We examined how Classic Texts (Western Cultural Bias) can be adapted to entice a new audience to engage with these heritage storylines. We reviewed the Manga Shakespeare (Hamlet and The Tempest), Heart of Darkness and At the Mountains of Madness. We then went on to look at how artists have taken heritage texts and re-imagined them as visual communication. Bryan Talbot's Alice in Sunderland, Watchmen and Maus have moved the graphic novel into the status of classic literature. Finally Julie Doucet's New York Diary brings the autobiography as unvarnished testimony of the life of a struggling immigrant trying to make it as an artist. How the personal can become the political.
Publishers of Graphic Novels
Graphic Novel Creatives
Dave Gibbons Watchmen & Kingsmen The Secret Service
Ian Cullbard At the Mountains of Madness
Art Spiegelmann Maus, Maus II and In the Shadow of No Towers
Bryan Talbot Alice In Sunderland and Dotter of Her Father's Eyes
Julie Doucet My New York Diary and Dirty Plotte
Doucet, J. (2018) Dirty Plotte. First edition edn. Montreal, Quebec: Drawn & Quarterly.
Moore, A. and Berlatsky, E.L. (2012) Alan Moore. First printing edn. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi.
Moore, A., Gibbons, D. and Klinger, L.S. (2017) Watchmen annotated. Burbank, CA: DC Comics.
Prescott, T. (2013) 'Dotter of Her Father’s Eyes by Mary M. and Bryan Talbot (review)', James Joyce quarterly, 50(3), pp. 907-911. doi: 10.1353/jjq.2013.0041.
Spiegelman, A. (2011) Maus. 25. anniversary ed. edn. New York: Pantheon Books.
Talbot, B. (2007) Alice in Sunderland. 1. ed. edn. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Books.
Connecting your earliest memory/ autobiography with a major narrative theme is a good way to help you to expand your story to open up new possibilities.
1. Overcoming the Monster
2. Rags to Riches
3. The Quest
4. Comedy
5. Tragedy
6. Rebirth
Government Agency 100 DATES established for 6 years and endorsed by the UK State. The company matches genetically compatible people who wish to marry and produce offspring who will be fully immune to the SARs 10 VIRUS. I decided to create characters that were hiding aspects of their personalities and histories that made them untrustworthy and subject to changes in trajectory and motivation.
CHARACTER ARCHETYPES:
HERO
The word hero is Greek, from a root that means "to protect and to serve" (incidentally the motto of the Los Angeles Police Department). A Hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own needs on behalf of others, like a shepherd who will sacrifice to protect and serve his flock. At the root the idea of Hero is connected with self-sacrifice. (Note that I use the word Hero to describe a central character or protagonist of either sex.)
MENTOR
An archetype found frequently in dreams, myths, and stories is the Mentor, usually a positive figure who aids or trains the hero. A Wise Old Person. This archetype is expressed in all those characters who teach and protect heroes and give them gifts.
THRESHOLD GUARDIAN
All heroes encounter obstacles on the road to adventure. At each gateway to a new world there are powerful guardians at the threshold, placed to keep the unworthy from entering. They present a menacing face to the hero, but if properly understood, they can be overcome, bypassed, or even turned into allies. Man y heroes encounter Threshold Guardians and understanding their nature can help determine how to handle them.
HERALD
Often a new force will appear in Act One to bring a challenge to the hero. This is the energy of the Herald archetype. Like the heralds of medieval chivalry, Herald characters issue challenges and announce the coming of significant change. At the commencement of war a herald might be called upon to recite the causes of the conflict; in effect, to provide the motivation.
SHADOW
The archetype known as the Shadow represents the energy of the dark side, the unexpressed, unrealised, or rejected aspects of something. Often, it's the home of the suppressed monsters of our inner world. Shadows can be all the things we don't like about ourselves, all the dark secrets we can't admit, even to ourselves. The qualities we have renounced and tried to root out still lurk within, operating in the Shadow world of the unconscious. The Shadow can also shelter positive qualities that are in hiding or that we have rejected for some reason. The negative face of the Shadow in stories is projected onto characters called villains, antagonists, or enemies.
SHAPESHIFTER
People often have trouble grasping the elusive archetype of the Shapeshifter, perhaps because its very nature is to be shifting and unstable. Its appearance and characteristics change as soon as you examine it closely. Nonetheless, the Shapeshifter is a powerful archetype and understanding its ways can be helpful in storytelling and in life. Heroes frequently encounter figures, often of the opposite sex, whose primary characteristic is that they appear to change constantly from the hero's point of view.
ALLY
Heroes on their journeys may need someone to travel with them, an Ally who can serve a variety of necessary functions, such as companion, sparring partner, conscience, or comic relief Its useful to have someone to send on errands, to carry messages, to scout locations. It's convenient to have someone for the hero to talk to, to bring out human feelings or reveal important questions in the plot. Allies do many mundane tasks but also serve the important function of humanising the heroes, adding extra dimensions to their personalities, or challenging them to be more open and balanced. From the dawn of storytelling, heroes have been paired with friendly figures who fight at their sides, advise and warn them, and sometimes challenge them.
The Trickster archetype embodies the energies of mischief and desire for change. All the characters in stories who are primarily clowns or comical sidekicks express this archetype. The specialised form called the Trickster Hero is the leading figure in many myths and is very popular in folklore and fairy tales.
100 DATES Dramatis Personae (revised 2022)
London/ New London (ORDINARY WORLD/ SPECIAL WORLD)
Very old capital city of England. It is a main character and the atmosphere of the city should sparkle on every page. It is alive and has a supernatural effect on some of its population. It is the inspiration for most of the story. This city and it landmarks will be responsible for the look of the story and the dynamism within.
Parts of city are no go areas (as the mass burial grounds are toxic) and the Thames has flooded 12 swallowing up most of East London. Land is at a premium and new buildings must be at least 38 storeys tall.
There is a scheme to build a wall around the city (linked to fear of the strain SARs 10 VIRUS)
William Frank (nom de plume Frank Hinds) (HERO 1/ MAIN PROTAGONIST)
Age in his 30’s
Height 6’5”
Born in August
Dark Brown eyes, Shaved head, Heavy build, Smartly dressed
Tattoo of a heart on their left breast
Co-Director of Government Agency 100 DATES
Secretly writing online mystery “Ill Met by Moonlight” under name of Frank Hinds for Virtual Glass Publishing
Passionate about music
Lives in a flat in the Barbican’s Shakespeare Tower
Originally comes from St. Albans
No parents (Died because of the Genetic War)
Has 1 Sister who has 2 young children (The children are unofficial)
He has headaches and there appears to be no cure
He has a terrible secret from his childhood this is the cause of his headaches
These headaches cause delusions and he has invented an alter ego ‘Detective Francis’. He consults a psychiatrist at Bart’s Hospital for help and uses counseling sessions to help him to recover
He falls in love with Kathleen Tilbury and tries to romance her with special dates (their love is forbidden)
He does not trust the UK Security Services despite working for one of them.
Detective Frank (William Franks ALTER EGO)
We never see Detective Frank directly only his shadow or reflection (distorted)
His actions are those of a Super detective
This fantasy that appears when William has his headaches
Has been an escape for William since his troubled upbringing and the death of Maxi Patrick.
This fantasy begins to take over his mind. William’s fantasy life threatens his sanity.
Kathleen Tilbury (HERO 2)
Age in her 30’s
Height 5’7”
Born in May
Light brown eyes
Hourglass figure
Long red hair extensions
Glasses
Wears sports gear
Freelance photographer/ writer. Major client: The People Planet Guides Works as photographer and video tech for Agency 100 DATES
Passionate about music
Lives in rented flat in Finsbury Park
Originally comes from Norwich
Split up from long term boyfriend 18 months previously
No parents (Died because of the Genetic War)
No siblings
Has been reading Frank Hinds online novel
Childhood friend of Desta Finn
She falls in love with William Frank (their love is forbidden)
Commissioned to produce photos for the New London city guide, which puts her life in danger
Suspects Desta Finn is hiding an awful secret
Has no idea her colleague Nat O’Brien is attracted to her
Jon Doe (ANTAGONIST then ALLY)
Age in his 50’s
Height 6’
Born in April
Dark brown eyes,
Short grey hair
Heavy build dresses like Lt. Columbo
Detective Inspector in the London Metropolitan Police 25 years on the job
Lives in police station house in EC2
Originally comes from Bermondsey
Divorced 5 years ago
Ex wife does not speak to him
Has also been reading Frank Hinds online novel
A Martial arts expert
He becomes obsessed with Desta Finn and has a secret affair with her
He knows William does not like him and this makes him angry
He thinks William requires surveillance
Desta Finn (THRESHOLD GUARDIAN/ SHAPESHIFTER)
Age in her 30’s
Height 5’6”
Born in June
Cropped Black hair light brown eyes
Business suits
Slight build
Tattoo Scar on left breast
Co-director of 100 DATES Company set up (sanctioned by the State) 6 years ago after graduation from MBA course
She inherited a fortune from her ‘Uncle’ Bruce Wilkinson
Went to school with Kathleen and Jacqui Chance
Lives in flat in Barbican Shakespeare Tower
Originally comes from Norwich
Adopted but trying to trace her birth mother
Aggressive and jealous of others
Reads murder mysteries
Jealous of Kathleen and William’s secret relationship
Romantic partner is James Bent
Has secret affair with Jon Doe
Her childhood friends are concerned that she has untreated mental health issues
Natalie (Nat) O’Brien (HERALD)
Age in her 30’s
Height 5’6”
Born in January
Brown eyes
Long brown hair extensions
Spangly earrings
Wears business suits
Slight build with withered legs
Uses a wheelchair
Publisher of The People Planet Guides
Lost use of legs in car crash with police van 10 years ago
Has an asthmatic symptom
Lives with husband John in Berkhamsted, Herts
Originally comes from Tring
Brother is a journalist who disappeared in South Africa 5 years ago
Always giving unwanted advice to Kathleen
Suspects that Kathleen knows more about what happened to her brother when he disappeared
Secretly in love with Kathleen
Hugh Wycombe (ALLY)
Age in his 30’s but looks like he’s in his 50’s
Height 5’9”
Born in January
Brown eyes
Flat top afro
Slight build
Scruffy wears baseball cap that promotes live music ‘Keep Music Live’
Blues musician
Writes songs and plays Electric Bass and Keyboards
Best friend of William Frank
Married to Claire Wycombe
1 son Charles with his wife expecting a girl
Once toured US and met Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis
Successfully beat addiction to Heroin
Used to write comic strips with William when they were boys
Former member of the Messian Cult
Introduces William and Kathleen to other musicians and special gigs
Knows William’s secret but has not revealed this to anyone
Pompas Glass (SHADOW)
Age in his 30’s
Height 6’
Born in February
black eyes
black hair with blond hi-lights
Well built
Glasses
Trench coat with bright red belt
Guardian media reporter/ owns online publishing house that Frank Hinds works for
Eton School educated
Oxford graduate expert in hi-tech surveillance
Lifelong friend of Sleaze Jones
Having affair with Sleaze Jones’ wife
Uses technical knowledge to fabricate stories and cause cyber catastrophes
Jobsworth (ANTAGONIST/ HERO 3)
Branson/Musk Series 1010001 Robot/ becomes an android
Robots carry out most of the menial tasks in a city depleted of it human inhabitants during the early stages of the Genetics War
Height 8’
Plastic polymer chassis
Human like face but has 4 arms and wheels instead of feet
Can levitate for short periods
Caretaker robot in Barbican flats where Desta and William live
A machine that was given an extra conscience chip and starts to form a human type self awareness
Used to show the moral depravity of the characters and human society
Part of a sub-plot on surveillance and civil rights
Might be able to time travel
Worked at Temple of Michael Messian
Augustus Winter (MENTOR)
Age in his 40’s
Height 5’11” Eyes dark brown
Well dressed Plays sax clarinet and flute
Composer
Has own online jazz music site.
Gigs around London and New London
Becomes a friend with William through Hugh Wycombe
Loves to drink bourbon neat
Williams and Kathleen’s passion for music leads to this friendship
Annie Jones (SHAPESHIFTER)
Age in their 20’s
Height 5’5”
Born in May
Pink eyes
Bright white hair
Agile and insatiable sexual desires
Trophy bride
Former underwear model
Wants to have babies with Sleaze but is drawn to other more powerful men
Dreams of being worshipped by men
In secret joins 100 DATES agency to meet extreme sexual partners
Part of the sub-plot on secret identity ID chips in skin
Sleaze Jones (HERALD)
Age in their 30’s
Height 5’11”
Born in February
Brown eyes
Short brown hair
Thin moustache
Well built
Beltless trench coat
Sun Media reporter/ secret police informer
Eton School educated
Oxford and MIT graduate expert in hi-tech surveillance
Is the handler of Jobsworth and several other android operatives?
Incidental character that forms part of a sub-plot on surveillance and civil rights
He likes androids and thinks they promise a great future for humanity
Anil Singh (TRICKSTER/ ALLY)
Age 30 -35
Height 5’9”
Very long brown hair
Stout but powerful
Doctor of Psychiatry at St. Bart’s
From Wembley
World authority on Psychotherapy
Met William at Comic convention at the Barbican and became they friends.
He lives in Barbican Lauderdale Tower
Tries to help William recover from his mental delusions – suggests surgery
Part of the sub-plot on identity ID chips in skin
Maxi Patrick (ORDEAL)
Age 8 (deceased)
Height 5’
Blue eyes
Blond hair
Very skinny
Shorts and T-shirt
Was a school boy and attended Moonfleet Middle School
Adopted when small child
Had unknown sister
Heart shaped birthmark on left shoulder
Lived in St. Albans
Bullied at school
Died aged 8 Maxi Patrick’s death is the reason why William Frank has a secret
Michael Messian (HERALD/ SHADOW/ CLIMAX)
Age Unknown
Height approx 6’ 6”
Black eyes
Long chestnut coloured hair
Wears floating robes and head band
Body very hairy
Voice is enhanced by special implant
Prophet for the people – Charismatic leader of the Temple of Eternal Redemption
Private donations and drug dealing in 3HC keep this organisation going
Unknown he appeared in Bad Lands 10 years ago and set up his Cult
Works with the establishment and outside the law
Has previous business relationship with Hugh Wycombe during Hugh’s Heroin addiction
He has connection with Jobsworth and other androids who spy for him
He causes problems for many characters in the story
He has deadly battle with Jobsworth
HE IS THE CAUSE OF EVERYTHING
