📰 Daily Bugling
Byline by Ben Urich
Episodes of Storymaze feature: writing tips or a work-in-progress; something creative I’m digging; + a quote that’s got me thinking.
On the heels/horns of Daredevil: Black Armor wrapping up, I got a call from DD editor Devin Lewis. He was putting together a special oversized issue of the regular Daredevil title, which was set to coincide with one anniversary or another of the man without fear.
The issue was to feature not only the regular creative team — but well known creators who’d contributed to Matt Murdock’s life (and suffering) over the years. Would I be interested in doing a short tale with that Black Armor — and the Punisher? Does Frank Castle have an attitude problem?
I jumped at the chance, even with a tight deadline of only a few days. I’d always enjoyed Marvel’s premier vigilante, and a classic standoff with this “new” Daredevil felt like a good time. I still had Matt Murdock in my head…and Frank’s single minded obsession took up neural residence with surprising ease. (At the time, Devin told me, “It’s a bit disturbing how comfortable you are writing the Punisher!”)
It also seemed an opportunity to touch base with some other fave characters from my time in Hell’s Kitchen, and reporter Ben Urich was a natural choice to set the stage for the environs of the city in the faux nineties this tale was set in. He had some choice words for vigilantes, whether wearing horns or skulls.
But as it turned out, the deadline wasn’t the only thing tight about the story: its slight page count meant every page had to count — and editor Lewis was right to advise losing the journalist for more time with the main event. Which doesn’t mean the scene doesn’t exist somewhere else in the multiverse — or right here in this Storymaze.
PAGE 1
*PANEL 1*
INT. DAILY BUGLE OFFICE — DAY
BEN URICH at a keyboard, an old school CRT monitor in front of him. His desk is a mess, cigarette in mouth, ashtray full, smoke curling around as he crafts a story about the plight of the city. (NOTE TO LETTERER: Please have “Urich/Captions” in a “typewriter font” like old school newsprint stories.)
URICH/CAPTION (typewriter font): The city is sick.
URICH/CAPTION (typewriter font): People can’t afford drugs they need.
URICH/CAPTION (typewriter font): And the ones they don’t need flood the streets.
*PANEL 2*
A FEMALE REPORTER walks past in the background, disgusted look on her fact, waving through Urich’s cloud of smoke. If anything he puffs on his cig harder, intent on his story.
FEMALE REPORTER: Day’ll be they ban those things inside, Urich.
URICH: Never happen. Freedom of the press.
URICH/CAPTION (typewriter font): We’ve lost so many protectors, like lawyer Matt Murdock.
*PANEL 3*
Angle on Urich’s hands on the keyboard, looking to the screen beyond: words of his story visible on the flickering green-white cathode display. (NOTE TO LETTERER: If this doesn’t read well on the screen then it should become URICH/CAPTIONS.)
SCREEN (typewriter font): Until all that’s left are Punishers and armored Daredevils. Solutions worse than our problems…
Demon Copperhead battles abuse, abandonment, love, drugs and creative spirit in a rich weave of complications that’d give David Copperfield pause. This coming-of-age tale of the titular troubled young man is endlessly captivating in its rich use of southern culture and language — and its knife’s edge balance between hope for his future and a dreadful certainty it’s all going to go very, very wrong.
Axles Infernal #2 is in prelaunch on Kickstarter — I’d be most grateful if you’d check it out and help support this new comic by signing up for launch news.
This issue confronts protagonist Percy with the worst of the Underworld Transportation Authority — personified by local dispatcher, Necros Terminal. He’s evolved a bit since Karl Waller and I conceived him — but here’s the first words in service to giving him life, from the original series’ proposal.
TERMINAL DISPATCH
If Necros "Nick" Terminal was an actor, he'd be Peter O'Toole. But Necros isn't a thespian — he's a demon. Erudite, human-looking (mostly, for most of the time), flamboyant, plagued by a fashion sense that's best described as "Baroque 21st century," It's Percy who nicknames him "Nick," and it's Necros who brands her "Persephone," after the Greek Queen of Hades whose name means "Bringer of Destruction."
Necros is more powerful than he lets on, though not as well-positioned in the hierarchy of hell as he'd like to be. The route he manages — which includes Percy and Virgil's runs — covers most of North America, and is considered a prestigious assignment. A good performance by the demon means...new opportunity. A screw-up means he gets to feel the other end of the pitchfork.
He's the closest thing to a "friend" Percy and Virgil have among Hell's "corporate" structure, and a good word from him can get the right wheels turning. Just as easily, a displeased Necros can bring down the sulfur clouds, even if it might ultimately spite himself. Necros' considerable charm masks the bone-chilling fact that he is never to be trusted. Among the many sins to his credit, it's said he was responsible for sending the thugs to [REDACTED]’s house the terrible night [REDACTED] died.
“Be crumbled,
so wildflowers will come up
where you are.
You have been stony for too many years.
Try something different.
Surrender.” — Rumi
I’m lining up convention appearances for 2025, and will be putting place/time up as soon as it’s confirmed. First person to show up any any with a copy of any Daredevil: Black Armor issue or trade — the autograph is free. Show up in a Black Armor cosplay: get a full set of the original Fall From Grace comics!
Amazing Times
I’m D.G. Chichester. If that looks pretentious, feel free to just call me “Dan”, and have a go at the last name as Chai (like the tea) Chester (like it looks).
I earned my word-cred writing comic book titles like Daredevil, Terror Inc., Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD and Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, along with all manner of digital widgets in the world wide web of marketing. I like weird tales, so if things here bend that way — now you know why!
Folks seem to like the comic book adventures I’ve written, so if you haven’t checked one out — please do. Many are now available in fab collected editions.
For the moments between newsletters…
Thank you as always for sharing your scripts and process, Dan.