This was a project for Tatum Games I separated in a two part comic series.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cAIu8DiRruZIvQtqCv4qcLt9eH1BW7VTzZ1CubZ8HMc/edit
Page 1
Panel 1
Show Brickjaw in normal form stomp on Burst, kicking her into a ditch. Small cracks can be seen in the dirt around her. The ditch should be the same location where she almost died on her wiki page. Have rain pouring down, flooding the ditch with mud as Brickjaw stares at her angrily. Burst is screaming out in pain.
BRICKJAW
Why did you leave?!? You broke our team apart! Who am I without it? For what purpose do I exist then?
BURST
AAAHHH!!!
Panel 2
Detailed depiction of Brickjaw relentlessly punching her into the ground, creating a deep trench beneath the earth.
Panel 3
Brickjaw jumps out of the hole he created.
Brickjaw
Wilt and wither in the ground like the traitor you are! I don’t care anymore.
Panel 4
Show a first person perspective of rain falling down from the gray, night sky above. Burst is narrating in the panel but not actually speaking in it. It’s more of an inside thought. Depict a white haze around the panel to symbolize we are looking at things from Burst’s perspective before she falls unconscious.
Burst (Narration)
You’re probably asking the same question I’m asking myself right now: How did I get here? I feel like my life is in pieces just like my memory. Maybe I can find the answer if I backtrack to things I’ve done before getting to this point…
Panel 5
Burst’s eyes are half closed lying in the muddy hole with her full hero attire on. Rain trickles down on her. She is still narrating but not actually speaking in the panel.
Burst (Narration)
But bare with me. I only remember things in fragments as I’m still trying to pick up the pieces of who I am.
(*Note: Important dialogue as it not only symbolizes the main focus of the story, but also tells the reader they need to pay close attention since Burst is only capable of remembering things in segments due to her mind still being jumbled.)
Page 2
Panel 1
State “Approximately 5 Hours Earlier” on the upper left of the panel. A warden and a heavily armed guard wearing kevlar are walking beside Burst into the entrance of a super maximum security prison called Gridlock. The name “Gridlock” can be seen plastered above the entrance of the prison they’re walking into. Burst should have a rigid posture, almost robotic.
Panel 2
Close up of the Warden and a Kevlar Armed Guard talking to Burst while walking. They are walking past cells of criminals. Depict Hot Head and Hair Witch in the background among them. This gives a subtle hint that the max prison categorizes villains by power attributes as Hot Head and Hair Witch both derive their unique abilities from their hair. Also gives credence to this happening after Madam frost fights Hot Head and Burn Streak mentioned in the “Seismic Foreshock” comic.
WARDEN
Mam, the two you are about to see are highly volatile and dangerous. Are you sure they have intel you require?
Burst
I’m not sure at all, but Brickjaw is an erratic loner who was able to break his restraints and escape the max containment transport. I don’t know for sure if they know where he is, but given our history, if anyone would know, it would be them.
KEVLAR ARMED GUARD
I wouldn’t expect much. They haven’t really spoken since they got here.
(*Note: Burst’s dialogue can subtly indicate Brickjaw escaped after he fought Maximum in “Guardians: A Pact of a New Age Pt. 1” comic.)
Panel 3
Zoom in on a tattoo located on the bottom of her forearm near her elbow. It should depict a rose.
Burst
I have a feeling they’d talk with me.
(*Note: Rose symbolizes her pact with the Valiant of Four Roses long ago.)
Panel 4
Close up of Warden and Burst talking now still walking. Burst reacts in surprise. Warden seems slightly nervous.
Warden
Not to be a fanboy or anything… but I just wanted to thank you. You helped a nephew of mine get out of trouble by stopping an arms deal some time ago. I just… never got the chance to thank you.
Burst
Oh? Y-you’re welcome.
Warden
Since The Guardians are working with law enforcement now, I want to clear the air a bit and let you know not all of us hated vigilantes back then, Ms.. uhm… err… What should I call you?
Panel 5
Burst looks back at Warden, confused. Kevlar Armed Guard is in front of them, opening a cell block.
Burst
What do you mean?
Warden
Well, I know villains call you by “Frost Fire” but reports say you go by “Burst”. What would you like to be called?
Burst
Uh… It hasn’t really come to my attention. I don’t –
Kevlar Armed Guard
We’re here.
(*Note: Warden’s and Burst’s dialogue indicates she is at odds with her own identity and doesn’t know who she exactly is yet. A prime focus of this comic.)
Page 3
Panel 1
Panel should take up 3/4ths of the page. Reveal a detailed depiction of Scourge and Dragon Flame with Slater Tech collars around their necks that neutralize their powers. They are in heavy metallic cuffs, sitting down in a room. Scourge’s body is sealed within some type of heavy metallic casing to prevent his tar from oozing out in case the collar should fail. We see the back of Burst’s and the parts of the Warden’s and guard’s heads staring at them through a huge bulletproof glass on the other side of the room.
Warden
As you can see, we had to take extra precautions to establish this meeting. If there is any sign of coded messages or attempts to escape, gas from the ceiling ducts will render them and you paralyzed and immobile. I really hope this is worth it. You’ll be endangering us all if anything were to happen. We’ll be monitoring the situation just behind this door.
Burst
I’m getting the impression you don’t trust me.
Kevlar Armed Guard
You did work with these scum. Like Warden said, a lot of us hated vigilantes. Some of us still do!
Warden
Enough out of you! Let’s leave her to her work.
Panel 2
Both of them leave the room. Kevlar Armed Guard slams the door shut behind him.
Page 4
Panel 1
Burst is in the process of sitting down in a seat in the middle of her side of the room. Dragon Flame and Scourge are talking to her behind the thick glass. Dragon Flame and Scourge should look weary from imprisonment.
Scourge
You look well. I see that blue energy is still giving you that unique fuschia hair of yours. I guess trading us for The Guardians has its perks, eh?
Burst
I didn’t come here to reminisce. I came here for information.
Dragon Flame
To the point as usual. I see not much has changed… What information do you seek?
Panel 2
Burst is sitting with her legs crossed and back rigidly straight as she explains the situation to Dragon Flame and Scourge.
Burst
After the Millennium City tragedy, Brickjaw was on his way to this prison but broke out amidst the confusion the collateral damage caused that day. He has been hiding ever since. We have been bombarded with other pressing matters, but I’m taking it upon myself to capture loose ends before they are more problematic.
Scourge
You hear that, Huo? She still has that same robotic tone and posture, like she’s superior.
Dragon Flame
Heh. In other words, you’re hunting him yourself since your new “team” are stretched thin. Is that it? This is a bad move, you know?
Panel 3
Show part of the back of Burst’s head on the left side of the panel as she speaks to Scourge who is staring at her intently.
Burst
How so?
Scourge
Out of all the people in the world Jake – or Brickjaw rather, hates you the most.
Burst
Why? I’ve done nothing to him.
Scourge
He blames you for why our little group broke up in the first place.
Panel 4
Show part of the back of Burst’s head on the right side of the panel as she speaks to Dragon Flame now who is staring at her intently as well.
Burst
I haven’t forgotten what we established long ago. It gave me purpose when I had none, but that is the past and he should move on. We all should.
Dragon Flame
Move on? (*Chuckles*) Any one of your other comrades could have taken this job. Why you?
Burst
…I suppose a part of me still feels responsible for this group.
Dragon Flame
Looks to me you can’t quite move on either.
Panel 5
Close up of Burst looking down and reflecting on Dragon Flame’s words.
Panel 6
The back of Burst’s head is shown to us, looking down as she takes in what her former comrades, Dragon Flame and Scourge are saying to her.
Scourge
No kidding, Huo! First, she comes to us as a lost experiment, then she leaves, and now she sits there in judgement over us? We used to want the same thing! Now look…
Dragon Flame
You said it was to find your purpose, but I only see contradiction in your eyes. Why did you really leave us?
Scourge
Come on, Frost Fire. We at least deserve an answer – a real one! Not the one you gave us way back when.
Panel 7
Close up of Burst’s eyes looking directly at them as she thinks about the past. In the reflection of one eye, show Dragon Flame sitting with a rose petal behind him burning. In the reflection of the other eye, depict Scourge in the same way.
Burst
I…
(*Note: The artwork in this panel depicts her burned bridges with the Valiant of Four Roses.)
Page 5
Panel 1
A flashback as Burst opens her eyes for the first time after the accident long ago. Edges of the panel should be a white haze. Scientists are surrounding her in a facility as the reader pans out to see them in a first person perspective.
Panel 2
Still a first person perspective through Burst’s eyes. Alex Gordan is peering down at her.
ALEX GORDAN
Hello, Jacklyn. It’s me, Professor Gordan, as I’m sure you already know. You were near Death’s door in a ditch, but I brought you back with a revolutionary type of technology. Stay calm. I’m sure you have a lot of questions and –
Burst
W-who…
Alex Gordan
I’m sorry. What was that?
Burst
Who… is… Jacklyn?
Panel 3
Alex Gordan and the scientists look at each other, shocked and concerned.
Panel 4
Some time has passed and Burst is looking down at her forearms in bewilderment. Attached to them are gauntlets. Alex Gordan is beside her, coaching her through it.
Alex Gordan
You remember the “energy sourcing tech” I spoke of? This will help you harness that infinite energy inside of you. Go ahead. Try it out.
Panel 5
Taking his instruction literally, Burst aims it at a door in the facility and blasts it from its henges, nearly knocking out another scientist. The scientist gasps.
Panel 6
Alex Gordan rubs the back of his head, nervously smiling. Scientists in the background stare at her in awe.
Alex Gordan
Haha… I kind of meant outside, not in here, Burst.
Panel 7
Show Burst frantically apologizing in a robotic manner to some of the frightened scientists; ironically making her seem more scary. Alex Gordan is behind her laughing now.
Burst
I apologize for what my actions have wrought upon you. My transgression was out of conduct.
Alex Gordan
(*Chuckles*) You don’t have to be so formal either. I guess you have to work on modern speech for you too.
Page 6
On this page, all of these panels should be geared towards her learning how to hone her powers and attacking criminals as time goes on.
Panel 1
Uses the force of the gauntlets to jump high from building to building.
Panel 2
Burst is wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, sparring a dummy outdoors near Slater Tech to hone her close combat skills.
Panel 3
Show her taking down criminals in alleyways with a hoodie on.
Panel 4
Burst is sneaking out of a window of Slater Tech late at night to pursue her vigilantism.
Panel 5
Burst has her arms outstretched behind her, emitting blue energy. A smile of exhilaration is on her face as she dashes in mid-air. The darkness of the night should make her colorful hair and hero attire pop to display her heroic stature.
Page 7
Panel 1
Bird’s eye view of Burst staring at policemen atop a building as they take criminals away she took down.
Panel 2
Close up of her eyes in distress. Dragon Flame approaches her from behind.
Dragon Flame
Your eyes are conflicted.
Panel 3
Burst immediately points her gauntlet at Dragon Flame only to find Scourge not tailing too far behind.
Burst
What? Who are you?
Dragon Flame
My name is Huo Tian and this is my partner Yu Gāng.
Burst
You mean the terrorist duo Dragon Flame and Scourge, don’t you?
Scourge
Give the lady a prize. I thought our activity was only reported in certain parts of China.
Panel 4
Same as panel 3, but Scourge is now beside Dragon Flame.
Burst
I’m part of a company who works with the government. They have access to dangerous threats around the globe. You were listed as subjects to subdue. It’s the company’s job to supply weapons to them capable of doing so.
Dragon Flame
I see.
Burst
Enough banter! Why are you here?
Scourge
Heh, I like her. She’s straight to the point.
Panel 5
Close up of Dragon Flame as he steps forward and speaks.
Dragon Flame
What if I told you, we were the good guys trying to take down the real bad guy?
Burst
I’d say you’d just be trying to coerce me in letting my guard down.
Panel 6
Burst rushes towards them.
Panel 7
She kicks Dragon Flame off of the rooftop.
Panel 8
She is attacking Scourge hand to hand in an attempt to knock him out. Scourge is letting some of his tar drip, preparing for a potential counter attack.
Scourge
Impressive. You’ve researched our powers. You’re separating us and avoiding attacking with your gauntlets. Any fire attack would strengthen or ignite us. You think on your feet! I’m starting to think Huo had the right idea about recruiting you.
Burst
Like I’d ever join!
Page 8
Panel 1
A huge flame in the shape of a dragon appears behind Burst, causing her to stop attacking. Dragon Flame is looking down at her in a superior manner; arms crossed while being levitated by the flame. Burst looks up in shock.
Dragon Flame
I’d rather not turn this into a fight, but if you continue, my flame spreads over a vast area and if one spark hits Yu, he ignites like a human bomb.
Scourge
I’d do as he says. We don’t desire unnecessary killing.
Panel 2
Burst lowers her guard.
Panel 3
Hatred exudes from Dragon Flame’s eyes while still airborne. Scourge has turned to speak to Burst. We see the back of Burst while she talks to both of them.
Dragon Flame
Now, have you ever heard of Nervo?
Burst
Nervo?
Scourge
Yes, he’s a formidable enemy. He has made myself and Huo do his dirty work before.
Panel 4
Dragon Flame descends to the rooftop. Scourge has stopped dripping. Burst listens to them.
Scrouge
We have been trying to thwart his plans, but we need help.
Dragon Flame
Like I said before, your eyes are conflicted. I can tell apprehending third rate criminals is not enough for you. You want to make a difference. How would you like to become part of something bigger than yourself?
Panel 5
Burst’s eyes widen with intrigue.
Page 9
Panel 1
More time passes. Show Dragon Flame, Scourge and Burst fighting together, taking out criminal bases connected to Nervo. Burst smiling should be the main focus as she thinks she’s found her purpose.
(*Note: The idea of Nervo’s bases stem from “The Protector Comic”.)
Panel 2
Dragon Flame, Scourge, and Burst are running in the cover of night.
Burst
Where are we going now?
Dragon Flame
The bases are becoming more heavily fortified. We need to recruit a powerhouse on our side.
Scourge
That’s where you come in, Burst.
Panel 3
Focus in on Burst running beside them.
Burst
Why specifically me?
Panel 4
They have stopped in an alleyway while Dragon Flame explains the situation to Burst. He puts his hand on her shoulder. Scourge is leaning against a wall.
Dragon Flame
Like you were before, this person too is conflicted about who he is supposed to be.
Scourge
Making you the ideal candidate to talk to him.
Panel 5
Burst looks at them, determined.
Burst
If it means we can continue putting an end to these organizations, then I’m in!
Page 10
Panel 1
Depict a big, young muscular man sitting on the curb against a parking sign, blending in with the homeless people around him. He has a blanket over his head, covering his broad body and shoulders.
Panel 2
Dragon Flame, Scourge, and Burst approach him. He looks up and is revealed to be Brickjaw in normal form.
Burst
Is that him?
Dragon Flame
Yes. Meet Jake Henderson. He has been surviving on the streets ever since a meteor crashed into his house, killing his parents. He’s been spaced out, moving from place to place.
Scourge
This guy has been accused of aggravated assault, battery, and petty theft. All he’s done is defend himself and try to survive out here with no money, but now he’s branded a criminal for trying to live. The punishment hardly fits the crime, don’t you think?
Panel 3
Close up of the pain and sorrow in Brickjaw’s eyes.
Brickjaw
You all come here to take me in? Well… go ahead. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I just want this to end.
Panel 4
Burst kneels down beside Brickjaw on the sidewalk. Brickjaw adverts his gaze from her.
Burst
Not at all. I… I know what it’s like to not know who you are nor have a purpose. Most of my life is gone. I woke up with strange abilities as I’m sure you did when the meteorite hit you.
Panel 5
Brickjaw turns to Burst again.
Brickjaw
What did you do?
Panel 6
Burst is in the middle of Dragon Flame and Scourge standing beide her. Burst is still knelt down but is reaching out a hand, grinning. The reader can see them in a first person view through Brickjaw’s eyes.
Burst
I found people who share my need with wanting to do something more in life – being apart of something…
(*Note: Reference to Dragon Flame’s words from Page 8, Panel 4.)
Panel 7
Brickjaw’s eyes widen with intrigue taking Burst’s hand.
(*Note: Reference to the same manipulation Burst bought into on Page 8, Panel 5.)
Panel 8
Show the back of Brickjaw, Burst, Dragon Flame, and Scourge standing side by side atop a hill, looking down at the city.
Burst
A team.
Page 11
Panel 1
Pan out to show the front of them now, each standing united. Burst and Brickjaw are smiling. Part of the sun illuminates their complexions, showing a glimmer of purpose. A faint, transparent image of a rose should be behind each of them, symbolizing their new union. Should take up about a third of the page.
Dragon Flame
From this day forward, we will be known as The Valiant of Four Roses. Let our comradery be like the vines that bind us, and let us never wilt in the face of the enemy!
Scourge
The Valiant Four, huh? I can tell you’ve been practicing that little speech for some time, Huo. You expect us to put our hands in the middle like scouts, too?
Dragon Flame
Silence, Scourge!
Burst and Brickjaw
(*Snicker*)
Panel 2
Depict The Valiant of Four Roses taking down criminals as a team.
Panel 3
Show them helping one another with tasks. (Any task is fine as long as it portrays a close-knit relationship among the four.)
Page 12
Panel 1
Show a small building blowing up in the midst of night. Fire sets ablaze nearby stores, restaurants and other buildings.
Panel 2
Close up of Burst’s eyes widening in shock. We can see the reflection of the fire in her eyes along with petals falling, symbolizing when she first wanted to break from the team.
Panel 3
Show Burst shoving Dragon Flame to the ground.
Burst
What is wrong with you?! There were people in there!
Panel 4
Scourge helps Dragon Flame up from the floor while Brickjaw restrains her from attacking again.
Dragon Flame
Some sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. As many criminals we’ve stopped so far, you should know that by now.
Burst
Just because they worked for criminals, not everyone in that place was guilty! Some didn’t know. They had families, lives – identities and roles to fulfill for others… You took that away!
Scourge
Those people weren’t dumb. They knew what type of entities they worked for. Associates of the enemy are also the enemy! Or have you forgotten?
Panel 5
Brickjaw releases his grip. Burst looks back at him.
Burst
Why were you holding me? Are you telling me you’re okay with this, Jake?
Brickjaw
Huo and Yu are just doing what’s necessary to survive like I’ve done. If we had let the others live, they’d only see us as terrorists, call the cops on us, and let the bad guys get away with what they were doing. If we go to jail, we would have done all this for nothing.
Panel 6
Show Brickjaw walking over to Dragon Flame and Scourge. Burst looks at him, surprised.
Brickjaw
Is that what you want? You want to break up this team after all we’ve done?
Panel 7
Burst stares at them as the fire from the destruction of the building blazes behind them. Dragon Flame, Scourge, and Brickjaw stare back at her. Brickjaw reaches out his hand to her just like she did when they first met him.
Panel 8
Burst is on the right side of the panel walking away. Tears flee from her eyes. Dragon Flame, Scourge, and Brickjaw are on the left side of the panel in the background, looking on. Cop cars and fire trucks can be seen approaching in the background.
Panel 9
Bird’s eye view of Protector hovering over a rooftop, observing the situation. Focus the angle of the panel of Burst walking away.
Page 13
Panel 1
Indicate that the reader is back in present time as Burst is still in the interrogation room with Dragon Flame and Scourge on the other side of the bulletproof glass. Panel should be the same as Page 4, Panel 6, but Burst has her head raised now.
Scourge
Well, are you going to tell us what made you leave or not?
Burst
I… I don’t have time for this. If you’re not going to tell me where Brickjaw is then this was a waste of time.
Panel 2
Burst knocks on the door to signal the guards to be let out. Dragon Flame and Scourge are still on the other side of the bulletproof glass.
Dragon Flame
Was it Protector?
Panel 3
Close up of Burst raising her head, startled by his question.
Panel 4
Center panel on Dragon Flame speaking. Scourge is in the panel but off center.
Dragon Flame
He spoke to us not too long ago. He simply said what we were doing was “not the way”. Then what is the way, huh? If I can’t take revenge against the person who subjugated my life, then what do I amount to? Who am I if I can’t take down the ONE guy who ruined it?! You and Protector act like you have all the answers. Then tell me!
(*Note: References what Protector said to Dragon Flame and Scourge in “Guardians: A Pact of a New Age Comic Pt. 1”.)
Panel 5
One of the guards is opening the door in the background. Burst looks back toward Dragon Flame and Scourge but they are not in the panel.
Burst
You subjugated us too, Huo – myself and Jake. You saw us as lost people who you could use for your own vendetta, becoming just like the person you sought out to stop. Protector helped, but he didn’t tell me who I was. That’s something we all must find out for ourselves.
Panel 6
Close up of Dragon Flame and Scourge contemplating on Burst’s words. We see the shadow of Burst along with the door closing off of the bulletproof glass. The light from the other side of the door is the only thing illuminating the room. The rest of the room should be dark, depicting that Dragon Flame and Scourge will forever be stuck in darkness unless they find the strength to seek what’s right in the light.
Page 14
Panel 1
Burst is now getting in the boat back to the mainland. Warden is escorting her out.
Warden
What will you do now with no leads?
Burst
I’ll have to clear my mind and think. I apologize for the trouble.
Panel 2
Warden walks back to the prison. Kevlar Armed Guard is now staring at the boat taking Burst back to the mainland, grinning deviously.
Panel 3
Burst is stepping onto the dock, back to the shoreline. She now has a trenchcoat and a hoodie on to hide her appearance.
Panel 4
The sun is approaching the horizon in the background. Grey clouds can be seen about to envelope the sky. She walks through crowds of people while thinking.
Burst
What do I do now? Brickjaw can be anywhere. (*Sighs*) I feel like I’m wandering without a purpose again.
Panel 5
Close up on Burst as she reflects back to the time she met Protector.
Page 15
Panel 1
We’re set back to the past after she walked away from her former comrades. She is now fighting a gang smuggling illegal weapons near a pier. Have a few guys already knocked out on the floor. Random firearms are spread out on the floor too. Burst is fighting off multiple gang members firing at her. Intensity should be depicted on her face since she is angry with what happened with her former comrades.
(*Note: This weapon trade is also a reference to the same arms deal the Warden thanked her for on Page 2, Panel 4.)
Panel 2
Bird’s eye view of gang members surrounding her. Burst looks around warily.
Panel 3
Protector swoops down and evens the odds. Protector shoots electric currents from his suit to taze them and knock them out.
Panel 4
Burst and Protector are fighting back to back, subduing the gang members.
Panel 5
Burst and Protector talk to each other face to face. Protector has a concerned look on his face. In the background, you can see gang members knocked out. Show the sun’s tip peak from the horizon in the background as well, symbolizing a new day and potentially new beginning for Burst.
Burst
You’re one of the vigilantes I’ve heard reports about, aren’t you? Protector, right?
Protector
Yes, I am. I’ve been tailing you and your friends. I arrived on the scene too late, but I saw the end of what happened to those people in the building.
Panel 6
Reader can see the back of Protector’s head. Burst averts her gaze, ashamed.
Burst
You saw…? You’re here to take me in then.
Protector
I saw you walk away. Come, let’s take a walk.
Panel 7
Protector is walking off. Burst is jogs a little to follow behind.
Burst
Are you sure it’s a good idea. You barely know me.
Protector
A person’s actions in a crisis says all I need to know about them.
Panel 8
Close up of Burst still following Protector but with a look of new found hope and admiration in her eyes.
Page 16
Panel 1
Depict Burst and Protector in his suit sitting atop a roof top. Their legs are dangling from the edge, looking down at the street, but the street is not in the panel. Burst is grinning. Protector is laughing.
Protector
Hold on, so your home is a lab and you sneak out to do stuff like this every night? Who looks after you?
Burst
A professor.
Protector
(*Laughs*)
Burst
I know it sounds crazy.
Panel 2
Show Burst brush her hair behind her ear to reveal a full smile. Protector is still smiling as well.
Protector
I’m wondering if I should take back what I said about a person’s action being all I needed to know. If I didn’t see your abilities first hand, I’d say you were a complete liar.
Burst
Heh. The way you make light of a serious situation – you kind of remind me of him.
Protector
Oh really? What’s his name?
Burst
Professor Alex Gordan.
Panel 3
Close up of Protector’s eyes widen in disbelief. Burst looks back at him.
Protector
The Alex Gordan? The brilliant professor who taught at Brigham University? He works for Slater Tech now?
Burst
Yes. Do you know him?
Protector
I know of him. I was an admirer of his work when I attended Sanford. Now I’m really curious. Tell me more about yourself.
Panel 4
Close up of Burst’s face.
Burst
You’re probably asking the same question I’m asking myself right now: How did I get here? I feel like my life is in pieces just like my memory. Maybe I can find the answer if I backtrack to things I’ve done before getting to this point… But bare with me. I only remember things in fragments as I’m still trying to pick up the pieces of who I am.
(*Note: Very important as this is the same dialogue from Page 1, Panel 4 &5. This indicates she wasn’t talking to the audience, but having a flashback of the words she said to Protector before explaining her past that has already been covered throughout the previous pages. This indicates she is relaying the same information from the pages of flashbacks from her past life to Protector, which leaves no need to explain it again.)
Page 17
Panel 1
They are still on the ledge. The sun is rising behind them now indicating Burst has finished explaining her past to Protector.
Protector
Wow… So you’re missing a large part of your past, and you’re trying to figure out a way to move forward.
Burst
Yes. I feel like Professor Gordan knows I sneak out at night but lets me because he feels guilty, like there’s something he’s not telling me. I can tell he means well, though.
Protector
So… What have you been trying to do now? Be a hero to fill the missing piece in yourself?
Panel 2
Burst gazes on at the city and people below as the sun is now illuminating them.
Burst
I don’t know what I’m trying to be. Without my past, I feel like a part of myself is missing. I don’t even know what a hero is. Do you?
Panel 3
Show Protector standing up. He looks towards the city, passionately. We see the back of Burst’s head, looking up at him.
Protector
I can’t begin to tell you who to be or where you go from here. My favorite hero was a wanderer too, you know?
Burst
He was?
Protector
Oh yeah. He knew what the right thing was and did it. He helped as many people as he could – even beaten because of it. Beaten so bad in fact, he stared death in the face. But the very next day, he rose again to stand up for what he believed in.
(*Note: Protector’s words directly reference his faith; the thing that drives his character. The hero he subtly speaks of is Christ.)
Panel 4
Protector reaches out his hand to help Burst up. Burst reaches out her hand as well. Their hands meeting symbolizes unity between people.
Protector
To me, a hero is someone who hits rock bottom and still finds the strength to pull themselves up despite the world pushing them down. It’s a measure of the true worth of a person, who they are, and who they will become.
Panel 5
Burst looks up at Protector, inspired.
Burst
Thank you, Protector. You’re the first person I encountered that has made any sense.
Protector
Call me Emeka, and you’re welcome. Now, let’s go to Slater Tech.
Burst
For what?
Protector
Well, now that I know you, I will do whatever I can as a friend to help you get your memory back. There must be treatments we can try.
Panel 6
Close up shot of Burst’s profile. Burst smiles confidently. Part of Protector’s body is in the background, along with buildings. Burst is dashing from building to building using the force of her gauntlets and Emeka is flying in the background. On the right side of the panel, have the sun shine brilliantly as if they are both stepping into the light.
Page 18
Panel 1
Some time has passed and the Valiant of Four Roses are standing near a coast line by the Ring of Fire – a geographical area laced with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. An inactive volcano can be seen in the background. The Valiant Four are arguing amongst each other.
Scourge
What do you mean you quit?! You’re bailing on us after all this time?
Brickjaw
What happened? Huo stopped attacking public places like you asked. What’s the problem?
Burst
I might not know exactly what I want, but I do know this isn’t it.
(*Note: The location by the Ring of Fire is very symbolic as this is not only the place where they parted ways, but stands as a symbol of their union as each of their powers either conducts or utilizes fire.)
Panel 2
Focus in on Dragon Flame speaking.
Dragon Flame
You’ve been acting strange these past few weeks. I don’t know what happened, but this base is bombarded with gunmen. You know we can’t do this without you.
Panel 3
Close up on Burst as she tries to explain her feelings towards the situation. The reader can see part of Dragon Flame’s face.
Burst
I know this is hard to explain, but I just can’t. I appreciate you trying to take my thoughts into consideration and not repeat the fiasco a while back. But I know if I wasn’t here, you’d have no problem with casualties as long as you fulfilled your goal.
Dragon Flame
But –
Burst
It’s okay. I’m not judging you, but you clearly have a purpose. I need to find mine on my own. I’m sorry guys, but I’m out.
Panel 4
As Burst walks away, Brickjaw grabs her by the hand.
Brickjaw
Wait, Frost Fire. Don’t you see? It’s precisely why we need you hear, to keep us in check.
Panel 5
Burst clasps Brickjaw’s hands in hers.
Burst
But that’s precisely my point, Jake. I can’t tell you all who you’re supposed to be when I don’t even know who I’m supposed to be. I’d just be a hypocrite.
Brickjaw
It was because of you I joined and decided to stay. You were the first person in a long time to actually see something in me besides a menace. I don’t really have anything in common with the other two alone. You’re my purpose, all of you – together.
Panel 6
Burst pulls her hands away from Brickjaw’s. Dragon Flame and Scourge look on sorrowfully.
Burst
Listen to me, Jake. We all must find our own way at some point in our lives. I’m just asking you to please let me find mine.
Panel 7
Burst is on the right side of the panel walking away in sorrow. Brickjaw, Dragon Flame, and Scourge look on in the background on the left side of the panel.
Panel 8
Solo shot of Brickjaw’s eyes daggered at her with contempt. If you can, in the reflection of his eyes, draw a wilted rose petal, symbolizing that is the way he begins to see her.
Page 19
Panel 1
Back in present time. Burst is walking with her trench coat and hood over her head up a hill with a road to a familiar place. It is still raining.
Panel 2
Burst’s mouth gapes in awe as she stumbles upon the same ditch where her accident happened, which caused her to lose her memory.
Burst
How did I… get here? This experimental treatment Gordan and Emeka developed to improve my memory is causing me to randomly space out.
Panel 3
Burst looks out to the shoreline, seeing it from a distance. The supermax prison is even further – a spec in the background.
Burst
Oh my gosh… How long have I been walking? It must’ve been hours.
Panel 4
Show Burst kneeling to the ground, grabbing her head.
Why am I here of all places? Did I subconsciously walk over here? Ugh! What is my mind trying to tell me? None of this is making any sense.
Panel 5
Have Burst look straight at the reader in horror. Brickjaw is in normal form, grabbing her head with her hoodie still on with his massive palm. His face is menacingly daggered at her from behind. Try to depict his facial expression the same as Page 18, Panel 8.
Brickjaw
Funny. You didn’t make much sense to me all that time ago either.
Page 20
Panel 1
Brickjaw tosses her by the head into the ditch. The force of the throw blows off her trench coat in the wind.
Brickjaw
I heard you were looking for me. Well, here I am!
Panel 2
Burst tries to get up from the ditch to defend herself but her foot is stuck deep in a small trench below her in the ditch.
Panel 3
Brickjaw forms a double axe handle with his hands and pounds her torso further into the dirt. Burst’s eyes bulge out in pain.
Brickjaw
I’ve been trying to move on Frost Fire, but I keep asking myself this nagging question – Why?
Burst
(*Gasps*)
(*Note: Panel 4 – 6 , should be the same as Page 1, Panel 1 – 3.)
Panel 4
Show Brickjaw stomp on Burst, kicking her into a ditch. Small cracks can be seen in the dirt around her. Have rain pouring down, flooding the ditch with mud as Brickjaw stares at her angrily. Burst is screaming out in pain.
BRICKJAW
Why did you leave?!? You broke our team apart! Who am I without it – without you…? For what purpose do I exist then?
BURST
AAAHHH!!!
Panel 5
Detailed depiction of Brickjaw relentlessly punching her into the ground, creating a deep trench beneath the earth.
Panel 6
Brickjaw jumps out of the hole he created.
Brickjaw
Wilt and wither in the ground like the traitor you are! I don’t care anymore. I don’t need any of you! I’m strong enough on my own and can get stronger still.
Panel 7
Show a first person perspective of rain falling down from the gray, night sky above. The panel should act sort of like a glass as rain drops fall, blurring random spots of the image. This represents the drops falling in her half-opened eyes. The depiction of the hole she’s in should be deep. About 30 ft. or a little less. This shows just how strong Brickjaw is and the amount of pain she endured.
Panel 8
Burst’s eyes are half closed lying in the muddy hole with her full hero attire on. Rain trickles down on her. Water is slowly building up in the cavity with her in it.
Burst (Inside Thought)
(I get it now. These random flashbacks aren’t just memories. My conscious and subconscious have been trying to answer my own questions all this time – How did I get here? Who am I?)
Panel 9
First person perspective again, showing a blurry night sky as she loses consciousness.
Burst (Inside Thought)
(But now that I’m here, how do I dig myself out of this hole and find myself to become whole?)
(*Note: Symbolizes her past decisions, good intentions or not, created this hole she’s in now. It portrays to defeat Brickjaw and get through to him, she must first get past her own obstacle – herself.)
To be continued on Pt. 2
Reginald andah 