, and you’re pretty sure your superpowers are manifesting as the universe is now talking to you through songs that were released before your birth.

Huh. Never thought I’d be clairvoyant.

How Do You Know 015

How do you know when you’ve read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you see Golden Girls on the TV Guide Channel and immediately think of Deadpool and Bea Arthur.

*shivers*

Addicted to Green Tea Fraps

Discovered today I'm addicted to green tea fraps. I really *like* them in the morning...and in the afternoon...and as an evening snack.

So there two ways to go with this.

A) I stop cold turkey. That's it. No more green tea fraps, even though there is a SLIGHT chance they help with my metabolism, because I'm sure even without the whip cream, they're not that good for me.

B) I decide to use this addiction as a quirk of one of my characters, giving him/her depth in not being able to control his/her green tea frap addiction. THEN! I can continue drinking GTFs, rationalizing my addiction as research for False Dawn.

I choose B.

EXPERIMENT UPDATE!

Nightwing - Damian Wayne - by 122476

I put in a résumé for an assistant editor job at Vertigo (under my real name). Freakin’ amazing. We’re talking about the imprint that puts out American Vampire, Hellblazer, and Fables as well as how many other ground-breaking titles (Swamp Thing, DMZ, Northlanders, Y: The Last Man, Damn—SANDMAN, people! Freakin’ SANDMAN!) And to work with the legendary Ms. Karen Berger, Ms. Shelly Bond, Mr. Will Dennis, and Mr. Mark Doyle would be the ultimate dream job. I’m crossing fingers. I’ve got all the qualifications, and I’m even signed up for Saturday classes at the Kubert School to top off my mad art skillz.

I'll keep you posted!

In other news:

* Sent in a one-page entry into the One and Done Anthology by InvestComics. Written by me with art by the awesome Shannon Fowler (check her out at http://emilylorange.blogspot.com!), “Forever’s Prison” chronicles the life of an immortal nomad and answers the question, “Who the hell doesn’t want to live forever?” If chosen, I’ll put it up here after publication. If not, I’ll put it up when I know.

* Getting ready for NYCC. By then, the Experiment should be on the cusp of its second year with covers for FD and hopefully the five-page story “And Many More” with art by 122476.

* Sent in my order for DCnU. Excited to see the changes, though sad that to lose RR, Booster Gold, and the Teen Titans as we know them.

* Commissioned last cover of “Scions of Darkness” from the always incredible 122476. Look for it sometime this week. (Check him out at http://122476.blogspot.com!)

* Finished writing False Dawn #20: Life, or Something Called It in comic book script. Working on short story edition. Casia, Donnielle, and Lance attempt to find Ral and Jayden but discover their battle isn’t with Project: Avatar. It’s with Lance’s past.

* I’m reading Deadpool and Cable: Ultimate Collection Volume 2. Mr. Nicieza is a comic genius, but the suspense is killing me. Will the late, great Bea Arthur make a cameo!?

* Also on the reading list—Drake Tsui’s Sin. If you’re not reading this, you’re missing out.

D to the L to the M

THE EXPERIMENT REACHES 5,000 HITS!

  
Since Blogspot started counting hits back in May 2010, the Experiment has popped up on more 5,000 screens, and just this month alone, it's  visited more than 900! (I'm going to hope on purpose, but I'll take what I can get!)

Thanks for your continued support mi familia (FIREWORKS to Ma, Sis), my editor Erin (HIGH FIVE), my cover artist 122476 (ELBOW BUMP), and you, the readers, for dropping by (WINK)!

Devin Leigh Michaels

From the Desks of Mr. DiDio and Mr. Lee:

"We Hears You."

Good.

Dreams

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/28/dc-dan-didio-female-creators/#ixzz1TS62ufYi

I read my first comic when I was ten. I’ve written novels, short stories, and even interned at DC in hopes of one day writing comics.

I won’t let this deter me.

Devin Grayson was the first regular female writer on any Batman series. There has never been a regular female writer on Batman (the comic).

One day I will be first.

Unless Gail Simone beats me to it.

Devin Leigh Michaels

How Do You Know 014

How do you known when you’ve read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When the Eisner Award holds all your “nerd dreams,” too.

Congrats to Mr. Synder and the crew of American Vampire and Vertigo.

(Less than a month to Baltimore!)

When Do You Know 013

When do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When this is a dragon.

How Do You Know 012

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

SPOILERS to Cap movie!

When you feel cheated that Bucky Barnes fell off a train and wasn't blown up.

How Do You Know 009

How do you know when you've read too many comics? (NEVER!)

When you drop everything in your normal life, jump on a plane, fly two thousand miles, get off, drive another thousand and then stand on a four-hour line just to be inside SDCC for an hour. Just to buy a shirt. Just to get the buttons and posters. Just to be in the same room as Judd Winick, Marcus To, Francis Manapul, Eddie Berganza, Ian Sattler, Gail Simone, Tony Daniel, Dan Jurgens, Mike Marts, Grant Morrison, Fabian Nicieza, J.T. Krul, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman, Mike Perkins, Barry Kitson, Steve Epting, Peter Tomasi, Geoff Johns, Cup o' Joe, and so many others.

Just to be there.

And then you do it all again the following year.

Get them while they're hot!

http://122476.blogspot.com/



If you haven't seen 122476's work and you're a DC fan, then you've been cheated. I've been teaming up with him the last month, and dude just rocks. See the photo above? Told ya he rocks.
Comissions are open. Get 'em while they're hot! Check out 122476's Web page and/or Deviantart for more details.

Dev

False Dawn #19: Dog Fight

False Dawn #19: Out of the Pan
Part Five of Five: Dog Fight
Short Story Format
Devin Leigh Michaels

PROJECT: AVATAR
NOW

“Mr. Dawson?”

Who thought it was a good idea to go a few rounds with a freakin’ Amazon? Seriously.

“Mr. Dawson, can you hear me?”

EARLIER

I ready myself for Agent Towne as he lunges, Maidan’s Glory in my hand, but I don’t plan for the invisible force that slams into Kainoa and my backs. It sends us stumbling toward Towne, who with a single hand, pushes us back. We’re caught between two pieces of an invisible bread, and all I keep thinking is this is how PB and J must feel when Towne drops to the floor suddenly, Jayden behind him.

He narrows his eyes at Sierra, but the shock gives me just enough leeway to throw a shadow tentacle at her. Like Bergener did to me, the tentacle slashes through her shoulder, but I kick her to the ground.

“When are you going to realize, Sierra?” I demand. “Telekinetics are the wimpy kids in class. Telepaths rock.”

She kicks out my legs, but she leaps for the one person on the field who can stop her and the blue hoodies.

Rio.

False Dawn #19: Comic Book Script

False Dawn #19: Out of the Pan
Part Five of Five: Dog Fight
Comic Book Script - Plot for 20 Pages
Devin Leigh Michaels

Twenty or twenty-two pages? Fabian Nicieza was right. It's really not that hard of a transition. It's just a matter of working the plot. (Maybe it have it vacuum for me...that'd be nice. Have the plot do something for ME for a change, not the other way around...)

As the Ral and his new misfit crew take on the Blue Hoodies, one Founding Father gives his life for the cause.