🤝The Parlay
The Finale of Pitching RYSK
Every episode of Into the Storymaze = writing ideas or writing-in-progress; something creative I’m excited to share; a highlight from my comic book writing; and a quote that’s worth a think.
My new horror comic is in prelaunch on Kickstarter. Please check it out at tinyurl.com/axlesinfernal — and consider signing up for day one exclusives.
This week we wrap up my original pitch for RYSK. This is the new comic I’ve got coming from Blackbox in late April, with fab art by Mannix Francisco. While this BTS look at Ruby Chance has been dropping lil’ spoilers throughout — this one gets into a few deets that are worth keeping close. So expect a few more REDACTED to keep some surprises fresh!
If all goes well in the world of comics distribution (a bit rocky of late) - issue #1 of RYSK should be in your Local Comic Shop TOMORROW, 4/23 — be sure and grab a copy and let me know what you think. You can also order directly from BLACKBOXCOMICS.NET!
The Parlay
The simple fact that Ruby is so good at her job brings The Client (TBD) to her door…screen…wherever her base of operations turns out to be. The Client represents the upper echelon of the post Melt world — his augments are top dollar custom jobs. He enjoys the comfortable things in life, even among the sharp corners of this future.
With the clandestine purpose of evaluating Ruby and her Rysk team, he’s been placing bets through his subordinates. The result is a deep appreciation for her unique skill in assessing situations and figuring the odds.
It’s a talent he wants to employ in a decidedly extra-legal enterprise: the heist of next generation medical technology he needs to save the life of his sick daughter.
When Ruby wonders why he doesn’t just use his obvious wealth to get what he needs, he explains there are those with even more resources than him — and that those mo’ rich have outbid him for their own needs.
But he has more than enough to employ Ruby — a big payday that could bring her and her team to the next level in this broken world. Even as the Rysk AI gives Ruby pause, the risk/reward calculation seems too good to pass up.
Of course, even in the future the old adage of “too good to be true” still applies. While The Client is right to trust Ruby’s skills to identify holes in the plan and get them into the secure facility for the prize, she’s wrong to trust his b.s. story.
The tech isn’t medical, but REDACTED with fearsome REDACTED implications that The Client (or The Client’s clients) intend to use to fuck with the already fucked over world.
As Ruby realizes the truth — and the danger she’s put her team in — all hell breaks loose. The REDACTED opens fire, the Client’s forces turn on Ruby and her people.
Even with her enhanced Rysk AI she loses some…but thanks to her edge she gets others out. But not REDACTED. Ruby’s REDACTED are REDACTED and scared. As The Client closes in, Ruby places a new bet — REDACTED.
“What will happen to me?” the Rysk AI wonders. “Us,” Ruby counters. “We’ll find out together.” She REDACTED — and is caught off guard by REDACTED as the REDACTED joins the party.
If REDACTED: faster, fiercer, more targeted. While Ruby remains in control, she’s hard pressed to keep up with the REDACTED over her body.
But from those grade school bets to seeing the possibilities of AI in her REDACTED Rysk software, from surviving The Melt to making a life in a world on the brink of death — Ruby Chance has never shied away from taking action.
Now she launches into action, balancing a flood of REDACTED — and a literal VOICE in her head — into a combination of physical, strategic and tactical moves that take down The Client.
The world’s a little more stable for a little while longer. For Ruby, of course, things are a bit more unstable. She’s got to learn how to deal with REDACTED — and what comes next for her and what’s left of her team.
The word is out: You don’t mess with Rysk. What she does with that reputation — and who might come for it next — sets the stage for new adventures.
Hope you folks have enjoyed this look behind the scenes, building the early world of RYSK. There’s *lots* more in the 5-issue series from Blackbox Comics. I hope you’ll check it out — check with your LCS — and lmk whatcha think!
Believe me, having spent over 25 jaded years working in marketing, it’s hard for me to point you toward an ad campaign as a storytelling treasure. But it DOES happen. Case in point: Glenmorangie’s new campaign not only features Harrison Ford — it’s backed by a multi-episode short film collection (6 so far, with more promised).
Each short is a vignette of Ford as he’s lured into the campaign, from grousing to his agent, to grumbling through a Scottish castle, to complaining about the ad script’s calls for kilts and highlands. But the actor’s trademark grumpiness is time and again made nice with a just a wee sip of the namesake whisky — a spot on transformation effortlessly sold by Mr. Ford’s talents. And those of the storytellers behind these clever, engaging ads.
Also unearthed from my dad’s “My kid done good!” time capsule — this one sheet I put together to promote my role in Marvel’s Cybercomics. This wasn’t anything official — feels like something I’d have handed out to cyber newbies at a convention or signing. My post-marketing savvy self approves of this fledgling effort. Especially the “internet-enriched” turn of phrase. 🤪
FYI, that’s no longer my email. Although I did stick with AOL for way too long, ‘cause I was too nostalgic to let it go.
"The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."
- Issac Asimov
Amazing Times
If D.G. Chichester 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’ve written comic books 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.
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