Idea for "darker" Christian comic calling all artists

[Ky Kiske]

I was thinking about making a comic but my skills are nil as an artist.
Well here's my idea:

This takes place in New York City during the reign of the AntiChrist. It happens in a ghetto that has been neglected over the years. Christians are extremely few and have either taken the mark or have been executed. But the people in the ghetto haven't yet taken it because they know they have no chance of a good life and don't want to pay homage to someone who has neglected them.
The main characters are a bunch of teens who hang out in a bombed out building in the middle of the city. The two main ones or are a pessimistic and cynical boy named Alex and a cheerful optimistic girl named Stephanie. They all work together to get food for themselves and their few remaining family members
Well one day as Alex was walking through an alley an old man in a cloak stops him. Alex being world weary and cynical assumes he wants money or food. But the man instead says. "Listen young man to the words of a sad dying man." Alex complies. "The world wasn't always like this. There used to be hope. Kids didn't know what suicide was...or hunger. They were born with smiles, they had a future something to look forward too. It was never meant to be life this. I heard a man once say, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." I was that man. I could have tried to stop it I could have saved innocents....but instead I was too weak."
The man then asks Alex if he knows who Jesus is and then proceed to tell him all about Him. Moved by his testimony Alex accepts Christ. Even at the time he though he would accept simply because there is nothing left to lose.
Alex picks up "So...will I see you in heaven someday."
The old man starts weeping.
"What's wrong?"
The old man takes off his glove to reveal the Mark of the Beast.
"I...was a weak man. Because of my weakness I did not make this a safer place for you children, because of my weakness I denied Christ, and because of my weakness I stand condemned before the most high. Do not make the same mistake I did. I have saved this Bible. It contains the truth of God and is all the more precious in how few of them are left. Alex I'm asking you to do what I could not. Be a light unto a generation."
"But"
"There isn't much time left, don't worry about me. I hear footsteps coming this way! Run and God be with you."
Alex runs and soldiers surround the old man.
"Who were you talking to?! You mentioned God! What have you been talking about."
The old man smiles.
"You might as well get it over with and shoot me. I will not tell you who I was talking to. But I will tell you about the God of Abraham and Isaac and-"
*gunshots*
Alex runs and tells the others. After a series of events all become christians and name themselves the Broken Wings.
The main story branches out between Alex and Stephanie.
Alex is full of righteous anger about the death of the old man he. That the world leaves him no choice but to attack evil with more evil. Because of his cynical nature he can see through fake motives and respond accordingly
Stephanie does not think there is any virtue in fighting. She believe in a pure love. And is always kind.

Also there is an angel over both of them who comment as to whether each person is acting in a Christlike manner.
If this ever becomes a manga then I think it would deal with themes like is it better not to take action and love or the take action and try to make a difference no matter what. Also if their can be an redemption after taking the Mark. I call it a "darker" manga because it deals with themes like the above takes place is a dark and filthy atmosphere and will have violence probably with blood. an artist with the ability to draw dark alleyways and capture the desperate feel of the teens would be great! If your interested or just want to comment or criticise either Email me : [email protected] or comment here thanks.

[Natholeus]

It sounds really good! One thing I would change is the part about the old man not going to heaven because of his sins, because no matter how bad the sin God still loves you and if you repent of your sins he will forgive you. And IMHO that should be a key point in the story. Other wise very good!

[Mave]

Although I'm not too keen about Anti-Christ/Mark of the Beast themes, the general plot clicks with me pretty well. Dark and angsty (yet with Christian messages) is something I've always wanted to do but at the moment, I can't do anything with my busy schedule. Sigh....

I also agree with Natholeus's point. Overall, I find this plot interesting. ^__^

[Ky Kiske]

well about the old man thing. I didn't specifically say the old man would go to hell did I?
The man said that himself.
God has a different say altogether.
I want the reader to think about this kinda stuff.
And you have to admit it raises some interesting theological questions.

Well I mean if it's a big deal then I leave that out I just thought it make people think.

The reason I want this to take place in the antichrist's time is because I want the atmosphere to be antichristian and have that as an obstacle for the characters to overcome.

[Natholeus]

well about the old man thing. I didn't specifically say the old man would go to hell did I?
.

True, but if he was a christian then he should know that.

[Ky Kiske]

your right.
It's too controversial
I'll leave that part out.

[Natholeus]

If this Manga ever gets made I look forward to reading it.

[Ky Kiske]

yeah I just need to find an artist.
I have almost the whole story in my head.
Looking to explore deeper aspects.
I want it to be thought provoking.
but have some comic behavior,
to be dark yet theologically correct.
I wonder if it will work.
Anyone willing to take a risk, reply.

[Kanerou]

fascinating. Lemme know how it goes.

[Shadowchild]

i draw but i doubt you would really like it much. i would if i could but i am not up to those standards. i mean.. i dont have any animation software all i have is paper and a pencil and that is my canvas. -_- i do draw dark stuff though.

[Kewl Girl]

Well... Id be willing to help if you cant find anyone else ^^; I really like the story so I really would like to see it made into an actual magna. Im probably not much better than you though... but Id be willing to try if you really need some help ^^ So let me know if you think theres anything I could help with ^^

Oh heres some of my art ^^; Like I said its not all that great..

[Gypsy]

I think your art is adorable!

[Kewl Girl]

Thanks ^^; Only problem is Ive never done comics before.. XD but Id be willing to try ^^;

[Ky Kiske]

wow your art is wonderful! I would be honored to have you help!

[BigZam]

so is this a manga? or more American style? if its more American i'd be willing to contribute something...

[Ky Kiske]

hmm I sorta want anime characters, but dark and gritty American style backgrounds.
I'm going to experiment with different elements, so I might be in need of your services BigZam in the near future. I'm going to see how it goes for awhile, I'm still working on designs for characters and all that stuff, and later we will have to look for a place to host it.

[Ky Kiske]

haha hello all we (me and Kewlgirl) have been hard at work for the comic. It seems to be going well but I decided to change the theme alot. I made it alot less dark, but kept the urban elements in it. We will have a webpage up soon, and this is a work in progress, and it is really fun to write for it, and develop characters and all that stuff.

However we haven't got a name yet.
What do you guys think?
Basically the comic is about the everyday going ons of a group of teenagers in the middle of a large city. I was thinking that the comic would be named after what the group called itself but I haven't come up with anything.
Suggestions are welcome

[The Last Bard]

Hey guys, I'm really looking forward to reading this! I'm sure it's going to be good!

[Syreth]

I remember reading something about this before. It sounds really interesting. Just like TLB, I'm looking forward to see what you guys have come up with. By the way, the art looks like it's going to be good. Did you decide to still go with the American-ish backgrounds?

[soul alive]

Sounds cool. Looking forward to seeing this.

Title ideas? Hm... 'To Fly Again' . 'I'll Fly Away' . 'Mending'

[Ky Kiske]

thanks for your support everyone.
If you want a taste of what the art it going to be like
some of the characters and ideas are displayed here: http://kewlgirl.deviantart.com/

To Syreth: hmm I originally was going to make it a fusion of anime characters and american backgrounds, but I realized that wasn't practical. It is tricky enough as it is given that Kewlgirl and me live far away from each other.
Fortunately she is very good at background IMO.
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/25766330/

I'm going to try to give the characters different personalities and kinda explore like how each one of them reacts to certain situations.
Here are some of the character bios (note that these aren't official for the comic they are just ideas, and may need to be spell-checked too )

Alex
Age: 17
Eyes: brown
Height: 6'0
Weight: 145
Role: main character/hero
Likes: Doing what he feels is right.
Dislikes: Jeanne's teasing, nagging of any sort.
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Drink: Dr. ZAP! (sorta like Dr. Pepper)
Weapon: butterfly knife
Personality: Opinionated, usually negative, ambitious, brave, not
usually tactful
Bio: Raised as an orphan, his parents were killed at an early age.
Alex desperately wants to find out what happened to them and why they
were killed. Upon meeting a mysterious old man, Alex learns that his
parent's death were linked with a book that the old man gave him (the
bible) Alex embarks at first on a personal journey, but runs into a
load of trouble and some suprising allies.

Stephanie
Age: 16
Eyes: Blue
Height: 5'5 (is this a good height?)
Weight: 110 (is this around what girls weigh?)
Likes: Sunshine
Dislikes: Storms
Favorite Food: Strawberries
Favorite Drink: Chocolate Milk
Weapon: none (although she would say that the Bible was her sword)
Personality: Sweet, humble, and kind. She is an idealistic girl, and
make a conscious effort to see good in everyone.
Bio: Also an orphan, Alex and Stephanie became fast friends. Alex
looks to her as a sister that he must protect, and she thinks of him
as a big brother. Usually joyful and happy, she tries any methods that
are non-violent. She is saddened that she lives in a society that is
full of despair. She goes with Alex to unravel his past and is a
source of hope.

Jeanne:
Age: 18
Eyes: Green
Height: 5'4
Weight: 105
Likes: Shopping! Liberating money from"unworthy hands" (or so she
says), and harassing Alex
Dislikes: Things with no style, bullies.
Favorite Food: Lobster
Favorite Drink: Cappicino
Weapons: Curved knife (as a theif she has very good skill with it)
Personality: Dexterous and quick, almost catlike in her balance. Is
very mysterious, and will vanish quickly into the night and appear the
next day.
Bio:She grew up in a very aristocratic home, but was disowned when she
was found to be a theif. So in effect she became a theif with no home
but extremely exquisite tastes. Always wears the latest trend in
clothes and jewelry, has gypsy blood, and is a peerless dancer,
lockpicker, knife-fighter, and oddly enough a great friend to
Stephanie, who is often clueless and naive as to the activities that
Jeanne does.

Marquis:
Age:17
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 6'3
Weight: 209
Likes: Working out
Dislikes: Things that bore him
Favorite Food: Beef Stew
Favorite Drink: Root Beer
Weapon: Brass Knuckles
Personality: A strong person, with a seemingly mild personality. That
is until you get him riled up, causing him to explode like a volanco.
Very loyal to his friends, and one of the better fighters of the group
due to his strength.
Bio: Marquis and Devon are twin brothers, both grew up in a bad
neighborhood and know that streets very well, became friends with Alex
and Stephanie while they were staying at the orphanage.

Trevor
Age: 13
Eyes: hazel
Height: 5'2
Weight: 78
Role: mastermind/ trickster
Likes: Outwitting others
Dislikes: Hard Labor, Work of any sort, being picked on
Favorite Food: catfish
Favorite Drink: water
Weapon: none (can't fight)
Personality: whimsical, mischevious, yet thoughtful of others,
somewhat deep, very emotional.
Bio: A bright and vibrant young teen that found himself part of the
group. He actually comes from a stable home, but chooses to hang out
with Alex and them. He is very small even for a boy his age and is
often picked on. However he is able to often get Alex and Co. out of
trouble by using his superior skills in Diplomacy and Negotiation. If
the group has a plan chances are Trevor was the one who thought it up. He is often told to act more masculine by the guys and is thought to be adorable by the girls. He is mischievious, yet naive.
He is very nimble and can run faster than any other character but he
cannot fight. He sometimes says very profound things that suprise
other people. So basically this is a character that does not excell
socially, or physically, but one who does emotionally, mentally, and
spiritually.


Christie:
Age: 16
Weight: Average for a girl her age (It isn't proper for a guy to ask a
lady her weight after all )
Eyes: Dark Brown
Role: Songstress/ Listener/ Comforter
Favorite Food: Devil's Food Chocolate cake
Favorite Drink: Green Tea
Likes: Aerobics (Hi-YA!) Music, Singing, Dancing, Cafe's Coffeeshops,
and Art Galleries, ...oh yeah and MALLS!
Dislikes: Cats (she's allergic to them) Insects.
Personality: depends.
Bio: Christie joined the group when they first started going to church
(where she sings). On the outside she has a rockin' social life and
loves going and seeing new places and new things, but deep down she is
a very quiet girl. She acts really energetic on the surface because
she doesn't want to be an introvert, but she can't escape it either.
Only those who really know her, know that she has a very low self
esteem, despite being very pretty. She has a hard time accepting
mistakes that she makes, and ends up hurting herself more. She
internalizes everything and quite unlike Trevor never cries. Her only
emotional outlet that she allows for herself is singing. She is an
excellent singer, and has great unshakable faith in God.
Deep down she loves listening to other peoples problems and is a
someone everyone feels comfortable talking too.
However she considers her own problems trivial in comparasion with others.

My decision to make Alex + Stephanie the main characters was sorta a hard one.
Stephanie has the traits of a Heroine, and Alex has the traits of an Anti-Hero.
I decided that it would be interesting to have the thoughts of a cynic and a optimist conflict with each other, yet have the characters share personal friendship. I guess it's a gamble but hopefully it will make the comic more engaging.

Other characters will be "issue oriented" characters.
For example Christie's character is an example of a girl sorta masks her true feeling and tries to hide herself away. The reason I made her that way is because I know alot of people who do that and I sorta want to bring up that topic, and get people to think about how much they really are worth not only to others but to God.

Alex deals with bitterness and unfufillment. He is skeptical but deep down inside he wants to believe. Alot of guys (and girls) I know have these doubts. He is the type of character who asks "why does God let bad things happen?" He has lived a hard life and wants to know the answers.

I sorta want to create characters that real people like you and me can identify with. Not just another "Super Celestial Moon Battle Princess" or "Fearless DragonKnight Vampire Slayer" Those are fun to read about but can you relate to them?


But that doesn't mean the comic is going to be super serious all the time either. Most of the time I want it to be funny.
I want it to be sorta a light everyday story with some serious topic in it.

Any comments and ideas are appreciated.
And please more suggestions for the name.
So far:
To Fly Again
I'll Fly Away
Mending'

[Syreth]

The art looks like it will be wonderful. The elements in your story seem interesting as well. Is it still going to be set in the end times? I would really like to suggest some titles, but it's hard when I don't know the whole of the story. Or maybe my brain just thinks in a weird way.

[Ky Kiske]

so... any other ideas for a name?

[Kewl Girl]

meh.... its not completley done yet but here ya go: http://www.geocities.com/kewlgirl1717/

Were working on possibly gettin a new web-page, but this is what we have for now. Some of the pics in the gallery arent up yet.. and the guest book doesnt work...

There are character profiles, and stuff about the comic there though.

Yeah.. its a working progress ^^'''

[rocklobster]

BTW, just don't promote the rapture. There's some very anti-Catholic ideals in that belief. Read The Rapture Trap by Paul Thigpen, and you'll see why this isn't sitting with Bible beliefs.

[The Last Bard]

I'm really liking the style! Looking good, keep it up, guys!

[soul alive]

Very cool. Love the artwork. Looking forward to the comics coming out. I like the title, clever.

Just a minor issue, but I find the letters trailing the mouse very annoying/distracting. Might just be me though. ^_^

[Kewl Girl]

BTW, just don't promote the rapture. There's some very anti-Catholic ideals in that belief. Read The Rapture Trap by Paul Thigpen, and you'll see why this isn't sitting with Bible beliefs.

Well theres been a lot of changes with the comic and the plot so its a little different now. Itll be more like this:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratings : 13+
Violence: 5 out of 10 - Fights, Violence, Some Blood, Gang images.
Language: 3 out of 10 - Swearing will not be intense and will always be censored.
Sexual Content: 4 out of 10 - Potential sexual realtionships and comments, but nothing explicit.
Nudity/Skimpy Outfits: 2 out of 10 - Perhaps some slightly revealing clothing.
Bad Religion/ Occult: 2 out of 10 - Exposure to other beliefs, character struggling with their faith.

This comic takes place in a run down section of New York City where Alex and his group of friends live. The gang is good at heart, but they are responsible for alot of the graffiti and petty thefts and are looked at like 'thugs' in the neighborhood. This all changes when they try to rob a stern and mysterious man known only as 'Preacher' and find themsleves all knocked out in a matter of minutes. They wake up in a church parsonage and 'Preacher' tells them his testimony about how he became a Christian after being a notorious street fighter and gang leader.

Many of them, including Alex, are so moved by this that they become Christians too and change their gang symbol to a cross. 'Preacher' also enrolls them in a school, where they meet Trevor, who later becomes the brains of the operation. At church they meet the beautiful Christine, a songstress who has inner sadness.

Eventually the community begins to welcome Alex's gang because of their posotive impact. But it isnt long before there is talk in the neighbor hood of a new violent gang moving in and guns, drugs, and prostitution begin to again darken the community.

**Comic 1: The former gang and how they change

**Comic 2: Their comical struggles while attending school and church and how the community comes to trust them.

**Comic 3: The new gang arrives.

This comic will deal with alot of issues that effect teens such as: Self Image, Violence, Sex, Drugs, and moral Relativism. Its going to be mostly humorous, but there will be some deeper messages from time to time also.

~~ Summary/ story type thing by: Daniel

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can find that here: http://www.geocities.com/kewlgirl1717/Comic.html

I'm really liking the style! Looking good, keep it up, guys!

Thanks very much for the support.

Very cool. Love the artwork. Looking forward to the comics coming out. I like the title, clever.

Just a minor issue, but I find the letters trailing the mouse very annoying/distracting. Might just be me though. ^_^

Hahah Yeah I can take it off once I get the chance to update the site again. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Mave]

You already know what I think about this project. ^^ I look forward to the manga pages. I really want to know how you set up that updates board though. Mine keeps being messed up by less-than-friendly visitors. (-__-)\\

[Kewl Girl]

You already know what I think about this project. ^^ I look forward to the manga pages. I really want to know how you set up that updates board though. Mine keeps being messed up by less-than-friendly visitors. (-__-)\\

Well I would love to tell you how I set mine up... only problem is Im not exactly sure myself XD

Heh... Sorry, but Im really bad with web-sites. I still need to figure alot out yet.

Anyways we joned cognaito now so were officially a memeber. yay ^_^

Updates are kinda slow cause of finals... horray... hopefully Ill be able to put more pics up on the site and such though when thats over...