Boomerang – The fun don't start til M.O.D.O.K. gets here – Brian Manton

1.
Spider-man tied to a chair. His mask is rolled up half way and there is a ballgag in his mouth. Boomerang, wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, is walking out the door in the bkg.

2.
Boomerang is about to leave the store. We see that his nose is split and his t-shirt is soaked in blood. The wall behind his is decorated with a confederate flag, a US flag and a selection of license plates.

Spider-man (OP):  MMMmmmmMMMMMMM MMMM MMMMMM!

3.
Same shot, but he looks back hesitantly.

Spider-man (OP):  mmmmMMMM MmmmMMNNNN!

4.
Boomerang picks up a Hammer from counter, testing its weight.

5.
Laying the hammer back on the counter with his left hand, be picks up a baseball bat with his right.

6.
Holding bat with both hands, he notices a chainsaw on one of the low shelves.

7.
Holding the chainsaw now, he swings it, testing the motion.

8.
Angle looking down at Boomerang from a high shelf. He looks toward camera. He holds the chainsaw low in one hand.

9.
From his POV now, an ornate boomerang on the shelf.

Boomerang - Big Down Under - Niel Jacoby

111111
111111
111111
223344

Panel One: Boomerang getting trounced by a variety of superheroes: Spider-Man, Iron Man, Deadpool, Iron Fist, and even a few jobber-level heroes.

Cap(Boomerang): HERE IN AMERICA, THE NAME BOOMERANG DOESN'T STRIKE FEAR AS MUCH AS AMUSEMENT. YOU CAN GUESS WHY.

Panel 2: A news broadcast of the newest incarnation of the Sinister Six klutzing up another job, with the headline "NOT-SO-SINISTER SIX?"

Cap(Boomerang): HELL, EVEN MY TEAM IS THE POOREST MAN'S SUPER-STABLE.

Panel 3: Fred Myers, aka Boomerang, in civilian garb, about to board a plane.

Cap(Boomerang): BUT EVEN WHEN I FEEL AS USELESS AS CAPTAIN AMERICA'S PERSONAL TRAINER, I CAN STILL FEEL GOOD ABOUT ONE THING.

Panel 4: Boomerang's booth at VilCon Sydney, Australia's premier supervillain and supervillain fan convention. It is swarmed with adoring fans yearning to get a picture with the man himself.

Cap(Boomerang): I'M ALWAYS APPRECIATED DOWN HERE.

Boomerang - Tune In Next Week - R.A. Wonsowski

Splash Page - a Thanksgiving table a-la-Rockwell and BOOMERANG is carving the turkey with a razorang, the female BEETLE standing behind him.  Sitting at the table, hungry and anxiously awaiting the food are ELECTRO, SHOCKER, BLACK CAT, VULTURE, JACK O'LANTERN, and the HYPNO-HUSTLER.  In the window, we can see the SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN hanging upside down as he looks in at the scen from outside (steam from his mask, as it is cold outside).

CAPTION: Thanksgiving is a time when we give thanks for all our good fortune, good friends, and family that sticks with you through thick and thin.  As I have finally moved my own family into our new home in Utah, I will be back next week with a fresh script.  I am especially thankful for my mates at ThoughtBalloons for granting me quite a lot of slack while we were going through our changes.  See you next week...

CAPTION: ...AND HAVE A SUPERIOR THANKSGIVING!!! - RAW

Boomerang - My Boomerang Won't Comeback - J.D. Coughlan

Panel 1: A stage in a seedy comedy club. Various low-grade supervillains from DC and Marvel sit in the audience. A banner reads "ANNUAL SUPERVILLAIN INSULT COMIC TOURNAMENT". On one side of the stage is Boomerang, on the other is Captain Boomerang. For simplicity, they are referred to here by their surnames (Myers and Harkness, respectively).

HARKNESS: Sorry, mate, but I don't even know who you are. Were you one of the Goblins?

MYERS: Hey, at least I was the leader of my team. You weren't even the best captain in yours.

AUDIENCE: Oooooooooooh!

Panel 2: Close-up on Harkness. He remains smug.

HARKNESS: Oh that's right; the Sinister Second-stringers.

AUDIENCE (O.P.): Hahaha!

Panel 3: Close-up on Myers, also smug.

MYERS: I know, I know, it's not like being handpicked for a team called "the Suicide Squad." How bad d'you have to be to get chosen for a team whose mission is to die?

AUDIENCE (O.P.): Hahahahahahahaha!

Panel 4: On Harkness again, angrier. Pointing at Myers.

HARKNESS: I'm not the one who's been defeated by just about every hero out there. Spider-Man, Hulk, Daredevil, even bloody Iron Fist!

Panel 5: On Myers again, extremely smug.

MYERS: Whereas you've only ever been defeated by the Flash... and Robin's dad.

AUDIENCE (O.P.): Oooooooooh!

Panel 6: Shot of the stage again. Harkness looks grumpily defeated. Myers shrugs to the audience.

MYERS: Looks like this boomerang won't comeback!

AUDIENCE: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! WHOOOO!

END OF PAGE

Boomerang - Pulling Off The Wrong Job - Shaun Richens.

PAGE ONE – 8 PANELS.

Page layout.

11111

2344

5555

6677

8888

1.1

Page wide panel. We open in a down and out dive bar, the kinda place c list spidey villains would hang out to seem like the cool guys.

BOOMERANG, OVERDRIVE, BEETLE, SPEED DEMON and SHOCKER all sit around a table in the centre of the bar.

They are all in costume and nursing half finished drinks.

We can see the bar behind them. An old CTR Tv is up on the wall in the far corner of the bar. A news report is currently on.

SHOCKER:

I know what you're all thinking and its not my fault.

1.2

Cut to a close up on Speed demon, he is massaging his forehead with two fingers, he can feel a migraine coming on.

SPEED DEMON:

Its all your $*%@£&! fault pal.

1.3

Cut back to shocker, he looks as hurt and defenceless as a dude in a full face mask can.

SHOCKER:

My guy told me they where moving a lot product.

SHOCKER:

And to be fair, they were.

1.4

Close up on Boomerang.

BOOMERANG:

Everyone shut up. We need to make a pact right here, right now.

BOOMERANG:

We never speak of this to anyone. Ever.

1.5

Repeat of 1.1. Page wide panel, the whole crew sat around. The news report is still playing in the background.

EVERYONE:

Agreed.

1.6

Cut to close up on the TV. A well dressed news-reporter stands on the side of a busy street. Behind her cornered off with police tape is a large truck. The back doors hang on their hinges wide open.

REPORTER:

You join me live downtown on the scene of one of the most unusual crimes this city has ever seen.

REPORTER:

Earlier on today, this truck transporting sperm samples to the new state of the art sperm bank was set upon my a band of masked robbers.

1.7

Pull in even closer on the TV. In the upper corner of the screen are now the mug shots of all five of our would be “bank robbers”.

REPORTER:

These are the five suspects believed to have been involved in the incident.

1.8

Page wide panel. The crew sat slumped at their table. A YOUNG MAN stands at the bar pointing at them his eyes wide, a huge grin on his face.

YOUNG MAN:

Guys look, its the great sperm robbers.

Boomerang – The Big Leagues – MK Stangeland Jr.

(7 Panels)

PANEL 1: Areal view of a baseball field, either that of the New York Yankees or the New York Mets.

ANNOUNCER (1): (Off panel) Welcome back, fans, to what has been a game unlike any I’ve seen before.

ANNOUNCER (2): (Off panel) This, baseball fans, is how rivalries are born, as we watch what are no doubt two of the greatest pitchers in the league today battling it out.

PANEL 2: Split panel, showing a single individual in each half. In on half is BEN POINDEXTER – BULLSEYE – but dressed a member of the NEW YORK YANKEES instead of as a supervillain. In the other is FRED MYERS – BOOMERANG – dressed up in a NEW YORK METS uniform.

ANNOUNCER (1): (Off panel, in BEN POINDEXTER half) This as we watch Ben “Bullseye” Poindexter of the Yankees…

ANNOUNCER (2): (Off panel, in FRED MYERS half) …duke it out against Fred Myers and his Mets.

PANEL 3: BEN POINDEXTER is on the pitchers mound. He throws a pitch.

PANEL 4: BEN POINDEXTER’s pitch flies near FRED MYERS head. MYERS leans back to avoid the ball, but a ‘ghost’ image of MYERS original position makes it clear that while the ball came close to MYERS head, it was never in danger of actually hitting him.

UMPIRE: BALL!

ANNOUNCER: This is a showdown that led to some questionable plays by both men.

PANEL 5: FRED MYERS points his bat at BEN POINDEXTER (off panel) with a ‘I’m coming for you’ or ‘I’m hitting it right there’ look.

 PANEL 6: The ball flies past BEN POINDEXTER on the pitchers mound in a mirror of PANEL 4. POINDEXTER leans back to avoid the ball as it flies near him, but the ‘ghost’ of where he was originally standing makes it clear he wasn’t in danger of actually getting hit.

ANNOUNCER: And kept officials on their toes!

PANEL 7: Image of the crowd as they’re watching the showdown intensely.

ANNOUNCER: I can tell you one thing, though – the crowds are eating this right up!

(END PAGE)

Boomerang - BOOMERANG! - Ben Rosenthal

1.  Fred Myers sits at a desk, pen in hand and a blank piece of paper in front of him.  He is scratching his head, thinking.

FRED
Boomerang.  Boomerang.


2.  A tight shot of Fred's face - it's a light bulb moment.

FRED 
That's it!


3.  Fred is scrawling feverishly on the page in front of him.

FRED
That's what I'll call it!


4.  The page has one word written on it - BOOMER-SANG

FRED (off panel)
A boomerang that emits a sonic vibration to knock anyone off their feet!


5.  Same as Panel 4.  Fred's hand is scrunching up the page.  It is a stupid idea.

FRED
Just like a......boomerang.


6.  Fred is tossing the screwed up page over his shoulder, discarding it.

FRED
Why does everything have to be a pun?

Boomerang - Easy as Pie - Simon McDonald

Panel One
Inside the S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier. Boomerang is wielding Captain America's iconic shield, surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. He looks confident. He always does. Usually right before his plans fall apart.

CAPTION (1)

These guys, right?

 

CAPTION (2)

The worst.

Panel Two
Boomerang changes his stance, preparing to throw Cap's shield.

CAPTION (1)

But they're not going to stop me.

 

CAPTION (2)

This thing? Priceless.

 

CAPTION (3)

But, yes, I will be accepting offers.

Panel Three
The shield has been thrown, is cutting through a line of agents as it flies from his arm.

SFX (several)

Oof!

Argh!

Gah!

Argh!

 

CAPTION

Easy as pie.

Panel Four
From behind Boomerang's perspective. The shield is still going, knocking down agents, but it's a long way gone now.

CAPTION

Easy as...

Panel Five
It's now a speck. Boomerang's stance has changed. Dejected. It's not coming back. The S.H.I.E.L.D agents are getting back to their feet.

CAPTION

...

 

Panel Six

All the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are standing again. Guns pointed at Boomerang. Chin down. Defeated.

 

CAPTION

(small)

... pie.

 

BOOMERANG

(small)

Dammit.

 

Why Boomerang?

Until The Superior Foes of Spider-Man - an awesome new Marvel series you should be reading if you like good, fun comics - the only Boomerang I knew from comics was a Captain and a member of the Flash's rogues gallery from the Distinguished Competition.

 

But 5 issues into Superior Foes, I absolutely adore him. Frank Myers has no super-powers - he's an average guy who has honed his natural abilities thanks to an early baseball career, which eventually spiralled into the world of super-villainy. 

 

The Superior Foes of Spider-Man paints Boomerang as the aspirational (but incompetent) leader of the Sinister Six. He wants to be a major player, but sheer ineptitude has, so far, limited his opportunity to fulfil that dream.

 

Who knows what awaits Boomerang in the hands of our Thoughtballoons tenures - or you, dear reader and comics scripter, who we welcome with open arms to submit a script below.



Doc Unknown - Changing Horses In Midstream - Niel Jacoby

Panel 1: Doc Unknown is putting on a jockey's uniform in front of Horse 8, Professor Clumsy, in the stables of Gate City Fields, where Boss Andretti, the city's don, has been using fixed races to launder money. The proper jockey for the horse is tied up and knocked out in the locker Doc Unknown has taken the uniform from.

Thoughtballoon(Doc): IF I'M GOING TO BRING BOSS ANDRETTI DOWN, I'M GOING TO NEED AIRTIGHT PROOF, AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO DO THAT THAN FROM THE FRONT LINE?

Panel 2: Close on an envelope of money taped to the inside of the locker. The envelope is labeled HORSE 8- RIDE FAST, RIDE WELL.

Thoughtbaloon(Doc): IF THIS MONEY IS ANY INDICATION, I'M GOING TO BE RIDING TONIGHT'S LUCKY HORSE.

Panel 3: Doc Unknown is on his horse in the arena, along with the other jockeys, who he can see have small guns on them, tranq pistols.

Announcer: GENTLEMEN, START YOUR RACES!

SFX: BANG!

Doc Unknown - The Question - J.D. Coughlan

Panel 1: One of Gate City's dark alleyways, view from above. The TARDIS stands in the corner, with the Doctor (11th) and Clara standing over a dead body in the middle.

DOCTOR: This is wrong.

Panel 2: Looking up now, as the Doctor kneels over the body, studying it. Clara stands behind him, unnerved.

CLARA: No kidding.

DOCTOR: No, no, not just "wrong" wrong; "incorrect" wrong. "Out of place" wrong. "Anachronistic" wrong. "Pocket-calculator-in-the-Stone-Age" wrong.

Panel 3: From above again. A shadowy figure now watches them.

DOCTOR: This man was killed by a concentrated particle energy weapon. Completely unlikely in this time.

CLARA: Well, you know how he was killed, it's why that's the--

Panel 4: Doc Unknown leaps from the shadows and lands just in front of them.

DOC UNKNOWN: Don't move!

Panel 5: The Doctor and Clara stand with their hands up (The Doctor's comically far above his head). Doc Unknown points at them aggressively.

DOC UNKNOWN: Nobody gets away with murder in my town, or my name's not Doc Unknown!

Panel 6: Two-shot of the Doctor and Clara. The Doctor wrinkles his nose.

DOCTOR: Doc who?

END OF PAGE

Doc Unknown – Kung Fu Action Scene – MK Stangeland Jr.

(6 Panels)

PANEL 1: DOC UNKNOWN is fighting KOJI - a mercenary ninja assassin - on a bank rooftop.

DOC UNKNOWN ducks as KOJI swings a sword at him.

SFX: Swing!

PANEL 2: DOC UNKNOWN strikes at KOJI with a leg sweep. KOJI evades it by doing a summersault over DOC UNKNOW’s head.

DOC UNKNOWN: You don’t say much, do you?

SFX: Sweep!

PANEL 3: DOC UNKNOWN rolls forwards as KOJI lands and swings his sword down at where DOC UNKNOWN was standing just a moment ago.

DOC UNKNOWN: I get it, you’re a ninja person.

SFX: Slice!

PANEL 4: DOC UNKNOWN dodges aside as KOJI throws a ninja star at him.

DOC UNKNOWN: I’ll admit, you’ve got some fancy moves there.

SFX: Throw!

PANEL 5: DOC UNKNOWN doubles back and dodges the other direction as KOJI lunges at him with sword extended trying to stab him. He’s half spun around in the process.

DOC UNKNOWN: You like my moves? I call it ‘loose-fu’.

SFX: Lunge!

PANEL 6: DOC UNKNOWN swings his foot up at KOJI as the ninja passes by to successfully land a kick in KOJI’s gut.

DOC UNKNOWN: Because I use it to make people loose.

SFX: Boot!

KOJI: !

(END PAGE)

Doc Unknown - The Hunt - Grant McLaughlin

1 - Doc Unknown stands in the entrance way of a house.  He looks awestruck.  It's a fine looking room, with doorways leading off to other rooms and a nice big staircase heading upstairs (among any amount of details implying the room to be nice and well put together that you'd like).

DOC UNKNOWN (quietly): This is gorgeous.

2 - Doc Unknown is now in the bedroom.  It's a good size, with a beautiful four post bed, along with a match drawer / dresser / armoire set.  The bedroom window lets in some beams of light that make the whole room look even more impressive.  Doc wears a big grin, his hands on his hips.

DOC UNKNOWN (quietly): Love that early morning light.

3 - Doc Unknown is now in the bathroom.  It is equally nice.  The shower is on, creating some steam.  Doc has a sleeve rolled up and his glove off, reaching into the shower to feel the water.

SFX: pssssh!

DOC UNKNOWN (quietly): Good water pressure.

4 - Doc Unknown has moved to the kitchen.  It's well stocked, with a dandy looking oven / stove, a nice icebox, some excellent counters, and the like.  He is once again happy with what he sees, letting out an appreciative whistle.

DOC UNKNOWN: ♫

5 - Doc Unknown is now in the living room / parlour.  There's some couches for sitting and tables for cards games or whatever.  Doc Unknown is pleased as punch, one hand stroking his chin pensively.

DOC UNKNOWN: I think this could work...

6 - Repeat panel 5, but pull out slightly to reveal that Doc Unknown is not alone in the room.  Doc turns in surprise / embarassment to see Detective Williams (from issue #1 - natch) standing behind him.  Williams looks mighty confused at Doc's actions.  Behind the two men, we can also see some unconscious, tied-up goons who Doc has clearly tussled with earlier (thus explaining what they are doing here).

DETECTIVE WILLIAMS: You okay, Doc?

DOC UNKNOWN: uh....

CAPTION: No!

7 - Switch scenes completely to Helen and Warren's apartment (they've moved in together).  Helen sits on a chair, noticeably pregnant.  Warren is recently back, still wearing most of his Doc Unknown getup (although he holds his goggles in his hands).  Helen looks annoyed and resolute.  Warren is on his knees, begging desperately.  Let's throw in some boxes in the background to imply they're in the process of moving.

HELEN: For the last time, we're not moving into a crime scene!

DOC UNKNOWN: But this one's so nice!

Doc unknown – In Hellfire Over The City - Shaun Richens.

PAGE TWETNY ONE – 7 PANELS.

21.1

Wide panel. Ext. A ZEPPELIN drifts through the sky above Gate city. It is ablaze, smoke billows from the top of it. A Nazi swastika motif runs down the side of the Zeppelin.

DOC UNKNOWN (Inside the zeppelin):

Sorry I can’t stick around general.

21.2

Cut to an elderly NAZI GENERAL, he wears a full SS uniform. His left eye is robotic and one of his hands is huge and robotic too. The general leans on the huge wooden wheel that is the helm of the zeppelin. Sweat pours down his brew.

NAZI GENERAL:

I will be forever remembered as the man who took herr unbekannt down in a blaze of glory.

21.3

DOC unknown stands on the bridge of the zeppelin. He stands in an open doorway opposite the general; the open sky is all that’s behind him. Some smoke from the blaze hangs in the otherwise clear blue sky.

DOC UNKNOWN:

It’s Doc unknown actually, my dear general.

21.4

Small panel. Doc unknowns hand on the handle of his holstered weapon.

NO COPY.

21.5

Small panel. Close up on the Nazi general. The evil smirk on his face shows off his yellowing fang like teeth.

NAZI GENERAL:

Ha. Going to shoot me boy? I thought that was beneath a “hero” like you?

21.6

Cut back to doc unknown in the doorway to the sky. He has pulled out his weapon; it’s his signature grappling hook, the silver hook gleams and shines.

DOC UNKNOWN:

Why do men like you always think of violence first?

DOC UNKNOWN:

Auf wiedersehen.

21.7

The empty doorway looking out into the sky above Gate City.

NO COPY.

Why Doc Unknown?

Doc Unknown is that rare breed of comic that captures the feeling I had when I first started reading comics, that childlike excitement, the endless possibilities, the awesome action it makes me feel five again. But at the same time Doc Unknown feels fresh and full of velocity, jumping between locations with the fast cuts only the best movies can even pull off. The pulp fu genre mash up lets the series play with all the conventions of both but it comes out as so much more. This is comics synergy at it’s best.

You know what head over to ComiXology right now and grab the first issue, for less than a dollar. That’s a steal. Experience this for yourself. Let Fabian Rangel’s fantastic story and Ryan Cody’s staggeringly beautiful illustrations bring Gate City to life for you too.

Every second I spend in Gate City makes me want to make comics so I’ll see you back here in the comments section with your own scripts, as I know once you’ve been to The City you’ll have your own tales to tell. 

Malekith the Accursed – Kill Count – Brian Manton

1.

Wide.

Lord of the Rings – the Battle of Helms Deep.

Malekith and Gimli stand amidst the carnage.

Gimli is burying his axe into the chest of a fallen Orc.

Malekith stands, arms folded, watching Gimli.

Malekith:  Let me show you how well I kill, Dwarf.

Gimli:  I’ll not have some pointy-ear outscoring me!

2-7

Row of panels bleeding to the edges of the page.

Each panel shows Gimli gleefully killing an orc in a different manner.

8-13

Repeated panels. Malekith stands still, with knowing smile.

14.

A bloodspattered Gimli returns to Malekith, weary but proud.

Malekith is drawing his sword.

Gimli: Forty-three! How did you fare, big ears?

15.

Malekith drives his sword through Gimli’s chest.

Gimli’s face shows as much shock as agony.

16.

Gimli’s lifeless body slumps to the ground before Malekith.

An Orc chuckles in the background.

Malekith:  Just the one.

Malekith (linked): You win.

Malekith - featuring Sammy Hagar Thor in: MaleKISS! - R.A. Wonsowski

Way back when, I was a TB newbie, leaving my scripts in the Why? comments every week - which is why you should too, all you hopefuls out there - and my favourite of the bunch of my tryout scripts was this little gem for Mjolnir:

THOR (and SAMMY HAGAR) in "Hammer of the Gods"

Panel 1: Interior - The Hard Rock Cafe in NYC, completely torn apart. Guitars hanging askew on the walls, gold and platinum records in shattered frames litter the floor. THOR lies bloody and broken on the stage, his head cradled in SAMMY HAGAR's arms. THOR is in his modern armour, SAMMY is wearing a Hawaiian shirt, bermuda khaki shorts, one sandal is missing.

SAMMY: (small text) But...wait...no...

THOR: Samuel Hagar...canst thou...read the inscription...on mine hammer?

Panel 2: from over Sammy's shoulder, we see Mjolnir on the stage floor, it's inscription readable to us.

SAMMY: "Worthy"...Dude, I like to think I'm an OK guy, but...

THOR: (off-panel) ...Sam...favourite song...

Panel 3: Thor's head in Sammy's arms, he's going unconscious.

THOR: (small lettering, weakly) ...Rock Candy...hhh...*

Panel 4: SAMMY's hand touches the handle.

Panel 5: Bright pale yellow. Sound FX says "BOOM"

Panel 6: SAMMY HAGAR holding MJOLNIR above his head in one hand. He is wearing Thor's classic costume, but all red. A Les Paul is clutched in his other hand like a battle axe. Classic rock god stance, like a metal album cover.

HAGAR-THOR: YEEAAAHHH!!!!

CAPTION: (like a scroll with runic writing) "For he had passed the trials of the demonic Edward Van Halen. Loki stands not a chance..."

To Be Continued...

Thus Sammy Hagar Thor was born.  

Layout:
123

456

788

Panel 1 - From a distance, we see the Hollywood Bowl at night, rock lighting and pyrotechnics happening.

CAPTION:  ...and so it was that Malekith, having found the Pick of Destiny, challenged Thor to a Rock-Off...

Panel 2 - MALEKITH, his hair tied in a samurai knot and sticking his tongue out, is singing into his mike while playing Gene Simmons's axe bass (he is wearing Simmons's platform Demon boots too).  His dark elves are on the instruments behind him.

MALEKITH:  (with musical notes) They call me - 

DARK ELF BAND:  (with musical notes) Doc-tor LO-O-OVE!

Panel 3 - SAMMY HAGAR THOR, foreground, backed by Chickenfoot, holds Mjolnir up high in one hand, head back, screaming into his headset mike.  Lightning plays off the hammer.  Joe SATRIANI and Michael ANTHONY sing into the same mike in a stand.

SATRIANI & ANTHONY:  (with musical notes) ...but I - can't drive - 

SAMMY HAGAR THOR:  (with musical notes)  FIF-ty FI-I-I-IVE!!!

Panel 4 - Same as Panel 2, but MALEKITH is starting to sweat and overcompensate, he looks worried.

MALEKITH and DARK ELF BAND:  (with musical notes):  I was made for lovin' you, bay-bee...

MALEKITH and DARK ELF BAND:  (with musical notes):  You were made for lovin' me-e-e...

Panel 5 - Same as Panel 3, except SATRIANI and ANTHONY are playing off each other.  Foreground, Mjolnir now hooked in his belt, SAMMY HAGAR THOR is playing power chords on a cherry red Les Paul and singing.

SAMMY HAGAR THOR:  (with musical notes) Here we go, Marching to Mars...

SAMMY HAGAR THOR:  (with musical notes) On a rainbow bridge, it don't seem so far...

Panel 6 - MALEKITH, now scared, is under a spotlight, sweating, singing with both hands cupping the mike, trying to be passionate and cool.  The Dark Elves are backing away worriedly from their instruments.

MALEKITH:  (with musical notes) Beth, I hear you callin'...

CROWD:  (off-panel) BOOO!!!!

DRUNK DUDE:  (off-panel) ...you suck!!!

Panel 7 - Lightning strikes MALEKITH, shocking him all to hell.  Pyrotechnics go off on cue.

SoundFX:  ZKRASSH!

Panel 8 - SAMMY HAGAR THOR, one foot on the back of a defeated, supine, and very crispy MALEKITH, and CHICKENFOOT are rocking the crowd.  MALEKITH's expression is painfully dazed.

SAMMY HAGAR THOR, CHICKENFOOT, and CROWD:  OHH!!!  YEAH!!!

MALEKITH:  ...mas tequila...

END

Malekith The Accursed - Toy Thor-y - Niel Jacoby

Panel 1: Thor is wiping his brow after a tiring battle, and is beginning to shrink, but does not realize it.

Thor: WHEW! THAT WAS SURELY AN EXASPERATING BATTLE.

Panel 2: Thor has finished wiping his brow, and is startled to see that his arm has become like that of an action figure. He is still shrinking.

Thor: WHAT WITCHERY IS THIS? MY BODY IS BECOMING THAT OF A CHILD'S PLAYTHING! AND MY SIZE!

Panel 3: Thor is about the size of an action figure, and is startled to see a mysterious hand grabbing him.

Malekith: A-HAHAAHAHAHA!

Panel 4: We can see Malekith smirking at action-figure-ized Thor, as he speaks. Thor is desperately trying to escape Malekith's grasp, but failing.

Malekith: WHAT A HORRIBLE NIGHT TO HAVE A CURSE, WOULDN'T YOU SAY, O THUNDER GOD?

Malekith the Accursed - Nyctophobia - J.D. Coughlan

Panel 1: Thor stands in a dark cave. The only illumination comes from Mjolnir, casting a blue glow, held aloft by Thor. His eyes search the darkness; wary but determined.

MALEKITH (TAILLESS): What do gods fear?

THOR: Not you, vile monster.

Panel 2: Thor has seen a shape at the limits of the light. It seems to be a person sitting on the ground. He steels himself.

MALEKITH (TL): I beg to differ, Thunderer.

MALEKITH (TL): Gods need control.

Panel 3: POV from in front of the figure, still in shadow, just an outline. Behind him we see Thor approaching cautiously.

MALEKITH (TL): Whether by might or by wisdom, with truth or with lies, a swift sword or a protective shield... gods seek to control the world.

Panel 4: Thor turns the figure around, revealing a skeleton looking back at him. He is startled but restrains his shock.

MALEKITH (TL): And you cannot control what you cannot see.

Panel 5: Same POV as Panel 3, with the figure facing Thor. The light from Mjolnir has started to noticeably dim. Thor looks at it, worried. Behind him, just barely illuminated, is Malekith.

MALEKITH: Gods fear the dark.

Panel 6: Same POV. Thor has turned at the voice, hammer raised. Malekith is gone. There is now barely enough light.

MALEKITH (TL): And I am the dark.

END OF PAGE

Malekith the Accursed – Check and Mate - Shaun Richens.

PAGE ONE – 5 PANELS.

1.1

Page wide panel. Close up on the hand of MALEKITH, his fingernails are long and brittle. He holds the black knight chess piece between his thumb, index and middle finger. The knight is being placed onto the chessboard into a checkmate position against the white king.

MALEKITH:

Check mate Odinson.

1.2

Cut to. OLD KING THOR (as seen in the recent Thor God of Thunder series) He sits on the throne of Asgard. A huge tankard of ale rests on the arm of the throne, and barrels and caskets of ale are stacked and lie all around the throne area. 

THOR:

Not even all the ale of Asgard can make this damned game enjoyable.

1.3

An aged and wrinkled Malekith sits in a large carved seat, one leg resting over the side of the chairs arm. He toys with the white king chess piece in one hand.

MALEKITH:

Beating you so easily has even started to lose its charm on me.

1.4

Cut back to Thor. He stands up from his throne, his tankard spilling to the floor. MJOLNIR is now gripped tightly in his hands.

THOR:

Let us relive the good old days then you accused fool.

THOR:

To your feet coward, battle is upon you. 

1.5

Cut to Malekith, a slight grin creeping up the side of his mouth as he pushes himself up from his seat.  

MALEKITH:

We’re the last of our kind left alive and you still wish to battle.

MALEKITH:

Ha. Good show old man.

MALEKITH:

Now, lets see what fight you still have in you god of thunder.

Malekith the Accursed - Entrapment - Simon McDonald

Panel One
Volstagg of the Warriors Three stands in front of Malekith's cell in the Asgard prison. Volstsagg is speaking boisterously, as he is prone to do, while Malekith is slumped against the rear wall. Grey particles drift inside the cell; specks of iron to deny his use of magic. Beyond Volstsagg and the cell we can see Thor approaching, Mjolnir in his hand, but held unthreateningly.

 

VOLSTAGG

- - a mighty battle, Malekith, one of the best - -

 

THOR

Taunting the imprisoned, Volstsgg?

 

Panel Two

Volstagg is smiling broadly. There is not a hint of guilt on his face as he leans in closer to the cell, inspecting the prisoner.

VOLSTAGG (1)

Ach, Thor, when the battle has been won, a warrior requires some form of entertainment.

 

VOLSTAGG (2)

And surely Malekith, of anyone, deserves derision.

 

Panel Three

On Thor now, scowling. A very un-Thor like expression.

 

THOR

Indeed?

 

Panel Four

On Volstagg as his eyes bulge.

 

SFX

SNIKT!

 

Panel Five

Pull back. "Thor" is shapeshifting into Malekith's form. "Mjolnir" is in fact a blade, now implanted in Volstagg's back, spread-eagled in front of the cell - now empty, the illusion evaporated.

 

THOR / MALEKITH

Then it's only right that you are my first.

Malekith the Accursed - Cold Comfort - Grant McLaughlin

Malekith and Thor have been battling it out for a good while in the middle of a populated city, with both sides taking some serious lumps.  They're currently at what is normally one of the busier intersections, surrounded by abandoned vehicles and some curious onlookers who don't have the good sense to run.  Of course, this being comics, the two have also been bandying words back and forth about humanity and its worth.  Unfortunately, Thor has taken more damage, leaving Malekith with the upper hand.  He intends to take advantage of that both in their battle of force and of words.

1 - Thor swings Mjolnir hard at Malekith.  However, Malekith blocks the blow with one hand, resulting in the two being locked in close combat.  They both wear expressions of determination, their bodies battered and bruised from the fight.  A few onlookers are visible in the background.

MALEKITH: You coddle them, Asgardian.

2 - Malekith turns the tables, delivering a mighty blow to Thor that sends him flying through some of the abandoned cars and into the base of a building.

MALEKITH: Coming to their aid at the slightest of dangers.

3 - Malekith walks over calmly, while Thor attempts to rally.

MALEKITH: You believe this to be a kindness.

4 - Malekith has made his way over to Thor.  He has bent down and holds Thor by the front of his armour.  He raises his fist, ready to lower the boom on the prostrate god.

MALEKITH: But they have become reliant.  They refuse to help themselves, content to wait for their god to descend from the heavens to do it for them.

5 - Malekith throws a huge punch at Thor.  If he could knock teeth out, that's what he would be doing.  You could either really emphasize the violence here or leave it off-panel, implying the damage and leaving it to the reader's imagination.

MALEKITH (1): You have done them a great disservice.

MALEKITH (2): You have made them weak.  Soft.

6 - Malekith stands triumphant above Thor, the clear victor.  He reaches into his cloak / satchel for an unseen object.  He wears an expression of determination.  Thor reaches up weakly, vainly trying to stop him.

MALEKITH: This cannot stand.  And today, I will do what you never would.

THOR: ...no.

7 - Malekith is now holding the Cask of Ancient Winters.  He is in the process of opening it.  A great wind of snow and cold begins to fly out from the artifact.  Malekith grins maliciously.

MALEKITH: I will make them strong.

Malekith The Accursed - Steps - Ben Rosenthal

1.  In the background Malekith stands on top of a building in Manhattan. Raw power crackles out of him - he is stronger with it.  More threatening.  The foreground shows The Wild Ride attacks the city behind him, dark clouds reflecting the mood as citizens run from the spectre horsemen.

MALEKITH
MUDGUARD IS MINE!

2.  A close up of Malekith face, a broad smile on his face as he watches the destruction with his manic eyes.

MALEKITH
I am invincible.  INVINCIBLE!

VOICE (off panel)
Invincible?

3.  Iron Man* in his battle worn armour is facing Malekith.

IRON MAN
I'd like to test that theory.


*Malekith has a vulnerability to iron.

Malekith the Accursed - Interlude – MK Stangeland Jr.

(Consider this to be loosely based on the events of Thor: The Dark World.)

(4 Panels)

Panel 1: Space, exterior outside MALEKITH’s lone starship following the Dark Elves lone remaining ship. It orbits a star from a distance.

MALEKITH: (From inside the ship.) <A curse upon the Asgardians! If we can not restore darkness with the Aether, we shall go to Plan B!>

ALGRIM: (From inside the ship.) <What is Plan B, my lord?>

Panel 2: Match to PANEL 1.

MALEKITH: (Inside Ship.) <We shall blot out the starts one by one!>

ALGRIM (1): (Inside Ship.) <Excellent!>

ALGRIM (2): (Inside Ship.) <How do we plan to do that?>

Panel 3: Match to PANEL 1.

MALEKITH (1): (Inside Ship.) …

MALEKITH (2): (Inside Ship.) <I…I hadn’t really thought about that.>

MAKEKITH (3): (Inside Ship.) <They’re a lot bigger and hotter than I thought they’d be.>

Panel 4: Match to Panel 1.

MALEKITH: (Inside Ship) <I guess we skip to Plan C, then.>

ALGRIM: (Inside Ship) <Right. 5000 year nap till the next convergence it is, then.>

(END PAGE)

Why Malekith the Accursed?

In case you haven’t heard, the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe movie came out recently: Thor: The Dark World. Which features Malekith the Accursed as its headlining villain.

And, of course, in traditional Thought Balloons style, it means setting aside a week and letting a comic adaptation choose our theme for the week. And with Thor already having his week back when the first movie released, it was decided that Malekith should have the spotlight this time around. Complete with a vote and everything.

That said, Malekith is a character that odds are wouldn’t have been picked any time in the near future otherwise – which probably says far more about Marvel and their current movie philosophy than it does about Malekith himself. Between this and next years Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel is clearly not shy about digging into the less notable members of their catalogue. Sure, Guardians may have a fanbase and following from among the comic reading community (including yours truly), but they hardly have the same popular recognition as the likes of Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America.

Marvel’s on a hot streak right now with their movies, and that gives them freedom to play to what works for the story and who might have real potential rather than who’s popular and who are people going to know about already.

So let’s see if we can’t dig into Malekith and see what pages we can write about him ourselves, shall we?

And, of course, at always, guest scripts are not only welcome, but encouraged. If you want to get in on the fun, go ahead and travel into the comments section of this post below and post your own one-page Malekith-related script.

V — We Wear the Mask — Brian Manton

1.
Thin wide panel.
The feet of a crowd of people, walking. There is a wide range of footware - expensive shoes, battered trainers, boots, sandles, high heels etc.
It is night time. The scene is lit by orange street light.

2.
Large panel.
Looking down on a crowd of hundreds of people, all wearing V masks. They are gathered in a city square. They all look up "toward the camera".

CAP:
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

CAP:
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
       We wear the mask.

CAP:
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;


3.
Inset panel.
Medium shot of one of the people in the crowd. Low angle looking up at them. They have removed the mask and are holding it by their chest (at an angle where the mask is looking toward camera). The person's face is in shadow. We cannot see if it is a man or a woman.

CAP:
But let the world dream otherwise,
       We wear the mask!

Gutter text:
We Wear the Mask by Paul Laurence Dunbar

V - Fireworks - J.D. Coughlan

A brief interlude set during the main story, after Evey has been "kidnapped" by V.

Panel 1: A shot of the night sky, colourful fireworks exploding.

EVEY (CAP): "The fireworks always seemed odd to me."

Panel 2: In V's kitchen. He stands at the cooker, half-turning at Evey's comment. She sits at the table eating breakfast.

V: Hm?

EVEY: I was just saying... I remember Guy Fawkes Night when I was a little girl, my dad telling me all about it, and I always wondered... why fireworks? Seemed cruel to celebrate a man's death like that.

Panel 3: V turns dramatically to face Evey, his mask's eyes almost lit up with glee.

V: Ah but, my dear, it was not his death we celebrated.

V: Yes, that may be the reason the powers-that-be perpetuated the ritual -- to remind those under them that rebellion is futile...

Panel 4: V takes a seat opposite Evey. She stares engrossed at him. His body language is theatrical.

V: But the night became instead a memorial to a man who tried.

V: A man who had the courage to say "no" to those that would not listen, and, in response to their ignorance, take the path of action rather than acceptance. A man who, but for the merest slip of bad luck, would have changed the world with nothing more than a match. A man who was willing to die for that change.

Panel 5: Close up of V. Those eyes almost twinkle now.

V: Is the life of such a man not worth fireworks?

END OF PAGE

V – Vitality - Shaun Richens.

PAGE ONE – 9 PANEL GRID.

1.1

Black panel.

CAPTION:

First nothing.

1.2

A lit match grasped between finger and thumb. The small flame fights at the darkness all around.

CAPTION:

Then a flicker.

1.3

The top of a tall and thin white wax candle, the wic not yet lit. The hand holding the match hangs inches away from lighting the candle.

CAPTION:

The wait.

1.4

Close up on a pair of lips, they are pouted as they blow out the burning match held before them. The small flame leans away from the mouth as if trying to escape.

CAPTION:

Followed by the end.

1.5

Black Panel.

CAPTION:

The darkness

1.6

The candle burns brightly as it is clenched in a hand.

CAPTION:

Followed by the flame.

1.7

The candle is being lowered and placed on to a table.

CAPTION:

The fire.

1.8

V’s mask is bathed in light from the candle as it rests on the table next to it, the candlelight chasing shadows away from all around it.

CAPTION:

To start the inferno.

1.9

Black Panel.