

Here
is just a taste of what to expect from CRISIS! Keep in mind that
the text here is from the first draft, and some of the artwork
here may not even make it into the massive 208 graphic novel that's
loaded with illustrations. Until you can get your hands on that,
though, enjoy this EXCLUSIVE Preview!
1
DARKNESS
From
a black backdrop, the following text ripples and focuses into
view:
When
written in Chinese, the word "Crisis" is composed
of two characters. One represents Danger and the other represents
Opportunity.
Dissolve
to:
2
EXT. BIRMINGHAM PLAYHOUSE - NIGHT
(Scenes
2 through 4 are filmed continuously from the same camera.)
Close
up of a beautiful, sliver-like, new moon. A few misty clouds pass
by before the camera tilts down and pans over to a long shot of
an old fashioned playhouse. Several people are standing in line
getting tickets at the front door.
The
lit billboard reads:
Tonight
Only!
CRISIS
A
Dark Duet
From
behind the camera, a man carrying a duffel bag comes into view.
He turns and looks around to gaze at the moon. We see that the
innocent looking man is wearing glasses. He then pulls a black
article of clothing from his bag. We see that the article has
a white crossed circle symbol sewn into it. The man glances around
before crossing the street.
The
camera follows the man towards the playhouse, until he cuts off
to the side to go around the back. The camera continues past the
ticket booth and into the playhouse.
3
INT. BIRMINGHAM PLAYHOUSE - CONCESSION AREA
The
camera continues to roll past a few concession stands arriving
at two large doors with an usher on either side. The ushers open
the doors and the camera continues to roll in.
4
INT. BIRMINGHAM PLAYHOUSE - THEATER
It's
a full house. As the camera slowly rolls down towards the stage,
we see the audience patiently chatting about. The lights dim,
everyone quiets down and turns their attention towards the stage.The
curtain rises and we see a Shakespearean actor being spotlighted
center stage.
ACTOR
(dramatic)
Why?...
Why has thou cursed me? The tables have turned and I feel
I've come to an end. Is there but a soul who can hear my
cry? Is there not an unseen path that can lead me to days
of joy? Can anyone help me?
As
the camera continues to slowly roll towards the stage, the background
setlights up and we see a fair maiden standing back under a tree.
ACTRESS
I
can help you.
ACTOR
(looking
over audience)
A
voice! A lovely sound that calms my worries!
The
camera now has a framed shot of the entire stage and continues
to roll incloser.
ACTRESS
You
needn't fear in your time of grief.
ACTOR
From
where does my heart feel your presence? My ears deceive me,
for I see no one.
We
see a figure emerge from the shadows behind the tree and come
up behindthe actress.
ACTRESS
Trust
in your heart, and you will find me, for I--
The
figure grabs the actress from behind. She struggles for a moment
before dropping to the floor. The actor, still facing the audience,
is confused.
ACTOR
Ahem...
From where does my heart feel your presence? My ears deceive
me, for I see no one.
As
the camera rolls in closer, the dark figure now walks up behind
the actor. Walking into the spotlight, we see that the figure
is wearing a black executioner hood bearing a white zodiac symbol
across the chest.
ACTOR
(getting
impatient)
My
ears deceive me, for I see--
The
figure grabs the actor from behind, drawing a machete to the actor's
neck. The knife is already dripping with blood. The camera has
finally rolled to a close-up shot of the figure who appears to
be whispering something to the actor. The actor gasps, but does
not struggle.
ACTOR
(calls
out to audience)
Um...
This is the Zo-... This is the Zodiac speaking.
The
figure whispers further lines for the actor to repeat.
ACTOR
Ah...
Another equinox is... upon us... There is a new prophecy...
which I must fulfill... Let the games begin.
With
that, the figure drags the machete across the actors open
neck, spraying blood like a fan. The actor gurgles and drops to
the floor. The camera begins to pull back. With the spotlight
on the Zodiac, he extends his arms as if to be a religious saint.
The
curtain drops.
The
camera spins around 180 degrees to see a silent, bewildered audience.
We focus in on several people in the front row who glance at each
other, confused. One gentleman slowly begins clapping. A few others
join in, then a dozen more. A moment later, the whole audience
is cheering for the outstanding performance. Cut to:
5
INT. BIRMINGHAM PLAYHOUSE - BACKSTAGE
We
see a few stage hands who are standing in complete shock at the
two bodies on stage, each lying in a pool of its own blood. The
Zodiac calmly exits the stage to the left.
A
skinny man with wavy hair, the director, jumps in front of the
Zodiac.
DIRECTOR
Excuse
me! What the hell do you think you're doing here? Is this a
fucking joke to you?
The
Zodiac diagonally slashes his machete across the director's chest.
DIRECTOR
Ahh!
The fuck?! Jesus!!
The
director hunches over trying to cover the blood that is spilling
from his chest. Without missing a beat, the Zodiac continues off
the stage.
DIRECTOR
Fuck!
Somebody stop him!
Most
of the stagehands are still paralyzed in shock. The rest take
a few steps back. The director collapses in his own red puddle.
DIRECTOR
Jesus!
The
Zodiac makes his way to the back door. He opens it, and we can
see an alleyway outside. Before stepping through the doorway,
the Zodiac pulls out a black magic marker and begins to write
something on the door. However, before we see what he is writing,
the camera rolls outside.
6
EXT. BIRMINGHAM PLAYHOUSE - REAR - NIGHT
Camera
rolls into the back alley and tilts up to another beautiful shot
of the new moon.
TO
BE CONTINUED!