A Life Of Its Own, Part Three

By David Gallaher
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The thesis of column has always been to prove that comic books can be a vehicle for personal expression – that our experience can be mirrored in the four-color pages that comics provide. Yet again, I’m exposing my own work to the public in an effort to display how comic books can be intelligent, action-packed, and relevant.

In the first installment, I discussed about how I retooled an old corporate espionage X-Force pitch into a brand new series proposal for Marvel Comics, cleverly called Brand X. After many hours of racking my brain on Brand X, I had developed a format and structure that I was proud of. In addition to a clever tag line, I had managed to impress myself with not only the quality of my prose, but also by the inventiveness of the new plotting. However, as much as some of the editors at Marvel liked it … It just wasn’t the right time to pitch a whole series.

Upon the advice of a fellow writer, I redeveloped the pitch for Image Comics – designing new characters and new scenarios. I saw the book as a natural reflection of the worst elements of the human condition. I felt that the fictional world was both dynamic and darkly comedic. But, upon second glance, I discovered that some of the new characters I created were nothing more than ciphers: stereotypes, not archetypes.

I needed to write another draft.

And so I did.

The new pitch called for some new characters, some new designs, some additional plot points, and a name change.

I knew that Bob Smith would remain the central character for the series. The other remaining supporting cast members would act as metaphoric parallels that existed behind the closed doors of Corporate America. A tsunami of thoughts ran though my mind as the new characters began to take on a great degree of definition.

Legend became Vigil, who added an element of religion to the workplace.

The male Glitch became a female reflection of Sexuality in the workplace.

No longer a Vietnamese female, Resonance was now a male Japanese tech officer.
The not-so-lovely Gabrielle became Gabriel, a stern corporate lawyer.

Charade, a reflection of James Dean, stayed Charade, because … well he’s James Dean.

And … for shits and giggles … I’d add one more character.

Worried that Marvel might take exception to the name Brand X I opted to change the name to something even more generic Brand Name. The epitome of ordinary, I had found a title that would stick out due to its extreme plainness.

Excited about the new potential for the project, I contracted Amin Amat to compose new design sketches for the project. Amin’s sketches became part of my revised proposal.

BRAND NAME

WHAT WE OFFER: Tired of the same old mutant battles? Want something more from your superheroes? DILBERT MEETS THE MATRIX in BRAND NAME, a mini-series designed to spotlight a new aspect of the paranormal allegory: The Workplace! We offer corporate espionage, big business, and evil HMOs. Still not convinced? How about sweatshops, genetic wonders, power lunches, and sex? But wait … there is more! Much more!

OUR COMPANY: BRAND NAME INTERNATIONAL – Brand Name International is the biggest bio-tech company to hit the scene in years. Through extortion, bribery, and asylum, Brand uses paranormals and genetic wonders to eliminate the competition – allowing them to develop new patents and technologies weeks before their rivals! But what is the true mystery behind Brand?

OUR EMPLOYEES: The employees of BRAND NAME offer a wide diversity of talents that will appeal to all readers!

FADE: An overweight, middle management, nobody, Bob Smith spends his life working in a cubicle. Bob is an Internet geek at MEDCORP, whose life reads like a DILBERT cartoon. He has a 'forgettable face', in fact, after six years as MEDCORP - his boss still cannot remember his name! Unbeknownst to him, Bob is a mutant with the power to 'fade from existence.' When not in the presence of others, the memory of Bob Smith is gone. More than anything else, Bob just wants to be noticed … BRAND NAME gives him the chance to be a hero.

VIGIL: How do you deal with tragedy? With guilt? Ask Michelle Shepherd. A former combat instructor, Shepherd was selected as the first African-American woman in an elite super-solider commando unit. Gifted with special abilities through drug therapy, a drug related psychotic episode forced her to slaughter her entire unit! Now a devoutly religious woman, only her dependence on the drug treatments keeps her at Brand. Shepherd is haunted by fear and self-doubt. Will the tragedy that haunts her strike the team?



GLITCH: She is the girl you mother warned you about. Raised by her abusive uncle, Glitch became a sexual predator and manic-depressive. During her most recent suicide attempt, she discovered her ability to cause “glitches” in reality. Using her new powers, she willed her uncle out of existence! Found homeless and hopeless on the street, Brand cleaned her up and adopted her. For the first time, Glitch feels as though she has control of her life … but … these very same powers are slowly starting to warp her mind! When she realizes she can’t will her problems away, it might just be too late!



GABRIEL: Self-righteous, charming, and absolute! Gabriel McCourt is a gay corporate attorney with an unbeatable record – outed by an ex-lover and disbarred because of questionable ethics. Attractive and charming, Gabriel uses his powers of telepathy and mind control to make sure things are done the right way – his way! Brand has promised him a sizable incentive to stay with the company. He respects authority, but only because it represents a greater obstacle and challenge to his skills. He truly believes that the ends justify the means … and heaven help anyone who gets in his way … including Vigil!



RESONANCE: “I don’t practice Kendo, Jujitsu, or any of that Ninja-crap,” are pretty much the words you might hear coming from Ken Miyamota. Raised in California, Ken grew to despise how society stereotyped him and raped his Japanese cultural identity of meaning. Ken has resentment to most of American society as a whole – but tries hard not to judge people without giving them a fair chance. As Resonance, he has the ability to mask the sound of footsteps, alarms, and weapon fire ... an ability that makes him perfect for espionage. Despite his bravado, Ken is no expert computer systems programmer – and with the collapse of his Dot-Com company – he is quick to blame others for his failures.



CHARADE: Once he was a GIANT, A REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, but somewhere EAST OF EDEN, tragedy struck! Now the shape-shifter known only as Charade remains. Charade honestly believes that he was saved at the last moments of his former life, and given new hope with the help of Brand. Charade feels as though he owes Brand his life … but was it truly his life to begin with?



OUR FORMER EMPLOYEE:

DONOVAN: Five years ago, Donovan Wheeler thought he had everything. A nice job at Brand Labs, a beautiful wife, and a loving family … but when he was diagnosed with a fatal disease – his world fell apart. Seeing only a life of tragedy before him, Donovan volunteered for an experimental therapy that would change his life. Given the abilities of Telekinesis and Enhanced Senses, Donavan became a corporate spy for Brand – destroying illegal factories and harmful products. The mystery surrounding his betrayal is still unknown … did his new abilities render him psychotic or was it something else? With the reoccurrence of his condition, Donavon has moved from the shadows to finish his mysterious agenda against Brand. He is a mystery of nobility wrapped inside an enigma.



OUR BENEFITS: BRAND NAME adds a very human element to the hero allegory. Ideally, readers will see themselves reflected in our character desires and in their angst. How does the workplace affect us? Why do we endure rush hour, cubicle life, endless meetings, and low morale? How can we find our identity in a corporate climate devoid of personality? How are meta-humans treated in the workplace and what can be done to help them? Content and conflict propel the series the series forward, addressing themes of alienation, identity, and responsibility. Included is a sampling of story ideas that highlight the major themes in BRAND NAME:

“Life in the Slow Lane”
Meet Bob Smith: The Model of Mediocrity. An employee at MEDCORP, Bob's 'work angst' is revealed through a series of vignettes. [The mutant sitting next to him is laid off, his boss forgets his name, and the HMO has started genetic screening for employees to deny coverage, etc…]. Bob is kidnapped by BRAND NAME, who seek the online genetic-tracking/documentation database he is developing … but what do they TRULY want him for?

“Control+Alt+Delete”
When a new Internet company sends out free trial software to millions of consumers it unleashes a computer virus with the potential of erasing the world's computer systems! How will BRAND NAME stop an enemy they can't see and how will they react when Resonance is revealed to have developed the software? Meanwhile, Donovan makes his first strike against Brand.

“Donovan’s Gambit”
The mysterious Donovan strikes against a Brand. Will Vigil be able to face the moment of crisis that ensues? And how would a defeat divide them?

“Fade Away”
While the rest of the team attempts to track down Donovan, Fade discovers Brand's “motives” and struggles through self-doubt and alienation with his genetic gifts. Will the struggle push him over the edge or allow him to fade into obscurity?

“Cogs”
On the trail of Donavon, Brand discovers that a rival company is manufacturing technology in 'mutant sweatshops' with international refuges. The situation is further complicated when Resonance reveals that his family was forced to work in sweatshops when coming to this country. Is BRAND NAME responsible for the lives of mutants cast into slavery?

“Coffee Break”
Over a cup of coffee on the roof of the Brand Building, Gabriel and Vigil share the events that lead them to joining the team. When all is said and done, will they become close friends or dire enemies?

“Strange Bedfellows”
When a politician calls for new legislation barring the employment of “wonders,” Vigil is sent to seduce and assassinate him. Can she bring her self to commit cold-blooded murder? And how will it affect her life and the lives of her teammates?

“Glitch in the System”
Terror strikes as Glitch takes the Brand Building hostage! Now BRAND NAME must figure out how to save the hostages and how to stop a co-worker capable of “wishing them away?”

“A Game of Charades”
When Charade stumbles upon a hidden computer file, how will its contents affect his life and the life of his teammates? What is the truth behind the Charade?

“Paper Trail”
Gabriel takes the spotlight when Brand is sued for criminal acts and environmental negligence. When the team is sent to destroy all of the evidence and clear the company’s name, how will the team react when they find out that the company is actually guilty of its crimes? And how does the mysterious Donovan tie into it all?

“Sole Proprietor”
With the disappearance of his fellow co-workers, Fade is forced to confront Donovan one-on-one. How does Fade stand a chance with an opponent who is immune to his abilities? And will the deal with the corporate assassins hired to eliminate the both of them?

“Quitting Time”
Fade and Donovan fight for their lives against a team of hired assassins! Meanwhile, the remaining members of the team try to bring some closure to their lives. Is Brand – truly – the mastermind behind their “gifts?” And does this mean the end of the team …?

IN CONCLUSION…
BRAND NAME is an opportunity to emphasize content over gimmickry! BRAND NAME is marketable to readers who are tired of the same old "superhero angst" and want something NEW from comics and their heroes. With a new approach to genetic alienation, BRAND NAME will not only guide readers through a new universe, but also push the visual narrative of comics to the edge and BEYOND!

Believe the Hype!
In the spring of 2001, with a new proposal in hand, I went looking for a sequential artist who could render my vision into a neo-classic reality that would reinforce intimacy between the characters and the reader. I needed an artist with some name cache that could help see my project to fruition.

Using my contacts in the professional industry of comics, and thumbing through my own stash of comics, I came across the name of artist Gary Amaro. Gary’s professional portfolio included work on the critically acclaimed Sandman, The Books of Magic and The Dreaming. His style was methodic and intimate. His work was incredible … and so, he was hired.

After reviewing the designs that Amin had provided, Gary was ready to get started. Based off my notes and our phone conversations, Gary composed some beautiful sketches.



Having seen what he did with just the sketches alone, I developed a script for the first issue and sent it to be drafted.

Brand Name had become the comic that let me find my voice. It was a personal journey and a true form of self-expression. The irony, of course, is that I got to express myself in a corporate world devoid of expression and identity. Brand Name became an expression of the Human Spirit and the importance of one man. In the course of a few months, I was able to create life in the form of Bob Smith. His struggles mirrored the Human Condition and are reflective of our own ‘bad days.’ A modern day Charlie Brown, Bob Smith is a loser, not a quitter. Despite his mundane world, Bob can still find victory in the smallest of places. His dark world has a silver lining. Sometimes we need to be kidnapped from our daily routine to realize how important we are to the world. We are never truly as invisible as we think we are.


NEXT TIME: Not all stories have happy endings…

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