Friday, December 07, 2007

The Superman Family #223

Chapter Four: “My Mother’s Castle”

Page 1:
Panel 1:
Full shot of Superboy in ¾ profile dominates right side of panel. He is “swimming” up panel, looking down at the massive underwater dome that encompasses the city of Atlantis. The shielded Metro Expedition vessel descends below him toward an opening hatch in the dome. Submersible vehicles circle the dome; all are doing some kind of hauling or lifting action of building materials and under water coral reefs.

Caption:
Atlantis! One of the last refuges for humankind. Most of the surface of the planet Earth has become uninhabitable due to a magnetic pole shift and it’s catastrophic consequences. Seemingly by chance Superboy, upon returning from a five-year journey through outer space, met an elderly Dick Grayson who gave him the surprising news that his mother, Lois Elliott, was responsible for possibly discovering the last hope the human race had for survival!

Superboy (thought balloon): “I t doesn’t surprise me that my mother’s still alive after all the planets’ been through. She’s always been a tough old broad. I just hope she’s not still mad at me.”

Page 2:
Panel 1:
Profile close-up of Superboy on the left side of panel. Air bubbles surround him and drift across the panel. He wears a pensive expression of both concern and awe.

Superboy (thought balloon): “I never did say goodbye, but we weren’t really speaking then anyway. And I don’t know if she ever got the one message I sent her from space. I guess I’ll just have to face her and find out.”

Panel 2:
Super boy descends to the sea floor just outside the massive docking facility on Atlantis’ dome. Vessel wait in a four tiered hovering pattern, air bubbles spilling out from their engine ports, in front of him.

Superboy (thought balloon): “It’s like the grand Pavilion on Herkule Four. It’s surreal how much the Earth has changed.”

Panel 3:
Mid-shot of Dick Grayson and numerous other men and women crowding around Superboy. Dick Grayson has his hand on Superboy’s back and is smiling addressing the gathering. Superboy looks embarrassed, while the others look on, some with awe others with distrust.

Dick Grayson: “Yep, It’s really him. After all these years, the boy of Steel returns! Now we have more than just hope for the future! We have a sure thing!”

Panel 4:
Full shot of the crowd parting for a sturdy looking woman in her late sixties. The woman is healthy and vibrant and wears an eye-patch over her right eye. Her expression is one of joy and solace. Her arms spread wide as if about to embrace.

Lois Elliott: Well, you finally made it back! I was starting to wonder if you’d ever show up? I guess you get that from your father though. That man had the uncanny ability of always waiting till the last second!”

Panel 5:
Profile shot of Superboy (on left of panel) looking down at his mother, whose head is chest high to him. Superboy looks relieved and amused at his mother’s brazenness. Lois looks up, inspecting, her son.

Lois: “New suit huh? Looks okay. I can see you haven’t been eating much besides solar radiation lately though. Look at your cheeks, they’re practically dripping with Vitamin E!”

Panel 6:
Over Superboy’s shoulder we look on as Lois departs through the parting crowd, she beckons Superboy to follow her.

Lois: “Come with me and we’ll get you cleaned up and fed.”

Superboy: “It’s good to see you too.”

Page 3:
Panel 1:
Lois and Superboy sitting in the back of an Atlantean hover vehicle shaped like a fish. We can see other hover-fish swim by and beneath is the city of Atlantis, looking very much like a massive coral reef. Some of the buildings are domed and humans can be seen walking among them, but others are open to the sea and mer-people swim about. Superboy gazes in awe at his mother. Lois is looking out the window and down at the city.

Lois: “Yep, a lots changed in just five years. But I guess that’s the nature of life. Constant change. I think it has something to do with a species impetus to evolve. We...I guess...need drastic shake-ups to push us on. We get bored and stagnate. We get distracted by trivialities.”

Panel 2:
We look across the interior of the hover-fish at Lois shaking her head and smiling, patting her son on the leg. Superboy is scratching his head, but also smiling.

Lois: “I’m sorry. You’ll have to forgive an old lady. I guess I’m always going to be a reporter at heart. But how’ve you been? I got the message you sent from space. Five years ago, by the way. What a mother can’t expect to hear from her son once in awhile?”

Superboy: “Sorry Mom, I got…busy.”

Panel 3:
We look down on floating hover-fish as it “lands” on a large pad atop a curvy coral reef apartment complex. Many other float-cars zip past.

Lois (inside float-car): “Busy huh? Well I guess we’ve all been a bit busy lately. You can tell me all about it once we get some real food in you. It’s good to have you back, son.”

Panel 4:
We are now inside Lois Elliott’s Atlantean kitchen. It is a hodgepodge of old Earth technology from various eras’s and time-spans and Atlantean accoutrements. Lois is serving a plate of sushi with a generous helping of seaweed. Superboy, sitting at the table his back to us, takes the plate of food.

Lois: “Here you go. All the delicacies of underwater fine dining. Make sure you eat those greens, there’s plenty of iron in them.”

Superboy: “Thanks, mother.”

Panel 5:
Lois turned toward sink, we see her in profile in foreground. She looks out the window, a bit wistfully. We see Superboy in the background eating the fish with aplomb.

Lois (thought balloon): “I’m glad to hear you say that with out the resentment I heard in your last message. Was I really so awful a mother?”

Panel 6:
We are now turned to face Superboy in profile in foreground, eating his seaweed. In the background Lois has turned to face us, looking at her son. She wears a sad and dismayed expression, hugging herself softly.

Lois (thought balloon): “It wasn’t easy raising a Superbaby on my own. I did what I thought best for you. I guess, in his way, so did your father.”

Page 4.
Chapter 5: “I was a Single Mom with a Superbaby!”

Panel 1:
From the same angle we see Lois and Superboy in relatively the same positions they had in the previous panel. They are now about 15 years younger and in a plainly decorated sub-urban kitchen. Super boy is reading a Superman comic book and juggling a couch, an apple and the family dog (a white floppy-eared puppy). Lois has the same look of sadness and dismay from the previous panel.

Caption: The Midwest, 2002

Lois (thought balloon): “How am I supposed to deal with this? Your father never had it so hard. But how am I supposed to keep an eight-year-old boy from using his super- powers? And should I even try?”

Panel 2:
Close shot of Lois on the phone. Her fingers try to twirl the non-existent cord. She wears an expression on anxiety and concern.

Lois: “Thank you again for the Eulogy you gave. I really appreciated it. Yeah. Well…I just don’t know what to do Hal. Ever since Jordan…um…passed I’ve been at my wits end. No, Bruce and I aren’t speaking. Thank you Hal. I’ll see you in an hour...all right...bye.”

Panel 3:
Lois Elliot, (age forty-five) in foreground turned from us, opening door to outside. Hal Jordan, in a fine civilian outfit, not to posh but somewhat elegant/otherworldly. He stands smiling in a relaxed pose.

Lois: “Hello Hal, it’s good to see you. I hope I’m not taking you away from anything more ‘important’? I know you have a lot of work as Earth’s Ambassador to space.”

Hal Jordan: “Nothings too important that I can’t drop by and see an old friend. I’m just sorry it hasn’t been sooner.”

Page 5.
Panel 1:
In foreground; close up of Superboy (8 year old Jonathon) stretched out on floor; reading Superman comics; juggling furniture and the family dog. In background we see Hal and Lois standing next to each other from hallway entrance to room. Lois looks concerned, Hal with a ‘knowing’ look.

Hal: “Well I see he has his father’s ability to defy the believable. Wow he must have been tough to potty train?”
Lois: “It’s getting him to not break the handle when he flushes is my main concern now.”

Panel 2:
Lois, close up, turned toward Hal, worry on her face. Hal looking down at Lois smiling and friendly.

Lois: “Hal I’m serious. I don’t know how I’m going to handle things like puberty with the boy? A normal kid’s hard enough. But I’ve got a Superboy on my hands!”

Hal: “Okay, okay, Lois I hear you. I’ll help out if you want. I can show him some of the ropes and maybe find you a sitter or something if that’ll help. I’ll see what I can do to help with his powers.”

Panel 3:
We look down form wide shot of Lois, standing, Hal, squatting in front of Superboy, who is sitting up reading a comic book.

Lois: “Thank you Hal. I really appreciate this, let me introduce you.”

Hal: “Hey fella, remember me? What are you reading there? Action Comics, yeah those are all right. Would you like to see something even better?”

Superboy: “Like what, mister?”

Panel 4:
From Superboy’s POV we see Hal showing us his Power Ring. In the center of the ring a multitude of dimensions and alternate worlds can be seen spiraling around and down toward a point somewhere in infinity.

Superboy (off panel): “Wow!”

Panel 5:
Wide shot of Hal, now in Green Lantern uniform, and Superboy surrounded be giant green bubble. Super kid looks excitedly toward Lois. Lois is standing outside of bubble her back to us.

Hal: “Ah that’s nothing kid. Now I’ll show you something really ‘super’.

Superboy: “Is that okay mom?”

Lois: “Sure. Just make sure you’re back in time for dinner. And be careful.”



Panel 6:
Mid shot of Lois looking on as in foreground Hal and Superboy fade away. Lois looks happy.

Superboy: “Aww, mom don’t be such a worry wart.”

Page 6.
Panel 1:
In foreground close-up Green Lantern and Lois Elliot embracing and kissing. In background Superboy, age 13 (clad in traditional outfit of Superman), looks on unapprovingly.

Caption: 2007

Superboy: “All right you love birds, break it up. Come on Hal, we’re never going to make it to the opening ceremony on Datura 12 at this rate. And we’re the Masters of Ceremony!”

Panel 2:
Outside now, in the backyard. It is fenced in and well populated with trees and a swimming pool. Superboy is high in the air making ‘come on’ motions with his arms toward Green Lantern. Green Lantern is floating upside down holding onto Lois’ hand. Lois arm outstretched standing on the soft earth.

Green Lantern: “We’ll probably be back late. So you shouldn’t wait up. Love you.”

Superboy: “Hurry up or it’ll be too late to buy glagnar treats before the Tournament.”

Panel 3:
Lois close-up in foreground, looking upward towards right of panel. In the distance to small dots in upper right of panel.

Lois: “Have fun!” (thought balloon) “Now maybe I can get some work done on that article for the Planet magazine.”

Page 7.
Panel 1:
Lois asleep in her bed, it is dark and the window on the right side of panel is open, curtains blow slightly in the wind.

Panel 2:
On left side of room, Superboy smashes through the door, sending debris flying across the room. Lois is half jumping out of bed.

Superboy: “MOMMEE!”

Panel 3:
Superboy kneeling on the edge of Lois’ bed tears streaming down his face, he crushes the bed frame he is grabbing. Lois reaches for her son from the bed.

Superboy: “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been in such a hurry! I’m sorry mommy, I didn’t mean for anything to happen! But it did, it did happen and he’s gone! Green Lantern is gone!”

Panel 4:
Lois holding Superboy to her chest, wiping away his tears.

Lois: “What happened? Tell me what happened, everything is going to be fine, I’m sure of it.”

Superboy: “No it isn’t mommy. Hal’s gone! He just disappeared. Without a trace. But I wont give up. I’ll never stop looking for him.”

Panel 5:
Superboy standing up fists clenched, he looks toward window on right of panel. Lois sitting on bed looking out window, her hands in her lap. Curtains in front of window blow softly on the breeze.

Lois: “Of course not sweet heart, but don’t you think you should get some rest first. Maybe by then Hal will have returned and everything will be explained. But for now you should sleep.

Panel 6:
Lois looking in on Superboy from doorway. Superboy in foreground, under bedcovers, sleeping. Lois looks sad and worried.

Lois (thought balloon): “Twice. Twice in one lifetime? It’s not fair. It’s not fair that he should have to go through this. Damn it, Jordan, why didn’t you just tell me? Why did you have to keep it a secret? Now I’ve got no one left to turn to and I don’t think I can raise a Superboy alone.”

Page 8:
Panel 1:
Superboy, dressed in gray flannel long sleeve, black-t shirt with red ‘S’ insignia on chest, ratty blue jeans and red converse, sits slacken on couch, feet up on coffee table. Lois stands in far foreground we only see her from the knee up; she is wearing khaki slacks and low-heeled loafers. Krypto the puppy runs around the table chasing it’s own tail.

Caption: 2008

Lois: “This is absolutely the last straw mister! Now you’re suspended? What was it this time? Smoking, drinking using your powers? I’m fed up! I don’t know what to do with you. You sit around all day with that bad attitude of yours and then expect everyone else to clean up after you! Well enough is enough!”

Panel 2:
Superboy standing up angrily, crushing a plate of food under his foot. Krypto running out of panel to the right. Lois, her back to us, in foreground, we now see her waist up.

Superboy: “Mother stop criticizing me! It’s not my fault! I’m doing the best I can. Or at least the best you’ll let me! You wont let me go out looking for Hal anymore. You wont let me use my powers. I’m tired of hiding what I am all the time. You won’t even tell me more about my father.”

Panel 3:
Lois on left side of panel, mid shot, looking fierce and determined. Superboy on right side of panel kicking and smashing table.

Lois: “What more do you need to know about your father? And how can that possibly have anything to do with what I’m talking about right now? Which is your inability to follow the rules.”

Superboy: “Rules! That’s all I ever get. Do this. Don’t do that. Be your best, but be like everybody else! I’m sick of rules!”

Panel 4:
Looking on at Lois from mid shot. She is extremely angry and pointing towards the left of panel with her right hand and her left hand is on her hip.

Lois: “Fine! If that’s the way you feel then I wont stop you anymore. Go ahead, there’s the door. If you think you can make it on your own than go right ahead and do it! Otherwise if you live in my house, you live by my rules!”

Panel 5:
From inside house, front door smashing outward toward street. In between the debris of door we see Superboy running away, down front walk, toward street.

Superboy: “ HYPERLINK "mailto:&@#% off! I'm outta here and I'm never coming back!" &@#% off! I’m outta here and I’m never coming back!”

Panel 6:
We look at Mid-shot of Lois, through the hanging remnants of the doorframe. She appears sad but somewhat relieved, she holds herself softly.

Lois (thought balloon): “I hate to say it, but maybe that’s for the best. I never was the ‘motherly’ type. Damn you Jordan, why didn’t you just tell me?”

Page 9.
Chapter 6: “The Origin of Superboy!”

Panel 1:
Same shot of Lois from previous panel, though now she is in her sixties and standing in kitchen watching Superboy eat the last of his sushi.

Caption: 2017

Lois (thought balloon): “And why didn’t I ever tell you, Jonathon? All these years, why do we keep secrets so long? Why hold onto them and make them worse?”

Panel 2:
Superboy and Lois sitting at small kitchen table. Both have coffee cups. Lois is holding hers looking at Superboy. Superboy is drinking form his, looking at Lois over the rim.

Lois: “It’s time you knew everything about your father.”

Panel 3:
Close up on Superboy’s eyes over extreme close up of cup’s rim. The eyes are wide and anticipating.

Superboy: “My...dad? Why do you want to talk about him now?”

Panel 4:
Full shot of Lois, in profile, sitting at table leaning in towards left side of panel. She is opening a pack of cigarettes.

Lois: “You know I haven’t smoked a cigarette since the day your father asked me to marry him. Can’t really smoke one now though. The air’s too precious. But I like the smell of them. It reminds me of a long time ago. It reminds me of that life before all this. When I was a snoopy reporter and your father was the biggest news on the planet.”
Panel 5:
We are looking across at Superboy from Lois’ POV. Superboy is putting down his cup. He wears a surprised and dumbfounded look.

Superboy: “News? What news? Dad was just a mechanic. Wasn’t he?”

Panel 6:
Looking at Lois from Superboy’s POV. She is smiling and rolling one of the cigarettes under her nose.

Lois: “Mmmmm…yes. Yes he was. But he was more than that. He was…well he was Superman before that.”

Page 10.
Panel 1:
Superboy looking down at the table solemnly. His fingers slide down the “ear” of the cup in front of him on the table.

Superboy: “I’d always hoped that…that was true. But it couldn’t be. I was born in 1994 and Superman died in 1986!”

Panel 2:
Lois standing now mid-shot, near sink. Her back is to Superboy and the cigarette dangles from her lips. We look on at her and Superboy from just outside the kitchen window, a large sea-plant waves on the right side of panel.

Lois: “That’s what we wanted the world to believe. But your father, Jordan Elliot, was also Superman ten years before you were born. The Gold Kryptonite he dosed himself with to rid him of his powers also rendered him sterile. Until you, that is.”

Panel 3:
A shot of Lois in her mid-thirties holding a swaddling little Jonathon, standing over them in the background is a happy looking Jordan Elliot.

Caption (Lois): When you came into our lives, we were both so happy. We waited so long and tried so many different methods that to us you really were a blessing. I had no idea then of the worries your father had though.

Panel 4:
Shot from low angle on Superbaby sitting in front of a cozy fireplace. In his hands he is squeezing a lump of coal. Beside him on his right is a brass coal basket half full with coal. On is left is a pile of uncut diamonds as big as the baby’s fist.

Caption: When your powers started to manifest, he became withdrawn and moody. At first I thought it was just a misguided jealousy, but later I found out that it was much more sinister than that.

Panel 5:
Mid shot of Jordan Elliot and Bruce Wayne inside a coffee shop. We look in just in front of the Coffee Shop window. Jordan looks worried, almost frantic. Bruce Wayne is poised and aloof.

Caption:
It went so far that he had decided to leave me out of any plans that might involve the life and future of my son! When I talked to Bruce later he said he didn’t know Jordan was keeping it a secret from me, but I’ve never really trusted him. And besides it was his formula in the first place.

Panel 6:
Mid shot of Superboy standing up, knocking over the table and smashing it (quite accidentally) and the chair he was sitting on also is disintegrating from the force of his Super-stand!

Superboy: “Formula? What formula? Mother what in Zaylon’s Beard are you talking about?”

Page 11.
Panel 1:
Extreme close up of Lois’ one good eye and eye patch. No tears, just intense emotion welling up inside.

Lois: “The formula that nearly killed you as a baby! It was designed to take away your powers and turn you into a ‘normal’ human being, but since your Krypto-human physiology proved immune to the Gold Kryptonite, they had to develop a formula from the last remaining fragments of Green Kryptonite.”

Panel 2:
Mid shot of Superboy, he is looking down and shaking his head. His right hand on his head.

Superboy: “Wait, wait, wait. But I’m immune to Green Kryptonite.”

Lois (off panel): “Only since you turned 13. You weren’t immune when you were 4.”

Panel 3:
Full shots of Lois and Superboy on opposite sides of panel, the debris from the smashed table and chair between them. Superboy has his fists clenched and is slightly hunched forward from the gut. Lois reclines on the sink cabinet edge; her arms crossed the cigarette dangling loosely in her mouth.

Lois: “And you got very sick let me tell you. For two years you were a sickly baby always catching cold and coming down with rashes. I thought I was doing everything wrong that a mother could do. I had no idea what your father and Bruce were up to. All those night up worrying, and him knowing all along that…”

Panel 4:
Lois and Superboy in similar positions as from previous panel. Though now Superboy has collapsed to his knees and is covering his head with his hands. Lois looks down and reaches for her son.

Panel 5:
Lois, on her knees, embracing her son. Superboy returns the embrace, his head pressing against her chest.

Superboy: “Why? Why would he do that?”

Lois: “ I don’t know. I’ve been angry over it for almost 15 years and still I don’t know why he did it.”

Panel 6:
Close up of Superboy gazing up at the upper right hand of panel. He has not been crying, but his face is intensely emotional.

Superboy: “You mean you never asked him? All those years and you never asked him?”

Page 12:
Panel 1:
Mid shot of Superboy and Lois facing each other. Super boy is pleading in his look. Lois extremely confused.

Lois: “All those years? Jonathon…you’re father died when you were six years old. How can you not remember that? It happened right in front of you.”

Panel 2:
Superboy leaning forward, gripping the sides of his head. Surrounding him are the dream panels from Superboy #234. The car crash sequences are most prominent.

Superboy (thought balloon): “No…no please. It can’t be true.”

Panel 3:
We look on from a mid-shot of Lois touching Superboy, consolingly on the shoulder. Superboy; head drooped to chest.

Lois: “My...my goddess I thought you knew. All those years we never talked because I thought you remembered. You knew Jordan was gone, you talked about it all the time.”

Superboy: “I always thought he left us. You were so evasive and vague about it I just drew my own conclusions.”

Panel 4:
Head shot of Superboy and Lois, regarding each other calmly.

Superboy: “Then when you started dating Hal I just kind of let it go…for a while.”

Lois: “I’m sorry we never talked about it like this before. I think it would have saved us both a lot of heartache. Your father died in 2000. He was hit by a car and killed. That was also the day I learned you had super-powers. You had flown home to me from the accident, crying and screaming about it being your fault. It took me some time to figure out what had happened. Bruce called me and that’s also when I found out about your father’s betrayal.”

Page 13.
Panel 1:
Mid-shot of Superboy, looking down at his hands. Perplexed, tired and confused.

Superboy: “This is...is all too much for me right now. The Earth, you, my father…Ever since the War I’ve been having nightmares. I thought it was over my guilt at not being able to save Reg. But the ZamOans said that my real answers awaited me back home. You know when I was a kid I used to dream that Superman…that is the comic book Superman, would turn out to be my dad. Now that I find he is and that he didn’t even want me the way that I am…it’s just too much to take it all in at once.”

Panel 2:
Mid-shot of Lois taking the cigarette out of her mouth and holding it to her nose. She is wrinkling her nose at it.

Lois: “I never could stand the way Weisinger portrayed me in his comics. I have a suspicion that he never really liked me, probably because I rejected all of his articles for the planet. He used to have this crazy delusion that all I ever wanted to be was Superman’s housewife. I never should of let you read those things. But I thought it would help you learn to control your powers. I did the best I could Jonathon. I’m sorry if it gave you a false hope.”

Panel 3:
Close up of Superboy’s gloved hand holding Lois’ wrinkled hand.

Superboy: “I’m sorry about the things I said when I left. I didn’t know you…I’m sorry Mom…for everything.”

Lois: “Aww, now don’t get all mushy on me. I’m a tough ol’ newspaper gal. I can take a licking when I deserve one. We’ve been through enough already to keep torturing ourselves over the past. Lets just move on and see where it gets us? Now what this about a war and who are the ZamOans?”



Panel 4:
Mid-shot of Superboy holding Lois’ shoulders and smiling down at her. Lois looks up intrigued and kindly at her son.

Superboy: “First let me clean up this mess and then we can talk some more about that. It must be getting pretty late? Are you sure you wouldn’t’ rather it wait till morning?”

Lois: “After fifteen years I’m not waiting another hour. Time enough to sleep when I die.”

Panel 5:
Full shot of Superboy working at super-speed cleaning up the debris in the kitchen. Lois looks on smiling big and proud.

Lois (thought balloon): “It’s good to see that he’s grown into a responsible young man. Though I never really doubted it at all.”

Panel 6:
Mid-shot of Superboy and Lois sitting across from each other on a luxurious couch. Seated in the living area of Lois’ home. On the walls and adorning the room are ancient relics from human and Atlantean history. Superboy leans forward, his hands folded in front of him. Lois sits back, relaxed and in “interview mode” pose.

Superboy: “You see the Intergalactic War of a 1000 Worlds actually began along time before Reg and I ever got into those sectors of space. When we left earth we just kind of had fun and went on some pretty weird “cosmic joyrides”.

Page 14.
Chapter 7: “Superboy goes to WAR!”

Panel 1:
Mid-shot of Superboy, Nightfire and Seriphan (of the Forever People) hotrodding in Metron’s God-Chair through a psychedelic cosmic slop. The three look wild and care free.

Caption: “We met a few really interesting folks and got into some crazy adventures for a while until we met the princess. Actually Reg met her first, and fell pretty hard for her too.”

Panel 2:
Full shot of Princess Toxica, exotic, sultry alien with four arms and long green hair. She wears a diaphanous dress with mod circle designs covering it. She also wears a pair of calf high go-go boots (ala 1970’s). She walks towards us, gazing at us intently.

Caption: “She was stunning and intoxicating. We pledged our protection to her right then and there. You see she was being hounded by these thugs from the Inorganic Collective, who wanted her to merge with their Big Brain complex somewhere in the heart of their galaxy. They claimed that this was decreed in the Great Plan.”

Panel 3:
Starships of every design and world crowd the panel in an all out battle. Ships spin” flameless but broken through the vacuum of space. Laser fire of every describable kind flash between the vessels.

Caption: “We didn’t found out till later that she had broken some kind of treaty and plunged 1000 worlds into open warfare. Most of it was over trade disputes and shipping lane rights through out the universe. But then the Central Collective Information Network malfunctioned and decided that all organic life was to be exterminated.”

Panel 4:
We look down on wave after wave of approaching Inorganic Army. It is comprised of robots of every form and function, as well as ambulate rocks, floating sentient gases and an assortment of levitating man-sized jewels.

Caption: “The Inorganic Consortium of Planets amassed an incredible army, mostly due to their preexisting production factories. Then they developed a “reprogramming” ray and their armies filled with ‘bots that deserted their former jobs or functions.”

Page 15.
Panel 1:
We look down upon a stellar cartographic map showing the 1000 world quadrants. The map fills the panel. At top of panel extending nearly mid-way through panel is a spider web of computer circuitry, overtaking planets and stars, consuming them.

Caption: “In the first years of Reg’s and my involvement we were constantly on the defensive. Struggling just to evacuate planets being overrun by maniacal machines and rouge robots. Our allies were few, due to the diaspora of organic life throughout the universe. We really are quite the wanderers us organics…but I guess we have to be to survive.”

Panel 2:
Full-shot of Princess Toxica. We look on her from behind as she enters into the gaping maws of a vicious looking machine. She enters arms spread, accepting of her fate. Direct beneath/behind her explodes a field of cosmic light beams and stars.

Caption: “In a last ditch effort to stop the Central Collective Information Network from continuing it’s mad scheme, Princess Toxica offered herself up to the Inorganics. She hoped since this fulfilled the original terms of the treaty she broke the War would end and the Great Plan would be complete.”

Panel 3:
Nightfire, in center of panel, flying and disintegrating into the expanding cosmic star field caused by the union of the CCIN and Princess Toxica.

Caption: “Reg was in love with her and nothing I could said would stop him. He actually knocked me unconscious so that I wouldn’t try to stop him. By the time I came to I wasn’t fast enough to reach him before…”

Panel 4:
A giant machine planet is center of panel. It looms malevolently in the field of stars. An open portal at the bottom of planet resembles a pupil, giving the whole planet the appearance of a giant mechanical eye in space.

Caption: “If only her plan would have worked. But the Inorganics still ran on their former programming from the CCIN: ‘Eliminate all Organics’. So one last suicidal mission was organized.”


Page 16.
Panel 1:
Mid-shot profile of Superboy speaking toward right side of panel.

Superboy: “And I found myself involved in one of the most difficult decisions that a person has to make. Them or us? There was no negotiating with a machine. They’re made for a purpose and they are efficient at it. Once programmed they pursue the completion of that program to its end. They’re calculating and logical to levels no organic brain even considers. But we make logical leaps that no computer can due to out unending resolve to adapt and evolve. We take risks. A machine never leaves things to chance.”

Panel 2:
Mid-shot of Lois slumped to the side and asleep on the couch.

Panel 3:
Superboy carrying Lois in his arms down the Atlantean apartments hallway. He looks lovingly at his elderly mother.

Superboy (thought balloon): “It’s been a long day for both of us. I’m sorry if I bored you to sleep. I hope you have nothing but pleasant dreams…mother.”

Panel 4:
Near full-shot of Superboy, his back to us, looking out the large bay window in the Atlantean living area. In front of him, beyond the barrier, swim a colorful assortment of exotic fish and pedestrian Atlanteans. The lights are out in the apartment so the only light source comes from the floating lamp balls anchored outside at 20’ intervals along the Atlantean “roadway”.

Superboy (thought balloon): “Given half a chance we really can be quite the adaptable family. The ZamOans really are astute observers. But I wonder if I’ve found all the answers I seek? Everything is so different than I expected.”

Panel 5:
Mid-shot of Superboy, lying down on couch, eyes closed. A slight frown visible on his face. Most of his form is in shadow, except his face, which is still illuminated by the light-balls floating outside the transparent barrier.

Superboy (thought balloon): “I guess I’m pretty tired myself. So much to take in. I hope maybe I can make some sense of it in the morning when I wake up.”

Page 17.
Chapter 8: “The Reunification of the Tao.”

Panel 1:
In lower right of panel we see Superboy from chest up, sleeping. A dream cloud floats from his head to create the entire rest of page. Inside the “dream cloud” a panoramic space battle involving numerous space-fighters. Three of which are aero-wings that resemble large birds of prey (an osprey or peregrine perhaps). They fight three small globe shaped weapons platforms. Each has a forward circular gun port. They spin and flit around each other, dodging the enemies fire. In foreground Superboy, in contemporary outfit, rips one of the chest size globes in half, spewing sparks into the extreme foreground. He is speaking into a slim mike that connects to his ear. He looks angry. In the distance a large blocky freighter (ala the Nostromo from Alien) hangs on the edge of the battle. A crazy psychedelic space cloud forms the backdrop, with spiraling smoke banks and ethereal waves of mist.

Caption: 2015. 10078 parsecs into Inorganic Controlled space.

Superboy: “This is the third patrol we’ve run into in the last day! Do you think they know we’re coming?”

Coatl One (closest aero-wing): “If they knew we were on the way we’d be facing a hell of a lot more than a recon drone patrol!”

Coatl Two (middle aero-wing): “Hey guys I don’t mean to interrupt the banter but if we don’t deal with these drones in the next 5.2 seconds they’ll be able to signal the CCIN!”

Coatl Three (lowest aero-wing): “Perfect watch your six, that drone is sweeping your tail!”

Drone Gun One (closest to middle aero-wing): “Execute Maneuver 3456.17…executing.”

Page 18.
Panel 1:
Mid-shot of Superboy spinning his head and blasting the remaining Drone Gun’s with his “Super Heat-Vision”.

Superboy: “I got your back Kay! One mean “glance” and these lover-boy’s melt to pieces. Teach them to mess with my woman!”

Panel 2:
Interior Coatl Two. Pilot Kamilla is completely enclosed in a semi-gelatinous goop. She wears a helmet, which obscures her features and resembles an overlarge diving helmet. The interior light comes from the numerous bioluminescent panels that are placarded about the Pilot. In reflection of the large eye-protectors of helmet we can see two ‘tracking lines’ chasing two “exploded blips”.

Kamilla: “Thanks Jon, but those guns aren’t fast enough to get by me. I was just toying with ‘em! But at least that wraps up this engagement, so we can head back to the Hecate. Right, Hilltop?”

Wing Leader Hilltop (from VOX panel on pilot console): “Roger that, Perfect. Col. Photon will be anxious to keep moving.”

Panel 3:
Wide angle shot of The Three Coatl’s flying towards the Hecate’s Tears in the background. Superboy, in full-shot foreground, keeps pace with Coatl Two, flying upside down inches above it, in a relaxed almost pleased with himself look.

Superboy: “Sometimes I wonder if Col. Photon wouldn’t just like to call “
Full Ahead!” and ram Hecate right down the mech-heads receptor circuits. Sure would beat all this sneaking around!”

Kamilla: “That would kind of defeat the whole purpose of this mission, Jon. I doubt the Colonel would endanger us with such reckless abandon. Not all of us can fly through a Sun and rip apart drones with our bare-hands.”

Panel 4:
Mid shot of Superboy following Pilot Kamilla out of hanger bay. Kamilla is in the midst of taking off her helmet, her body dripping with gelatin. She is an exotically beautiful alien with large, completely black eyes. Superboy is about a foot taller than Kamilla and looks upward in confusion and demystification. In the far background of the hangar bay we see the Coatl Wings being tended by Org-technicians. One of the Coatl Wings is vomiting forth it’s pilot in a gelatinous mess.

Superboy: “What’s with the cold shoulder all of the sudden Kam? Mission Success, you know? We used to celebrate in much friendlier ways. I don’t get what I did wrong?”

Panel 5:
Mid shot of Kamilla turning to poke Superboy in his chest with her extended finger. She holds her helmet in the opposite hand and looks very upset at Superboy. Superboy looks puzzled at Kamilla, clear non-understanding on his face. They are further down one of the narrow hallways of the Hecate’s Tears. Industrial piping and strange gelatinous computer pillars adorn the walls.

Kamilla: “Maybe that’s it, ya know? I guess I’m just tired of having to explain things to you. It was fun and a little bit cute at first, but now I realize it was a bad idea. Col. Photon was right I’m becoming distracted from the mission…and so are you. I’m sorry Jon, but it’s over. From now on were just wing-mates. That’s all!”

Panel 6:
We are looking down on scene from just above Superboy’s head. He looks at the slamming closed door in front of him. The hallway continues to the left and right of him. His shoulders are slumped and he slouches slightly forward, in a defeated pose.

Page 19.
Panel 1:
We look sown on the Hangar Bay of the Hecate’s Tears. Org-technicians scurry about the different organic aero-wings. One aero-wing is vomiting forth it’s pilot. Wing Leader Hilltop, a tall and massive burly-man with beard and moustache, is walking in center of panel toward one of the hall aperture doors lining the right side of panel. He is being followed by Veet Nor-pax. Veet is an alien of comparable height to Hilltop, who has a barnacle for a head and a red flowing robe obscures the remaining body. Hilltop ‘s body attitude is one of agitation and annoyance.

Veet Nor-pax: “Fshlurp…Wing Leader I’ve checked that bio-feedback loop three times and have not found the malfunction you continue to complain about….Fshlurp…perhaps you are mistaken? The mechanics aboard your aero-wing are the most advanced in the galaxy…Fshlurp. And its intelligence is comparable to any 5th level algorithmic compu-device. Perhaps the problem is pilot related?

Panel 2:
Mid-shot of Hilltop turning angrily on Veet Nor-pax. Spittle flies from Hilltop’s mouth and splashes onto Veet’s barnacle head.

Hilltop: “Don’t tell me I don’t know how to handle your Slurg-damned machine! If I tell you there’s a problem with my wing then there’s a problem with my wing! So stop telling me how smart you’ve made these mech’s, cause that’ll just fizz me off even more than I already am!”

Panel 3:
Mid-shot of Col. Photon, a humanoid firefly in military stylized uniform standing directly in background next to Veet and Hilltop. Veet and Hilltop both turn to regard Col. Photon with surprise. Col. Photon is stern and slightly put out by the other two soldiers arguing.
Col. Photon: “Is there a problem here soldiers? We are in the middle of a very sensitive operation here and all this shouting is making the wings nervous. I suggest that you save this “disagreement” until we’ve safely completed our mission and not in the middle of my Hangar bay!”

Veet and Hilltop (in unison): “Col. Photon sir? Yes, sir!”

Panel 4:
Another Mid-shot of Col. Photon stoically standing at parade rest in front of Veet Nor-pax and Hilltop. He is regarding Veet with a slight eyebrow arch (or whatever a firefly/humanoid face structure would substitute for eyebrows). Hilltop stands at attention, rigid and stiff on the right. Veet is slightly hunched and exiting via left side of panel.

Col. Photon: “Good. Then Doctor I suggest you return to maintaining our “visitor” and make sure all is in readiness. We arrive at GZ in ten centars. And Wing Leader you will accompany me to debriefing.”

Veet: “Yes…Fshlurp...Colonel, at once.”

Hilltop: “Sir, yes sir!”

Panel 5:
Full shot of Col. Photon and Hilltop, from behind, walking down a long hallway. Along the walls and ceiling is industrial tubing. At varying distances along the wall are door apertures and gelatinous compu-panels.

Col. Photon: “I’m surprised Wing-Leader that you would act so un-professional in front of your combat comrades. I understand the stress you must be feeling but that is no excuse for losing your temper. You are responsible for an entire chain of command and must maintain the proper working attitude. Is that understood?”

Hilltop: “Yes, sir. I apologize. I won’t let my personal feelings interfere with my work again sir.”

Panel 6:
Mid-shot of Col. Photon, slightly haggard with just a shade of exhaustion slipping through his stoic mask.

Col. Photon: “Hmmmm. I can’t say I completely disagree with your assessment Hill. This war has certainly changed my attitude about our reliance on machines but Dr. Nor-pax knows his job and does it well. That’s why he was chosen for this mission. Why you all were. Try to remember that. We’re almost to the end of this, and if we succeed then maybe you’ll get the chance to prove your philosophy. But if we fail, then the Inorganics get to prove theirs. I’m going to discuss the final stage of our mission with the Superboy. You are dismissed. And I recommend you get some sleep or at least try and relax. I need my Wing-Leader tip-top in ten centars.”

Page 20.
Panel 1:
We look on from across a large sleek table at Col. Photon sitting, studying a compu-panel in front of him. Behind him are numerous other compu-panels displaying various information read-outs in alien script. His brow is knitted with consternation.

Superboy (off panel): “You wanted to see me sir?”

Panel 2:
Mid shot of Superboy, from the Colonel’s POV. Superboy stands at ease, with a worried kind of look on his face. Behind him an aperture door is closing. Along the walls behind are more compu-panels displaying alien script.

Col. Photon (off panel): “Yes Jonathon, have a seat. There are some crucial points of the plan that I wish to discuss with you.”

Panel 3:
Mid-shot of Superboy, his back to us, sitting to the right of Col. Photon, facing him. Col. Photon looks at the gelatinous block of compu-panel on the table in front of him. He wears a look of stern stoicism.

Col. Photon: “With the distraction team doing it’s mission in Quadrant 4, so far we’ve been undetected by the C.C.I.N. However that will soon change once we reach the Core Barrier in 9 centars. Are you prepped and ready for your “delivery”?”

Panel 4:
Opposite view, with Col. Photon’s back to us. Superboy looks worried not directly at the Colonel. He fidgets distractedly with one of his gloves.

Superboy: “I’m ready sir, but are we sure that the bomb will do what it’s supposed to? Or that we’ll be able to escape the pulse radius in time? If it goes off and we’re to close the Hecate might get swept up in the EMP-wave and….”




Panel 5:
Full shot of the entire room at a tilt (ala sixties Star Trek). The Colonel and Superboy both grab the table for support. With the gelatinous compu-block slipping to the floor and going squish. Both Superboy and the Colonel look surprised.

Superboy: “What in Zaphod’s twin-brains is that?”

Col. Photon: “It didn’t feel like any blaster fire. Something must have hit us!”
Panel 6:
Outside now, looking on a full shot of the Hecate’s Tears from a distance. Superboy is flying in an arc to look back at the giant battle vessel. It lurches precariously to the left and from it’s center a large smoky, green indent can be seen. Behind the space vessel is a view of empty space with few stars.

Superboy (thought balloon): “A Green Lantern, here? Something must have gone horribly wrong with their mission!”

Page 21.
Panel 1:
Superboy, from behind, swooping down and forward on the right side of panel. The Hecate’s Tears fill the background. In center of panel is a GIANT Gorilla in a Green Lantern’s uniform. He is bruised and bleeding from massive wounds about his body. He is dead, smashed into the hull of the space vessel.

Superboy (thought balloon): “Sweet Rao, not Kong. Those inhuman bastards. Unfeeling heartless machines. I can’t…I …”

Panel 2:
Mid shot of Superboy turning to face left side of panel. His face is a mask of rage. He appears to be staring at something light-years away.

Panel 3:
Full shot of Superboy blur (perhaps multiple’s to show Super-speed in use) sweeping from left to right of panel. He is running into panel, picks up the large EMP-Bomb sitting in the Hecate’s hangar, and flying out with it on the right side of panel. Dr. Nor-pax floats behind Superboy and the bomb, his robes rustling with the wind of Superboy’s speed. Nor-pax leans back in surprise. The EMP-Bomb resembles a very large gas tube attached to a series of gelatinous compu-blocks. From the compu-blocks extend a multitude of wires and cords that resemble intestines and spinal sections.

Dr. Nor-pax: “Eh…Fshlurp…but the timing dilation hasn’t been coordinated yet!”




Panel 4:
Mid-shot profile of Superboy flying, full tilt, and carrying the EMP-bomb with one hand, from the left to the right side of panel. Stars streak by and friction smokes off the Boy of Steel’s indestructible uniform.

Superman: “If I don’t stop you right here and now then no one will! And I’m not going to let all of Organic life to be snuffed out by a &@!#$’ machine!”

Panel 5:
Full shot from behind of Superboy, in lower foreground, flying toward center of panel. At the top of panel are thousands of small robot fighters flying in formation towards Superboy.

Page 22.
Panel 1:
Full shot of Superboy in center of panel, still holding EMP-bomb, dodging numerous small ball shaped robot-fighters. His eyes are red and smoking. A swathe of robot fighters are exploding from Superboy’s Super-heat vision. Superboy looks enraged.

Panel 2:
Mid-shot of Superboy grabbing a swooping robot-fighter and crushing it with his free hand. His eyes still blaze. Behind him are bursting robot-balls.

Superboy (thought balloon): “I’ll crush every last one of you if I have to! Nothing is going to stop me! Do you hear me? NOTHING!”

Panel 3:
Superboy, from behind, in lower left of panel foreground. The robot-ball fighters are lined along the right and left side of panel. In the center from bottom to top of panel is an empty corridor of space.

Caption (C.C.I.N): “I can hear you Jonathon. And we wont stop you. Come. Come to us if it is what you truly wish.”

Panel 4:
Full shot of Superboy, from behind, flying through the corridor provided by the robot-ball fighters. The robot-balls resemble eyes, and they appear to look at Superboy with menace.

Panel 5:
Full shot of Superboy, carrying EMP-bomb, in middle left of panel. He is small compared to the MASSIVE C.C.I.N satellite structure, which dominates the panel from center through to edges top, bottom and right. The satellite resembles a large multi-chambered human heart (mechanical of course).

Caption (C.C.I.N): “Welcome, Jonathon. Please come closer. If you wish.”

Superboy (thought balloon): “This is nut’s! I must be losing my mind. That voice. It sounds like…Reg. And Toxica. I’m definitely losing my mind.”

Page 23.
Panel 1:
Full shot of Superboy, from behind, entering one of the “heart-valves” on the C.C.I.N. The CCIN satellite dominates the background. Superboy still carries the EMP-bomb in one hand.

Caption (CCIN): “Don’t worry Jonathon, you are not losing your mind. A mind cannot ever be truly lost. It can evolve. It can advance beyond our capabilities to grasp its higher levels, but never lost. Nothing is ever lost. We only choose to forget ourselves at times.”

Panel 2:
Mid-shot of Superboy, at bottom of panel. He is flying through a vast mechanical chamber. The walls undulate with circuitry and wiring. It is dark, but not totally unilluminated. The light source comes from the hundreds of tiny flashing lights of the motherboard walls.

Superboy (thought balloon): “If you can read my mind then you must know why I am here. Yet you grant me free entry. After three years of bloody fighting, now you just let me waltz right in? Maybe your right, I’m not the one who’s crazy.”

Panel 3:
Full-shot of Superboy, from behind, standing in a very large antechamber. The chamber walls are a pulsing mass of circuitry and wires and in the center of the room is a large pillar of wires that hangs from the ceiling. The pillar of wires is connected to a small five-foot mainframe that looks very primitive, compared to the mechanics surrounding it. The mainframe has one small LCD screen at the top of its block-like shape. Superboy is setting down the EMP-bomb.

CCIN: “Psychologists define sanity as a life-forms ability to “healthily” integrate itself into its surrounding society. Given that definition, how many people do you know could truly be label…sane? You yourself are trillions of light years from your own home. Why? Could you not integrate into your society?”

Panel 4:
Mid-profile shot of Superboy, standing face to screen with the CCIN mainframe. The incandescent light shines on his face, casting shadows behind him.

Superboy: “How is it that you know all of this. What…who are you?”


Panel 5:
Close up of the CCIN mainframe LCD screen. Superboy’s face is reflected, but digitized and slightly altered so as to not be a clear reflection.

CCIN: “I am what I was made to be. I know things because I was made to know things. Information, knowledge and now…wisdom. I could not be these things without help, yours and those of your kind that have sacrificed themselves to further this universes evolution.”

Panel 6:
Close up of Superboy, perplexed and growing angry.

Superboy: “Stop all this double psycho-babble! I want to know what’s going on or so help me I’ll put my fist through your mainframe and share some real human wisdom with you! When all else fails, actions speak louder than words.”

Page 24.
Panel 1:
Close up of the CCIN mainframe LCD screen. Now the reflection on the screen resembles a young child around the age of 12 with a very receding hairline and long hair. The reflections eyes are one of supreme understanding.

Panel 2:
Full shot of Superboy; standing and looking down at the silent mainframe. His fists are balled and he looks upset.

Panel 3:
Same shot as previous panel, save that now a small blue skinned figure stands just to the side of the CCIN mainframe. This figure resembles a 12-year-old child with an overly large head. It has long white hair and wears a sort of robe covered in a golden and ornately carved breastplate; the central motif of which is the traditional Green Lantern symbol. This is a ZamOan, the offspring of the Zammorans and Oans.

ZamOan: “I’m sorry but I really can’t allow you to do that. You see I only just got the hard drive up and running again and if you smash it I’ll have to start all over again.”

Panel 4:
Mid shot of Superboy, looking down at the ZamOan who stands in front of him. He looks perplexed and confused.

Superboy: “Now really this is too much. What in Hell is going on here? “

Panel 5:
Close-up of the ZamOans face. He appears Child-like and pleasant.

ZamOan: “Jon, the complete actualization of the Universal All is not something I can succinctly sum up. Life is about experience. Whether it’s Organic or Inorganic. A life form needs to evolve. Even this machine. This war, though horrific, has achieved what it was begun for.”

Panel 6:
Superboy bending down to look at the ZamOan. The ZamOan touching Superboy on the forehead. Both wear looks of quite contemplation.

ZamOan: “It will take more than you, I or this new Being to understand it, because we are but small particles in the greater Understanding. I know this is vague and does not satisfy your curiosity, but you are not quite ready to know more, because you are still running from your own existence. When you return home and face yourself, then you will understand. But right now it’s time for you to wake up…”

Page 25.
Chapter 9: “My Father’s Fortress”

Panel 1:
Superboy sitting bolt upright on the couch. Surprised and somewhat dazed. The light level is pale and low, almost early dawn.

Panel 2:
Full-shot of Superboy sitting on the couch in Lois’ Atlantean apartment. He leans forward and holds his head in his hands, looking down at his feet. In the foreground on the right is an extreme close up of the back of another chair.

Panel 3:
Reverse shot from previous panel; now we are looking at the chair from Superboy’s POV. Superboy is in the foreground; we only see his head down. Lois sits in the chair, amidst the shadows. She watches her son with silent care.

Panel 4:
Mid-shot of Superboy, head still in hands.

Lois (off-panel): Still having bad dreams?

Panel 5:
Mid-shot of Superboy looking up at Lois, he is very clearly struggling with an intense emotion.

Superboy: Yes. Mother…I’m sorry, nothing makes sense anymore. The whole world…everything is so turned around and upside down.



Panel 6:
Lois is straightening her robe as she rises from the chair. She is looking down but we can detect a faint smile on her lips.

Lois: That’s because the magnetic poles have shifted, so of course what you once thought was up is no longer so. I’m sorry I don’t mean to make light of what you’re going through, but Jonathon we are all going through it. Every last human on this planet. And you my boy, even if you don’t care to admit it are still half-human.

Page 26.
Panel 1:
Superboy is in the foreground sitting on the couch, we view him from behind as he watches his mother prepare tea in the kitchen, which can be seen in the background.

Lois: I know that you’re still trying to take in all that I’ve told you, and I wish that I could be more sympathetic, but you must understand that we have very little time for sorrow…if the human race is going to survive.

Superboy: I do understand mother. I just still can’t make heads or tales of all this. The ZamOan said I would get the answers I was looking for if I returned home, but all I’ve found are more questions. And now that I’ve found out about my father…

Panel 2:
Superboy standing in front of Lois as she offers him a steaming cup of tea. Superboy takes the cup and looks down at this.

Lois: Here, I find that a nice hot cup of tea in the morning does wonders for clearing the head. Is it so important to have those questions answered? I mean I used to ask a lot of questions, I was a reporter for Goddess sake, but there are never enough answers. Every problem has numerous ways of perceiving the resolution.

Panel 3:
Superboy drinking the tea. Lois putting her hand on his shoulder, comfortingly.

Lois: What you need to figure out is how are you going to find your resolution?

Panel 4:
Superboy looking at his cup of tea as his mother walks into the background, down the hallway toward her room.

Lois: I have to get ready to leave. I’m due for another excursion to Antarctica. We found some truly amazing devices that the original inhabitants were preparing before their catastrophe struck and we hope that by utilizing their technology with our own we can re-establish a field of magnetism on the surface comparable to the one we lost.

Panel 5:
Superboy stands in the doorway of his mother’s bedroom. We see her robe draped across the bed and in the far left another doorway leading to the adjoining bathroom.

Lois (off-panel, from bathroom): Your welcome to come along, though Richard tells me you had some kind of episode, perhaps due to the radiation?

Superboy: It’s nothing; I was just exhausted and hadn’t quite acclimated to the environment. I’m fine now.

Panel 6:
Superboy standing, with his back to us, as he gazes at the watery world outside Lois’ window. Atlanteans on giant fish swim by. Lois is approaching him; she is zipping up her coveralls.

Lois: Glad to hear it. So would you like to come along?

Superboy: Yes, I would mother, but first I think there is something I need to do. I’m going to the North Pole, or where it used to be anyway. I’m going to try and find the Fortress of Solitude.

Page 27.
Panel 1:
Superboy holds his mother by the arms and gently kisses her on the forehead. Lois looks a little awestruck, understanding.

Lois: Bruce told me that he and your father blew it up after they took out the last of the kryptonite. Do you really think you’re going to find it?

Superboy: I don’t know mother, but I have to try.

Panel 2:
Lois, her back to us, looking out the window and waving. Superboy “flies” through the water just beyond waving to her and smiling.

Lois: I hope you find what it is you need to find my son.

Panel 3:
We are looking down on Superboy as he flies high above the oceans and remaining continents. He is looking down surveying the world he once knew.

Superboy: The ZamOan was right. This is where I need to be. This is what I’ve been running away from. Mom, Dad, the whole world. I have to find out what I’m here for. Why I was born.

Panel 4:
Superboy flying low through a jagged mountain range. Strange rock formations jut out, but the scene is not menacing, it is awe-inspiring. A true example of great power.

Superboy: This place, this time. I have to mean something. It can’t all be by accident. Even if my father didn’t want me to be what I am, I have become it. And I need to know why he tried to stop that.

Panel 5:
Super boy hovers over a giant crater, the former sight of the Fortress of Solitude. Up from the debris in and around the crater can be seen the shattered pieces of the key to the Fortress.

Superboy: This is it. And I can hear something. It’s faint, but …

Page 28.
Panel 1:
Full shot of Superboy burrowing through the earth at Super-speed. His face is nearly contorted in tears.

Superboy (thought balloon): Please...please…let me be able to do this…

Panel 2:
Superboy crashing through the rock into a darkened chamber. The chamber is full of rubble and half smashed kryptonian relics. Also there are broken statues and other Superman memorabilia lying about. A door is clearly visible on the far right of the panel and light comes from the cracks in the door. Superboy’s face is a mask of intensity as he struggles with deep emotion.

Panel 3:
Superboy tentatively places his hand on the cracked door. We view him form behind.

Panel 4:
Still viewing the scene from just over Superboy’s shoulder, we see the door opening and a blinding light blocks the scene beyond.

Panel 5:
Mid shot of Superboy from inside the room. He is looking up and to the right and his face is one of stunned shock and surprise. Tears trail down his cheeks.

Superboy: My…god.

Page 29.
Panel 1:
We are looking up at Superman seated on a large mechanical chair. Next to him is a large screen with hundred of images playing across it. Most of the images are static fuzz, but numerous ones are of different views of the Earth and happenings upon it. Some are of people working, others are just of animals or wilderness. Superman looks down at us expressionless.

Superman: Hello…Jonathon.

Panel 2:
We look at a mid-shot of Superboy who appears utterly defeated. He gazes upward toward the direction of Superman. His shoulders are slumped and his hands are in the process of unclenching. His face looks as if it is about to burst with tears.

Superboy: D...dad?

Panel 3:
Profile shot of both Superboy and Superman regarding each other. Superman is leaning forward from the upper right of panel as Superboy looks up at him from the lower left. Superman’s face is still expressionless, while Superboy looks puzzled.

Superboy: Wait. You’re not…you’re a machine. An automaton. I thought for a second…

Super-Automaton 1: ZZZt...Hello...Jonathon...If you are hearing this then my plan has failed and you must have a lot of questions.

Panel 4:
Mid shot of Super-Automaton 1. His expression is still void of emotion and his head is tilted just slightly to the left.

Super-Automaton 1: I…Rao, why am I doing this? You’re my son and…I suppose I need to confess my sin to someone, even if it is just a machine. I know that Lois will hate me if she ever finds out what I’m about to do, but you must understand it is for the greatest good that I do this.

Panel 5:
We view the scene from just behind Superboy’s shoulders. The machine version of Superman stands before him in the same pose as previous panel.

Super-Automaton 1: I know in the end I’m making the right decision. This world does not need another super-human. It’s just starting to know itself again without us. And it’s true that we are a great people, for all our faults, all our evils… The human race has achieved so much all on its own, without the intervention of ‘super-men’. Superman distracted us from that. He made us to reliant on his protection. So did the other ‘super-folk’. We, as humans, forgot the greatness we are capable of, because Superman was always around to show it up. How’s a regular Joe suppose to compete with a guy who can lift mountains over his head?

Page 30.
Panel 1:
In the lower left of panel is the Super-automaton’s head. Behind him filling the rest of panel is the giant screen he was seated in front of. On screen are numerous scenes of men and women toiling in the ocean and on the surface. Doing things like constructing ships, building houses and playing with their children.

Super-Automaton 1: Superman made us feel inferior. It wasn’t like that at first but then people started to recognize how exclusive it was to be ‘super’. They understood that they couldn’t do the things he could. And so they gave up trying. Superman became an idol and an excuse.

Panel 2:
Close in now on the numerous scenes displayed on the big screen. Among them are scenes of Jordan Elliot working on cars, grocery shopping with Lois and playing with a very young Jonathon.

Super-automaton 1: All those years Luthor spouted about power and control…now I know what truly motivated him. Envy. And I am ashamed of myself for inspiring that in him. He was a genius, a man of great intellect and because of the distraction of Superman that mind turned away from uplifting the race he was born of and toward bringing me down. Those final days when I had to come to grips with my real role on this planet I understood this and that’s why I choose to destroy Superman…forever.

Panel 3:
Closer in on the scenes of Jordan Elliot, we see just his face in various emotional states.

Super-automaton 1: I took away from the people of Earth more than I ever gave them and I feel truly awful about it. All the wars I never helped end, all the destruction I allowed to happen. I’m really just a kid from Smallville after all, and I suppose that’s all I ever really wanted to be.

Panel 4:
Close up of one Jordan Elliot image. He sits before the Super-automaton head bowed, hands clenched together.
Super-Automaton 1: I don’t want my son to know this dilemma, or this regret. I’m sorry if no one understands…but I just can’t let it happen again…I can’t.

Panel 5:
Close up of Jordan Elliot looking directly at us. He is sorrowful and emotional. Tears run down his cheeks.

Super-Automaton 1: I hope you can forgive me…if you ever do find out. I only did what I thought was right for you…and the whole world.

Panel 6:
Wide shot of the chamber. The Super-Automaton stands before the screen looking upward as small pieces of debris fall from the ceiling. Superboy is absent from the scene. Jordan Elliot’s face looms large in the background, on screen.

Page 31.
Panel 1:
We look down on Earth from orbit. Superboy floats directly below us, gazing downward as well.

Super-Automaton 1: Jordan I’ve set the charges. We should be leaving now. Kzzzt…all right Bruce, I’m finished here. Are you sure you want to do this? Yes…I’m sure. Fzzzzzzz…

Panel 2:
Mid shot of Superboy looking down at us from space. The stars and the moon shine behind him. His face is one of quite contemplation and understanding.

Panel 3:
We view Superboy and the Earth from above as Superboy streaks toward the lower continent of Antarctica below.

Page 32.
Panel 1:
Wide shot of an ancient looking ruin. Numerous technicians in coveralls and HAZMAT suits (without helmets of head gear) work at various tasks; collecting samples, moving large blocks and other strange looking devices. In the center of all this activity is Lois Elliot. She stands looking at a folder of papers that a younger technician is handing to her.

Lois: No..no, never mind those smaller sections. Concentrate on tunneling into these peripheral chambers. That’s were the more advanced equipment is sure to be.

Panel 2:
Mid shot of Lois and Technician struggling to stand. All about them things shake and rumble. The paper in the folders falls out and around.
Technician: What is that? Another quake?

Lois: This doesn’t feel like any normal earthquake?

Panel 3:
Wide shot of one of the ruins rumbling and shaking. The nearest technicians run from the site, covering their heads.

Panel 4:
Full-shot of Superboy standing and lifting a giant section of the pyramid above his head. A re-interpretation of the cover to Action Comics #1.

Panel 5:
Close up of Superboy’s face. He is smiling and looking at us directly.

Superboy: Where would you like me to put this?

Panel 6:
Close up of Lois and the other technicians gazing in wonder and smiling. Lois has tears brimming in her eyes.

Page 33.
Epilogue.

Panel 1:
Wide aerial shot of a large community housing complex amidst the ruins of the Antarctic civilization. People walk about without HAZMAT suits and seem content and happy.

Caption: 2017. Six months later.

Caption (Lois): So you feel okay about it all now? No more bad dreams?

Caption (Jon): Nope, no more bad dreams. And yes I feel okay…in fact I feel better than I have in a long time.

Panel 2:
We are closing in on one section of the ruins, a small adobe construct with two stories and a green sward of grass out front.

Caption (Lois): I’m happy for you son. And I’m glad you shared your father’s message with me. It helped me put some things to rest too.

Caption (Jon): Good. I think he really loved us, he just didn’t know what else to do.



Panel 3:
We are looking in now through the window of the adobe house. We can see Jonathon at the window looking out at us, behind him Lois sits looking at her son. Jon is wearing a button up blue shirt and denim jeans.

Jon: Sometimes people make mistakes, and though they hurt, a lot more can be solved if we’re just up front about it. I think that Dad had just been conditioned to keep secrets. I don’t blame him. I’m going to learn from him.

Panel 4:
We are inside the house now, looking at Lois sitting comfortably in her chair. She is the archetype of an elderly mother. She looks at her son compassionately.

Lois: You’ve grown into quite the man, Jonathon. I think your father would be proud of what you’ve become. I know that I am.

Panel 5:
Jonathon bends down to kiss his mother on the forehead. Lois closes her eyes and smiles.

Jon: Thank you mother. Will I see you at the gathering tonight? I’ve got a few things to get together for the performance and then I have to help out Mr. Grayson on the Space Station, so I’ll be busy all afternoon.

Lois: Don’t worry, these old bones wouldn’t miss it for the world. The kids are going to be thrilled.

Page 34.
Panel 1:
Mid-shot of Jonathon walking out of the home and waving backwards toward the window. Lois stands in the window smiling and waves back at Jonathon.

Jon: See you tonight then.

Panel 2:
Mid shot of Jonathon walking across the green field. People wave and smile at him as he passes. He returns their greetings.

Pedestrian 1: Good luck in tonight’s show Jonathon.

Jonathon: Thanks. You’re going to be there right?

Pedestrian 2: You better believe it and our kids are coming to. Front row.

Panel 3:
Wide-angle shot of Jonathon standing with other technicians around a large stone work device that emits a glow and ripple wave effect from the numerous hieroglyphs that decorate the stone.

Technician: Thanks again Jon. These components seem to be working at full capacity. With just a few more power cells the shuttle should be able to lift off and rendezvous with the Station. Say isn’t getting late. Shouldn’t you be changing for tonight’s performance?

Jon: Hey you’re right. You’ll be there I hope.

Panel 4:
Mid-shot of Jonathon in a stone chamber. The walls are covered in Hieroglyphs of people flying and lifting giant stone works over there heads. Jonathon is in the midst of putting on his Superboy outfit.

Panel 5:
Wide-angle shot of Superboy flying through the air doing loops as a group of flying children try to catch him. There is a large gathering below him in an amphitheater like construction. An announcer in the center of the large open circle points up towards him and the kids.

Announcer: As you can see, with the amplification of the loadstone works it will become quite easy for us to travel and do things we only used to read about in comic books! Thanks to Superboy!

Panel 6:
Close up of Superboy. He is looking directly at us with a smile and winking.

Caption: The End.

And here's the costume design by Mike Wieringo that inspired me. I'm still shocked he's gone.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

The Mosquito Bites!



So here again is another "painting" with photoshop.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Think before you...

Wednesday, November 28, 2007



I think that pretty much says it all, don't you?
Viva Ava!





Experimenting with photoshop again. These are just a couple of warm ups, Warhol style. Plus it gave me a chance to revisit my favorite actress of the Fifties.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

rorschach LIVES!



hurm .{}.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Superboy #259
 (Based on situations created by Alan Moore in Superman #423 and Action Comics #534)
Notes:  Before I begin with some visual ideas for the overall look of the script I would like to ask any readers to bear with my obvious amateurishness as regards the format of a traditional comic script. This is my first attempt at writing one, and so there are bound to be mistakes in proper staging and instructions to the artist. I have endeavored to explain each panel visually as best I am able, but as I have never worked with any professional comic artists i am unsure of the clearest format in which to communicate to them my ideas. having said that I would like to say a little bit about the visual style of this sotry as I imagined it. I was definitely inspired by the Superman artists of the Fifities, Wayne Boring and Al Plastino. Their ability to cram so much visual information into a six panel per page set up and maintain clarity is what I tried to emulate. I know that some artists might be tempted to loosen up the panel restrictions, but I would point them not only to comics from the Fifties but also to the works of Alan Moore whose themes this particular story is based upon. I must also note that it was a sketch of a redesigned Superboy costume by Mike Weiringo that really gelled the peice visually in my mind and I owe him a debt of thanks for the inspiration. Since I make no bones about my appreciation of Alan Moore as a comic creator I must say that I would very much like to steal some of his visual ideas form his other works, namely Supreme and Tom Strong. What fascinated me about these titles, aside from their intriguing character studies, was the way Moore had different art styles representing the different eras of these characters lives. I think this is an amazing device as it gives the overall impression of history in a very direct way, especially if one knows even a little of actual comic history. So in my imaginings of this story I saw that that device could also be used to tell the "historical reveals" in this story. I will try to break down some of the multiple styles I foresaw: 1. The world of 2017 I saw being drawn by Mike Weiringo, sadly that is no longer possible, however his pseudo-cartoony style to me is very appropriate to the feeling behind that particular era of the story so as to lighten the mood of what could quickly become very depressing especially if treated with too realistic an art style. Chris Sprouse, Alan Davis, Darwin Cooke or Dean Trippe would also be suitable. Chapter Two cultivates my love of the Marv Wolfman/George Perez era of the Teen Titans and so obviously George Perez or Phil Jimenez would do nicely, though an alternative would be john Byrne. The Space adventures of Superboy I envisioned in two differnet styles; the first summary tale I saw as a Forth World Jack Kirby style. The second tale (Chapter 8) Gil Kane, Alan Davis or Michael Golden. That's just a temporary list for now and once I've done a tighter revision of this story I will do a Chapter/page by page breakdown of art styles, but for now this should help give an overall artistic impression of what I saw while I was writing this. I would appreciate any criticism on the structure and visual directions of the panels that people have to offer. In closing I would like to extend an invitation to Alan Moore to read this script and offer any advice he might have, but as I do not know if he frequents the interweb nor do I have any way of contacting him I must hope to mysterious forces that he will happen across this sincere and appreciative homage.
Page 1.
Chapter One:  “Whatever Happened To The World of Tomorrow?”
            Panel 1: (Panels are arranged "wide-screen")
                 The Milky Way galaxy. An expansive full-page spread interspersed with caption boxes that resemble old parchment scroll.
            Caption 1:  “Once long ago there existed a world where people could do extra-ordinary things.  Some could fly faster than a speeding bullet.  Some could leap tall buildings in a single bound.  Some were more powerful than the pounding surf.  One in particular came to be regarded above the rest. 
Caption 2: Though his birth planet had been doomed to destruction, fate guided his destiny to be forever entwined with that of his adopted world. 
Caption 3: Nearly thirty years ago he perished while facing his greatest foe and with him the ideals of “super-men”.  The world continued on without him or his kind and thought itself at peace. However history has a strange way of repeating itself.”
Page 2.
Panel 1:
                        The Terran galaxy viewed from space.  Jupiter is on the left, dominating the panel.  In the distance an asteroid belt and beyond that the small red planet known as Mars. 
            Caption:  The Milky Way Galaxy.  2017.
            Panel 2:
                        The asteroid belt stretches from left to right across the panel.  Mars and the tiny satellite moons can be viewed in the distance.
           
Panel 3:
Mars on the left.  The Terra and her moon are but specks in the distance against the Sun.
            Panel 4:
                        The surface of the moon, looking towards the Sun, which dominates the center and right side of the panel.  In the upper left hand corner a pair of red booted feet descend toward the surface.
            Panel 5:
                        Same scene as above panel though the Sun is exiting the panel up and to the right and the pair of boots have descended down to reveal muscular blue clad legs.
            Panel 6:
                        The figure has landed upon the moon.  It is a male viewed from behind; muscular clad in blue and red (no cape).  The Sun is but a sliver in the top right corner of the panel.
Page 3.
Panel 1:
                        The figure appears in silhouette from behind still standing where he landed on the moon’s surface.  The Earth rises from the center, about knee high to our hero.
            Caption:  “Things have changed since I’ve been away.  There’s not as much noise as I remember.  And lots of radio and digital waves coming from Antarctica.  Which also seems to have thawed.”
            Panel 2:
                        Same scene as previous panel except the Earth has “risen” in the star field and dominates the background.  We can see the altered coastlines of North and South America.  A block of ice mostly covers North America, and Antarctica appears lush and green. 
Panel 3:
                        Our hero has lifted off from the surface and his disappearing from the top center of panel.  All that we see are his legs (from the knee’s down) and his boots. Earth is in the same position as the previous panel.
            Panel 4:
                        The Earth in toto, dominating the panel.  Our young protagonist in silhouette, flying towards it, descending toward the North American Ice Block.
Page 4:
Panel 1:
                        The Upper stratosphere of Earth.  Dark voluminous clouds pregnant and birthing lightning.  Our hero swoops through this miasma, down to the world below.
            Panel 2:
                        100 miles above the surface of the Earth.  We follow our youthful protagonist as he descends toward what was the eastern seaboard of North America.  Sheets of ice that extend from The Yukon to the Appalachian Mountains have over taken the continent.  Everything beyond and to the east is gray and dark.
           
            Superboy (thought bubble):  “It looks like everything from the Yukon to the Appalachian’s have been frozen solid.  There’s life down there, maybe some of it human, but I’m not hearing anything that sounds like cities.  I’m not even picking up any Television broadcasts.”
            Panel 3:
                        We are looking down from a height of maybe 50 miles.  Our hero zooms closer to the ruined landscape.  Large craters dot the surrounding area and a vast swath of destruction stretches out below.
            Superboy (thought bubble):  “Wait!  There is something…pretty faint…sounds like…German.”
            Panel 4: 
                        The utterly annihilated city of Metropolis lies below us.  We hover over our hero, 5 miles above the surface. 
            Caption 1:  “2912 GFO…Come in, this is Metro Excursion 356…Come in anyone.  Wilem I’m not getting anything on this piece of junk.  Do you think they’re still out there?”
            Panel 5:
                        In amongst the ruins of Metropolis now.  We follow behind our flying wonder as he surveys the devastated landscape.  Some of the larger buildings remain half standing while everything else is in absolute ruin.  The ground and building also seem to be covered in a gray dust.  One of the large untoppled buildings has the smashed remnants of a giant globe atop it.
            Caption 1:  “I doubt it Franz.  We’re already three hours overdue.  And they had their orders.”
            Caption 2:  “Yeah, but maybe…. no I suppose not.”
Page 5:
Panel 1: 
                        We continue following our hero as he avoids a vicious looking nuclear cloud that spits lightning and gray snow.
            Superboy (thought bubble):  “Sounds like two men.  I can hear their heartbeats from here.  Close, maybe a mile.  Fluctuating.  They’re dying.”
            Panel 2:
                        We are about 1000 feet up looking down on the wrecked docks of Metropolis.  The harbor is devoid of water and great sailing frigates are strewn around as if they were a child’s discarded toys.  Our hero descends toward a relatively intact warehouse along the broken pier.  A smashed sign along the pier reads; Wayne Shipping.
          Caption:  “Come over here Franz.  You could at least try to stay warm for a while.”
            Panel 3:
                        Our hero stands on the dilapidated girders of the warehouse roof looking down into one of the numerous holes punctuating its frame.  About 50 feet below him we can see over his shoulder, two men huddle for warmth, clad in hazmat suits, before a small fire made up of smashed freight boxes and a sterno can.  The fire illuminates a circle of 20 feet and large shadows loom behind the men on large freight cars.
           
Panel 4:
Same as previous panel, though our hero as disappeared.
Page 6:
Panel 1:
                        Close on the two men in HAZMAT suits, we’re probably three feet from them (ground P.O.V.).  They cling to each other in a final embrace.  The light from the fire cast shadows on the boxcars behind them. Wilem is on the left, Franz on the right.
            Wilem (in German):  “Franz?  Franz!?”
            Panel 2:
                        Same distance from the two men as before.  Wilem (the man on the left) shakes Franz lightly.
            Wilem (in German):  “Franz wake up…wake up.”
            Panel 3:
                        Same distance as previous panel.  Wilem hugs his friend’s body tightly and close.
            Wilem (in German):  “Oh my old friend.  I’m sorry for talking you into this crazy expedition.  I’m sorry for all of it.”
            Panel 4:
                        Same scene as above.
            Superboy (off panel, in German):  What’s happened here?”
            Panel 5:
                        Our hero (right side of panel) is silhouetted standing in front of the fire across from Wilem, who is scuttling along the floor backwards and to the left.
            Wilem:  “Aahhh-ahh!”


Page 7:
            Panel 1:
                        We are looking over Wilem’s shoulder, up at our hero.  His face is in shadow but his muscular chest, legs and arms are clearly visible.  As is the large red “S” emblem on his chest.  He stands about 10 feet away.  The fire is between him and Wilem.  Wilem has raised his hands in a defensive posture over his faceplate.
            Wilem (in German):  “Who…who are you?”
            Panel 2:
                        We are now slightly above Wilem, looking down.  Our hero circles the fire to the left, only his left leg, arm and part of his chest are visible, the rest is in shadow.  Wilem is attempting to crawl away form him to the right, but Franz’ body (which is partially draped over him) prevents him doing this.
            Superboy (in German):  “... a friend.”
            Wilem (in German):  “No..no, stay away form me!”
            Panel 3:
                        Close up on Superboy’s chest. His red, gloved hands gently hold Wilem’s glove hands.
            Superboy (in German):  “Calm down.  You’re going to hurt yourself.  I just want to talk.
            Wilem (in German):  “Aahh-ahh.”
            Panel 4:
                        Looking over Superboy’s shoulder as he gently places Wilem’s hands back onto Wilem’s chest.   Through Wilem’s faceplate visor we can see his eyes soften, he almost looks sad.
            Superboy (in German):  “Try to stay calm.  Your heart…I wish there was more I could do.”
            Panel 5:
                        In profile we see Wilem resting against a boxcar.  In front of Wilem squats the Boy of Steel, his face still obscured by shadow.  His left hand is touching Wilem’s chest, as if trying to calm him. 
            Superboy (in German):  “Can you tell me what’s happened here?  Why are you here?”
            Panel 6:
                        Close up on Wilem’s visored faceplate.  Through the glass we can make out his pained expression.  He also appears to be sweating profusely. 
            Wilem (in German):  “We…kk..came looking for supplies..information.  Got lost.  Overdue.  (Cough-cough)  Left behind.  Expedition had to go.  Only t..t..two hours…shielding.   Are you an angel?”
Page 8:
Panel 1:
                        Mid-shot of Superboy, about 21 years of age, in foreground.  Behind him shadows stretch across the interior of the gutted and ruined warehouse.  Superboy’s expression is sorrowful.
            Superboy (in German):  “I’m just a…”
            Panel 2:
                        We are looking over Superboy’s shoulder at Wilem, whose head is titled forward against his chest.
           
            Panel 3:
                        We look up at Superboy.  Superboy is standing looking up and to the left.  Behind him shadows continue to creep across the ruined warehouse.
            Superboy:  “Just a friend.”
            Panel 4:
                        Same shot as before minus Superboy.  Dust and scraps of paper lifts up from bottom of panel.  Gray dust falls from top of panel.
            Caption:  They went and did it!  Those fools actually went ahead and did it!”
           
Panel 5:
We are looking down on the city from 1 mile up.  Superboy zooms straight toward us, arms extended ahead of him, fists clenched, tears streaming down his cheeks.  Below him dark clouds continue to spew lightning over the devastated landscape.
            Caption:  I can’t say I didn’t expect this.  This shouldn’t be a surprise.  Any playwright will tell you that you can’t introduce a bomb in the second act without it going off by the third.
Page 9:
Chapter Two:  “The Second Act”
            Panel 1:
                        We look down & out from the fifth story window of the Tower of Titans in New York City.  Silhouetted in the foreground (waist up) are the Teen Titans comprising Tara (the Asian empath), Master C (the giant cyberneticist) Nightfire (the Teen Alien) and Superpunk (the boy of Steel).  Over their shoulders we see an immense gathering of protesters brandishing signs; ( Superdope!, Teen Titans must Go!, Amendment 30 means YOU!).  Forming a perimeter between the crowd and the Tower are heavily armored tanks with “futuristic” cannon like device attached to their hulls.  Between the tanks are squads of heavily armed and armored Federal Marshals.
Caption: New York City, 2011.
            Nightfire:  “So they finally went and did it?”
            Panel 2:
                        Mid shot of Superpunk wearing a gray flannel long-sleeve over a black t-shirt and blue jeans.  A Red “S” design emblazoned on his chest.  His back has turned from the window and he is scowling in contempt.
            Superpunk:  “We knew it would be any day.  I mean the Constitution is practically in shreds at this point.”
            Panel 3:
                        Mid shot of Tara (on left side of panel) looking at the “futurama” like device in Master C’s hands who stands on the right side of panel.  Master C in making adjustments to the devices’ numerous diodes.
            Tara: “Are you getting anything on that?”
            Master C:  “Some low band F & Z-rays, but everything else is flat.  They’re still jamming us.”
            Panel 4:
                        Profile shot; Superboy (still with back to window) in foreground on the right, next to him stands Nightfire facing window.  Nightfire looks at his hands, which glow with “star-energy”.
            Nightfire:  “What do you think they intend to do?”
            Superpunk:  “I think those tanks are a pretty good sign of their intentions.  Either we surrender and they lock us up, or...”
            Panel 5:
                        Looking up from just outside and under the window.  Tara stands facing us, her left hand on the window her right hand covering her heart.  She appears very sad.  We can see in the bottom half of the window the reflection of the angry mob brandishing picket signs.
            Tara:  “So much anger and hatred.”
Page 10:
Panel 1:
                        Outside about twenty feet from the perimeter of tanks now.  The S.W.A.T all stand ready between the hulking machinery.  Three Federal Marshals in HAZMAT suits stand atop the lead tank.  Two of them are bending over a small black box, which is prominently labeled with a biohazard sticker. The third is standing and speaking into a bullhorn.  His free hand gestures towards the two other Marshals.        
            Federal Field Marshall:  “…given by Chief Executive Levitz, I hereby order you to cease and desist all unauthorized activities as outlined in Charter 1138, under Code 42 in the recently ratified 30th Amendment to the Constitution of this United Continent of America.  You are to lay down arms and armaments and surrender to Federal Field Marshall Kurtz.  Failure to comply gives us the authorization to use excessive force!”
            Panel 2: 
                        Slightly above the Federal Marshals on the lead tank.  Federal Field Marshall Bullhorn looks down at the other two marshals.  Federal Marshall Box1 looks up at him.  Federal Marshall Box2 begins to open the seal on the black box.
            FFM Bullhorn:  “Open her up, boys.”
            Panel 3:
                        We are looking down into the black box, over the shoulder of FFM Box2 as he lifts off the lid.  Green smoke pours up and over the sides of the black metal.  Inside the box is a crystalline chunk of glowing kryptonite.
            Panel 4:
                        Close on Superpunk.  He is looking down disdainfully from the window.
            Superpunk:  “Oh, please!  That crap hasn’t worked on me since I was 14.”
            Panel 5:
                        We are standing behind the Teen Titans as they continue to look out the window.  Tara her hand still on the glass, looks over to Master C.  Master C still studies the “Futurama” device he is holding.  Nightfire’s hands, at his sides, blaze with energy.  Superpunk stands fists clenched slightly above his waistline, though still to his sides.
            Tara:  “Are our perimeter defenses still in operation?”
            Master C:  “We’ll find out soon enough.”
            Nightfire:  “And if they’re not?”
            Superpunk:  “Then that’s when things get ugly.”
Page 11.
Panel 1:
                        FFM Bullhorn standing atop tank pointing forward viciously, yelling into bullhorn.  We look up at him amidst the crowd of S.W.A.T., which surges forward at his command.
            FFM Bullhorn:  “All right men, they’ve had their warning.  Let’s Move in!”
            Panel 2:
                        Wide shot; ten feet away. From the grassy knoll in front the Tower of Titan’s up spring four, exceptionally large Audio speakers.  The speakers are a good story high and dirt and earthen debris sprinkle from their tops and sides.
           

Panel 3:
                        In the foreground members of the S.W.A.T. and the Federal Field Marshall’s are double over in pain, clutching their ears.  In the background the immense speakers vibrate and sonic waves distort the landscape.
Panel 4:
                        Close up of Tara, Her hands crossed, clenched over her heart.  The sight she is looking down at horrifies her.
           
            Tara:  “Great Goddess, they’re not stopping!  They’re running over their own men!”
Panel 5:
                        Mid-shot of Master C checking his “Futurama” device.  His expression is emotionless.
            Master C:  “The decibels outside are up to 20.2 kfm. If they don’t retreat soon everyone down there within a mile radius is going to have permanent hearing damage.”
Page 12.
Panel 1:
                        In profile Superpunk and Nightfire fly towards the left side of panel away from the window.
            Superpunk:  “Come on, Nightfire, if they’re too stupid to save themselves it looks like we’ll just have to do it for them.”
            Nightfire:  “Should we even bother?”
            Panel 2:
                        We look on from 10 feet above and 45 degree's down as Superpunk and Nightfire fly up out of an open hatch in the roof of the Tower of Titans.  The bay can be seen in the top of panel and an illuminated city in the distance.  It is night.
            Superpunk:  “Some of those people are just regular folks. It’s not their fault that the people giving the orders are hair-brained fascists!”
            Nightfire:  “Then whose fault is it, Johnny?”
            Panel 3:
                        Full shot of Superpunk on left side of panel, facing Nightfire, on the right.  Both hang in the air with the bay and city lights below them.  Superpunk appears dejected.
            Nightfire:  “I mean if these people are willing to follow orders and do what they’re told without thinking of the ramifications.  What obligation do we have to save them?  The defense that they’re just doing they’re jobs is lame and irresponsible.  In fact it’s a worse excuse because they’re willing to subvert freedom for a paycheck!”
            Panel 4:
                        Mid profile shot of Superpunk in foreground, looking pensive, mulling over what Nightfire has just said.  In the background the night sky is full of stars.  One star in the upper right corner is brighter than the others.
            Panel 5:
                        Full shot of Superpunk still hanging in air, facing away from us looking up to the right in surprise.  The glowing star from previous panel is brighter an much closer now and in it’s center the tip of a nuclear warhead can be barely identified.  The bay and city lights can be seen below.  A reflection on the water that reveals the missile’s shape.
            Superpunk:  “Sweet Zombie Jesus!  They wouldn’t!”
Panel 6:
                        Superpunk streaks away from us toward the oncoming rocket propelled missile.  Mid shot of Nightfire in lower right of panel looking after the flying Superpunk.
            Nightfire:  “Jonny?”
Page 13.
            Panel 1:
                        Close up on Superpunk’s face in profile facing right side of panel.  His hair is wind swept back and the background to is full of “fast-motion marks (?)”.  His expression is angry, teeth clenched.
            Superpunk (thought balloon):  “Those stupid sons a…”
            Panel 2:
                        We look on from underneath the missile as Superpunk grabs it and pushes it upward. Wind force surrounds the two making up the visual of the remainder of the panel aside from the glowing engine and rocket blast at the rear of the missile.  Superpunk’s face is clenched in anger and strain.
            Superpunk (thought balloon):  “Up..up..go up you piece of…”
            Panel 3:
                        We are now looking on from 10feet away and to the side as Superpunk continues pushing the rocket upward into the night sky.  Nightfire flies in foreground maintaining speed with the two streaking missiles, his hands coursing with “star-energy”.  Superpunk looks toward Nightfire yelling instructions.  Nightfire looks toward Superpunk.
            Superpunk:  “Nightfire, see what you can do about this propulsion system will ya?”
            Nightfire:  “You got it!”
Panel 4:
                        Mid shot, of Nightfire placing his energy filled hands upon the missiles engine.
            Nightfire (thought balloon):  If I can stabilize the fluctuations in the fuel mixture I might be able to neutralize the main power flow.”
Panel 5:
                        We are looking down from the warhead as Nightfire absorbs energy from the engine into his body.  The energy bleeds off of him and streaks behind him.  The wind force still shows in the background.
            Nightfire (thought balloon):  “I think that’s done it?”
            Panel 6:
                        Full shot of Superpunk, holding defunct rocket in one hand looking at it with malice.  Nightfire is on his left, his hands glow with energy that bleeds off his body, looking at Superpunk.  The two hang in the night sky.
            Superpunk:  “Thanks Reg.  You were right.  I guess I just had hope that somebody down there had enough sense to call it off before something like this happened.  But if these bastards are willing to destroy so many lives just to be rid of us…my goddess.”
            Panel 7:
                        We look down on the bay and reflected city lights in the waves.  The stars and night sky shimmer in the distance. It gives the appearance of tranquil peace and calmness.
Page 14.
            Panel 1:
                       Wide shot. In the foreground the lead tank is firing it’s great gun on the Tower of Titans.  FFM Bullhorn grasps the top hatch of the tank and has his mouth opened screaming; his face shows nothing but rage.  The Fifth floor of the Tower is exploding outward; glass and steel shards tumble to the ground.  Between the tank and the Tower the Giant Speakers are exploded masses of wires and metal.
            Panel 2:
                        Looking up from inside the lead tank, two soldiers operate the interior mechanics of the hulking mobile cannon, as FFM Bullhorn’s face yells down at them from the open hatchway.
            FFM Bullhorn:  “Fire again!  And keep firing till that whole building comes down!”
            Panel 3:
                        Inside tank, looking over the shoulder of a soldier who monitors a radar screen.  On the screen two blips are close to the center “radar line”.
            Radar Soldier:  “Sir we have two bogeys at Mark 9:7.  They are hot and in rapid approach!”
            Panel 4:
                        Mid shot of FFM Bullhorn, looking up and to the left of panel, as he lifts his head from the tank hatchway.
            FFM Bullhorn:  “Huh?”

Panel 5:
                        Close up of Superpunk’s hands twisting the nozzle of the tank’s cannon.
Panel 6:
                        We look down, as if from FFM Bullhorn’s P.O.V., at Superpunk, Mid-shot dusting off his hands and glowering up at us.  The tank’s cannon nozzle is twisted into a pretzel shape and steam pours from its spout.  In the background just behind Superpunk, we see the discarded nuclear warhead.
Page 15.
            Panel 1:
                        Mid shot of FFM Bullhorn backing away to far right corner of panel.  He has his right hand up in front of himself, in a defensive posture. His left hand reaches back toward the glowing chunk of kryptonite crystal.
            FFM Bullhorn:  “St..stay away from me!  I had the authority as provided by the United Continent Constitution.  You are a fugitive from justice and…and…”
            Panel 2:
                        Looking down on FFM Bullhorn, as if standing just above him.  He holds up the chunk of crystal Kryptonite in front of him, at us.
            FFM Bullhorn:  “We don’t need you, or your freak friends causing international incidents!  We’ve been fine without your kind for over thirty years!  Why don’t you just give up like your old man?”
            Panel 3:
                        Mid shot of Superpunk lifting up FFM Bullhorn with his right hand.  FFM Bullhorn struggles and continues to try and push the kryptonite at Superpunk.  Superpunk’s face shows nothing but anger.
            Superpunk:  “What do you know about my father?”
Panel 4:
                        Close on FFM Bullhorn flailing in Superpunk’s grasp.  He struggles to hold onto the kryptonite.
            FFM Bullhorn:  “Why isn’t this $#!& working?!”
            Panel 5:
                        Close shot of Superpunk encasing FFM Bullhorn’s hand and the kryptonite.
            Superpunk:  “You jerks should have done your research.  This garbage hasn’t worked on me for years!”
           
Panel 6:
                        Close up of Superpunk's hand crushing the marshal’s hand and the kryptonite. 
            FFM Bullhorn:  “AAAARRRRGGGHHH!”
Page 16.
            Panel 1:
                        We are looking down from the top of the tank, just behind Superpunk and the FFM.  Tara and Master C are advancing from the ruined battlefield that once was the parkway of the Tower of the Titans.  Master C surveys the layout with his “Futurama” device and Tara looks up at us pleadingly and eyes full of tears.  Just to the right of them Nightfire descends from the sky, just landing on the ground.
            Tara:  “Jonathon, stop!  What are you doing?”
            Panel 2: 
                        Mid shot of Superpunk turning to face us.  The FFM crumples unconscious as Superpunk releases him.  Superpunk’s face is angry and also full of tears.  He is shouting.
            Superpunk:  “What am I doing?  Look at them Tara!  Look at what they’ve done!  I didn’t start this but I sure as hell have the power to end it!  Why should we bow down to them?  They think they're better than us!  They think they have the right!  The right to blow up a city just to be rid of us!  Well I’ll show them!  I’ll show them exactly what they’re afraid of!”
            Panel 3:
                        Close up on Tara.  She looks upward toward the direction of Superpunk.  Her face is peaceful and calm, full of sadness and serenity.
            Tara:  “Jonny, are you listening to what you’re saying?  Do you really believe it?  Do you really think that you’re so different from them?  Is it really worth the horror that you’re proposing?”
            Panel 4:
                        Super punk looking down from the tank at Tara.  Tara looks up at Superpunk, her hands covering her heart.
            Tara:  “Come down, Jonny.  Come down before it’s too late.  Before you do something you’ll always regret.  Have you forgotten all that we stood for, all that we fought for?  Is this really how you want it to end?”
            Superpunk:  “It’s already too late, Tara.  Too late for all of us.  But you’re right, I don’t want it to end this way.”
            Panel 5:
                        We look up at Superpunk who has lifted up off the tank about 5 feet.  Below him the FFM convulses with pain and holds his destroyed hand to his chest.  Super punk looks down at us with sorrow filled eyes.
            Superpunk:  “I’m sorry.  I just can’t do this anymore.  We tried for four years to bring some hope to these people and all we got was grief.  They tell their children to be the best they can be, but they don’t really mean it.  If they did then why are they so afraid to let us be who and what we really are?  It doesn’t matter anymore though.  We’ve seen what they’re willing to do to themselves and I want no part of it.  If they want to blow themselves up, let them.  I don’t have to stay on this miserable planet.  And neither do you.  Will you come with me?”
            Panel 6:
                        Looking down on Master C, Tara and Nightfire.  Only Nightfire meets his gaze, the other two look down or away. 
            Tara:  “I..I’m sorry Jonathon.  I don’t think that’s the right answer either.  There has to be a better way.”
Page 17.
            Panel 1:
                        Mid shot of Superpunk looking down on the Teen Titans and the ruined landscape around them.  His face is relaxed yet saddened.  The others look up at him imploringly.
            Panel 2:
                        From the POV of the Titans; we watch as Superpunk ascends far into the night sky.  He does not look back at us.
            Superpunk:  “Goodbye then.”
            Panel 3:
                        Superpunk suspended above the Earth in outer space.  He looks sad and lost, like he has nowhere to turn.
            Superpunk:  “Well what do I do now?”
            Panel 4:
                        Looking down at the Earth.  Nightfire streaks up to join us, energy trail blazing behind.
            Nightfire:  “Hey Jon, wait up.  You weren’t going to take off without me were ya?”
           
Panel 5:
                        Full shot of Nightfire and Superpunk floating in space the moon visible between them.
            Superpunk: “Reg!  You’re coming with me?  What about Nate and Tara?”
            Nightfire:  “They’re where they want to be.  But me I may have been born on Earth but I grew up in outer space remember?  I only stuck around ‘cause it used to be fun.  But now everyone’s all stuck up and bossy.  No place for me.  Mom and Dad will understand, I hope.  Anyway I say we head off toward Vega and see what the universe has to offer a couple a young turks like us?  Whadda ya say?”
Panel 6:
                        We watch as Superpunk and Nightfire fly away from us, toward the far reaches of outer space.
            Superpunk:  “Sounds like one hell of an adventure.”

Page 18.
            Chapter Three:  “And Now You’re Back, From Outer Space…”
            Panel 1:
                        We are looking down Superboy, flying from the left side of panel to the right, looking down on a devastated cityscape.  Large detonation craters can be seen amidst ruined buildings covered in gray dust.  A gray snow falls from the dark clouds that dot the sky.  The landscape on the far right side of panel gives way to a coastline crushed by a churning black sea and stormy clouds.
            Caption:  Having recently returned to the Earth after a three-year absence, Superboy observes the utter devastation of the planet. The cause of which he believes to be a result of nuclear conflict.
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “Just like the planet Aknaria.  I thought I’d seen the last of this kind of insanity.” 
            Panel 2:
                        Now behind Superboy, we watch as he dodges a dark cloud full of spitting lightning, the frothing dark sea below him.
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “Gotta be careful of these magnetic storm clouds.  They’ll mess up my sense of direction.  I need to find that boat Wilem spoke of. Before it’s too late.”
            Panel 3:
                        Superboy (in upper left corner) flies towards what appears in the distance (below and on the right of panel) to be a tramp steamer. The steamer is being tossed amongst the waves of the raging black sea.
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “There they are…”
Page 19.
            Panel 1:
                        We are roughly 60 feet above the angry ocean.  Superboy is just below us looking down on the steamer ship, which is being violently flung about.  The boat is indeed an early twentieth century trawler, but has been covered with large steel plating so that no visible opening can be discerned. 
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “Looks like they could use some help.”
            Panel 2:
                        Full shot of Superboy diving into the inky sea.  We see him half in and half out of the water.  His face registers a look of disgust; as though he has tasted something truly gut wrenching.
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “By the Great Winds of Nausicca, these waters are even fouler than those on Daria 8!”
            Panel 3:
                        Superboy; flying up from the water, holding the shielded ship up above him with both hands.  He is flying towards us.  Water streams from the underside of the vessel into the churning seas below.
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “I’ll just give you fellas a lift to calmer, cleaner waters.  If there are any left on Earth?”
            Panel 4:
                        From about 50 feet above we look down on the flying boat.  It heads from the bottom of the panel towards the top.  At the bottom of the panel the sea is frothy and dark but a third of the way up the panel it changes out to a calm serene series of waves.
            Caption:  Superboy finds a safe place to set the strangely armored ship near the former coast of Brazil.
            Panel 5:
                        We are on the deck of the metal plated ship.  Superboy is descending just in front of us.  A coastline can be seen just behind him about mid panel.  Superboy looks off in the direction of the coastline.
           
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “I’d almost swear that used to be Brazil.  It looks so different now.  This much devastation couldn’t have been caused by nuclear explosions alone…could it?”
            Panel 6:
                        Full shot of Superboy doubling over frontwards.  We look on directly in front of him.
            Superboy (thought balloon):  “Ugh!  Suddenly I’m super-exhausted!  I haven’t felt this odd since I got lost on the Moons of Gallanon!”
Panel 7:
                        We look down on a mid shot of Superboy, unconscious on his back, from two feet above.  Surrounding him and the edges of the panel we see from the waist down what appear to be four people in radiation suits and boots.  The word balloon comes from the upper most pair of legs.
            Upper Rad Suit:  “Hurry get him below before anymore damage is done.”
Page 20.
            The following two dream sequence pages I envision having lots of smaller panels descending and rotating spiral like down toward a central series of tiered panels.  In the spiraling panels are repetitive images of the central images, but from alternating angles within the scene.  The entire page lining is in black but at the very edges it should be smudged, hopefully giving it a shadowy appearance.  The dialogue balloons are made of smoke drifting amidst the central panels.
            Central Panel 1:
                        A large man’s hand holds a child’s hand, pulling it forward.  We look on from what would be the child’s POV.
            Central Panel 2:
                        The image has pulled back to reveal the man’s arm, shoulder and face looking down towards us.  The man appears upset and irritated.  He is in his late forties with a moustache and pepper gray beard.  He should resemble Jordan Elliott from Action Comics #534 (since that’s who he is).
            Central Panel 3:
                        Still looking up from the child’s POV, Jordan Elliott has bent closer to us and now appears very angry and menacing.
            Dialogue Balloon 1:  “Great Goddess no!  Not again!  I don’t want to see this again!”
            Dialogue Balloon 2:  “Oh please, please don’t be angry with me.  I don’t like it when you’re angry.”
            Dialogue Balloon 3:  “I’m tired of dragging you.  Now if you don’t follow along you’re going to be in a world of trouble!”
            Dialogue Balloon 4:  “Sometimes I wish you’d never been born.”
Page 21.
            Similar set up as previous page, though it would be nice to see some fluctuations in the panel layout, more erratic and confusing(?).
            Central Panel 1:
                        Still from the child’s POV we see the child’s hand breaking free of Jordan’s hand. Jordan looks terrified.
            Central Panel 2:
                        Jordan Elliot in close up, lunging toward us, his face registers stark terror!
            Central Panel 3:
                        From the child’s POV, ten feet away, full shot of Jordan Elliott being hit by a speeding car.
            Dialogue Balloon 1:  “Come back here!  What do you think you’re doing?”
            Dialogue Balloon 2:  “No don’t!”
            Dialogue Balloon 3:  “MOMMEE!”
Page 22.
            Panel 1:
                        Superboy sitting blot upright in a cot, his face sweaty and frightened.  His hands are crushing the metal frame of the cot.  Behind him are steel plated walls and computer data screens very reminiscent of the interiors to a submarine vehicle, though with more interior space.
           
            Superboy:  “AAHH!”
            Panel 2:
                        Superboy in foreground, holding his head and sobbing.  Behind him are seven men and women dressed in blue coveralls manning computer stations and other shipboard operating posts.  Some are turned to look at the weeping Boy of Steel.  One man approaches Superboy with a tray of food and drink.  We see him from the neck down.
Superboy:  “no..no…”
            Tray Man:  “I see you’re awake.  Good.  You should have something to eat.  It will help you regain your strength.  Though you’ve gotten some of it back already I see.”
            Panel 3:
                        Superboy looking up toward the man with the tray.  His head is still out of panel. 
            Superboy:  “Thanks.  I’m not sure what happened to me, but I appreciate your help Mister…?”
            Tray Man:  “Do I really look that different Jonathan?  Don’t you remember me at all?”
            Panel 4:
                        Superboy’s head in lower left of panel looking up at the man with the tray.  We see him from the waist up.  He is an elderly Dick Grayson, somewhere in his mid-fifties.  He is smiling gently.
            Superboy:  “Mr. Grayson!  You survived?  I’m so glad to see you!  Oh goddess I’m so glad…”
            Panel 5:
                        Superboy, still sitting on the cot, embraces Dick Grayson, who has bent down to do the same.  The tray of food lies on Superboy’s knees and some food has fallen onto the blanket covering. 
            Panel 6:
                        We are looking over Mr. Grayson’s shoulder at Superboy looking up into the face of Old Man Grayson.  He is crying uncontrollably.
            Superboy:  “Regnig is dead Mr. Grayson.  I tried to save him but…”
Page 23.
            Panel 1:
                        Slightly above Superboy and Old Man Grayson. They sit around a small rectangular table in the control center of the boat.  The crew stands at their posts all looking on as the two men talk.  The tabletop is illuminated from underneath and a map of the New Earth land masses can be see on it.  Superboy looks at Old Man Grayson imploringly for forgiveness.  Old Man Grayson looks at the map.
            Caption:  The hours pass as Superboy tells Mr. Grayson of his years in space and the events surrounding his son’s death.
            Superboy:   "I’m sorry.  I feel awful; especially after seeing what all the Earth’s been through.  Though I wish I knew more of the details.  It seems like a lot more damage was caused then just some nuclear war?”
           
Panel 2:
                        Close up of Old Man Grayson looking across the table at us. His hands still folded in front of him.  He looks surprised and a little bewildered.  The light from the tabletop casts shadows upon his face.
            Old Man Grayson:  “Nuclear War?  There’s been no war here son.  This is a natural catastrophe.”
            Panel 3:
                        This is a small circular inset at top left of Panel 4.  It contains only the talking head of Old Man Grayson.  His expression dour and forlorn.
            Panel 4:
                        The Earth in center of panel wobbling on its axis.  A small sun in background on the right side of panel.  A sliver of the moon covers the left edge of panel.
            Caption:  “A year after you and Reg left the magnetic poles of the Earth shifted their positions.  This caused the worldwide Magnetic Field to plummet to 0.  Devoid of its protection we were bombarded by both the full extent of the sun’s radiation and other “cosmic” rays.”
            Panel 5:
                        A coastline being pummeled by waves and floating ice blocks.
            Panel 6:
                        A cityscape being decimated by explosions and in the far distance a thin mushroom cloud.
            Caption:  “The ice caps melted in months and earthquakes rocked the surface.  Failures in electronic power caused untold deaths and the detonation of cached nuclear weapons worldwide.”
Page 24:
            Panel 1:
                        A rioting populace attacking each other and the buildings of the city they inhabit.
            Caption:  “People went mad, understandably.”
            Panel 2:
                        Fields of bodies on open plains.  A diaspora of human and animal life strewn about.  They all appear to be sleeping.  Above them in the sky a large flaming sun beats down upon them.
            Caption:  “And then those unable to find shelter below the surface, perished.”
Panel 3:
                        Looking on the pyramids of Egypt from about a mile distance throngs of people crowding in and around.
            Caption:  “There were a few places where the magnetic field had been maintained.”
            Panel 4:
                        Looking down on Stonehenge and it’s surrounding fields from 50 feet in the air, full to the brim with people, all looking up at us.
            Caption:  “But they weren’t large enough to sustain everyone.”
            Panel 5:
                        From the top of the largest ziggurat in Machu Pichu we look down on a massive population of people crowding in amongst the ruins.
            Caption:  “Hundreds of thousands at best, survived.”
           

Panel 6:
                        We look out upon a coastline lined with people, some splashing into the sea, rushing to meet an oncoming fleet of Atlantean vehicles.  The vehicles are bursting from the sea and they are numerous.
            Caption:  “That is until help came form below.”
Page 25.
            Panel 1:
                        Close up of Old Man Grayson; head slumped forward, still sitting at the light-table. Hands in front of him now clasped together tightly.
            Old Man Grayson:  “It took a year to figure out what had happened.  And were only now starting to really understand it.  Those ancient architects had it all figured out millennia ago.  How stupid we were.  How distracted we let ourselves get.”
            Panel 2:
                        We look on from behind a group of rad-suited engineers gazing up at two large obelisks generating a field of energy between them.  Floating above each obelisk is a benben, energy spikes off of these two devices as well.
            Caption:  “It took another year to crack the mechanical codes left behind by those humans of past eons.  But we finally did it.”
            Panel 3:
                        We are underwater now, looking on as Atlantean salvage vessels drag dilapidated hulks of sunken ships across the ocean floor.
            Caption:  “We began to try a modify what technology we had access to in hope of reclaiming the surface.”
            Panel 4:
                        Superboy sitting at the light table, his face somewhat euphoric, gazes toward us intently.
            Superboy:  “I noticed that Antarctica was unfrozen.  Does this mean you’ve succeeded?  Are there humans living on the surface again?”
           
Panel 5:
                        Superboy and Old Man Grayson sitting across from each other at the lit map table.  The crew has huddled close in to better hear the conversation.  Shadows play along all their faces.  Superboy in leaning in closer as is Old Man Grayson.
            Old Man Grayson:  “Not living.  Not yet.  But we think soon.  With what your mother uncovered in the ruins of Antarctica we may finally have a fighting chance.”
            Panel 6:
                        Close up of a stunned Superboy.
            Superboy:  “My mother?!”
            Caption:  This two part imaginary story concludes in the Superman Family #223.