Marc Tyler Nobleman's Blog, page 91
January 8, 2014
Kidlit authors reading bad reviews in Huffington Post
Thank you, Monica Edinger, for writing about my series of three short videos in which 52 beloved authors of books for young people (plus me) read aloud a harsh or absurd review for one of our books.
The social media response in general has been heartening and deafening; hundreds if not thousands of tweets/posts/shares/comments/likes. I am so grateful that so many have found something worthwhile in this cathartic/comical experiment.
The social media response in general has been heartening and deafening; hundreds if not thousands of tweets/posts/shares/comments/likes. I am so grateful that so many have found something worthwhile in this cathartic/comical experiment.
January 6, 2014
Children’s authors read reviews of their own books
A bad review can equal a good laugh.
Therefore, please enjoy episodes 1-3 of “Children’s Authors Read Online Reviews of Their Own Books.” (Disclaimer: We lurve kids, of course, but this is for teens and adults only.)
Why three instead of a single episode? Not because binge-viewing is the new normal but rather because I received more submissions than I could’ve hoped for: 53. (This includes not one, not two, but five kidlit couples, two of whom appear together on camera.) While I’m not proficient enough to know if formatting at a resolution of 720p (HD) is ideal, I do know that I should not post a 15-minute video.
The cast (not in order of appearance):
Tony Abbott Katherine Marsh Paul Acampora Wendy Mass Selina Alko Meghan McCarthy Tom Angleberger Richard Michelson Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen Marc Tyler Nobleman Mac Barnett Erica Perl Chris Barton Susanna Reich Cece Bell Adam Rex Samantha Berger John Rocco David Biedrzycki Dave Roman Lisa Brown Adam Rubin Peter Brown Steve Sheinkin Nick Bruel Mark Shulman Matthew Cordell Lemony Snicket Bruce Coville Michael P. Spradlin Sarah Darer Littman Tanya Lee Stone Drew Daywalt Don Tate Julia DeVillers Matt Tavares Marla Frazee Chris Tebbetts Gary Golio Raina Telgemeier Tad Hills Terry Trueman Daniel Kirk Audrey Vernick Jo Knowles Melissa Walker Michelle Knudsen Hans Wilhelm Gordon Korman Lisa Yee Jeff Mack Jennifer Ziegler Scott Magoon
The complete series:
episode 1
episode 2
episode 3
The backstory:
At a kidlit festival in September 2013, while a group of authors/illustrators talked shop after hours, an idea came to me: a variation on a poetry slam at which kidlit/YA authors read aloud their most critical or absurd user reviews (from Amazon or Good Reads) for comic relief/catharsis.
Then I discovered something similar: a recurring segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in which celebs read a mean tweet about themselves.
I find this entertaining and endearing.
The last two times I rounded up authors for non-regularly scheduled programming, the results were, respectively, hilarious and humbling.
This time, I put out a call for short videos of authors embracing the reality that not everyone likes every book.
This was not about reciprocating with mean-spiritedness. It’s simply a self-deprecating nod to a universal author experience that is already public anyway.
(I would love to get the band back together at BEA or ALA to “perform” this for a live audience, maybe as some kind of fundraiser.)
As Rosey Grier sang, it’s all right to cry. But, as my kind compatriots have demonstrated, it’s sure fun to laugh afterward.
Therefore, please enjoy episodes 1-3 of “Children’s Authors Read Online Reviews of Their Own Books.” (Disclaimer: We lurve kids, of course, but this is for teens and adults only.)
Why three instead of a single episode? Not because binge-viewing is the new normal but rather because I received more submissions than I could’ve hoped for: 53. (This includes not one, not two, but five kidlit couples, two of whom appear together on camera.) While I’m not proficient enough to know if formatting at a resolution of 720p (HD) is ideal, I do know that I should not post a 15-minute video.
The cast (not in order of appearance):
Tony Abbott Katherine Marsh Paul Acampora Wendy Mass Selina Alko Meghan McCarthy Tom Angleberger Richard Michelson Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen Marc Tyler Nobleman Mac Barnett Erica Perl Chris Barton Susanna Reich Cece Bell Adam Rex Samantha Berger John Rocco David Biedrzycki Dave Roman Lisa Brown Adam Rubin Peter Brown Steve Sheinkin Nick Bruel Mark Shulman Matthew Cordell Lemony Snicket Bruce Coville Michael P. Spradlin Sarah Darer Littman Tanya Lee Stone Drew Daywalt Don Tate Julia DeVillers Matt Tavares Marla Frazee Chris Tebbetts Gary Golio Raina Telgemeier Tad Hills Terry Trueman Daniel Kirk Audrey Vernick Jo Knowles Melissa Walker Michelle Knudsen Hans Wilhelm Gordon Korman Lisa Yee Jeff Mack Jennifer Ziegler Scott Magoon
The complete series:
episode 1
episode 2
episode 3
The backstory:
At a kidlit festival in September 2013, while a group of authors/illustrators talked shop after hours, an idea came to me: a variation on a poetry slam at which kidlit/YA authors read aloud their most critical or absurd user reviews (from Amazon or Good Reads) for comic relief/catharsis.
Then I discovered something similar: a recurring segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in which celebs read a mean tweet about themselves.
I find this entertaining and endearing.
The last two times I rounded up authors for non-regularly scheduled programming, the results were, respectively, hilarious and humbling.
This time, I put out a call for short videos of authors embracing the reality that not everyone likes every book.
This was not about reciprocating with mean-spiritedness. It’s simply a self-deprecating nod to a universal author experience that is already public anyway.
(I would love to get the band back together at BEA or ALA to “perform” this for a live audience, maybe as some kind of fundraiser.)
As Rosey Grier sang, it’s all right to cry. But, as my kind compatriots have demonstrated, it’s sure fun to laugh afterward.
January 5, 2014
"Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game" cartoons
Eleven of my cartoons appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game. I like how the type design is reminiscent of the 1960s, the decade in which the game show of the same name debuted.
Here are three of my favorites:
I'm bypassing a watermark because I trust you. Please don't take without asking, okay?
Here are three of my favorites:
I'm bypassing a watermark because I trust you. Please don't take without asking, okay?
January 4, 2014
Highest circulating book in a Connecticut school library
In November 2013, I spoke at Kings Highway Elementary School in Westport, CT—my home state. A month later, librarian Kate Byrnes kindly wrote to tell me that Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman was number one (highest circulating) in the online catalog:
Not pictured: Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman...which was number three.
It would be funny if a Wonder Woman or Spider-Man book were number two. Superhero sandwich.
+highest+circ+library+book+BBW.jpg.png)
Not pictured: Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman...which was number three.
It would be funny if a Wonder Woman or Spider-Man book were number two. Superhero sandwich.
January 3, 2014
WWII books for kids
I wrote a nonfiction picture book about a World War II story that is as jaw-dropping as it is little-known, if such a thing is possible to compare. It's called Thirty Minutes Over Oregon, and I have done a lot to promote it...even though it is not yet a book.
The story in the book and the story behind the book are here.
At times, I have followed up that post with "evidence" I encounter in my travels that I feel supports my claim that such a story (i.e. not already famous) in such a format (picture book) would indeed find an eager audience. Plus, my philosophy with all of my work is not simply to wait for an audience to find it but rather to go out and help build an audience.
Up till now, most of that evidence has come from the institutional sector—schools and libraries. I recognize that these will likely be the biggest markets for this topic.
However, I can now add a small slice of visual corroboration from another sector—Barnes & Noble. (I'm sure many independents would agree, but the industry relies most heavily on B&N's support.)
The story in the book and the story behind the book are here.
At times, I have followed up that post with "evidence" I encounter in my travels that I feel supports my claim that such a story (i.e. not already famous) in such a format (picture book) would indeed find an eager audience. Plus, my philosophy with all of my work is not simply to wait for an audience to find it but rather to go out and help build an audience.
Up till now, most of that evidence has come from the institutional sector—schools and libraries. I recognize that these will likely be the biggest markets for this topic.
However, I can now add a small slice of visual corroboration from another sector—Barnes & Noble. (I'm sure many independents would agree, but the industry relies most heavily on B&N's support.)
December 30, 2013
December 26, 2013
Fred Finger, son of Bill, 1948-1992
Twenty-one years ago today, the only known child of Bill Finger, Fred, passed away at age 44. His friend Teriananda wrote a lovely tribute to him:
He looks like Bill in that photo.
He looks like Bill in that photo.
December 23, 2013
Bill Finger in Poland
In early December 2013, I received an email that lifted my spirit:
I asked this young man if he had photos and sure enough he did:
Dear Sir Nobleman,
I’m writing to you because of your book Bill the Boy Wonder.
I’m 22 years old, I live in Poland and Batman is my most favourite fictional character for as long I can remember. It started with Tim Burton’s first movie and Batman: The Animated Series. When I was 10 I started collecting comic books, but Polish publisher which published Batman comic books in my language didn’t exist anymore. Few years later I learned about other publisher (which is publishing for today, but only TPBs/graphic novels format) and about buying older comics in special shops and at the Internet. Then I started looking for every information about Batman I could find. In this search, I found first (and only one for almost 10 years) Polish Batman fansite and few years later I joined its team. Now I’m one of main writers and editors. After over 10 years I learned a lot about Batman, read and bought (and still buying) comic books, played video games, watched movies and cartoons and so on...
...and for most of the time, I was very angry about how little informations there were about Bill Finger and that a lot of people who are interested in Batman and/or comic books, don’t know about him. Some time ago I learned about that you are working on book about Bill Finger (from Ty Templeton blog) and I was very excited. I was waiting for it, but I didn’t buy it at once (you know, you never have money for all things you want...). Now there’s Christmas coming and my parents wanted to know what I want. I was thinking about that case for a long time and I remembered about Bill the Boy Wonder and as you can suspect, I will have it for this year Christmas.
Today I explored some parts of your blog and I felt the need to thank you for work you have done about Bill Finger (and not only about him). I learnt a lot thanks to you and I gained a lot of inspiration and energy for writing for BatCave (it’s the name of the Polish site I write for that I mentioned earlier) more about Finger. Especially that next year will be special, as you mentioned on your blog and Twitter—I will definitely spread the word about Google doodle idea.
I hope I didn’t bother you with my mail. Now I will just wait for Christmas...
P.S. For few year I also go for Polish cons and do as much lectures about Batman as I can to promote him and comic books in general (comic books are not very popular in our country—it was big think in 80s/90s—but its changing every year for better). One day I was invited to a school to make a special lecture about Batman for kindergarten and elementary school children. I did it and of course I mentioned Bill Finger and how much we owe him in case of Batman.
I asked this young man if he had photos and sure enough he did:
December 20, 2013
Next step to Africa
Applying for my visa at the Tanzanian Embassy.
If the cheerfulness of the people there is any indication, I am going to appreciate my time in Tanzania even more than previously expected.
December 19, 2013
"Batman: Brave and Bold" script #4: Batman and Captain Comet
In 2009, I finally got the chance to write for DC Comics; editor Mike Siglain commissioned four scripts for the comic based on the whimsical animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I had a blast, using mostly heroes who had not appeared with Batman either on the show or in the comic the show was based on. I loved the way the series mixed and matched, often pitting Batman and a co-star against a villain who was not associated with either of them.
I got paid. I got excited.
Then the title got canceled.
Since it is now unlikely that these stories will be published, I will share them here. All characters, of course, are copyright DC Comics. This installment: Batman and Captain Comet.
“Don’t Comet ‘Round Here No More!”
PAGE 1
Page 1, panel 1
In a particle accelerator lab, a boomerang whizzes by.
Page 1, panel 2
In space, a comet whizzes by.
Page 1, panel 3
The boomerang snags a gun out of a security guard’s hand and begins its return.
Page 1, panel 4
The comet arcs across the sky over Earth.
Page 1, panel 5
Seconds before the boomerang reaches a black-gloved hand, a Batarang knocks it away.
Page 1, panel 6
Batman
Like your weapon, Captain Boomerang, you’re about to return to where you came from—prison.
PAGE 2
Page 2, panel 1
Captain Boomerang takes out another boomerang.
Captain Boomerang
Fighting crime the night Halley’s Comet is passing by Earth, Batman? But it’s a shame to miss that—it won’t be back for 76 years.
Batman
Bats aren’t nocturnal for the stargazing.
Page 2, panel 2
A small blade slides out of both ends of the boomerang.
SFX
Fwick!
Captain Boomerang
Here’s something to keep your eye on instead.
Page 2, panel 3
Captain Boomerang hurls the boomerang at Batman.
SFX
Fwish!
Page 2, panel 4
Batman hurls a bat-shaped magnet toward the boomerang.
Batman
The problem with your gimmick, Boomerang—it’s always predictable.
Page 2, panel 5
The magnet draws the boomerang to it.
SFX
Bing!
Page 2, panel 6
Being close to a large metal object (door, machinery, telescope-like-thing—doesn’t matter), the magnet—now attached to the boomerang—smacks against it.
SFX
Clang!
PAGE 3
Page 3, panel 1
Another boomerang rockets past Batman from behind, clipping off one of the ears of his cowl.
SFX
Fwoosh!
SFX
Clip!
Page 3, panel 2
Captain Boomerang is smirking. Batman looks genuinely surprised (and will go the rest of the story with one cowl point missing).
Captain Boomerang
I threw that one a while ago. Predictable, huh?
Page 3, panel 3
Batman (balloon 1)
You’re wasting my time, Boomerang. I was supposed to be apprehending Sportsmaster across town three and a half minutes ago.
Batman (balloon 2)
His gimmick is also dumb, but at least it’s diverse.
Page 3, panel 4
Captain Boomerang is grabbing a device about the size of his torso (the purpose of which will be revealed shortly).
Captain Boomerang
You think I’m a joke, Batman? Next time you see me, you will not be laughing.
Page 3, panel 5
Captain Boomerang kicks a boomerang out of his boot in Batman’s direction. The boomerang is generating smoke.
Captain Boomerang
And you’ll never predict why!
Page 3, panel 6
Batman is surrounded by smoke.
PAGE 4
Page 4, panel 1
As the smoke clears and the boomerang harmlessly reverses direction, Batman finds that Captain Boomerang is gone.
Page 4, panel 2
In the sky above the Batwing (that Batman is piloting away from the lab), the yellow glow of Halley’s Comet is visible—alongside another bright (but red) streak.
Page 4, panel 3
In an outdoor setting at night, Batman is knocking out Kite Man.
caption
A WEEK LATER
Batman
Hopefully that concludes Lame Props Week…
Page 4, panel 4
A glowing form descends behind Batman.
Captain Comet
Batman, we have a problem.
Page 4, panel 5
Batman
Captain Comet! You need my help? Your IQ is stratospheric.
Page 4, panel 6
Captain Comet (balloon 1)
I may be the smartest man in space, but you’re the smartest man on Earth—and this matter relates to both.
Captain Comet (balloon 2)
Something is wrong with Halley’s Comet. It’s broken free of its orbit. Now it’s coming back this way, like…
PAGE 5
Page 5, panel 1
Batman
…a boomerang.
Page 5, panel 2
Captain Comet
Yes. But this time, it’s not going to pass by in the distance. It’s headed straight for Earth.
Page 5, panel 3
Captain Comet is somehow indicating “I now remember”—i.e. slapping his forehead, snapping, waving his pointer finger the air, etc.
Batman
Can’t you alter the comet’s path with your mind?
Captain Comet
That’s right—my telekinesis! I have so many powers that I sometimes lose track.
Page 5, panel 4
Batman
You just called yourself the smartest man in space.
Captain Comet
A person can be smart and forgetful at the same time. But no, my telekinesis won’t work on something that big. And my psionic blasts aren’t strong enough to reroute something that fast.
Page 5, panel 5
Batman
Then we’ve got to find Captain Boomerang.
PAGE 6
Page 6, panel 1
Batman in the Batgyro flies alongside Captain Comet.
Batman
Boomerang always takes over locations where something returns—I’ve stopped him everywhere from a recycling facility to a mail-in rebate center.
Captain Comet
Predictable and lame.
Page 6, panel 2
Batman is looking at the sky, where the returning comet, now visible, is much closer (i.e. larger and brighter) than it should be.
Batman
Not anymore.
Page 6, panel 3
Batman
We don’t have much time. Do you have super-speed?
Captain Comet
(wrinkled brow, concentrating hard)
Super-speed, super-speed…I don’t think so.
Page 6, panel 4
Batman
Super-hearing?
Captain Comet
That I do have. Wait, nope…I’m thinking of someone else.
Page 6, panel 5
Batman
Anything that could get this done quicker?
Captain Comet
Uh…let’s see…of course! I’m clairvoyant. I can see things not directly in front of me. Takes a moment…
PAGE 7
Page 7, panel 1
Captain Comet
He’s at the shore.
Batman
Of course—where the tide ebbs and flows.
Captain Comet
Not to mention where he has an unobstructed view of the sky.
Page 7, panel 2
Batman and Captain Comet arrive at the shore, where Captain Boomerang is on a boat aiming a sophisticated remote-control-like device skyward—but he looks panicked, not pernicious.
Batman
Boomerang! Divert the comet now!
Captain Boomerang
Batman in the nick of time! And you call me predictable!
Page 7, panel 3
Captain Comet lands next to Captain Boomerang as Batman jumps to the boat from his ride.
Captain Comet
You heard the man, Boomerang. Whatever you did to send the comet this way, undo it.
Captain Boomerang
I’ve been trying! But this tech I stole from that lab works only halfway!
Page 7, panel 4
Batman
What are you talking about?
Captain Boomerang
I recalibrated it to change the comet’s path but I can’t reverse it! I hate when things don’t go back where they came from!
Page 7, panel 5
Captain Boomerang smashes the device against the boat.
Page 7, panel 6
Captain Boomerang picks up one of the pieces—a small glowing puck.
Captain Boomerang
This is the power core. Somehow its signal is no longer working from a distance.
Batman
I think our last chance to save Earth is to plant the power core directly on Halley’s Comet. Captain Comet—can you get that close?
PAGE 8
Page 8, panel 1
Batman takes the power core from Captain Boomerang.
Captain Comet
I know this one! Yes! I regularly create a shield to protect myself from the extremes of space…but I couldn’t fly up to the comet in time.
Batman
Yes you can. When his crew is in danger, a captain rises to the challenge to save them. You’re so powerful that you might be able to will yourself a new ability as needed.
Page 8, panel 2
Batman hands the power core to Captain Comet.
Batman
And once this is attached, hit it with both a telekinetic and a psionic blast. I’m gambling that will act as a super-charger, sending the comet in whatever direction you choose.
Page 8, panel 3
Captain Comet takes the power core. Everyone is sweating.
Captain Comet
This is why I sought out your help, Batman. Proves how smart I am.
Page 8, panel 4
Captain Comet blasts off toward Halley’s Comet.
SFX
Zzzzzzzt!
Captain Comet
It woooooooooooorks!
Page 8, panel 5
In space, Captain Comet shoves the power core into the comet.
Page 8, panel 6
Backed away, Captain Comet blasts the power core with two kinds of blasts as Batman suggested.
PAGE 9
Page 9, panel 1
Half page showing the comet dramatically reversing course, heading back into space. Sparks and licks of intense flame flying everywhere.
Page 9, panel 2
Batman and Captain Boomerang looking up at a spectacular light show. The comet that was large last time we saw it is now a speck.
Batman
A good Captain can always change course.
Page 9, panel 3
Captain Comet returns to Batman and Captain Boomerang.
Captain Comet
I’m going to hold on to this super-speed.
Page 9, panel 4
Captain Boomerang (balloon 1)
I didn’t intend this—I didn’t want to destroy the planet! After all, I can’t get rich if I’m dead!
Captain Boomerang (balloon 2)
I just wanted to show you that I’m not a joke! And don’t forget I showed you the power core!
Batman
All you showed is that you deserve a longer sentence than ever before.
PAGE 10
Page 10, panel 1
Captain Boomerang throws boomerangs (that are giving off electric charges) at Batman and Captain Comet.
Captain Boomerang
No! That’s the one place I will never go back to!
SFX
Whzzzzzz!
Page 10, panel 2
As Batman and Captain Comet each catch one of the boomerangs, Captain Boomerang leaps overboard.
SFX
Splash!
Page 10, panel 3
Captain Comet is poised to go after Captain Boomerang but Batman is putting out his arm to stop him.
Batman
No need.
Page 10, panel 4
The heroes see a nearby Coast Guard vessel fishing Captain Boomerang out.
Page 10, panel 5
The Coast Guard captain is delivering Captain Boomerang to the (costumed) heroes.
Batman
Thank you, Captain.
Captain Comet, Captain Boomerang, Coast Guard Captain (simultaneous)
You’re welcome.
I got paid. I got excited.
Then the title got canceled.
Since it is now unlikely that these stories will be published, I will share them here. All characters, of course, are copyright DC Comics. This installment: Batman and Captain Comet.
“Don’t Comet ‘Round Here No More!”
PAGE 1
Page 1, panel 1
In a particle accelerator lab, a boomerang whizzes by.
Page 1, panel 2
In space, a comet whizzes by.
Page 1, panel 3
The boomerang snags a gun out of a security guard’s hand and begins its return.
Page 1, panel 4
The comet arcs across the sky over Earth.
Page 1, panel 5
Seconds before the boomerang reaches a black-gloved hand, a Batarang knocks it away.
Page 1, panel 6
Batman
Like your weapon, Captain Boomerang, you’re about to return to where you came from—prison.
PAGE 2
Page 2, panel 1
Captain Boomerang takes out another boomerang.
Captain Boomerang
Fighting crime the night Halley’s Comet is passing by Earth, Batman? But it’s a shame to miss that—it won’t be back for 76 years.
Batman
Bats aren’t nocturnal for the stargazing.
Page 2, panel 2
A small blade slides out of both ends of the boomerang.
SFX
Fwick!
Captain Boomerang
Here’s something to keep your eye on instead.
Page 2, panel 3
Captain Boomerang hurls the boomerang at Batman.
SFX
Fwish!
Page 2, panel 4
Batman hurls a bat-shaped magnet toward the boomerang.
Batman
The problem with your gimmick, Boomerang—it’s always predictable.
Page 2, panel 5
The magnet draws the boomerang to it.
SFX
Bing!
Page 2, panel 6
Being close to a large metal object (door, machinery, telescope-like-thing—doesn’t matter), the magnet—now attached to the boomerang—smacks against it.
SFX
Clang!
PAGE 3
Page 3, panel 1
Another boomerang rockets past Batman from behind, clipping off one of the ears of his cowl.
SFX
Fwoosh!
SFX
Clip!
Page 3, panel 2
Captain Boomerang is smirking. Batman looks genuinely surprised (and will go the rest of the story with one cowl point missing).
Captain Boomerang
I threw that one a while ago. Predictable, huh?
Page 3, panel 3
Batman (balloon 1)
You’re wasting my time, Boomerang. I was supposed to be apprehending Sportsmaster across town three and a half minutes ago.
Batman (balloon 2)
His gimmick is also dumb, but at least it’s diverse.
Page 3, panel 4
Captain Boomerang is grabbing a device about the size of his torso (the purpose of which will be revealed shortly).
Captain Boomerang
You think I’m a joke, Batman? Next time you see me, you will not be laughing.
Page 3, panel 5
Captain Boomerang kicks a boomerang out of his boot in Batman’s direction. The boomerang is generating smoke.
Captain Boomerang
And you’ll never predict why!
Page 3, panel 6
Batman is surrounded by smoke.
PAGE 4
Page 4, panel 1
As the smoke clears and the boomerang harmlessly reverses direction, Batman finds that Captain Boomerang is gone.
Page 4, panel 2
In the sky above the Batwing (that Batman is piloting away from the lab), the yellow glow of Halley’s Comet is visible—alongside another bright (but red) streak.
Page 4, panel 3
In an outdoor setting at night, Batman is knocking out Kite Man.
caption
A WEEK LATER
Batman
Hopefully that concludes Lame Props Week…
Page 4, panel 4
A glowing form descends behind Batman.
Captain Comet
Batman, we have a problem.
Page 4, panel 5
Batman
Captain Comet! You need my help? Your IQ is stratospheric.
Page 4, panel 6
Captain Comet (balloon 1)
I may be the smartest man in space, but you’re the smartest man on Earth—and this matter relates to both.
Captain Comet (balloon 2)
Something is wrong with Halley’s Comet. It’s broken free of its orbit. Now it’s coming back this way, like…
PAGE 5
Page 5, panel 1
Batman
…a boomerang.
Page 5, panel 2
Captain Comet
Yes. But this time, it’s not going to pass by in the distance. It’s headed straight for Earth.
Page 5, panel 3
Captain Comet is somehow indicating “I now remember”—i.e. slapping his forehead, snapping, waving his pointer finger the air, etc.
Batman
Can’t you alter the comet’s path with your mind?
Captain Comet
That’s right—my telekinesis! I have so many powers that I sometimes lose track.
Page 5, panel 4
Batman
You just called yourself the smartest man in space.
Captain Comet
A person can be smart and forgetful at the same time. But no, my telekinesis won’t work on something that big. And my psionic blasts aren’t strong enough to reroute something that fast.
Page 5, panel 5
Batman
Then we’ve got to find Captain Boomerang.
PAGE 6
Page 6, panel 1
Batman in the Batgyro flies alongside Captain Comet.
Batman
Boomerang always takes over locations where something returns—I’ve stopped him everywhere from a recycling facility to a mail-in rebate center.
Captain Comet
Predictable and lame.
Page 6, panel 2
Batman is looking at the sky, where the returning comet, now visible, is much closer (i.e. larger and brighter) than it should be.
Batman
Not anymore.
Page 6, panel 3
Batman
We don’t have much time. Do you have super-speed?
Captain Comet
(wrinkled brow, concentrating hard)
Super-speed, super-speed…I don’t think so.
Page 6, panel 4
Batman
Super-hearing?
Captain Comet
That I do have. Wait, nope…I’m thinking of someone else.
Page 6, panel 5
Batman
Anything that could get this done quicker?
Captain Comet
Uh…let’s see…of course! I’m clairvoyant. I can see things not directly in front of me. Takes a moment…
PAGE 7
Page 7, panel 1
Captain Comet
He’s at the shore.
Batman
Of course—where the tide ebbs and flows.
Captain Comet
Not to mention where he has an unobstructed view of the sky.
Page 7, panel 2
Batman and Captain Comet arrive at the shore, where Captain Boomerang is on a boat aiming a sophisticated remote-control-like device skyward—but he looks panicked, not pernicious.
Batman
Boomerang! Divert the comet now!
Captain Boomerang
Batman in the nick of time! And you call me predictable!
Page 7, panel 3
Captain Comet lands next to Captain Boomerang as Batman jumps to the boat from his ride.
Captain Comet
You heard the man, Boomerang. Whatever you did to send the comet this way, undo it.
Captain Boomerang
I’ve been trying! But this tech I stole from that lab works only halfway!
Page 7, panel 4
Batman
What are you talking about?
Captain Boomerang
I recalibrated it to change the comet’s path but I can’t reverse it! I hate when things don’t go back where they came from!
Page 7, panel 5
Captain Boomerang smashes the device against the boat.
Page 7, panel 6
Captain Boomerang picks up one of the pieces—a small glowing puck.
Captain Boomerang
This is the power core. Somehow its signal is no longer working from a distance.
Batman
I think our last chance to save Earth is to plant the power core directly on Halley’s Comet. Captain Comet—can you get that close?
PAGE 8
Page 8, panel 1
Batman takes the power core from Captain Boomerang.
Captain Comet
I know this one! Yes! I regularly create a shield to protect myself from the extremes of space…but I couldn’t fly up to the comet in time.
Batman
Yes you can. When his crew is in danger, a captain rises to the challenge to save them. You’re so powerful that you might be able to will yourself a new ability as needed.
Page 8, panel 2
Batman hands the power core to Captain Comet.
Batman
And once this is attached, hit it with both a telekinetic and a psionic blast. I’m gambling that will act as a super-charger, sending the comet in whatever direction you choose.
Page 8, panel 3
Captain Comet takes the power core. Everyone is sweating.
Captain Comet
This is why I sought out your help, Batman. Proves how smart I am.
Page 8, panel 4
Captain Comet blasts off toward Halley’s Comet.
SFX
Zzzzzzzt!
Captain Comet
It woooooooooooorks!
Page 8, panel 5
In space, Captain Comet shoves the power core into the comet.
Page 8, panel 6
Backed away, Captain Comet blasts the power core with two kinds of blasts as Batman suggested.
PAGE 9
Page 9, panel 1
Half page showing the comet dramatically reversing course, heading back into space. Sparks and licks of intense flame flying everywhere.
Page 9, panel 2
Batman and Captain Boomerang looking up at a spectacular light show. The comet that was large last time we saw it is now a speck.
Batman
A good Captain can always change course.
Page 9, panel 3
Captain Comet returns to Batman and Captain Boomerang.
Captain Comet
I’m going to hold on to this super-speed.
Page 9, panel 4
Captain Boomerang (balloon 1)
I didn’t intend this—I didn’t want to destroy the planet! After all, I can’t get rich if I’m dead!
Captain Boomerang (balloon 2)
I just wanted to show you that I’m not a joke! And don’t forget I showed you the power core!
Batman
All you showed is that you deserve a longer sentence than ever before.
PAGE 10
Page 10, panel 1
Captain Boomerang throws boomerangs (that are giving off electric charges) at Batman and Captain Comet.
Captain Boomerang
No! That’s the one place I will never go back to!
SFX
Whzzzzzz!
Page 10, panel 2
As Batman and Captain Comet each catch one of the boomerangs, Captain Boomerang leaps overboard.
SFX
Splash!
Page 10, panel 3
Captain Comet is poised to go after Captain Boomerang but Batman is putting out his arm to stop him.
Batman
No need.
Page 10, panel 4
The heroes see a nearby Coast Guard vessel fishing Captain Boomerang out.
Page 10, panel 5
The Coast Guard captain is delivering Captain Boomerang to the (costumed) heroes.
Batman
Thank you, Captain.
Captain Comet, Captain Boomerang, Coast Guard Captain (simultaneous)
You’re welcome.
