Hi, all. Let it be known that I am proposing a new game for all the comic book writers on the RKMB and anyone else who wants to join in. This game is called the Comic Book Writing Game. Here's the high-concept pitch: "Sharpen your comic book writing skills while creating pure Entertainment for the community to enjoy."

Here's how it works: (1) I come up with an absurd scenario. (2) You write a comic book script to make the scenario work. You don't have to write the whole script. A couple panels should suffice, although you're free to write as much as you want. (3) We all read it, laugh, and make comments where appropriate. (4) Repeat Step 1.

Disco Steve and I were playing something like this game over on the Northwood Saga thread. I'm bringing it out of the closet for all to enjoy.

A sample challenge and response follows...

quote:

Pick a character with a full face mask so you can't show his/her facial expression. This character is trying to open a safe by figuring out the tumbler combination. The character's ear is pressed against the safe door, or maybe there's a stethoscope involved. It doesn't matter.

Anyway, in one panel, communicate to the reader that the character has successfully turned the right combination without showing the safe door opening or having a CLICK sound effect. Extra points if the character is UNABLE TO SPEAK.

PAGE 1

Panel 1
We're in COBRA sperm bank meant for reproducing thousands of nondescript soldiers with poor marksmanship, in an office.

Panel 2
A vent is suspended in midair, having fallen from the ceiling.

Panel 3
Same as Panel 1.

Panel 4
Snake Eyes descends from the ceiling, sword in hand, ready to slash up anything symmetrically and indescriminately.

Panel 5
Snake Eyes poses, because this is a liscenced comic, so he HAS to do a cool pose or our 12-year old demographic will lose interest. The nostalgic Gen-Xers will buy this crap regardless.

VOICE (op, coming from above, in the venilation ducts): All clear, Snake?

Panel 6
Tunnel Rat descends from the ceiling.

TUNNEL RAT: You know, they all say you're some kind of creepy nutcase, but I think you're good company, personally.

PAGE 2

Panel 1
Shot of a safe.

TUNNEL RAT (OP): That must be it. You open it. I'll look for food. I am one hungry Asian stereotype.

Panel 2
We're behind Snake Eyes as he approaches the safe, slightly crouched, since he's a ninja and ninjas never walk straight.

Panel 3
Close up on Snake Eyes' hand turning the dial, his head pressed against the door of the safe.

Panel 4
Snake Eyes giving a "thumbs up" gesture, ear still against the safe door.

Panel 5
Tunnel Rat entering the room, eating a candy bar.

TUNNEL RAT: You get it?

Panel 6
Tunnel Rat's POV. Snake Eyes is turned to him, holding up a vial.

TUNNEL RAT: Don't look so proud. That's disgusting.
It works like that, only the scenarios will be more absurd.

Any and all are welcome to play, and you can jump in as we go along.

But to spare me the humiliation of throwing a party where nobody shows, can I get a quick count of interested individuals?