I have an idea for a graphic novel.

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Dull Eyes

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[FONT=&quot]This is an idea of mine that I really like. Everyone I've shown it to only had good things to say about it. I think I need some critiquing from experts. (Also, would not be bad to have someone do the art.)

A college student meets a man who stands out from anyone else named Vincent. This Vincent, also called "Dull Eyes", has the ability to manipulate space and is somewhat of a philosopher. It is fairly episodic in nature and Vincent eventually gives the protagonist the option to enter a fake paradise for a temporary time period, which is decided by Vincent. This paradise does more harm than good as that world is absolutely perfect, and to simply leave that world causes people to go mad and become delusional. Paradise is created from what the person’s mind views as “ideal”. They can only stay in that world for short amount of time because staying longer will shatter their minds. Vincent does not want that fate for the protagonist as he grows to like the hero of the story and does not want for her to enter "paradise" and suffer its after-effects as many have done before, as the happiness it offers is not real, and temporary.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot] To expand on the themes of the story, what I meant was not for Vincent to sound negative but rather a tragic character. He is a man who thrives on the approval of others, mostly because of the fact that his power makes him lonely and he begins to feel disillusioned about what reality was and what were the worlds he created, which became reality to him.[/FONT][FONT=&quot] He believes after many centuries of living, that he was previously a writer who befriended a prisoner to be executed for murder before becoming immortal. He then remembers that he was not the writer, but the prisoner who wiped out that city after receiving his powers. The prisoner's name was Francois Dullesse, while the writer's name was Vincent. He starts in the beginning as a kind eyed man with amnesia but then remembers he was a sociopathic killer who had wiped out several cities in 18th century France. He becomes that same sociopath who wants to ruin people's minds in the current era.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]He knows the fates of those enter "paradise" but cannot say anything because he simply does not want to remain lonely, if only for a limited time. It shows the negative aspects of one who has omnipotence and the isolation one feels when they have it. He divides his own psyche into eight different parts and each controls a part of his world and only hold Vincent’s same power in that realm. Eventually the protagonist’s mind does shatter and she meets Vincent at the bottom of a stairwell that has only one spotlight shining on it. Symbolism is pretty simple there. Eventually, the lives of people ever made contact with Vincent are being ruined by a man who has the exact physical appearance as Vincent. His name is No. 4. It explores the concept of the individual and how unique one can become in such a populous world, the affects of drug addiction, and eventually finding redemption.[/FONT]
 
Wow, this sounds like a huge project; but an intriguing one. If you can make all of the elements come together conherently then this is something I would like to read. Good luck. T.
 
I think you have too many ideas competing for your attention and you should boil it down to one.

I like the idea of a person who can introduce another person to a "perfect world" that makes them go mad. You can explore a lot of possibilities with just that one idea. What is a "perfect world"? How would you describe it? Why does it cause people to go mad to experience a perfect world?

I think you should drop the rest, i.e. the immortality, the sociopath who destroys cities in France, drug addiction, etc. This is all distracting from the main idea.

You might want to throw in a love story between Vincent and the girl though, because that's kind of expected whenever you have two main characters of the opposite sex.
 
I will never get rid of my ideas. Also, it's a simple idea when watered down that much. Watered down, yes it is a simpler idea, but that's all it is. I have a story here with all parts down.
 
I will never get rid of my ideas. Also, it's a simple idea when watered down that much. Watered down, yes it is a simpler idea, but that's all it is. I have a story here with all parts down.
Well don't ask for critiques on your ideas if they are so precious to you that you will "never" discard them.
 
Unfortunately, I do have to agree with Blackrook. If you want experts and serious critiques, then don't backtalk the critiquer. If you don't like what they said, just be courteous and say "Thanks for your time" and keep the objections to yourself.

That said, the idea gets a bit confusing, but the tiny text didn't help much either. ^^; The only things I would really say about the ideas is that the character names are very cliche. Look through some sites for other names [Behind the Name is a wonderful site]; maybe even pick one that has a specific meaning to each character. I do that sometimes. I remember it said somewhere that sometimes, when people are given very ordinary or common names, they aren't expected to be anything extraordinary. For me, this feeling passes on over to your characters, even though the story around them is interesting.
 
I'm sorry, it's just that I don't like advise to do a complete overhaul on my ideas when I've spent months writing it. Also, only my artist can make changes to my idea that are that drastic.
 
There were a few Trek episodes, and a lot of other sciFI stories that dealt with the perfect world - formed from the persons own mind. Discovering one was an amnesiac killer - The Number 23. Immortality, endless examples. So, more than enough to work with !
 
Truth be told, I want to create a character in Vincent similar to Gankutsuou, if you know who that is that is basically a being that is focused on ruining the lives of as many people as he can simply because he wants to see the effects of that. Nothing more. Vincent is not real, the murderer Francois is real, Vincent is simply a split personality that was created from the guilt in Francois' soul that just dominated. After being imprisoned for centuries, Francois loses the capacity to feel the guilt he once had and is simply out to make every single person suffer slowly, and cruelly. Destroying the whole world is easy, but that would be boring. He would rather make you feel every moment of horror as he slowly puts you in the grave.
 
When I put forward a story to be considered as a graphic novel, I received a kind but curt introduction to financing. In short, unless the tale catches the eye of an established artist or publisher, you may have to find a lot of 'seed money' to cover start-up expenses. Perhaps mercifully, my potential sponsor declined...

Uh, the concept sounds good, with Vincent aka 'Q' creating 'perfect worlds' that variously entrap and destroy their occupants. As a one-off, it sounds like a 'Twilight Zone' episode. Heavens ! It sounds better than 'Lost' !! {FX: Spit ! ;-}

IMHO, you should have at least half a dozen tightly written / story-boarded episodes in hand before you go hunting for your artist, sponsor and publisher...

Your mileage may vary...

ps: Critiques hurt. There's nothing like a bucket of cold reality tossed on a wondrous, if nebulous notion to make the old bones ache...
 
You have a point Nik. But since one of my close friends is an artist, I may not have to be worried there, and what an artist he is. Though I want people to know that yes there are influences in my work, but this is my brainchild. Also my main villain is supposed to be a composite of different villains from my childhood and my personal favorites. I mainly want some advice on how to create a compelling villain and how effectively use subtlety to make a villain who only hints at his true nature until it comes full circle.
 
Here is some dialogue for my story. Hope to get some feedback

VINCENT: My son, why do you stray from my ideals?

NO. 4: I did it for you father. I've done everything for you.

VINCENT: The killing of innocent lives is not my will. Do you claim to know what goes on in my mind?

NO. 4: I know perfectly. I've seen what you keep in that book you read. I know the contempt you have for humans. I know everything about you. I know...

VINCENT (laughs): You let your mind wander far too often. Where would you get the ridiculous idea that I hate humans? Come. I'm willing to forgive you for your transgressions if you just come with me.

NO. 4: I can't go back. You're lying to me. Stop lying to me!
(Vincent snaps his fingers, and No. 4's cheek starts bleeding)

NO. 4 (scared): Wh-what are you doing, father?

VINCENT: You know what I am, do you not? This should be no surprise to you.

NO. 4: But I've done everything for you! Please stop!

VINCENT: I do not ever recall asking you for your help.

NO. 4: I won't let you kill me!

(Attempts to have tree fall on Vincent, but it fazes through him)

VINCENT: Do you know what the deadliest sin is?

NO. 4: Wh-what?

VINCENT: Pride. You foolishly believed you were equal to me. You thought you stood on the same ground that I do. You were nothing more than a failed copy of me created for nothing more than my own amusement, and yet you thought you could rise above that mediocrity to achieve a higher purpose. Greatness is not for a failure like you.

NO. 4: F-f-failure? THAT’S NOT TRUE! TAKE IT BACK! TAKE IT BACK!!!!!

(A thunderstorm appears he is screaming and it starts to rain)

VINCENT: You cannot even keep your emotions in check.

(Vincent starts to distort No. 4’s face)

NO. 4 (starts to cry): Please, father stop! Please!!

VINCENT: Why should I? You are about to truly become great. Being killed by the one who gave you birth is the best a failure like yourself can ask for.
(Vincent disintegrates both his arms)

NO. 4: Please. No.

VINCENT: Stop crying. It is very unbecoming of you. Stay still; it will be less painful that way.

NO. 4: No...

(Vincent destroys No. 4 entire body)

VINCENT: Hmm... It’s strange. I don’t know if what I feel is the rain or my tears.

(Walks away)
 
And some more dialogue.

[FONT=&quot]Setting: A burning building. The omnipotent Vincent sees his friend, a firefighter named Johnny, one last time.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: I can[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]t find these kids! Where is she?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot](A burning piece of wood falls on top of Scott)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: Dammit! I can[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]t get free! Is anyone there?![/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot](Vincent appears from the flames)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: Hello, Scott. How are you doing? Well, I hope?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: Vincent? Is that you? Oh thank God! Did you come here to save me?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: How are your wife and child doing? They are well, I hope?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: What has that got to...? Forget about it, please just help me![/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: Let me be honest. I did not come here to save you. I simply came here to say goodbye to you.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: What?! Why won[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]t you save me?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: The truth is, your time was long overdue. Five years ago, you had gotten lung cancer. I had seen your future and you were supposed to die 6 months afterward.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: What? Then why? Why am I still alive?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: I had destroyed your cancer before it even became recognizable. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: Why? Why didn[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]t you tell me?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: I believe that life is more enjoyable when the future is unknown. You were a unique case. I had shown many people in the past their vision of paradise and many of them became worthless sacks of life afterwards because of it. You did not allow yourself to give in to that temptation and lived a fulfilling, and meaningful life. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: Please, Vincent you have to help me. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: Goodbye, Scott.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: Wait! Can you at least save the children who are trapped in this building?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: I am truly sorry, Scott. I[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]m afraid in all of these flames, they have expired.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: What! No. Where did...? Why didn[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]t anyone..? WHAY DID[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]NT ANYONE TRY TO SAVE THEM!!!!!!????????[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: Your team had given up and decided to avoid an unnecessary loss of life. They could not save you either. I will not tell you how you will be remembered; all I will tell you is that you will be. Unless...[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: Unless what? What do you want?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: I shall give you the power to save yourself. If you manage to do that, you must inflict just revenge on the people who let those children die, and left you to burn.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: Yes, please I[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]ll do whatever you want.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: If we are agreed, then I shall give you the power of invulnerability. As you long as you draw breathe, no force on heaven or earth can do harm to you.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JOHNNY: What is this? My pain, my fatigue it[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]s it[/FONT]’[FONT=&quot]s gone! I can breathe again![/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]VINCENT: Do not forget our deal, Johnny[/FONT]
 
Hi Dull Eyes,

Really like your idea and I think there are a lot of things you can do with it. I would go someway in agreeing with previous posts in that you definitely do have a lot of ideas in here...in order for the story not to flop you are going to have to make each and every one work well...for instance, you mention Vincent is somewhat of a philosopher but do you have his philosophy worked out in your mind? Whose philosophy will you base it on? A modern philosper like Kant or Nietschze etc? Why is he a philosopher anyway? These are the things your readers will want worked out...

For me, the dialogue is clearly influenced by japanese manga style comics. Is this the angle you were going for? It is difficult to comment on the thin dialogue of a comic without the pictures - at the moment it remains just that, thin. I can see what you are going for though and that is definitely encouraging.

Keep it up,

Gamblor
 
Hi Dull Eyes,

We've instituted some new rules since you started this thread, and one of them is that members must make a certain amount of effort to contribute to the forums here before asking for critiques.

http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/527567-please-read-before-posting-rules-and-guidelines-for.html

These changes were made after you opened this thread, but before you added on to it asking for further critiques, so I am going to have to close it.

The Critiques forum works best when those who ask for critiques reciprocate. Please take the time to offer your ideas and suggestions to other aspiring writers here.

When the moderating team feels that you have been a significant contribution to these forums, this thread can be reopened.
 
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