Mr. Mxyzptlk in “You’re Fired!” by Matt Duarte
Five panels. First one is a wide panel on top of the page, and the next four are on a two by two grid, all of the same size.
Panel 1
Description: Mr. Mxyzptlk is floating in the middle of a room, where he is in the middle of a large group. The group of people is covered in shadows, with their back towards the reader, so we can’t see who they are just yet. Mr. Mxyzptlk is speaking with a pleasant attitude. This is his room, and it is adorned with photos of himself, and framed comic book covers in which he appears.
Mr. Mxyzptlk: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Sorry to have taken you away without notice from your loved ones and adoring fans. If you look around the room, you will notice that you are part of a very select group, the creme-de-la-creme of the comic book industry. Why are you here? To right a great wrong...
Mr. Mxyzptlk: You see, I have not appeared in a comic book for quite some time. That’s why you bards and luminaries are here. Prepare story pitches about yours truly, and try not to disappoint me... bad things happen when I’m disappointed.
Panel 2
Description: Mr. Mxyzptlk is a reading a piece of paper, and he has a somewhat angry face. In front of him stands Neil Gaiman, who is wearing a black leather jacket and is sporting some disheveled hair.
CAPTION (pointing at the piece of paper): Mr. Mxyzpltk: The Master Storyteller by Neil Gaiman.
Mr. Mxyzptlk: I appreciate the flattery... but you spelled my name wrong! You’re fired!!!
Panel 3
Description: Mr. Mxyzptlk is reading another piece of paper, with a confused and exasperated look on his face. In front of him now stands Gail Simone, who has red hair and her trademark glasses.
CAPTION (pointing at the piece of paper): Mr. Mxysptlk: Hat F#$%er by Gail Simone
Mr. Mxyzptlk: ...but why would I want to copulate my headpiece? And on top of that, you spelled my name wrong! You’re fired!!!
Panel 4
Description: Mr. Mxyzptlk now looks extremely aggravated and tired. He is reading another piece of paper, all by himself.
CAPTION: Twenty six writers later...
Mr. Mxyzptlk: This last one... it’s... it’s... perfect! “Mr. Mxyzptlk Walks Across The Fifth Dimension”! You’re hired, Mister...
Panel 5
Description: Mr. Mxyzptlk is now struggling to read from the paper. Across of him is a very disappointed looking J. Michael Straczynski.
Mr. Mxyzptlk: Str... Strayk... Strizan... Screw it, you’re fired too!!!
The End
Great, Matt! Really funny!
ReplyDeleteMatt - this is pretty bloody tight. Perfect sort of Strange Tales page. I love it, and sick burn on Straczynski...glad you didn't use Swierczynski :)
ReplyDeleteOuch, very biting story here. Not always a fan of self reference but this works well.
ReplyDeleteHaha, this was awesome, Matt! Just the right amount of parody to make it fun without being too harsh.
ReplyDeleteThat is a little piece of genius.
ReplyDelete