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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The figure whispers further lines for the actor to repeat.

ACTOR

With that, the figure drags the machete across the actor’s 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.

The Zodiac diagonally slashes his machete across the director's chest.

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.

Most of the stagehands are still paralyzed in shock. The rest take a few steps back. The director collapses in his own red puddle.

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!