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Cover & Content Warnings


Posted on August 2, 2025A content warnings page for Tip The Ferrymen. The text reads as follows: “Tip The Ferrymen is a webcomic intended for audiences over the age of 13. This comic depicts topics and scenarios such as: Strong language, death, violence, blood, injury, gore, grief, mental health struggles such as depression PTSD, OCD, and more; suicidal ideation, physical and emotional abuse, memory loss, identity loss, fire, paranormal creatures, depictions of abelism (specifically aimed towards autistic individuals), and more. This comic also contains sexual references. Sexual scenarios are implied to happen offscreen. No explicit adult material is shown. While Tip The Ferrymen is an optimistic story about overcoming hardship, these subjects may still be upsetting to some readers. Please read with caution, and remember: Your mental health matters more than a webcomic. Thank you for reading, and don't forget to tip the ferryman!
Posted on May 18, 2026

 

Chapter 01

Chapter one divider
Posted on May 18, 2026PANEL 1: A blurry, up close shot of Nathan, who is wearing a punk battle jacket with multiple buttons and patches on it. This includes arm patches of the Trans flag and the Asexual flag. There’s a “RECORDING” camera interface overlayed on each of these panels. Nathan is speaking to someone offscreen, the dialogue is as follows: ???: Nate, I’ve got it NATHAN: Hold on, I’m making sure it’s running. ???: I hit record! PANEL 2: Nathan backs away, smirking. NATHAN: Yeah, well, I can’t be sure you know how to work one of these things, Wil. WILBUR: !Vete a la chingada, Nathan! PANEL 3: Nathan sits down on a tree stump in the middle of the woods, holding his lantern and smiling nervously. The camera is now clearer, and we can see a much younger Nathan. He’s wearing a leather jacket with the Asexual and Transgender pride flags on his right sleeve. His hair is down and he does not have a prosthetic. The dialogue is as follows: WILBUR: Okay, just- sit back down, Mr.Star-Of-The-Show. Camera’s working. NATHAN: Okay, great! Got it! PANEL 4: Nathan faces the camera, still with that nervous smile on his face. NATHAN: So…You ready, Wilbur? The panel fades into static.
Posted on May 18, 2026PANEL 1: We fade in from static to present day. Nathan stands with his back to the camera, alone at night in a graveyard. NATHAN: I sure hope you are. PANEL 2: Nathan holds his lantern out in front of himself, which glows a bright green color. We see that, in present day, his left glasses lense is cracked. PANEL 3: A closeup of Nathan’s right eye. It glows green. NATHAN: Come on, I know you’re here. You’ve gotta be… PANEL 4: A figure begins to take form in front of the lantern.
Posted on May 18, 2026PANEL 1: A green, humanlike figure with glowing white eyes starts to take shape. It stares at Nathan. PANEL 2: Nathan’s eyes glimmer with hope. PANEL 3: Nathan reaches out to the figure as it forms further. PANEL 4: The figure reveals himself to be Russel Marek- an older ghost with dark brown skin, a white scarf, oval glasses, and greying hair. Nathan pulls his hand back in surprise. RUSSEL: Nathan Vargas! Now there’s a face I haven’t seen in years! PANEL 5: Nathan takes a step back, staring at Russel who floats in front of him. Russel smiles, holding a hand to his chest. RUSSEL: What brings you back here NATHAN: I- You– PANEL 6: Nathan looks incredibly angry. NATHAN: What do you want?!
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Russel, interrupting Nathan, floats to his side with a big smile on his face. Nathan doesn't look pleased with this. RUSSEL: It's been forever, Nathan! We've all missed ya! Gotta say, we didn't expect to see you on a case ever again. NATHAN: I'm not on a case! PANEL 2: Russel looks confused at this. RUSSEL: You have your lantern out in a graveyard, what else could you... PANEL 3: Russel notices something behind Nathan. RUSSEL: Be...Doing? PANEL 4: We see Wilbur Vargas's grave, surrounded by pots of flowers. The engraving on it reads Los héroes viven más allá de la tumba. PANEL 5: Russel puts a hand to his chest. Nathan grips his lantern tighter. RUSSEL: ...Oh. I didn't think you were still... PANEL 6: Nathan begins to storm away. Russel tries to reach for him. RUSSEL: Nathan-- NATHAN: Don't.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Russel stops Nathan in his tracks. RUSSEL: Don't tell me you're looking for your brother again. NATHAN: I just said-- RUSSEL: He's moved on, Nathan. PANEL 2: Nathan snaps. NATHAN: NO HE HASN'T. PANEL 3: Nathan, distressed, puts a hand to his forehead. NATHAN: Spirits who died a traumatic death rarely move on without help! They- They need a guide! A-And I never-- PANEL 4: Russel looks sympathetic. RUSSEL: Then why haven't you found him? PANEL 5: Nathan, still with a hand to his forehead, looks down at the ground. NATHAN: I don't know! He could be hiding...I can only see you guys if you let me, you know. PANEL 6: Nathan looks over his shoulder at some nearby gravestones, annoyed. NATHAN: So don't think I don't know you kids are listening in!
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL ONE: Three lights begin to take shape. One is yellow, another is orange, and the final one is red. PANEL TWO: Three teenaged ghosts appear behind their respective graves, all of which are marked with their names: Rudy, Rukus, and Ruben. Rudy is a chubby girl with pale skin and curly brown hair. She's missing her legs, instead she has a yellow ghost tail. She shyly hides behind her gravestone. Rukus is a kid with long, dyed blonde hair that covers xer eyes. Xe's wearing an orange jacket and black pants. Xe leans on xer grave, casually putting xer head on xer hand. Ruben is a girl with black hair tied back in a ponytail, light brown skin, and is wearing a red jacket. She has a noticable injury on her throat. She lifts herself up on her grave, smiling at Nathan. RUDY: Sorry... RUKUS: You've kinda been freaking us out, man. RUBEN: We've missed you! PANEL THREE: Russel looks sympathetically at Nathan again. RUSSEL: Look, Nathan. It's been five years. It may be best for you to stop looking-- PANEL FOUR: Nathan swipes his arm forward. NATHAN: No! I know he's here somewhere! He's just hiding! PANEL FIVE: Rudy looks saddened and Rukus looks nervous. RUDY: Well none of us have seen him... RUKUS: Yeah. We never saw a lick of him, dude.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: A back shot of Nathan, who flinches as Rudy speaks off screen. Nathan is colored entirely in white. RUDY: Besides...why would Wilbur want to hide from you? PANEL 2: The colors gradually turn more and more red over the next few panels. Nathan looks down, upset. PANEL 3: Nathan lifts his lantern up, frowning. PANEL 4: Nathan grips his lantern tightly. PANEL 5: Nathan storms off, leaving the graveyard ghosts behind without a word. PANEL 6: The colors return to normal as the ghosts look at each other in concern. PANEL 7: Russel tries to reach out, he has a soft smile on his face. RUSSEL: ...Well, if you're taking your leave, can you say hi to Joey for us? PANEL 8: Nathan crossly looks over his shoulder. NATHAN: SHOVE IT, RUSSEL.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: The Elysium City skyline at night. PANEL 2: We see Nathan walking down an old allyeway, encountering multiple ghosts as he walks. One is a blonde woman who is holding her own decapitated head, greeting Nathan cheerfully. Nathan reacts to her in surprise. The second is a young child wearing a newsboy outfit. They have something leaking out of their mouth. They also happily greet Nathan. Nathan awkwardly waves to them. Finally, he passes by a greaser man. The greaser doesn't interact with him, instead leaning against the wall while floating out of Nathan's way. He looks to Nathan with a raised eyebrow. This ghost is breathing out smoke. Nathan walks past him, clenching a fist in aggravation. The alleyway also has a sign for something called Ambrosia, a colorful spray paint mural, and torn up missing posters hung here and there.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan exits the city and walks down a path into the woods. PANEL 2: A shot of the Vargas home from the outside. It's a two story wooden cabin, isolated out here in the woods. PANEL 3: Nathan enters the cabin, looking exhausted. PANEL 4: Nathan's eyes suddenly widen, looking shocked at something off screen.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: We see a young boy sitting in the middle of the living room, surrounded by pieces of shrapnel. He's holding a hammer and looks like a deer caught in headlights upon Nathan walking in. The boy bears a striking resemblance to Nathan, having brown skin and brown hair. His hair is much curlier than Nathan's, though. The boy also has many freckles, unlike Nathan. He's wearing brown overalls and a short-sleeved yellow flannel shirt, as well as yellow sneakers. He also has hearing aids and a wearable artificial graphene throat. PANEL 2: Nathan smiles, astounded. NATHAN: Joey? PANEL 3: Joey smiles, nervous. JOEY: Yeah? All of Joey's speech bubbles are styled with a little lightning bolt for a tail. PANEL 3: Nathan points to the mess. Joey looks away sheepishly. NATHAN: What, uh...what're you up to there? JOEY: Uh...I'm experimenting? NATHAN: I can see that. PANEL 4: We see the toaster, which has multiple random nails and screws driven into it. It's in pretty bad shape. NATHAN: Is that the toaster? JOEY: The old one, yeah. NATHAN: ...Wow. JOEY, with emphasis: Yeah. PANEL 5: Nathan smiles, still flabbergast but a little endeared to his nephew's antics. NATHAN: Well...Hey! Props for trying! But...why??? PANEL 6: Joey clenches his fists together, looking up at Nathan in determination. JOEY: You know why! I have to find out what my Spec is!
Posted on May 22, 2026ANEL 1: Nathan looks sympathetic. NATHAN: Oh, mijo... PANEL 2: Nathan kneels down to Joey's eye level, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. He gives the kid a soft smile. NATHAN: You don't gotta know right away! Besides, there's so many possibilities it'll take awhile to figure out! PANEL 3: Joey looks confused. JOEY: You knew yours when you were a kid though, didn't you? PANEL 4: Nathan rubs the back of his own neck. NATHAN: Well, yeah, but...some of them are more noticable than others. PANEL 5: Nathan lifts up his lantern, gesturing it as he speaks. He's surrounded by little green ghosts, which spiral to the lantern. NATHAN: And you gotta remember, kiddo, Specs are the very core of who you are! It'll be awhile before you discover your powers. I learned mine was
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan stands up, looking back at Joey with a smile. NATHAN: What I'm saying is, be patient. Shit takes time. PANEL 2: Joey looks disappointed, putting his head in his hand. JOEY: But if there's so many possibilities then how am I supposed to know what's right? When will I know? PANEL 3: Nathan leans back down to Joey's eye level. NATHAN: You'll know when it happens! Don't rush it. Recuerda, buenas cosas están por llegar a los que saben esperan. JOEY: But-- PANEL 4: Nathan holds up a finger, interrupting Joey with a smug smirk. NATHAN: Ah! What'd I just say? PANEL 5: Joey sighs, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms. JOEY: Buenas cosas están por llegar a los que saben esperan. PANEL 6: Nathan begins walking back towards the door. NATHAN: Exactly. Be patient, mijo. You'll figure yourself out.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks confused, but still smiles. NATHAN: And, uh...don't you think you're getting ahead of yourself? Tech enhances your Spec, it doesn't create it. PANEL 2: Joey nervously taps his pointer fingers together. JOEY: ...I was kinda hoping I'd breakthrough and find out it's Technology or something. PANEL 3: Nathan looks exhausted. He still smiles, though. NATHAN: ...Yeah, okay, fair enough. PANEL 4: Nathan ruffles Joey's hair. NATHAN: We'll clean this mess up in a sec, alright? Lemme put some stuff away. PANEL 5: Joey perks up, curious. PANEL 6: Nathan walks back towards the door, there are little white lines around his lantern. PANEL 7: Joey focuses in on the lantern. A bright yellow glow surrounds it.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Joey's eyes sparkle. JOEY: ...Wait. PANEL 2: Joey stands up. JOEY: Where were you?Nathan looks over his shoulder. NATHAN: Huh--? PANEL 3: Nathan looks nervous. NATHAN: Oh, uh..nowhere-- PANEL 4: Joey excitedly runs up to Nathan, who looks away from him nervously. JOEY: You had your lantern when you came in! NATHAN: Well- PANEL 5: Joey looks incredibly excited, eyes sparkling. JOEY: Were you ghost hunting!? PANEL 6: Nathan anxiously rubs his hands together. NATHAN: No! Not...not really, I was just...looking for someone.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Joey stand across from each other, surrounded by purple void. Nathan keeps a hand to his chest, looking down at the ground. Joey stares at Nathan, eyes widening as he realizes something. A bright yellow glow surrounds his head. PANEL 2: Joey puts his hands together. JOEY: ...Were you looking for my dad again? PANEL 3: Nathan looks surprised. PANEL 4: Nathan says nothing, avoiding eye contact with Joey. PANEL 5: Joey, taking this as confirmation, looks sullen. JOEY: ...Oh. PANEL 6: Nathan cups Joey's face in one hand, making the boy look up at him. NATHAN: Hey, don't look so down, yeah? PANEL 7: Nathan forces a smile. NATHAN: I'll find him one day, Jojo. I promise.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan begins to remove his trenchcoat. NATHAN: But, just so I'm clear, I'm done with the whole paranormal investigation thing. PANEL 2: Nathan hangs up his coat and leans his lantern against the wall. NATHAN: Have been ever since I stopped doing ParaNathan. PANEL 3: Joey looks confused. JOEY: You used to do it all the time, though! Even when cameras weren't rolling! PANEL 4: Nathan looks mildly annoyed. NATHAN: Key words: Used to. Putting spirits to rest and chasing out angry poltergeists is fun and all, but it's...not for me anymore. PANEL 5: Nathan ruffles Joey's hair again. NATHAN: Especially now that I gotta look after little gremlins like you. PANEL 6: Joey swipes away Nathan's hand. JOEY: I'm not a gremlin! NATHAN: You were raised by me, you're a gremlin.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Joey rolls his eyes again. JOEY: Okay, okay, point taken-- ghosts are dangerous, no more cases. Nathan crosses his arms, looking uncertain. NATHAN: The dead aren't any more dangerous than the living, kid. PANEL 2: Nathan waves his hand dismissively. NATHAN: But that doesn't mean I'll go back to taking cases. Never doing that again, no matter wh-- PANEL 3: Nathan jumps as someone knocks on the front door. PANEL 4: Joey gets a mischevious smile on his face. JOEY: Sounds like a call to action to me. NATHAN: You be quiet. PANEL 6: Nathan goes to open the door.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: An older woman stands at the door. She's a large woman with pale skin and curly greying red hair that covers her right eye. She's wearing rather old fashioned clothing. A dress with frilly sleeves and a hat with a blue flower in it's rim. She's holding her hands together and looks rather concerned. PANEL 2: Nathan seems surprised to see her. NATHAN: Miss Fortune? LIZZIE: Mr.Vargas, I really hope you don't mind me showing up at this hour. It's- It's an emergency. PANEL 3: Nathan looks uncertain, but motions behind himself, inviting her in. NATHAN: Uh...No, not at all. Let yourself in. PANEL 4: Lizzie walks ahead of Nathan. Joey stares at her in confusion. JOEY: ...Who's that? NATHAN: Lizzie Fortune, she was a client of ours back in the day.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Lizzie looks down at her hands, uneasy. She's surrounded by four different specters, all with their own colors. On the bottom left is a blue ghost with curly hair, it looks as though their arm has been chopped off. On the upper left is a red ghost who's head is separate from his body. On the upper right is a purple ghost with a gash in her neck. On the bottom right is a green ghost who looks to be missing an arm as well. No further details can be discerned about these figures. NATHAN, offscreen: Whole family was murdered and started haunting the mansion, Liz was the only one who survived. That's when she came to us, asked us to figure out who did this to her folks. PANEL 2: Joey stares after Lizzie, interested. Nathan however looks uncertain. NATHAN: Turns out none of 'em wanted to move on yet and just wanted to stay in their old family home. JOEY: Huh. NATHAN: Yeah. She let the ghosts have the estate, too. Stops by as often as she can, paying her respects, you know the deal. PANEL 3: Joey looks to Nathan. Nathan puts a finger to his chin. JOEY: What do you think she's here for? NATHAN: No clue. Can't imagine they'd be getting up to anything.
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan follows Lizzie into the kitchen, leaving Joey in the living room. Lizzie looks over her shoulder, putting a hand to her heart. LIZZIE: I do apologize for storming in at this time of night, Mr.Vargas. Nathan crosses his arms. NATHAN: I'd be less bothered by it if you explained what this emergency is. PANEL 2: Lizzie looks distressed. LIZZIE: It's the manor! PANEL 3: Nathan looks confused as Lizzie speaks. LIZZIE: The front windows have been smashed! NATHAN: That...tends to happen when a place is haunted, yes. PANEL 4: Lizzie, surrounded by darkness, looks at the floor. LIZZIE: You don't understand, this isn't my siblings getting into afterwordly mischief. Usually they leave notes apologizing for the mess, but this place was in shambles! No notes, no chill in the room, nothing! No sign of them anywhere!
Posted on May 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks like he's nervously anticipating something. NATHAN: So what're you asking me? PANEL 2: Lizzie has a pleading expression. LIZZIE: You're the only one I know who can see the dead! I need you to check in on them! PANEL 3: Nathan looks shocked. NATHAN: I... PANEL 4: Nathan grits his teeth, tensing up. NATHAN: I haven't worked a case in five years, Liz. I don't know if I can help you. PANEL 5: Lizzie looks surprised by this answer. PANEL 6: She looks off to the side, now looking sympathetic. PANEL 7: She puts her hands together. LIZZIE: Mr.Vargas...
Posted on May 22, 2026ANEL 1: Nathan turns away from Lizzie, hugging himself and looking uncomfortable. LIZZIE: I understand your brother's passing was...difficult for you, sir, but please. Just this once. All I ask is you pay them a visit. I just...want to know if my family is safe, even if they're gone now. PANEL 2: You understand, don't you? PANEL 3: Nathan looks unsure, the colors gradually shifting to purple hues. PANEL 4: Nathan clenches his eyes closed, the colors now monochromatic purple. PANEL 5: The color scheme abruptly shifts back to full color, with Nathan offering his hand to Lizzie. NATHAN: Fine, I'll head down there tomorrow night to take a look, but that's all I'm doing. PANEL 6: Lizzie shakes Nathan's hand, smiling gratefully. Nathan rubs the back of his neck nervously. LIZZIE: Oh, I can't thank you enough, sir! I swear it'll be nothing more than a check up. NATHAN: Yeah, yeah. After this I'm going right back into retirement, though. So don't get any other ideas.
Posted on May 22, 2026ANEL 1: A view of a large mansion from the outside. It's late at night and the sky is a dark purple. Multiple of the windows in this mansion are shattered. Someone is standing outside of it. NATHAN, offscreen: Besides...What's the worst that could happen to someone who's already dead, right? PANEL 2: We see this stranger upclose. They're staring up at the mansion with half-lidded eyes, wearing a mask that covers the bottom half of their face. They have pale skin, a rather chubby build, and black greying hair styled in a mullet. Their eyes are dark blue and there's a scar over their left eye. They also have multiple piercings in their ears. They wear a blue hoodie and a white shirt NATHAN, offscreen: This'll be over with in no time.
Posted on May 22, 2026

 

Chapter 02

Chapter 2 divider
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan walks down a sidewalk alone at night. PANEL 2: Something snaps behind him. PANEL 3: Nathan's eye widens. PANEL 4: He grips his lantern tightly. PANEL 5: Nathan, eyes glowing green as his lantern lights up, turns to face whatever's behind him. NATHAN: Show yourself! Don't think I didn't hear you! PANEL 6: Something rustles in the bushes. PANEL 7: Joey pops out. He has his hands in the air and looks rather startled.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks shocked. Joey comes out of the bushes and keeps his hands raised. NATHAN: Joey!? JOEY: I-I can explain! PANEL 2: Nathan looks at Joey sternly. NATHAN: You can't be out here, mijo! I've told you before, this is too dangerous for you. PANEL 3: Joey gets defensive. JOEY: You said it's only a check in! PANEL 4: Joey hugs himself, looking down at the ground. JOEY: And I- I'm just curious. PANEL 5: Joey is surrounded by darkness, save for a bright purple light behind him. JOEY: You and dad used to talk about this stuff all the time, I never got to see it outside of your show. PANEL 6: Nathan looks surprised. He thinks for a moment, expression turning soft.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan puts a hand on Joey's shoulder, who looks up at him starry eyed. NATHAN: Fine, just this once you can tag along. I guess it is family history, so... PANEL 2: Joey jumps in the air in celebration, which takes Nathan aback. JOEY: YES!!!!! PANEL 3: Joey starts rushing ahead of Nathan, pointing ahead of them. Nathan smiles at his nephew's enthusiasm. JOEY: What're we waiting for, then? Let's go! PANEL 4: Joey suddenly ROCKETS away, running as fast as he can. Nathan is caught off caught. NATHAN: HEY!!!
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Joey looks up at the manor's windows, which have been smashed open. PANEL 2: Joey looks up at the manor, a light glow surrounding his head. Nathan rushes up behind him, huffiing and panting. PANEL 3: Nathan keels over, supporting himself with his lantern. He loudly wheezes. The glow around Joey's head disappears. PANEL 4: Nathan sits up. NATHAN: Jojo, I'm too old to be chasing you around like this-- Joey puts a hand on Nathan's shoulder. JOEY: Uh...Tío? Look. PANEL 5: Nathan looks up, squinting his eyes.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: A focus shot on one of the shattered windows. NATHAN: ...Huh. PANEL 2: Joey looks up at Nathan, who tilts his head to the side curiously. JOEY: You think someone broke in? NATHAN: Can't think of anyone who would. PANEL 3: Nathan puts a finger to his chin. NATHAN: The Fortunes were a respected family of historians, writers-- they were all really curious about the world, charitable as hell too. I can't remember them having many enemies. PANEL 4: Joey looks off to the side, smiling incredulously. JOEY: Weren't they. Y'know-- PANEL 5: Joey looks to the other side, smiling wider. JOEY: MURDERED??? PANEL 6: Nathan shrugs. NATHAN: Yeah, but we made sure that guy was taken care of. Hard to get away with murder when we can just as a ghost who killed 'em. PANEL 7: Nathan walks into the mansion. Joey looks uncertain. NATHAN: Let's not jump to conclusions yet. C'mon.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: The door swings open. We see the interior of the manor lobby. In the center of the room is a table with various items on it-- from what we can see, it's a flower vase, a candle, and a note. There's hallways going off in many different directions and a staircase. It's incredibly dark in this room. NATHAN: Hello? Andy, Sarah? Are either of you home? PANEL 2: Nathan walks further into the manor. Something catches Joeys eye, causing that bright glow to return. NATHAN: Sorry to come in uninvited-- PANEL 3: We see what's on the table. It's a small cat angel statue, a blue candle, a vase full of white lilies, and a note that reads Thanks for everything. Rest easy, okay? -E. NATHAN: Liz is looking for you, thought I'd lend a helping hand. PANEL 4: Joey puts his hand to his heart, staring down at what he's found. Nathan hasn't noticed it. NATHAN: So uh...yeah. That's a thing, I guess. PANEL 5: Nathan receives no response. He looks nervous. PANEL 6: Joey turns back to Nathan, who's now looking around cautiously. NATHAN: ...Hello? Esther, Emily? Are any of you here?
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan grits his teeth. NATHAN: Alright... PANEL 2: Nathan grips his lantern. PANEL 3: Nathan holds his lantern out. NATHAN: Looks like we're doing this the hard way. PANEL 4: The lantern starts to glow a bright green. PANEL 5: Nathan's eye begins to glow as well.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: The light flickers out. Nathan receives no response. He's colored entirely in white, heartbeat flatline going behind his head. PANEL 2: Nathan lowers his lantern, looking more cautious than ever. JOEY: Can you see anyone? NATHAN: Not a damn soul. PANEL 3: Joey looks worried. JOEY: Are...are you sure they didn't just move on? PANEL 4: He forces a smile. JOEY: You and dad helped them! So they're at peace! Can't they go on their own now? PANEL 5: Nathan puts his finger to his chin again. NATHAN: Maybe? But I can't see why they'd leave without telling Liz...
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks around the room, finger to his chin. NATHAN: Looks like we're gonna have to go deeper. Joey looks at him, confused. JOEY: Deeper? But we haven't even checked all the rooms up here! PANEL 2: Nathan waves his hand dismissively. NATHAN: Jojo, if they were up here, they would've heard me calling. They're probably somewhere down below... PANEL 3: Nathan is deep in thought. Joey stares at him, confused. JOEY: Oh, uh...okay! Then..where are the stairs? PANEL 4: Nathan snaps his finger and smiles. NATHAN: Let me show you something.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan approaches the bookshelf. PANEL 2: He reaches for a book. PANEL 3: Nathan pulls out a book from the shelf, but not entirely. The book is titled The Wonderful World of Elevators by Lucas Miller. PANEL 4: Something rises from the floor. PANEL 5: Joey reels back as an elevator rises from the floor. Joey: WHOA! PANEL 6: Nathan stands proudly in front of the elevator doors as they open. NATHAN: Each member of the family has their own floor to themselves. JOEY: That's so cool!!! PANEL 7: The two enter the elevator, the back wall is covered in notes from the family which are not readable. Joey stares up in awe while Nathan reaches for the buttons. NATHAN: First one is Esther's. PANEL 8: Nathan presses a blue button. NATHAN: Let's pay the little guy a visit
Posted on May 26, 2026ANEL 1: The elevator descends down into the manor. This extends through the entire left side of the page. Nathan and Joey's expressions and poses change in correspondence to the panels next to them. PANEL 2: Joey smiles. JOEY: Oh! I know about him! WH0AM1? did a mural for his birthday this year! PANEL 3: Nathan looks at Joey, confused. NATHAN: Uh..I'm sorry, who? JOEY: Yeah, exactly? NATHAN: No-- What the hell are you talking about? PANEL 4: Joey's eyes light up. Behind him, we see a spraypainted mural in pinks and blues. It depicts two figures. The left figure is blue, smiling, with cracks all over its face. The right figure is orange, looks afraid, and is cowering. They are leaning away from each other. JOEY: WH0AM1? They're a street artist who does these crazy murals around Elysium City! They make some for the Fortune Family's birthdays every year. PANEL 5: Nathan smiles at his nephew's enthusiasm. NATHAN: And why's that? JOEY: Sarah let them use a lot of the places they owned for their graffiti! PANEL 7: Joey puts his hands up like a cat. JOEY: She said they're one talented alley cat!
Posted on May 26, 2026
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Joey step out of the elevator. Strangely, they don't step into a room-- instead, they find themselves in a foggy, dark cave. Nathan looks shocked to see this. PANEL 1: Nathan walks ahead of Joey, looking up in confusion. NATHAN: ...This is different. JOEY: What do you mean? PANEL 3: Nathan turns to face Joey, gesturing with his hand. Joey notices something off screen. NATHAN: Well, for one, this room wasn't a goddamn cave last I saw it. PANEL 4: Joey points to something off screen, which Nathan turns to look at. JOEY: Oh, look!
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: We see a portrait of Esther Fortune, depicting the young boy commanding a shadowy creature that rises over him. Esther is a young Caucasian boy with curly brown hair, a particularly large curl comes down to cover up one of his eyes. He's wearing a blue hoodie and black sweatpants. He has a blank expression. There's a plaque in front of his portrait with his name on it. PANEL 2: Nathan begins to read out the plaque. NATHAN: Esther Fortune. Spec: Shadows. The youngest of four, he heard their attacker crash through the door. Try as he might to hide away, not even the shadows could keep his fate at bay. PANEL 3: A hooded figure peers over the rocks, looking at Nathan and Joey. Joey looks sympathetic. Nathan scratches the back of his head. JOEY: ...Oh. NATHAN: None of this was here before. Why would Liz do all of this..? PANEL 4: Someone who's face we don't see stands up. They're wearing black pants that are torn at the knees and black gloves. PANEL 5: They begin to walk away, their figure glitching out as they do. PANEL 6: The sound of their steps catches Nathan's attention. PANEL 7: Nathan steps in front of Joey, holding his lantern at the ready. JOEY: What was that!? NATHAN: I'm not sure, but stay behind me.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Joey sneak through the cavern, Nathan holding out his lantern in front of then. PANEL 2: Something taps behind Nathan. PANEL 3: He slowly turns around. PANEL 4: He spots a young boy kneeling on the ground. The boy is hearing a hoodie with the hood pulled up. PANEL 4: The boy picks something up. PANEL 5: Nathan slowly reaches for the kid.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: The boy turns around, revealing himself to be Esther. Strangely, there's a thin scar poking out from underneath his hair. PANEL 2: Nathan reels back. NATHAN: Esther!? PANEL 3: Esther puts a hand to Nathan's chest. PANEL 4: Esther shoves Nathan out of the way, running away as Nathan falls to the ground. Esther seems to have dropped something. PANEL 5: Nathan stands up. Joey stands behind him, looking shocked. PANEL 6: Joey still stares ahead, whispering when he speaks. JOEY: ...I saw him.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan quickly turns to face Joey, they both look shocked. NATHAN: What!? JOEY: I- Esther! I saw him! I thought I wasn't able to-?! PANEL 2: Nathan excitedly puts his hands on Joey's shoulders. NATHAN: Joey- Your Spec! That could be it! Do you feel any different! Any words just suddenly click in your head? PANEL 3: Joey thinks hard, a bright glow shining behind his head. PANEL 4: Joey clenches his eyes closed as the glow dims. PANEL 5: The light fully disappears, Joey looks upset at this. PANEL 6: Joey looks down, disappointed. JOEY: ...No. N-Not at all. I-I don't think that was it.
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan lets go of Joey's shoulders and puts a finger to his chin, deep in thought. NATHAN: Strange... PANEL 2: Joey looks down in disappointment. PANEL 3: He notices something at his feet, that bright glow returning to him. PANEL 4: He leans down to grab it. JOEY: Tío! PANEL 5: Nathan turns around to see what Joey's grabbing. JOEY: He dropped something!
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Joey hands the item to Nathan. It's a small stuffed bear, which is missing an eye and an arm. PANEL 2: Nathan looks saddened upon seeing this. PANEL 3: We see Nathan's hand as he hands the bear back to Joey. NATHANL Hold onto it. PANEL 4: Joey takes it. NATHAN: We'll give it back to him when we find him again. PANEL 5: Joey salutes and holds the bear close. JOEY: Aye aye Captain! PANEL 6: Joey puts the bear in the front pocket of his overalls. JOEY: I wonder what scared him so bad to make him run off like that, though?
Posted on May 26, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan runs a and through his hair. NATHAN: Who knows... PANEL 2: Joey stares up at Nathan in awe. NATHAN: But it looks like we have a real mystery on our hands. PANEL 3: Joey jumps into the air, enthusastically pumping a fist up. JOEY: THAT'S SO EXCITING!!! PANEL 4: Nathan smiles at his nephews excitement. PANEL 5: Nathan looks exasperated, but smiles nonetheless. Joey bounces with excitement. NATHAN: So much for
Posted on May 26, 2026

 

Chapter 03

Chapter 3 divider
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan hunches forward, holding up a finger as he speaks. His eyes are cut off by the frame. NATHAN: My one rule is this: PANEL 2: Nathan looks down at Joey, still holding up a finger. NATHAN: You stay behind me and do whatever you can to keep yourself safe. PANEL 3: Nathan has a serious expression on his face. NATHAN: I know this seems like fun for you-- PANEL 4: Nathan looks down, the background darkening. NATHAN: --but it can get really dangerous. PANEL 5: Joey rolls his eyes and waves his hand dismissively, putting his other hand on his hip. Nathan doesn't look amused by this. The elevator dings overhead. JOEY: Yeah, yeah, I got it! Relax! What's the worst that could happen? PANEL 6: The elevator doors slide open.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Joey rushes ahead into the room, staring up in awe. Nathan runs after him. We can see a plaque and portrait nearby, though we don't see what's on either of them. JOEY: Whoa... NATHAN: JOJO! PANEL 2: We see a wide shot of the room. It's a GIGANTIC library filled to the brim with books, There's a large skid mark going down the center floorboards. There's multiple floors to this library, and there's someone standing on a level above Nathan and Joey, staring down at them. We can't get a good look at them in the deep shadows. They lean on the railing in front of them in a relaxed manner.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Joey approach the portrait and plaque. The portrait portrays Andy Fortune, an older caucasain man with curly red hair and a mustache. He wears a red robe and white button up, black pants, and brown office shoes. He holds a pen in one hand and an open book in the other. He's being showered by floating papers and has a spotlight shining on him. Joey reads out the plaque. NATHAN: Another one of those portraits... JOEY: Andy Fortune, Spec: Storyteller. Andy was a wise man, a kind father, and a gentle soul. Late that night, he was working away, drifting off until the light of day. PANEL 2: Joey stares down at the plaque. Behind him, the background depicts two figures, one colored red and the other colored wine purple. The purple figure holds up a machette covered in blood with a crazed smile. The red figure lays on the ground, looking up in fear. Joey continues reading, looking uneasy. JOEY: Little did he know, that with a sly grin, this is when our guest would do him in. PANEL 3: The duo stares up at the portrait in confusion. Joey looks upset. NATHAN: Did she make one of these for every family member? PANEL 4: Joey looks down at the ground with a confused expression on his face. JOEY: Maybe...? But these are all so...sad. That's not a nice way to remember someone...
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan puts a finger to his chin, thinking. NATHAN: Let's just..find Esther, maybe he can explain what's going on. PANEL 2: Joey keeps starring up at the portrait, eyes wide. NATHAN: The question is where to start... PANEL 3: Joey looks over his shoulder, a bright glow surrounding his head. PANEL 4: We focus on the torn up flooring going through the library. PANEL 5: Joey turns around, looking surprised to see this. PANEL 6: Joey gets a mischievous smile. The teddy bear in his pocket matches the smile. JOEY: ...I think I have a pretty good idea.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Joey and Nathan follow the torn up boards through the library, walking between maze-like bookshelves. Nathan takes the lead, looking around suspiciously. PANEL 2: Nathan continues through the maze, gaze faced forward in determination. PANEL 3: Joey looks behind them, hands grasped together, an uneasy expression on his face. PANEL 4: Nathan sticks a hand out. NATHAN: Wait. PANEL 5: The two are looking out from behind a bookshelf. JOEY: What-- NATHAN: SHUSH! PANEL 6: Hiding behind the bookshelves, Nathan nods to something off screen.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: We see that these bookshelves open up into an office. There's a desk, a painting on the wall, and even more bookshelves. Most notably, though, there's someone standing in the office holding something. PANEL 2: We see that this someone is Andy Fortune, looking down at a book in his hands. He looks unnerved. PANEL 3: Nathan looks back to Joey, whispering. NATHAN: Can you see him too? In response, Joey nods. NATHAN: Right, stay put. PANEL 4: Nathan starts walking towards Andy. PANEL 5: Nathan, reaching a hand out for Andy, looks concerned. Andy jumps when he hears him. NATHAN: Mr.Fortune, is everything okay--
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan puts a hand on Andy's shoulder, who turns around in surprise. Andy has a scar over his left eye. PANEL 2: Andy grabs Nathan's wrist. PANEL 3: Andy slams Nathan down on the desk behind him. PANEL 4: Nathan collapses to the floor, gripping his head in pain. NATHAN: SON OF A BITCH--!! PANEL 5: Andy runs away. PANEL 6: Andy runs past Joey, who rushes into the room. We see that Andy has dropped the book he was holding. JOEY: NATHAN!!!
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Joey kneels next to Nathan. Nathan rubs the side of his head. JOEY: Are you-?! NATHAN: I'm fine, mijo. I've been knocked on my ass plenty of times. PANEL 2: Joey looks worried. JOEY: Has he ever done that before? PANEL 3: Nathan gestures with a hand as he speaks, still holding the side of his head with his other hand. NATHAN: No, and...he shouldn't be able to, either. Neither should Esther, come to think of it... PANEL 4: Nathan puts his hands on his knees. Joey looks even more worried. NATHAN: Touching inanimate objects, possession, using their Specs-- all that's possible, but spirits can't touch the living by themselves.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Joey picks up the book Andy dropped. It's titled A Murder of Morals and Mayhem by Arthur Nguyen. JOEY: He dropped this thing too. PANEL 2: He hands it to Nathan. NATHAN: Let me see. PANEL 3: We see the back of the book in Nathan's hands. It has an about the author section, including a shadowy portrait of the author. We can only see that he has curly hair pulled up into a bun, though. PANEL 4: Nathan stares down at the book, confused. NATHAN: This...is something that came out recently. How would he have gotten this? PANEL 5: Joey looks very excited. JOEY: Maybe it was an offering! We should go ask him about it! PANEL 6: Nathan stands, walking back through the library maze. Joey trots up behind him. Nathan can't help but smile. NATHAN: Priorities, Jojo. I think he went further down.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: The elevator doors open. PANEL 2: We see Joey and Nathan entering a blacksmith workshop. There's a table with an anvil off to the side, multiple barrels, a shield hung up on the wall, buckets, swords, furnaces, among other blacksmith's tools. At the center of the room is a pillar with another plaque and portrait. The plaque has the name Emily Fortune on it. The portrait depicts Emily working on a sword with red gems embedded in its hilt. She smiles proudly at her work. Emily is a white woman with curly dark red hair, she's muscular and is wearing a simple green shirt, a blacksmiths apron, grey pants, and work boots.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Joey walk further into the room, behind them we see more weaponry hung up on the wall. This includes a shield decorated with sunbeams, a harp, and arrows. Nathan looks around while Joey stares up at the portrait in awe. NATHAN: Aaand this room wasn't like this before, either... PANEL 2: We see the plaque up close, revealing Emily's Spec which is Smith. PANEL 3: Joey looks down as he reads out the plaque. JOEY: Emily Fortune had many a weapon made, famous for her skill with any blade. PANEL 4: A worms eye view of Nathan walking through the smithery. Above him, a figure sits in the rafters staring down at him. Joey keeps reading the plaque offscreen. JOEY: She fought until the very end-- PANEL 5: We see the figure up close, it's Emily Fortune. She has a scar over her left eye. She looks nervous. JOEY, off screen: --but even then...
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Emily jumps down from the rafters. PANEL 2: Nathan, hearing her jump down, swings around. PANEL 3: Nathan swings his lantern back at Emily. PANEL 4: Emily lands, grabbing Nathan's lantern and jerking it forward. This causes Nathan to stumble as Emily leans closer to him. The two look as though Emily is dipping Nathan in a dance, though she's still keeping both hands on his lantern. They stare at each other intensely.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Joey recoils upon seeing what's happening. JOEY: NATHAN!!! PANEL 2: He looks around in a panic. JOEY: What do I do?! I-I don't wanna hurt her-- PANEL 3: Joey turns around and spots the shield on the wall. PANEL 4: We see a close up of the shield. It has a harp, sunrays, and two arrows on its front. PANEL 5: Joey reaches for it. PANEL 6: Joey grabs it, rushing forward with his eyes clenched closed. He holds the shield out in front of him. JOEY: STAY AWAY FROM MY UNCLE!!!
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Joey slams into Emily with the shield. PANEL 2: Emily crashes to the floor. PANEL 3: She sits up, rubbing the side of her head. PANEL 4: Nathan's lantern is suddenly shoved in her face, making her jump.
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan hovers over Emily, holding his lantern staff to her throat. NATHAN: Emily, what's going on? Where's the rest of your family? PANEL 2: Emily says nothing, staring up at Nathan in fear. PANEL 3: She clenches her eyes closed, and suddenly she begins glitching out Her hair turns brown and starts getting longer in the front, her clothes are also changing from green to blue. PANEL 4: Emily fully transforms into Esther. Esther recoils back, staring up at Nathan in terror. The scar on Emily's left eye does not disappear with this transformation. Nathan jerks the lantern away in shock. PANEL 5: This panel is Nathan overlayed on top of the previous panel, staring down at Esther in surprise. NATHAN: Esther--!?
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: While Nathan's distracted, Esther scrambles to his feet. PANEL 2: Esther runs past Nathan. PANEL 3: He runs into the elevator, Nathan realizes whats happening and turns around. PANEL 4: The two stare after Esther in shock, Nathan puts his lantern at the ready. JOEY: H-HOW DID HE DO THAT?! NATHAN: I don't know, but that CAN'T be Esther! Let's go! We can't lose them!
Posted on June 1, 2026PANEL 1: The elevator doors open to a new floor. PANEL 2: We see the floor, it's decorated with cardboard standees of things like trees, a train station, and directional signs. There's a wall with a portrait hung up on it and a plaque in front. Nathan rushes onto this floor, Joey on the other hand is more drawn to the portrait. The plaque reads Sarah Fortune. PANEL 3: Nathan looks around while Joey looks at the plaque. NATHAN: Where the hell did they go!?
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: Joey stares up at the portrait, looking uneasy as he reads out the plaque.. JOEY: Sarah Fortune. Spec Transport. PANEL 2: We see the portrait in full. It depicts Sarah Fortune, an older woman with large round glasses, pale skin, blue eyes, and curly brown hair. She's wearing a purple train conductor's uniform. Sarah is holding a big map and smiling widely. JOEY: Lover of travel and master of the earth, mother Sarah took her time coming back. One step through the door, just a minute late, but that didn't stop him from delivering her fate. PANEL 3: Nathan keeps looking around. PANEL 4: Finally, he spots something in the distance. Whatever it is, he looks utterly baffled upon seeing it. PANEL 5: Joey looks over at Nathan as Nathan shouts off screen. NATHAN: WHAT THE HELL?!
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: We see a life-sized, fully functioning train about to leave station. The person disguised as Esther is rushing to it. PANEL 2: The mimic grabs the train door. PANEL 2: They slowly turn around, transforming again as they do. PANEL 3: They look back at Nathan, their appearance now mimicking Sarah Fortune's. Even as Sarah, they still have that scar over their eye. PANEL 4: Joey looks baffled, Nathan slaps his hand to his forehead in exasperation. JOEY: A train--?! NATHAN: For fucks sake, Lizzie! PANEL 5: Nathan gets his lantern ready. NATHAN: AFTER THEM.
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: As the train begins to move, Nathan and Joey run after it. PANEL 2: They manage to jump inside one of the open car doors. PANEL 3: Nathan sees the mimic rushing up a ladder to the roof of the train. PANEL 4: The mimic runs on top of the train, jumping from car to car. PANEL 5: They screech to a halt. PANEL 6: Surrounded by darkness, they stop, frozen in place.
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: The mimic looks down from the final car of the train, stopped in their tracks with nowhere else to go. PANEL 2: They whip their head around as Nathan shouts behind then off screen. NATHAN: YOU! PANEL 3: Joey and Nathan have also made it to the final car, standing on the opposite end of the mimic. PANEL 4: Nathan looks angry. NATHAN: Who are you?! What're you doing here?! PANEL 5: The mimic looks around in a panic. PANEL 6: We see the ground moving beneath the train. PANEL 6: The mimic looks down towards the ground. They look determined, but nervous.
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: The mimic backs up, towards the side edge of the train car. PANEL 2: They jump down off the side of the train. Nathan and Joey stare down in horror. PANEL 3: They crash into the ground, curling into a ball to lessen the impact. PANEL 4: Nathan grabs Joey. PANEL 5: Nathan pulls Joey close, picking him up off the ground. Joey looks at him, terrified. NATHAN: Hold onto me! JOEY: What're you-- PANEL 6: Nathan jumps off the train, dragging Joey with him. Nathan goes down back first, holding Joey above him to shield him from the fall. JOEY: TÍO!!!
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Joey crash to the ground, something we can't see clicks. PANEL 2: The mimic sits up, seeing a mock up of the Fortune manor in the distance. PANEL 3: They stand, trying to rush ahead. PANEL 3: They trip. NATHAN, off screen: STOP. PANEL 4: Nathan's lantern staff is hooked around the mimic's leg. PANEL 5: They turn around, seeing Nathan crawling towards them. He looks furious.
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looms over the mimic. NATHAN: I'm not gonna ask you again. PANEL 2: Nathan stares down at them, frustrated. NATHAN: Who are you? PANEL 3: The mimic sits up, putting a hand on Nathan's chest and pushing him away. Nathan allows this, but seems tense. PANEL 4: The mimic smiles, beginning to glitch out as they put their hands up. They say: Alright, alright, I give.
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: They transform completely, we see over their shoulder as we see a new form: They have black, greying hair styled in a mullet, piercings in their ears, and pale skin. Nathan and Joey look shocked to see this. PANEL 2: We see the lower half of their face. They have snakebite piercings, a nose ring, and messy five o'clock shadow. They smile. MIMIC: You caught me. PANEL 3: We finally see their face. They smile down at Nathan with half-lidded eyes. They're wearing a blue hoodie and white t-shirt. They have blue eyes, the left has a faded hue and a scar over it. They're surrounded by white and pink sparkles. EDDIE: Are ya proud'a yourself? PANEL 4: Nathan stares at this stranger, baffled. Joey just looks curious. JOEY: Are you another ghost? MIMIC: Nah, I'm flesh n' blood. Surprised I still am after that tumble, though. PANEL 5: Nathan looks angry. NATHAN: You have yourself to blame for that! You launched yourself off the side of a train! PANEL 6: The stranger points behind Nathan, who looks over his shoulder. MIMIC: So did you! And look at whatcha did to yourself in the process!
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan turns around, seeing his prosthetic leg fell off upon impact. Luckily, it's not broken. PANEL 2: Nathan turns around to put it back on. The stranger looks concerned. NATHAN: !MALDITA SEA! MIMIC: You're lucky ya didn't break the damn thing. PANEL 3: Nathan pops his prosthetic back on, Joey and the stranger look at him, worried. NATHAN: Shut up! I had to catch you, I can't just let you run around doing-- whatever it is you were doing! PANEL 4: Nathan glares at the stranger. PANEL 4: The stranger looks uninterested. NATHAN, off screen: And you still haven't answered my question! PANEL 5: Nathan gets up in their face, jabbing his finger into their chest. NATHAN: Who are you?
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: The stranger offers their hand, which Nathan does not take. Still, they smile. MIMIC: The name's Eddie, Eddie Pierce. Didn't mean t' cause trouble, being a Copycat is kinda my thing. PANEL 2: Nathan looks at him, confused. Eddie smiles proudly. NATHAN: Copycat? EDDIE: Yep! 's my Spec. PANEL 3: Eddie transforms into Sarah again. EDDIE: One look at someone and I can make myself look just like 'em. Can't copy their voices, though. PANEL 4: Eddie shifts back to himself, scratching his chin. EDDIE: Dunno much about tech either, so 's not like I can just make some science-y doohickey that'll do it for me. PANEL 6: Joey gestures with his hands, looking upset. JOEY: But why were you doing all that junk here??? This house belongs do DEAD people, dude!!!
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie leans back, resting her hand on her knee. EDDIE: Well, kiddo, I'll have ya know I was very good friends with them dead people you're talkin' about. Technically we never actually met, but I used to use one of the studios they owned as a little spot for my murals, yeah? PANEL 2: We see a graffiti mural. It depicts a figure comprised of yellow, pink, and blue shapes. It covers its eyes, leaning away from other figures in the piece. EDDIE, off screen: Usually the folks who own these places get all up and arms about it, but these guys? They were pretty on board with it. PANEL 2: Eddie smiles with pride. EDDIE: Sarah even called me one talented alley cat! PANEL 4: Joey stares, confused. PANEL 5: Joey's eyes widen and a glow surrounds him as he realizes something. PANEL 6: Joey's eyes get wide and sparkly, he excitedly jumps forward much to Eddie's surprise. JOEY: YOU'RE WHOAM1? ! EDDIE: Uh...wow, alright, didn't think I'd be meetin' a fan today. PANEL 7: Eddie puts a hand up and whispers. EDDIE: You mind keepin' this whole real identity thing a secret, kiddo? PANEL 8: Joey looks extremely intense. JOEY: I will take it to my grave.
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks at Eddie, confused. NATHAN: Okay, but that doesn't explain why you're running around disguising yourself as them! EDDIE: I'm gettin' there! So impatient. PANEL 2: Current day Eddie is juxtaposed over the outside of the manor. EDDIE: I stopped by here tonight 'cause it's the time of the week I drop off offerings for the family. 'S a lil thank you for everything, y'know? PANEL 3: We see Eddie in the past, peering out from behind the gate at the front of the manor. Eddie, in current time, narrates. EDDIE: But about a week ago... PANEL 4: A shadowy figure stands in front of the manor doors, reaching a hand out. We can't see much of them, but they appear to be wearing a cowboy hat and a long cloak. EDDIE: I saw some guy sneak in here right after I left. PANEL 5: A close up of the shadowy figure, though we still can't see them well. We do see, however, that they have a glowing purple light in front of their face. EDDIE: Figured it was another shmuck like me, the Fortune's had a lot of folks that loved 'em, 's not that weird.
Posted on June 5, 2026This page is a splash page, depicting multiple scenes as Eddie narrates over them. The first scene is Eddie earlier that night, seeing the smashed window outside. EDDIE NARRATION: But today I come back and the windows are all smashed, and I can't find a lick of anybody around here. The second scene depicts Eddie placing flowers, an angel cat statue, and a candle on the table. He looks around the room, suspicious. EDDIE NARRATION: After I set down my offerings, I decided to look around, go down into the rooms-- The third scene is Eddie down in Esther's room, hiding behind some rocks. Nathan has his back turned to him as he reads the plaque in the room. EDDIE NARRATION: Then the world renowned Nathan Vargas walks through the door and I think aw shit, I'm in trouble ain't I? I'm this shady lookin' guy runnin' around a haunted manor, and the most famous paranormal investigator in the whole country is gonna think I had somethin' to do with it. The final scene depicts Eddie shapeshifting into Esther. Current time Eddie is juxtaposed over this, smiling nervously. EDDIE: Kinda panicked, had to find an easy disguise and find a way out. But ya kept followin' me, so...here we are!
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: We return to current time. Eddie starts to stand, smiling at Nathan. EDDIE: Sorry for attackin' you, by the way. Was hoping it'd scare you off. PANEL 2: Nathan rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. NATHAN, scoffing: You're not exactly the most intimidating figure. PANEL 3: Eddie stands to their full height, and he is EXTREMELY tall. There's three bits of white text with an arrow pointing at him. In order, they read:
Posted on June 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan helps Joey stand. Nathan looks at Eddie. NATHAN: You said you saw someone here about a week ago, did you notice anything off about them? PANEL 2: Eddie thinks. EDDIE: Nah, I mean-- they had a purple light on 'em, but I can't think of much else. Didn't get a good look at their face. PANEL 3: Nathan thinks, putting a finger to his chin. NATHAN: And I'm assuming you haven't seen the final floor yet... EDDIE: Nnnnope, you made sure'a that. NATHAN: There might be a clue down there, any lead is a good lead. PANEL 4: Joey excitedly pumps his fists. JOEY: What're we waiting for, then? Let's go!!! PANEL 5: Nathan looks back to Eddie, looking serious.NATHAN: Only if you promise not to cause any more trouble, Pierce. PANEL 6: Eddie draws a cross over their heart. Nathan walks ahead of them, gesturing with his hand. EDDIE: Cross my heart n' hope to die. NATHAN: Fine. Let's get going.
Posted on June 5, 2026

 

Chapter 04

Chapter 4 divider
Posted on June 8, 2026NEL 1: The elevator doors slide open. PANEL 2: The trio enters Lizzie's room. At the center of the room is a fake machete lodged into the floorboards, covered in blood. The walls are also covered with newspapers discussing the slaughter of the Fortune family. Eddie and Joey stare at the machete in horror. Nathan, however, turns his attention to something off screen.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: We see a wall of frames. They all have family portraits or newspapers about the murder inside them. At the center is a portrait of a younger Lizzie. She's wearing an orange outfit and is on her knees, looking down at a bloody key with tears streaming down her face. Her hands are also covered in blood. Nathan reads out the plaque beneath it. NATHAN: Lizzie Fortune, Spec Construct. Model citizen, model sibling, model creator. Lizzie Fortune was a traitor. It was not her blade, but that of a friends. PANELS 2 THROUGH 4: These panels depict the trio looking up at the portrait. Joey looks heartbroken, Nathan looks serious, Eddie looks uneasy. Nathan keeps reading the plaque. NATHAN: A friend who would bring her family to an end. To make amends for her misdeeds, she shall preserve the night's memories. PANEL 5: Eddie grits her teeth, looking nervous. EDDIE: ...That's...a lot.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan stares up at the portrait. NATHAN: ...You should've seen Liz's face when Wil found the man who did all of this. She thought they were close, but...he had other intentions. PANEL 2: Nathan looks to the floor. NATHAN: He said he wanted to rob them blind and leave no trace. You'd be surprised what greed can do to a person. PANEL 3: Joey, confused, gestures with his hands. JOEY: But- if- if it was someone else who killed them, why did she call herself a traitor? Why make a buncha rooms all about that night? PANEL 4: Eddie kneels down to Joey's eye level, putting her hand on his shoulder. EDDIE: Folks so strange things when they grieve, kiddo...Especially if they feel guilty. PANEL 5: Nathan looks uneasy as Eddie speaks. PANEL 6: Nathan perks up when he hears something whimpering off screen. PANEL 7: Nathan looks around. PANEL 8: We see Lizzie's bed, the underneath of it is very shadowy.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan lifts up his lantern. NATHAN: ...Someone's here. PANEL 2: Nathan turns to face the others, who look at him confused. NATHAN: Did either of you hear that? PANEL 3: Eddie tilts her head to the side. EDDIE: Nope. That's all on you, chief. PANEL 4: Nathan gestures his arm out in front of the others, stepping forward. Eddie nods and grabs Joey's shoulder. NATHAN: Right. You two stay back
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan sets his lantern on the ground. The lantern glows a soft green. He kneels in front of the bed, reaching his hand out gently. NATHAN: Hey, is anyone there? I promise you're safe, okay? PANEL 2: Things are silent underneath the bed. NATHAN: Can you come out? PANEL 3: A single, white glowing eye pops up in the shadows. PANEL 4: A glowing blue hand reaches out from underneath the bed. PANEL 5: Esther manifests in the room, looking up at Nathan nervously. ESTHER: ...Mr.Vargas? PANEL 6: Nathan reels back, putting a hand on his chest. NATHAN: Esther!
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Esther floats upwards, looming over Nathan as he hunches over. Esther has multiple injuries. He has a cut in his throat and is missing his lower right arm. Blue goop drips from these injuries. ESTHER: I didn't know you were here... NATHAN: I had no clue you were here either, kid! PANEL 2: Nathan puts a hand to his heart, looking worried. NATHAN: Where's your family? Are they hiding too? ESTHER: ...No. Someone took them. PANEL 3: An over the shoulder shot of Esther, Nathan looks at him still worried. ESTHER: I didn't see what happened-- PANEL 4: We see in the past. Esther is hiding underneath the floorboards, above him a shadowy boot stomps on the ground. ESTHER, narrating: --I hid down here before they could find me. PANEL 5: Back in current time, Esther ominously raises a hand. He's surrounded by a purple glow. ESTHER: All I remember is a purple flash of light...
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks shocked. NATHAN: A purple light.. PANEL 2: Nathan looks back at Eddie, who tilts their head to the side in confusion. PANEL 3: Nathan looks back at Esther, a serious expression on his face. NATHAN: Esther, your big sister's been looking for you. Is it okay if we bring you to her? ESTHER: Pl-Please! I miss Lizzie... PANEL 4: NATHAN: Jojo, can you hand me Esther's bear? In response to this, Joey nods, determined. PANEL 5: Nathan holds the bear out to Esther. NATHAN: Touch this. If you possess it, she should be able to hear you. It'll keep you safe while we look for the rest of your family. PANEL 6: Esther touches the bear, his hand turning bright blue and transparent.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: The bear glows and starts to take shape again. It raises its arms in the air and smiles, successfully possessed by Esther. PANEL 2: Esther looks past Nathan, tilting his head to the side. ESTHER: ...Can you both hear me now? PANEL 3: Joey and Eddie both smile at this. JOEY: That's so cool!!! EDDIE: Heh. Loud and clear, little guy. PANEL 4: Eddie smiles nervously. EDDIE: Now, uh... PANEL 5: Nathan takes out his phone, going to walk out of the room. Behind Eddie, Joey and Esther happily interact. EDDIE: Nate, ya wanna explain what just happened? NATHAN: I'll explain on our way back. We gotta get him to Lizzie. PANEL 5: Nathan raises his phone to his ear. NATHAN: I'll tell her to meet us outside the Ambrosia bar.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: An exterior shot of the Ambrosia bar. It's a medium sized building with glowing neon lights, the I in the logo is styled as a chalice. It's surrounded by grapes and vines. The alleyway next to it has one of Eddie's murals spray painted on it, mocking an advertisement on the pole next to it. The advertisement features a man wearing a visor giving a thumbs up and saying Visit SpecTech Where We Make Dreams Come True. Multiple people are walking around the bar, but most importantly we can see Lizzie waiting by the street. PANEL 2: Lizzie looks down, thinking as she waits. PANEL 3: She's snapped out of her thoughts as Nathan calls out to her off screen. NATHAN: Liz! PANEL 4: Lizzie looks over her shoulder and sees the trio approaching. Esther is perched on Eddie's shoulder. LIZZIE: Oh, Nathan, you're back! PANEL 5: Lizzie hurriedly approaches him, putting her hands together pleadingly. Nathan looks away, uneasy. LIZZIE: Tell me, did you find them? Are they alright? NATHAN: ...Well, I uh...I found one of them.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Esther excitedly floats off of Eddie's shoulder. ESTHER: Lizzie! PANEL 2: Esther floats to Lizzie. Lizzie looks shocked. LIZZIE: Esther, is that you? Oh my god-- PANEL 3: Nathan looks down, thinking as the Fortune siblings look to him. NATHAN: He's the only one I could find. Apparently, the rest of them were...taken. LIZZIE: Taken? PANEL 4: Esther lifts his doll hands up, looking worried. ESTHER: I saw it...there was a person with a bright purple light. And then mom, dad, and Emily were all gone... PANEL 5: Lizzie looks extremely concerned at this news. LIZZIE: Esther...I came by the manor, why didn't you use this little doll to tell me? PANEL 6: Esther looks down, putting his paws together. ESTHER: ...I couldn't go get it. After all our rooms changed, it- it got too scary to go downstairs... PANEL 7: He looks up at Lizzie again. ESTHER: But that person could still see us, even if we were hidden...They never found the elevator, so I went down there to hide...
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie raises a hand. They look serious, though we don't see their eyes. EDDIE: If I may, Mrs.Fortune... PANEL 2: Eddie looks concerned. Lizzie puts her hands together. EDDIE: Those rooms were changed after your family passed, right? LIZZIE: I...yes, they were. EDDIE: Did you make those changes? LIZZIE: Yes, I did. PANEL 3: Eddie puts his hands in his hoodie pocket, looking off to the side. LIZZIE: I took a look at all those portraits, what was written beneath them, all the little signs of what happened there... PANEL 4: An over the shoulder shot from Eddie, looking at Lizzie and Esther. EDDIE: I don't mean to step outta line here-- PANEL 5: We see Nathan and Joey. Joey looks at Nathan, who's eyes we can't see. But Nathan grips his lantern tightly, with a frown on his face. Joey looks concerned, a glow surrounding his head. EDDIE, off screen: ...but you're not the only one who's relivin' those events every time you enter the manor. PANEL 6: Lizzie has an unreadable expression, though we don't see her eyes. EDDIE, off screen: It might be time to move on, and once we find 'em I'm sure your family would like t' do the same. PANEL 7: Eddie offers Lizzie his hand, smiling. EDDIE: If ya ever need help gettin' all those rooms sorted out, let's just say an old alley cat owes your family a few favors.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Lizzie looks surprised by this. PANEL 2: Lizzie smiles softly, putting a hand to her chest. Eddie smiles in return. LIZZIE: Thank you, Mx...? EDDIE: Eddie Pierce, but ah...keep that under the table for me, will ya? LIZZIE: Of course. PANEL 3: Nathan walks up behind Lizzie, looking uneasy. NATHAN: All of...that being said. PANEL 4: Nathan looks serious. NATHAN: I'm still not sure where the rest of your family is, but I'm determined to track them down. I swear, I'll find out who took them. PANEL 5: Lizzie smiles, excited. LIZZIE: You'll...you'll take the case? PANEL 5: Nathan shrugs, looking down at the ground. NATHAN: If I don't, who will? PANEL 7: Lizzie suddenly grabs Nathan's shoulders, which surprises him.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Lizzie hugs Nathan, lifting him right up off the ground. LIZZIE: Oh, thank you, Mr.Vargas! Thank you! PANEL 2: Lizzie sets Nathan down, leaving him in a daze. NATHAN: Don't mention it... PANEL 3: Nathan, shaking off his daze, looks up at Lizzie with a serious expression. NATHAN: Give me a call if you notice anything strange, and uh...be careful going back to that old manor. PANEL 4: Lizzie smiles. LIZZIE: We will, I promise! PANEL 5: Lizzie turns to Esther, who's floating next to her. LIZZIE: Say bye-bye, Esther! PANEL 6: Esther waves. ESTHER: Bye-bye, Esther!
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: The trio starts walking down the street. Nathan looks at Eddie, unsure as to why he's still following them. Joey trails behind, looking upset. PANEL 2: Nathan forces a smile as he addresses Eddie. NATHAN: I assume this is where we depart? PANEL 3: Eddie smiles nervously, poking his pointer fingers together. Nathan looks incredulous. EDDIE: Uh, actually-- NATHAN: Pierce. EDDIE: I was kinda hoping I could crash at your place tonight? PANEL 4: Nathan steps out in front of Eddie. NATHAN: Are you serious? After everything you've pulled tonight?1 Don't you have anywhere else to say? PANEL 5: Eddie looks away, smiling, but he looks uneasy. EDDIE: I mean, sure. I guess I do.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks genuinely worried. NATHAN: You...do have somewhere to stay, right? PANEL 2: Eddie, realizing what they've just said, smiles nervously. EDDIE: What? I mean, duh, obviously. PANEL 3: Eddie starts scrambling for an excuse. Nathan puts a hand on his shoulder. EDDIE: It's just a long walk from here and it's late, so I-- NATHAN: Okay, wait, Pierce. Stop right there. PANEL 4: Nathan looks away, avoiding eye contact. NATHAN: Stay for tonight if you want, just don't mess with anything, okay? PANEL 5: Eddie looks surprised. PANEL 6: Eddie looks relieved. EDDIE: Well, okay, if you insist. PANEL 7: A back shot of Nathan and Eddie as they walk ahead. NATHAN: Joey, that alright with you? PANEL 8: When Joey doesn't respond, they both turn around in surprise. PANEL 9: Nathan looks over his shoulder. NATHAN: Jojo?
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: The two see Joey walking behind them. The boy stares at the ground, looking upset. PANEL 2: Eddie and Nathan look at each other, concerned. PANEL 3: Nathan hangs back, walking beside Joey. NATHAN: Hey, Jojo, you doing okay? PANEL 4: The two walk side by side. Joey walks with his hands in his pockets, still staring at the ground. NATHAN: You were kinda quiet back there. JOEY: Yeah, it's just... PANEL 5: Joey finally looks up at Nathan. JOEY: Something's kidnapping spirits, right? PANEL 6: Nathan looks down at the ground, a serious expression on his face. NATHAN: It seems like it, yeah. The Fortunes are the only case we know about, but there could be a lot more. PANEL 7: Joey hugs himself, looking back down at the ground. JOEY: ...What if...Dad is one of those cases?
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks shocked by this. All of the color drains out of him. PANEL 2: Nathan grabs Joey's shoulders. NATHAN: Mijo. PANEL 3: Nathan gets down to eye level with Joey, staring at him seriously. NATHAN: If that's the case then I promise you I'll get to the bottom of it. Wherever he is, Wilbur's gonna be safe by the end of all of this. PANEL 4: Nathan looks somewhat melancholic. NATHAN: I will stop at nothing to find him. Do you understand? PANEL 5: After a pause, Joey forces a smile. JOEY: ...Yeah, okay. PANEL 6: Nathan takes one hand away from Joey's shoulders, smiling at him softly. Joey looks uncertain, though. NATHAN: C'mon, now, it's getting late. We ought to get you to bed.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: An birds eye view of the Vargas household at night PANEL 2: Nathan walks into the living room from the upstairs, rubbing his eyes as he switches on the lights. He's wearing a white tank top, boxers with ghosts on them, doesn't have his glasses and has his hair down. We also see that he has a fair amount of burn scars on the left side of his body. PANEL 3: Nathan walks to the side of the couch, looking surprised as Eddie speaks. EDDIE: Hey, y'think you could kill the lights? I'm tryna rest here, man. PANEL 4: Nathan stares at Eddie, who is lying on the couch with her arms behind her head. She is no longer wearing her hoodie, and is in a tank top just like Nathan. NATHAN: ...Why are you on the couch? EDDIE: I'm sleeping. NATHAN: We have a guest room, Pierce. PANEL 5: Up close shot of Eddie. He's still lying back, relaxed as he winks at Nathan. EDDIE: I know, but I haven't slept on a good couch in years. PANEL 6: Nathan, looking confused as his face reddens a little. NATHAN: ...Right.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie sits up. EDDIE: What're you doin' up so late? PANEL 2: Nathan stares down at Eddie, annoyed, as they lean forward resting their arms on their knees. NATHAN: What's it to you? EDDIE: Just askin'! Makin' conversation. NATHAN: Couldn't sleep, is all. It's been a long night. PANEL 3: Eddie looks worried. EDDIE: ...Everything alright? PANEL 4: Nathan looks surprised. NATHAN: Excuse me? PANEL 5: Nathan presses a finger to his temples as he and Eddie talk. EDDIE: I'm asking if you're, like, okay. I know 's kinda weird for me t' be askin' that, I mean-- NATHAN: No, it's- it's fine. I'm fine. There's a lot on my mind is all. PANEL 6: Eddie smirks and Nathan rolls his eyes, crossing his arms as they talk. EDDIE: Like the ghost hunting stuff? NATHAN: Wow it's like you're some sort of detective. EDDIE: Oh I'm an absolute genius, thanks for noticing.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan walking away as Eddie looks at him over the back of the couch. They continue their conversation as they walk. EDDIE: So...Are ya really taking the case? NATHAN: Don't think I've got any other choice, I made a promise. PANEL 2: Eddie raises an eyebrow, skeptical. EDDIE: And you're gonna run into this completely alone? PANEL 3: They walk into the kitchen, Eddie leaning on the entryway wall. NATHAN: So what if I am? EDDIE: It just...seems risky, is all. PANEL 4: Nathan opens the fridge and leans over to see what's inside. NATHAN: Yeah, well, it is what it is. It's not like I have a partner anymore. PANEL 5: Nathan pauses, eyes widening as he realizes something. PANEL 6: Nathan looks over his shoulder at Eddie, who is smiling smugly. PANEL 7: Nathan looks annoyed as he points at Eddie. Eddie puts his hands up in mock defense. NATHAN: ...No-- EDDIE: Hear me out.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan clenches a fist NATHAN: I'm not dragging someone I hardly know into this! I'm not going to be responsible if you get hurt! PANEL 2: Eddie gestures to himself, frustrated EDDIE: I've already been dragged into this! I'm a witness! Hell, I'd argue after what happened at the manor I'm an active participant! PANEL 3: Nathan steps up to Eddie. NATHAN: Look, I know you think this is a walk in the park-- That it's just a few spirits, what's wrong with having a little fun, right? PANEL 4: Nathan puts a hand to his chest. NATHAN: But working with ME is far more dangerous than you could ever begin to imagine! PANEL 5: EDDIE: Going by yourself isn't any better! What if you get hurt? Or worse? Do you even fucking care that that nephew of yours would end up alone?! PANEL 6: Nathan and Eddie both look shocked at this, Eddie slapping his hands over his mouth.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie looks nervous, stimming by shaking his hands. EDDIE: Sorry, I didn't- I don't mean that. I know it's none of my business, and if you really want me to go I will, but-- PANEL 2: Nathan looks uncertain as Eddie speaks, unable to meet his eye. EDDIE: If this is as dangerous as ya say, you're gonna get yourself killed if ya try to play lone wolf. What's Joey gonna do then? PANEL 3: Nathan huffs, looking tired. NATHAN: ...Fine- Fine, I can work with that. PANEL 4: Nathan stares at Eddie intensely. NATHAN: But the second things get too heated, you better turn and run. PANEL 5: Eddie offers her hand to Nathan, which seems to surprise him. EDDIE: Hey so long as it keeps ya out of trouble, y'got yourself a deal. PANEL 6: The two shake hands.
Posted on June 8, 2026Panel 1: Nathan and Eddie walk back into the living room. Eddie has his arms up behind his head. NATHAN: Get to sleep. If you're serious about this, you'll need the rest. EDDIE: I'll hold ya to that, too! I'm gonna sleep like a queen tonight. PANEL 2: Eddie stretches as he sits back down on the couch. PANEL 3: Eddie flops back down onto the couch, out of Nathan's sight. PANEL 4: Nathan stares back at Eddie, uncertain. After a moment, he turns away and turns off the lights. He looks tired, dejected, as he heads upstairs.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: A birds eye view of Nathan walking into his bedroom. His room is messy, in stark contrast to the rest of the house. The floor is littered with old clothes, papers, and trash. A desk off to the right is covered in papers. There's a small hole in the wall above the desk, the wall also has frames of photos and old papers. PANEL 2: Something on the desk catches Nathan's eye, he looks nervous. PANEL 3: We see the papers on Nathan's desk, all of them are articles and photographs related to Wilbur's death. There's a photo of Wilbur to the left, but all we see of him is a silhouette. There's a newspaper with the headline WILBUR VARGAS KILLED IN FIRE AT P.I. OFFICES. The article reads as follows: Wilbur Vargas, local private investigator and co-host of paranormal investigation show 'ParaNathan,' has died following a fire at the Vargas's Private/Paranormal Investigative Offices. His brother, Nathan, was rushed to hospital with severe injuries but luckily survived. According to Nathan, the fire broke out in the downstairs workshop. He is unsure of how the fire started, but believes a piece of tech Wilbur was working on had backfired and caused the accident. Wilbur leaves behind a seven year old son, who is now in his uncle's custody. A private funeral service is to be held next week.
Posted on June 8, 2026PANEL 1: This panel is drawn in a sketchy, black and white style. Nathan blankly stares at the newspaper on his desk, transfixed by it. Behind him are sketchy flames, the hair on the top of his head and the areas where we can see his burn scars turn to flames. The newspaper on the desk now reads He's dead and you're still here. PANEL 2: Nathan shakes himself out of his trance, the art style returning to normal. PANEL 3: Nathan sits down on his bed, removing his prosthetic leg. PANEL 4: Nathan lying in bed, curled up and looking uneasy as he tries to sleep. The sketchy-styled fire from before slowly creeps in on him from the darkness that surrounds him.
Posted on June 8, 2026

 

Chapter 05

Chapter five divider
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: An outside, birds eye shot of a convention hall. People crowd around the entrance and there's a sign that reads SpecTech Annual-- before it's cut off. PANEL 2: Nathan, Joey, and Eddie walking through a crowded convention hall. EDDIE: Sooo...Why're we at a science expo? NATHAN: I dunno, figured we could find, like...clues? PANEL 3: Nathan lifts a finger to his chin. NATHAN: Maybe SpecTech has done research into Specs that can let someone capture ghosts? PANEL 4: Eddie looks at Nathan, puzzled. PANEL 5: Nathan crosses his arms, looking at Eddie in annoyance, who simply shrugs with a smug smile on their face. NATHAN: Do you have any better ideas? We don't have any strong leads. EDDIE: Whatever you say goes, chief.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Joey walks ahead, smiling wide with excitement. JOEY: This is so cool!!! PANEL 2: He turns back to Nathan JOEY: Eli Brusque is doing a, uh-- It's like a show? PANEL 3: Nathan looks at Joey, smiling. NATHAN: A presentation? JOEY: Show sounds cooler, but can we go? PANEL 4: Nathan looks away, putting a finger to his chin again. NATHAN: Y'know what? We gotta focus on the case and this might get a little...intense, so. PANEL 5: Nathan puts a hand on Joey's shoulder. NATHAN: You run on ahead, have fun! Call me if anything goes wrong, and don't talk to strangers okay? PANEL 6: Joey hugs Nathan, who hugs him back and smiles. JOEY: YES!!! Gracias, tío! PANEL 7: Joey runs off into the convention hall, Nathan watches him go with a fond smile on his face.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie tilts his head, looking at Nathan curiously. EDDIE: The kid a fan of Brusque's? NATHAN: You have no idea, he idolizes the guy. Has ever since he started tryna figure out his Spec. PANEL 2: The two walk further into the convention hall, approaching a crowd. EDDIE: You think there's a connection there? NATHAN: I mean, yeah, you've heard the stories. PANEL 3: They descend the stairs, entering the crowd. NATHAN: Eli never figured out what his Spec was, so now he dedicates his time to researching them instead. I think Joey just...finds that kinda comforting? PANEL 4: EDDIE: Okay, but, he has a Spec. Everyone does. They manifest even if we dunno what they are. PANEL 5: NATHAN: True, but being able to put a name to it helps, y'know? I remember being freaked out as a kid before I knew what mine was. PANEL 6: Nathan rubs the back of his neck, looking worried. NATHAN: Joey's real impatient cause of that, he thinks if he doesn't figure it out now he never will.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie looks off to the side. EDDIE: I get that, I remember being at that age, scary shit. Nathan looks at him, curious. NATHAN: Oh yeah? How'd you figure Copycat out? PANEL 2: Eddie looks, smiling nervously. One hand reaches up, almost covering his mouth. He grabs his wrist with his other hand. EDDIE: Oh, you know me. Got myself into some trouble and everything clicked at the right time. It's a long story. PANEL 3: Eddie lowers his hand, still holding his wrist. He looks at Nathan with a smile. EDDIE: What about you? PANEL 3: Nathan gazes off almost wistfully, smiling. NATHAN: I was chatting with my abuelo before breakfast. That scared the hell out of my parents. PANEL 4: Eddie looks at Nathan, confused. PANEL 5: NATHAN: My abuelo died before Wil and I were born. Eddie's eyes widen with surprise. EDDIE: OH.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan rubs the back of his neck, a bashful smile on his face. NATHAN: Yep, until that point I thought everyone could see him, and the rest of ‘em too. PANEL 2: EDDIE: Ohhh, you were a devil child who spoke to the dead! Nathan rolls his eyes with a smile. NATHAN: You don’t even know the half of it. PANEL 3: Nathan looks down at the floor, seeming uncertain. NATHAN: But, yeah. I’ve been trying to see if I can catch any early signs of Jojo’s Spec. Haven’t noticed anything yet, it’s hard to tell. The kid is just so full of surpri-- PANEL 4: Nathan, not paying attention to where he's doing, runs into somebody PANEL 5: Nathan backs away from the person. NATHAN: Shit, sorry, I-- PANEL 6: A close up of Nathan's face. He has a shocked expression on his face.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: A reveal of the person Nathan ran into, Mai Nguyen. Mai is a young, Black/Vietnamese woman with medium brown skin, grey eyes, and medium length black hair. She's wearing a pair of red over-ear headphones, a green jacket, a red striped shirt, and fingerless gloves. She pushes her headphones up with one hand, holding a device in the other. She looks ahead of herself, shocked. PANEL 2: A closeup of Nathan's face. NATHAN: ...MAI? PANEL 3: A closeup of Mai's face. MAI: CAPTAIN!? PANEL 4: The two begin to awkwardly converse, both visibly nervous. NATHAN: I- Hell- Uh- Hi! MAI: Yeah! Hi! NATHAN: You- You’ve grown up, kid! That’s wild! MAI: Y-Yeah, uh, people do that-- You look very different also! NATHAN: Thank you! I think? PANEL 5: The two look away from each other, still visibly nervous. Eddie slowly slides into frame. PANEL 6: Eddie leans down, surprising the other two. They have a mischievous smile on their face. EDDIE: Ohhh, there’s a story here, huh?
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie offers her hand to Mai EDDIE: Eddie Pierce, Nathan's partner in crime. Nathan looks over Eddie's shoulder, staring daggers at her. NATHAN: No you're not. PANEL 2: Eddie looks over her shoulder to Nathan, smiling. EDDIE: Partner in paranormal? Nathan pinches the bridge of his nose. NATHAN: Stop. While they're bickering, Mai puts that device she was holding in her pocket. PANEL 3: Eddie looks to Mai, rolling her eyes with a smile on her face. EDDIE: I KIND OF know Nathan, but it seems like ya really know Nathan! Care t' introduce yerself? PANEL 4: Mai and Eddie shake hands. MAI: Um...Mai Nguyen, I was a fan of ParaNathan back in the day. PANEL 5: Nathan looks nervous. NATHAN: As well as an old client of ours. PANEL 6: Mai also looks away nervously, but still smiling. MAI: Yeah- that too, but--
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Mai pushes her headphones up. MAI: S-Sorry for standin' in your way, Cap'n. I gotta wear these headphones in big crowds, helps calm down my Spec a little. PANEL 2: Nathan's face lights up. NATHAN: You discovered your Spec? That's amazing! MAI: Oh- Yeah! It's Vibes PANEL 3: MAI: It helps me pick up on how people feel super easily, it's just...really overwhelmin' in public. PANEL 4: Mai glances at Eddie. This panel is drawn in a sketchy art style, portraying how Mai's powers work. Eddie is sketched in orange, distorting just a bit. She's surrounded by orange lines and question marks. Mai is sketched in a light green, white lines indicating surprise surround her head. PANEL 5: Mai points to Eddie. MAI: Like, you're feelin' super curious right now, huh? Was it the old client thing? PANEL 6: Eddie smiles EDDIE: Impressive! Yer dead on. PANEL 7: Mai glances away, smiling nervously. MAI: I'm kinda surprised you don't know, half the people I run into ask me about it.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie scratches at their face nonchalantly EDDIE: Well, I ain't exactly the most connected guy around, I probably wouldn't'a heard about it. PANEL 2: Nathan looks at Eddie judgmentally NATHAN: That's not something to brag about. PANEL 3: Mai looks a little uneasy. MAI: Eileen Nguyen, do you recognize that name? PANEL 4: Eddie grabs their wrist, looking concerned. EDDIE: ...Nah, doesn't ring a bell. PANEL 5: Mai looks serious as she speaks. In the background, there's an orange sketchy illustration of Eileen. We can't see many of her features, but she has a curly undercut and wears flowy clothing. MAI: Well, she was my sister. About five years ago, she went missing.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Mai avoids eye contact with the other two. MAI: We asked the Vargas's to investigate and the rest is history. PANEL 2: Eddie looks anxious. EDDIE: Shit, I-- PANEL 3: Eddie looks sympathetic. EDDIE: I'm sorry to hear that. PANEL 4: Mai hugs herself, still looking away. MAI: Thanks, it's uh..it's fine. PANEL 5: Mai forces a smile, Eddie looks away nervously. MAI: Death is just a part of life, yeah?
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Mai turns her attention to Nathan, Eddie looks away deep in thought. MAI: So why’re you here, Cap’n? This doesn’t really seem like your kinda thing. NATHAN: Long story, but...You might be able to help us, actually. Do you know if SpecTech has been researching anything paranormal? Spec related or not? PANEL 2: Mai looks at Nathan in confusion. Nathan's face scrunches up. PANEL 3: Nathan's face turns red with embarrasment. Nathan: I’m grasping at straws here, kid. Work with me. PANEL 4: Mai looks skeptical. MAI: Why are you-- PANEL 5: Mai's eyes widen, as if she's just realized something. PANEL 6: Mai suddenly looks extremely excited, getting closer to Nathan who leans away nervously. MAI: Are you working on another case?! NATHAN: I- Sort of, not really- Just- It’s complicated.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie jumps back into the conversation, grabbing Nathan's shoulders with a smug smile on his face. EDDIE: We’re takin’ care of one little thing, then ole man Vargas over here is goin’ riiight back into retirement. Nathan doesn't seem to mind the contact, he's more annoyed with Eddie's words. NATHAN: I’m two years younger than you! PANEL 2: Eddie proudly puts a hand to his chest, the two leaning closer together. EDDIE: Hey, I’m grayin'at thirty-seven, I own it. PANEL 3: Nathan and Eddie press their foreheads together. Eddie looks at Nathan smugly, Nathan grits his teeth. NATHAN: You’re gonna be thirty-seven feet under if you don’t-- PANELS 4-6: The panel splits in half to separate Eddie and Nathan with Mai. Eddie's on the left and smirking, Mai's in the center, and Nathan's on the right and blushing. Mai looks uncomfortable. MAI: GUYS? Am I interrupting something??? PANEL 7: Nathan pushes Eddie away, covering his own face with his free hand. NATHAN: Right-- Just. Have you noticed anything weird around the city lately? EDDIE: Or anyone suspicious, especially if they have a purple light on ‘em? PANEL 8: Mai looks uncertain. MAI: That’s...weirdly specific. No, nothing like that. But... PANEL 9: Mai's back faces the camera. She's surrounded by red that grows darker around her. Wavy white lines around her head indicate a sensor of some sort. MAI: Things have felt really...off for a long time.
Posted on June 15, 2026This page is a full page spread done in a sketchy, colorful style to portray Mai's powers in action. At the top, she stares down at her hands in uncertainty, white wavy lines surrounding her head. As we fade downwards, we see dozens of people colored in with singular colors. Dozens of colorful orbs float into the air. NATHAN, off screen: Off how? MAI: Like I said, my Spec helps me pick up on people's emotions, I...think that might include ghosts. It happens even when I'm alone. So, usually Elysium is bustling with all kinds of thoughts and ideas racing around at once. Both dead and alive. But I swear I've felt it going stale over the last few years. The background fades from light purple to pure black. MAI: There's fewer voices in this big sea of noise.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: NATHAN: Have you noticed anything like that recently? MAI: Kinda? It's hard to tell in the moment. PANEL 2: Back to the sketchy style, Mai is surrounded by people who are sketched in the full spectrum of the rainbow. She stands in the center, colored in green. Multiple colorful spirits fly into the sky. MAI: You tend to notice a crowd going quiet, not the one person in the corner, y'know? PANEL 3: Nathan thinks, putting a finger to his chin. NATHAN: So this has been happening for some time...This could be useful. MAI: Happy to do my part! PANEL 4: Eddie nods to Mai. EDDIE: And we thank you for doing so PANEL 5: Nathan turns to Eddie. NATHAN: Looks like this is all we're gonna find here, let's grab Joey and head out. Eddie does finger guns. EDDIE: You got it, boss man. PANEL 6: Mai smiles, a little sheepish. MAI: Well, I've got a...thing I need to get back to too. It was nice meeting you, Eddie! And, um... PANEL 7: Mai smiles at Nathan. MAI: It was...good to see you again, Cap'n. PANEL 8: Nathan looks uneasy. NATHAN: ...Yeah. You too, kid.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: A fullbody shot of Nathan and Mai in the dark as Mai walks away, pulling her headphones over her ears looking uncertain. Nathan looks uneasy too. PANEL 2: Nathan's hand reaching out. NATHAN: Listen, kid, about your sister's case-- PANEL 3: Mai speaks off screen, Nathan looks surprised. MAI: I-I know, you don't gotta say it. PANEL 4: Mai doesn't meet Nathan's eye. MAI: It's the only case you and Wil never solved, you feel guilty about it and want to apologize. PANEL 5: An over shoulder shot of Mai, who grimaces with a smile. Nathan stands behind her, still looking shocked. They're drawn in a sketchy style, Nathan colored purple and Mai colored red. MAI: Trust me...I know. PANEL 6: Mai looks over her shoulder at Nathan, forcing a smile. MAI: ...Shit happens, yeah? Don't worry about it, Cap'n. PANEL 7: Another over shoulder shot of Mai, her eyes out of frame as she looks back at Nathan with a smile. Eddie, who had started to walk away, looks back at the conversation curiously. MAI: You couldn't find her, nobody can fault you for that. NATHAN: I-I know, but-- PANEL 8: Nathan looks shocked. PANEL 9: A close up of Nathan's face as he puts a hand over his mouth. NATHAN: ...We couldn't find her.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie looks over at Nathan, confused. EDDIE: What're you on about? PANEL 2: Nathan looks serious NATHAN: Pierce, we couldn't FIND Eileen's SPIRIT. PANEL 3: Something clicks with Eddie, they look shocked. EDDIE: ...Oh my god. PANEL 4: Nathan approaches Mai, who starts to take off her headphones again. NATHAN: Mai, I can't discuss this case out in public, but you might be more help to me than I thought. Do you think you could come with me to answer some questions? PANEL 5: Mai looks a little dumbfounded. MAI: Are- Are you serious? I mean-- Yeah, sure, okay! PANEL 6: Nathan nods back to Eddie. NATHAN: C'mon, Pierce, let's find Joey and get out of here. I've just found my lead.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: We cut to a shot of a crowd as they line up in front of a stage. On the stage is a gigantic screen that reads The show will begin shortly! PANEL 2: A small hand pushes through the crowd. A voice begins to speak over the announcers. VOICE: People of Elysium City, welcome! Welcome to this year’s annual SpecTech Expo! PANEL 3: Joey pushes his way through the crowd, the adults around him backing away as he does. VOICE: Here at SpecTech, we value you- That’s right! YOU! Every one of you! PANEL 4: Joey, having made it to the front of the crowd, stares at the stage in excitement. VOICE: From our collaborators to those of you who so generously support our efforts in researching the very foundation to our lives:
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: A close up of the screen, which now reads SPECS! in large yellow text. VOICE: Specs are a unique gift, you get one and only ONE power at a time! The comic then shifts to being drawn in a minimalist, corporate art style as the screen begins playing a short presentation. PANEL 2: Two hands holding a baseball bat, electric sparks surround it as well as text that says STRIKE. VOICE: But by imbuing your Spec into an objector a piece of tech, not only can you expand your capabilities... PANEL 3: A baseball player hands their bat to someone, who strikes away a baseball with an extreme amount of force, the baseball catching fire. VOICE: you can also share a little piece of what makes you special with a close friend! PANEL 4: Two scientists, one of which is passed out on the lab table and the other looks INCREDIBLY bored. VOICE: But EVERYONE knows that.everyone has put research into this, experimented with it in every way possible. it's getting rather drab, isn't it? PANEL 5: Two hands cupping the planet, surrounded by stars. VOICE: Here at SpecTech, we want to reach further than that! We want to know more.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: A shot of someone's shoes as they walk out onstage. VOICE: So, without further adieu, please give a round of applause to yours truly... PANEL 2: A back shot of a man with white hair, wearing a grey hoodie. He raises his arms to the air, being cast in a heavenly golden light. ELI: ELI BRUSQUE! PANEL 3: Eli runs out on stage. Eli is an older Caucasian man wearing a grey hoodie over a pale yellow suit. He has spiked up white hair and a yellow visor covering his eyes. The shine on the visor tracks his pupils. He's also wearing white pointy-toed shoes and black pants. He holds up the rock n' roll devil horns as he walks out onstage. ELI: HELLO ELYSIUM CITY! HOW WE FEELING TONIGHT? ARE WE EXCITED? The crowd cheers in response. PANEL 4: Eli points to the crowd as a bright light shines behind him. ELI: YOU FUCKIN’ BETTER BE, BABY! Cause we’ve got some news for you that’s gonna blow your minds! As you all know, my team and I are dedicated to researching every last aspect of Specs– PANEL 5: Eli smirks, proudly putting a hand to his chest. ELI: When they manifest, where they come from, their effects on people outside of the powers they grant us– You name it, we’ve researched it! But there’s a few questions we have yet to answer… PANEL 6: The colors shift to dark purple tones. Eli glances away from the audience, holding up a single finger. ELI: People of Elysium, tonight I present these questions to you:
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eli glances to the side, still holding up a finger. ELI: Firstly, what is a Spec’s connection to the soul? We know these powers relate to who we are, but how deep does that connection go? PANEL 2: Eli steps forward, smiling. ELI: And second, is there a way to speed up the process of discovering your Spec? If we can figure out when they're set in stone, maybe we can discover our powers earlier! PANEL 3: A wide shot of Eli standing on the stage, the SpecTech logo appearing on the screen behind him ELI: These are the questions my team and I have been focusing on for years through private research, but now we bring these questions to you, Elysium City. We’re going to be opening a volunteer program! If you’d like to volunteer you and your Spec for our research efforts, now is your time! PANEL 4: The screen shuts off behind him. Eli smiles, melancholic. ELI: Maybe you’re curious about how deep our connections to our powers truly go, or maybe…You’re like me. PANEL 5: Joey standing in the crowd, looking up in wonder. Eli's shadow looms over him. ELI: Unsure what your Spec is, unsure when or if you’ll ever learn the true nature of yourself. PANEL 6: Joey's eyes sparkle, a bright light shines behind this panel.
Posted on June 15, 2026Panel 1: Eli does a little bow, smiling wide. ELI: But, people of Elysium City, I hold the key to that knowledge! I want nothing more than to share it with you. PANEL 2: A shoulders up shot of Eli, holding up one finger again. ELI: So, why not lend us a hand? Sign ups and further information will be available as soon as I shut my mouth! and remember-- you must be 18 or older in order to sign up! PANEL 3: The lights suddenly dim drastically, Eli putting his hands together and smiling wide. ELI: Child experimentation is VERY illegal. PANEL 4: The lighting returns to normal as Eli gestures enthusiastically to the crowd. ELI: Thank you Elysium City, and good night! PANEL 5: Eli looks excited as the crowd cheers and claps for him. PANEL 6: The cheering continues as the lights from the show shut off, but Eli's face falls. He notices something off screen.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: We see over Eli's shoulder, looking into the crowd. Most of them are talking amongst themselves, but Joey is standing alone, staring down at his phone. PANEL 2: Joey looks disappointed as he reads a text on his phone. PANEL 3: Joey begins to leave, pushing his way through the crowd. PANEL 4: Joey drops something as he walks away. PANEL 5: We see a close up of what he dropped, it's a screwdriver. PANEL 6: Cut back to Eli, staring after Joey with a curious, almost cautious expression. The lights dim around him, the background fading from black to purple.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Joey walking through a crowd alone PANEL 2: Joey looks over his shoulder as someone calls out to him Voice, off screen: Ay Ay Ay! Wait up, kid! PANEL 3: We see over Eli's shoulder as he hands the screwdriver to Joey, who looks up at him in awe ELI: You dropped this! PANEL 4: Eli has his hood pulled up, kneeling down to talk to Joey. Joey looks shocked, Eli holds a finger up to his own mouth to hush him. JOEY: ...MR.BRUSQUE!? ELI: SSSSHH!!! You tryna get me trampled, little guy? I gotta keep my cover offstage! PANEL 5: Eli gets a cocky smirk on his face JOEY: O-Oh– Sorry! ELI: Hey hey, don’t sweat it, kid. I’d be excited to meet me, too.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Joey and Eli shake hands JOEY: Uh- R-Right, I- My name is Joey Vargas! I-I’m a huge fan! ELI: Joey Vargas. It’s nice to see you, kid. PANEL 2: Eli points at the screwdriver as Joey takes it. ELI: What’re you carrying around tools for, anyway? We don’t got a workshop open this year. JOEY: Oh, uh…I just- Have it! Just in case! I like tinkering with stuff! PANEL 3: ELI: Ahhh I see! ‘S Tinker your Spec or something? Joey looks nervous at that, stumbling over his words. JOEY: No! Well- Maybe– Could it be? Hold on– PANEL 4: Joey focuses intensely, pressing his fingers to his temple as he does. There's a light glow behind him. PANEL 5: He exhales and untenses, the light disappearing. JOEY: Nope, that’s not it… PANEL 6: Eli smiles a little. ELI: Do you…not know your Spec?
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Joey frantically waves his hands and looks around as he stumbles over his words. JOEY: WHAAAAT? No! I- I know it! Duh! Like- I mean, duh! I’m old enough to so like I DEFO know my– PANEL 2: Eli puts a hand on Joey's shoulder. ELI: Kid, kid. No judgment here. PANEL 3: Eli smiles warmly ELI: You’re talkin’ to the dude in his 50s who still hasn’t figured his Spec out. You can be honest with me. PANEL 4: Joey deflates a little. JOEY: …No, I don’t know what it is. PANEL 5: But he lightens up. JOEY: BUT!!! I’m gonna figure out what it is one day!!! You always say to never stop chasing your dreams so!!! So I’m not gonna stop!!! PANEL 6: Eli’s smile widens. ELI: That’s the spirit, kid! That shit’s gonna take ya right to the top. PANEL 7: Joey looks over his shoulder, both he and Eli looking surprised as someone off screen calls for him. VOICE: Oye! Jojo!
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Joey turns to see Nathan, Mai, and Eddie approaching them. Nathan smiles softly, waving to the boy. JOEY: Tío! PANEL 2: Joey rushes to Nathan for a hug, which Nathan gets down on one knee to happily accept. NATHAN: There you are! You have fun at the show? JOEY: IT WAS SO COOL!!! I got to meet Eli too!!! See! PANEL 3: Eli removes his hood, offering his hand to Nathan. ELI: Nathan Vargas! Never thought I’d see you here. Big fan of your work! PANEL 4: Nathan doesn't shake Eli's hand, instead looking at him a bit baffled. NATHAN: …You are??? ELI: Of course I am! PANEL 5: Eli puts his arm around Nathan's shoulder, Nathan looks uncomfortable at this. ELI: Your name is ALMOST as recognized as mine. That's some sort of achievement, I'm sure. PANEL 6: Eli steps away from Nathan, still smiling at him. ELI: What brings you to my little convention? NATHAN: I can’t– PANEL 7: Joey suddenly jumps between the two. JOEY: HE’S SOLVING A CASE! Eli gets a smug smile on his face at this.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks at Joey crossly, Eli still smirks. NATHAN: Joseph! JOEY: What? He could help! PANEL 2: Eli puts a hand to his chin. ELI: Now just a moment… PANEL 3: Eli looks over the group. Nathan and Mai exchange glances, Eddie slowly steps back in the background. ELI: Mai Nguyen and Nathan Vargas all in one place... PANEL 4: Mai looks uneasy ELI: ...do my eyes deceive me? PANEL 5: Eli puts his hands together in delight. ELI: Is the Nguyen case back open? PANEL 6: Nathan sticks a hand up, Mai looks away still uneasy. NATHAN: I can’t disclose information about that. MAI: I don’t want to disclose information about that. PANEL 7: A side view of Eli's face as he chuckles a little. ELI: Right- Right! Sorry, I hate to be nosy, but c’mon you can’t blame me for getting excited. Your brother's old detective work is legendary! PANEL 8: ELI: It's nice to see you trying to fill his shoes. Nathan flinches
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan, trying to shake Eli's comment off, pinches the bridge of his nose. NATHAN: R-Right, well, you might be able to answer a question for me. PANEL 2: NATHAN: Have you done any research into the paranormal? Particularly any Specs that could capture a spirit somehow? Eli ponders this for a moment ELI: Hm...Not that I can think of, no. Aside from my research into the tie between Specs and the soul, I’ve never delved into that sort of thing. PANEL 3: Eli smirks again. ELI: That seems more like your field, Nathan. NATHAN: What about anything related to capturing or luring? PANEL 4: Eli looks worried, putting a hand to his chest. ELI: Nothing comes to mind! But this sounds…serious. Is there anything I can do to help? PANEL 5: Nathan puts a finger to his chin, thinking. NATHAN: No, but thanks for answering my questions. We really oughta get home. PANEL 6: Eli smiles. ELI: Well don’t let me hold you up! Uh, by the way… PANEL 7: Eli leans over, pointing behind Nathan. Nathan looks over his shoulder. ELI: Your friend is kinda wandering off back there.
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Mai turn, Eddie has in fact started to just wander away from the conversation. NATHAN: PIERCE! PANEL 2: Mai and Nathan chase after them, Joey sticking back with Eli. NATHAN: WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING?! PANEL 3: Joey is about to follow, but Eli puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him. ELI: Kid, wait. PANEL 4: Eli gets down to Joey's eye level again, digging through his hoodie pocket. JOEY: Huh? ELI: Real quick. I wanna give you something–
Posted on June 15, 2026PANEL 1: Eli pulls a card out from his hoodie pocket, handing it to Joey. ELI: Swing by the office if you ever want help figurin’ out stuff with your Spec, yeah? PANEL 2: Joey takes the card, looking up at Eli. ELI: We can’t officially put you in as a volunteer, buuut..I don’t see why that means I can’t help. Plus it seems like your uncle’s gonna be busy for a bit, you may as well have an expert lending you a hand. PANEL 3: Joey’s eyes light up. JOEY: Are you serious!? ELI: ‘Course I am! ‘S the least I can do for someone as determined as you! Kids like you are the future, y’know. PANEL 4: Eli turns to Joey again with a big smile on his face. ELI: If you’ve got questions, you deserve to find answers. I’m willin’ to lend a hand. PANEL 5: Eli stands and begins to walk away. ELI: You know where to find me! Good luck out there, kid! PANEL 6: Joey stares after Eli, starry eyed. PANEL 7: Joey looks down at the card smiling.
Posted on June 15, 2026

 

Chapter 06

Chapter six divider
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: An outside, front view of the Vargas household. The sun is setting. PANEL 2: Joey slams his hands down on the table. JOEY: ALRIGHT! PANEL 3: Joey, looming over Mai as he stands on his knees on the table, balls his fists. Mai looks up at him, taken aback. JOEY: WHERE WERE YOU THE DAY OF THE MURDERS!?
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan grabs Joey. NATHAN: Jojo! PANEL 2: The camera zooms out, revealing that we're currently inside the Vargas's living room. Eddie and Mai sit on separate couches. Nathan stands in front of the table, holding Joey up like a cat. NATHAN: This isn’t an interrogation! JOEY: You said we were asking her questions! NATHAN: As a witness, not as a suspect! PANEL 3: He places Joey back down. Joey pouts. NATHAN: Go to your room for a little bit, okay Jojo? I, uh...really don’t think you should be hearing any of this. PANEL 4: Joey sighs dramatically JOEY: Fiiiiiiiine. PANEL 5: Joey slinks off to his room, the three adults watch him go. PANEL 6: The same shot as before, but Eddie just looks a little more baffled. EDDIE: ...We’re not even solving a murder case.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Mai smiles nervously MAI: Uh...Well! Let’s hope we’re not! PANEL 2: Nathan picks up a notepad off of the table. MAI: Alright, so, how're we doing this? NATHAN: I just need your account of everything that happened the night Eileen disappeared, as well as some general info about her. PANEL 3: Mai looks confused MAI: Didn’t we kinda…go over this already? PANEL 4: Nathan writes What we-- on his notepad. NATHAN: Yes, but when our offices burned down-- PANEL 5: A close up of Nathan's eye, side profile. He looks serious. NATHAN: --all our records went with it. PANEL 6: Nathan holding the notepad. NATHAN: We’re starting from scratch. PANEL 7: We see Mai's Spec in action. Mai is sketched entirely in green, shakey lines surrounding her head. Nathan is sketched entirely in purple, a watery background surrounding him. There's bubbles coming from between his lips. MAI: Oh, uh…Right, sorry. NATHAN: It’s fine.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan sits next to Eddie on the couch, staring down at his notebook. Eddie, gripping at his wrist, looks a bit nervous. NATHAN: We think Eileen may have been taken by whatever– EDDIE: Or whatever. NATHAN: –took the Fortunes. PANEL 2: Nathan finishes writing What we know on his notepad. NATHAN: I’ve…been away from the field so who knows how long this has been happening, but if your Spec is anything to go by… PANEL 3: Nathan looks over at Mai. NATHAN: So, let’s start from the beginning. PANEL 4: Mai thinks. MAI: Well, uh…Eileen was, like, 25 when she disappeared. PANEL 5: An over the shoulder shot of Nathan, Mai looks over at him. MAI: She worked for Carter Studios, she was a stunt woman for a buuunch of their movies. NATHAN: Right, yeah. That was ‘cause of her Spec, wasn’t it? PANEL 6: Mai's face lights up. Behind her, we see a flashback of Eileen Nguyen. Eileen is jumping down from a great height with one knee in the air and one fist pumped in the air. She's got this big, happy smile on her face as she winks at the camera. Eileen is a black Vietnamese woman with a slightly muscular build. She's wearing a v-neck shirt with no sleeves, the top is white but the bottoms are orange. She's also wearing golden slippers, brown shorts, and Greek inspired golden earrings. Her hair is shaved on the sides, the top is grown out back in a mohawk style. It's also dyed orange! MAI:Yeah! “Daredevil” made her immune to almost any injury, so she was a bit of a thrill seeker. NATHAN, off screen: Do you think that has anything to do with how she disappeared?
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Mai looks at Nathan, offended. MAI: No! She was a thrill seeker, but she wouldn’t have let that happen! She wouldn’t have vanished on me! PANEL 2: Eddie looks nervous EDDIE: So… PANEL 3: Eddie grips their wrist EDDIE: When did she disappear? PANEL 4: Mai avoids eye contact with Nathan. MAI: A couple months before the uh…Well. Y’know. PANEL 5: Nathan, sketched in purple and once again surrounded by bubbles and watery effects, grits his teeth. NATHAN: Before the fire. PANEL 6: Mai is sketched in light green, shaky wave lines surrounding her head. MAI: …Yeah. I dunno if any of this will help, but… PANEL 7: Mai puts a finger to her chin, we don't see above her nose. MAI: She was taking a phone call that night. I don’t remember much of it. PANEL 8: A hand sketched in orange and surrounded by question marks grabs a door frame.
Posted on June 22, 2026This page is entirely sketched on black backgrounds, what colors the characters turn will be noted with each panel. PANEL 1: We see a fifteen year old Mai, orange and surrounded by question marks, peaking out from behind her bedroom door. Down the hall, her older sister Eileen is talking on the phone. A trail of blah blah blah's lead to Eileen's speech bubble. Eileen is light blue and surrounded by little blue swirls. EILEEN: Okay I can, yeah. Alright. See you. PANEL 2: Eileen, still light blue, smiles as she hangs up the phone. PANEL 3: Eileen turns orange with those little question marks around her as she notices something. PANEL 4: Eileen smiles, turning yellow with rays coming off of her, chucking as she sees Mai (now light green) standing in the door way. EILEEN: Maaaaiii, are you eavesdropping?
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Mai steps out of her room, nervously flapping her hands as Eileen chuckles a little. MAI: N-No! I was just checking on you! EILEEN: Aw, am I really taking that long? MAI: Well- No, it’s okay, just– PANEL 2: Eileen gently baps Mai on the head, making her smile and turn yellow. EILEEN: It’s chill, Mai. I get it. She pats Mai on the shoulder. PANEL 3: Eileen nods over her shoulder. EILEEN: Buuut I gotta bounce, I’ve got some junk I gotta take care of. PANEL 4: Mai turns blue, little droplets surrounding her head. MAI: Oh, uh…Okay! Do you wanna watch the new ParaNathan later, then? PANEL 5: Eileen laughs and remains her previous color, yellow. Mai turns a deeper blue, cracks surrounding her head. She looks disappointed. Eileen is checking her phone again, the screen is scribbled out. EILEEN: Oooohhh, whoops. I completely forgot about that.
Posted on June 22, 2026Mai remains dark blue throughout this page and Eileen remains bright yellow. PANEL 1: Eileen smiles down at Mai EILEEN: I’m sorry, man, it’s kinda urgent. You can watch it without me, I’ll catch an upload later. That okay? PANEL 2: Mai pauses. PANEL 3: Mai forces a smile. MAI: …Yeah! That’s okay. PANEL 4: Eileen hugs her! While she's not looking, Mai looks saddened. EILEEN: I’ll catch the next one with ya, I promise! PANEL 5: Eileen starts to leave, holding up a peace sign as she walks away. EILEEN: Love you, I’ll see you next week! PANEL 6: Mai, forcing a smile again, waves goodbye MAI: Love you! PANEL 7: Eileen walks away, leaving Mai alone in a long, empty hallway. Mai watches her sister leave, those dark blue cracks surrounding her growing outwards. Her hand is ever so slightly outstretched, but doesn't fully reach for Eileen.
Posted on June 22, 2026This is a full page spread of Mai standing alone in the hallway. She looks small, alone in this place as those blue cracks that once surrounded her and her alone spread out to the environment around her, which is now heavily scratched out. She looks down, her eyes unable to be seen, frowning as she clenches her fists. Mai remains dark blue.
Posted on June 22, 2026We switch back to the present, returning the art style to normal PANEL 1: Mai, surrounded by void, looks down at the floor MAI: …She didn’t get to keep that promise. PANEL 2: Nathan avoids eye contact with Mai, but looks sympathetic. Mai also avoids Nathan's eye. NATHAN: I’m sorry. MAI: I-It’s fine. PANEL 3: Eddie looks concerned. EDDIE: Who was she calling? Or did someone call her? MAI: Not a clue, I thought it was her boss but they were cleared. PANEL 4: We see Nathan's notepad with the writing: What we know. -Eileen took a call the night she disappeared. Caller unknown on it. NATHAN: Wilbur didn’t know either. PANEL 5: A close up of Nathan's eye, gazing downwards NATHAN: I remember he drove himself crazy trying to find any leads. PANEL 6: We flashback once more. All we see is a hand holding a pen, writing on a handful of papers. There is a small framed photo of a young boy with big, fluffy hair and a t-shirt with a sun on it on the desk. The environment is entirely in monochrome greys, but the person writing is colored in. They have medium brown skin.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: We see the back of an office chair. A man with short brown hair and a trench coat sits facing away from the camera. He is completely in color, but his environment is grayscale. PANEL 2: A younger Nathan Vargas kicks down the door with a big smile on his face. Unlike Wilbur, Nathan is colored in grayscale just like their environment. He's wearing a punk battle jacket, torn up pants, and has multiple piercings. Three in each ear, snakebites, and two eyebrow piercings. Next to him, a message is written in scribbled that simply reads 'JACKASS. Learn some respect, oh my god!' with an arrow pointing at him. NATHAN: WILBURRRRRRR! PANEL 3: We see Wilbur's chin, but not the rest of his face. Wilbur doesn't react much to Nathan busting in. WILBUR: Nathan. Nathan leans on Wilbur's desk, still smirking. NATHAN: Sooo, you figured anything out about Eileen Nguyen yet? Green scribbles that read Why so smug??? Asshole! point at Nathan. PANEL 4: We get a better look at Wilbur here. He's Nathan's twin, with brown hair and skin, but he's a bit stockier than Nathan. His hair is also shorter. He's wearing a trench coat, a purple button up, and a yellow wavy tie. Nathan sits in a chair opposite to Wilbur, kicking his feet up on the desk. Wilbur has his head in one hand. We don't see his face, it's obscured for this entire scene. WILBUR: No, I swear every lead I have hits a dead end. NATHAN: Seriously? Not even the phone records? The family said she was calling someone that night. There are multiple green scribbly writings around the room. One is under a cork-board that reads 'I told him this would look cool. How embarrassing.' Next to a mug Wilbur has, it reads 'I think this was tea? Or coco. Wil hated coffee.' Two different messages point at Nathan, reading 'Why was I doing this!? Pointing specifically to his feet up on the desk. The other reads No wonder he was so tired, look at you!
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Wilbur puts his fist to his forehead. Even if we can't see his face, he looks exhausted. WILBUR: Nothing suspicious, the last call she received was from a payphone on the rough side of town. They don’t have security cameras, it could’ve been anyone. NATHAN: Didn’t she have, like, roommates or anything? Writing behind Nathan reads Why are you asking?! Obviously he would've checked! He's not stupid! PANEL 2: We see Wilbur's hand on some papers on his desk. Green scribbles say I never saw these papers on top of them. WILBUR: I can’t find any names, they were in and out so fast that she never put their names on the lease. PANEL 3: Nathan smiles, doing finger guns. NATHAN: Nice. Fuck the system! WILBUR: Usually, I’d agree. Green scribbles point at Nathan reading Tryhard. PANEL 4: Nathan smiles, reaching a hand out to Wilbur. NATHAN: I could check in with her family, see if any of them knew who they were. WILBUR: That would be appreciated. PANEL 5: Nathan pokes at the side of his own head. There are dozens of green eyes scribbled around his head. NATHAN: …Can you, y’know…see anything?
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Wilbur buries his face in his hands, only one eye peering out from behind them, glaring up at the viewer. He wears round circular glasses with some sort of device attached to their rim. Green scribbles of eyes surround his head. WILBUR, sighing: Barely, it's all just...vague colors. You know it's difficult for me to describe. I just don't have enough pieces to guide me through what happened. PANEL 2: Nathan stands up, putting his hands on the desk. NATHAN: Well... Nathan's speech bubble is surrounded by frantic scribbling in green that reads shut up over and over again. PANEL 3: Nathan's eyes glow green as he leans over the desk, smirking. NATHAN: Maybe we need a different pair of eyes? In green scribbles, the phrase IT WON'T HELP is frantically written. PANEL 4: Wilbur puts his hands together, considering Nathan's proposition. WILBUR: ...Are you suggesting this case may be paranormal in nature? More frantic writing appears underneath Wilbur's speech bubbles, reading don't listen to me don't listen to me, Wil you're smarter than this FOR FUCKS SAKE.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan gestures with his hand, winking and smiling as he speaks. NATHAN: Look, Wil, I don't want to be grim... Wilbur, with a dead serious expression: Leave the dad jokes to the professionals, Nathan. The green scribblings read THIS ISN'T FUNNY. PANEL 2: Nathan looks away, looking sympathetic. NATHAN: But, I'm just saying, she's been gone for months and nobody's seen a lick of her. There's frantic green writing covering Nathan's mouth that reads STOP FUCKING TALKING again and again PANEL 3: Nathan looks to Wilbur, still looking sympathetic. NATHAN: Realistically, she's probably gone, and given the circumstances...I...I think I'd be able to find her. The green scribblings read WHY DID I SAY ANY OF THIS?! and I ONLY MADE THINGS WORSE! PANEL 4: We see the bottom half of Wilbur's face. He rests his hands together, contemplating Nathan's offer. PANEL 5: We see the papers Wilbur was writing on before. Though we don't see what Wilbur was writing, we do see those green scribblings from before just saying I'M SORRY over and over again. WILBUR: ...We should visit the Nguyen family, I don't want to change course without their approval.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: We're now back in the present. Eddie looks to Nathan, who stares down at the floor. EDDIE: So that's how you got onboard the investigation? Wilbur didn't have any leads? NATHAN: I was already a part of it. I was usually the one doing the talking part of our investigations. PANEL 2: Nathan looks away with a look of regret. NATHAN: I'm just the one who said it might be more...supernatural than we thought. PANEL 3: Mai tilts her head to the side, pulling her legs up to sit criss cross on the couch. MAI: I remember that visit, actually, when you guys stopped by to tell us about all this.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: We go into another flashback, but this is VERY exaggerated and over the top. The colors are extremely saturated and everyone has sparkly anime eyes. Nathan kicks open the front door, Wilbur kneeling behind him while holding up peace signs. A younger Mai stares at both of them in awe. NATHAN: ALRIGHT, STAND BACK EVERYONE! WE GOT SOME SERIOUS GHOST HUNTER TRICKS UP OUR SLEEVE! PANEL 2: Nathan kneels down and puts his hands on Mai's shoulders. It should also be noted that he has sharp teeth. He and Mai are surrounded by yellow and white glowing anime sparkles. NATHAN: Kid, we're gonna save your sister. PANEL 3: The previous panel abruptly turns grayscale as current-time Eddie stands in front of it, hands out to the side, holding out one finger on each hand, and looking utterly baffled. EDDIE: Hold on.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan and Eddie squint at Mai in utter disbelief. Eddie points at Nathan. EDDIE: I refuse to believe Nathan was THAT cool. NATHAN: I also refuse to believe I was that cool. PANEL 2: Mai looks back at the two of them. MAI: I, uh... PANEL 3: She looks away, blushing with a sheepish smile on her face. MAI: I was a big fan. PANEL 4: Nathan, lightly amused, smiles at her. NATHAN: Well, I think we BOTH remember it more like this...
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Back in the past, everything in frame except Wilbur is in grayscale. The Vargas twins stand in the Nguyen's living room, speaking to the Nguyen parents. The father is a tall, chubby black man with curly hair tied back in a bun. He's wearing a turtleneck sweater and a long coat. The mother is a short, muscular Vietnamese woman with short greying hair. She's wearing a sports jacket and sweatpants. NATHAN: It sounds grim, I know, but this isn't us giving up on Eileen's case! I just think it be...more MY field than Wilbur's. That scribbly green text from before appears, writing And look how well THAT turned out. Also writing You LIED to them. PANEL 2: Nathan smiling. NATHAN: So, I-- PANEL 3: Nathan stops when he sees something off-screen. PANEL 4: A teen-aged Mai peers around the corner, looking shocked at having been caught. Green scribbly text writes she was so young then. PANEL 5: Mai hides behind the corner, disappearing into her father's office. Green scribbles outline where she once was, also writing She was just a kid.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Mai's parents look over their shoulders, Nathan stands in place looking towards where Mai once stood. All three of them look concerned. MAI'S MOTHER: Was that Mai? She's been eavesdropping any time we talk about this. MAI'S FATHER: Can't say I blame her, you know she wants answers as bad as we do. PANEL 2: Nathan looks worried. NATHAN: ...Is it okay if I talk to her? Surrounding his speech bubble is green scribbly text that reads Are you sure that's a good idea? PANEL 3: Mai's mother's expression softens. MAI'S MOTHER: We don't mind, but...don't tel her too much, okay? She's just a kid. Green scribbly text under her speech bubble reads Just a kid over and over again. PANEL 4: Nathan looks at Wilbur, lowering his voice. NATHAN: You gonna be okay with these two on your own? WILBUR: I think I will. You go on. Green scribbly text next to Wilbur's head reads He wasn't too chatty. Never was.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: We see Mai sitting with her back to a bookshelf. The art style has again shifted back to sketches in colors that reflect the character's mood. These color changes will be noted with each panel. Mai is sketched in green and she looks extremely anxious. PANEL 2: Nathan pops around the corner, sketched in yellow with little rays surrounding his head. This startles Mai. NATHAN: Heyyy, kid! Whatcha hidin' for? MAI: I- Uh- I just- Um-- PANEL 3: Mai smiles nervously, Nathan looks endeared by this. MAI: I'm a big fan! PANEL 4: Nathan kneels down to Mai's eye level, smiling softly. NATHAN: Aw hell, that's exciting! I'm, uh...sorry we had to meet cause'a all this. PANEL 5: Nathan looks sympathetic, his color shifting to a light blue. Water droplets surround his head. NATHAN: I know this must be really hard for you. PANEL 6: Mai smiles again. MAI: Y-Yeah, it's uh...r-rough sailing out there! PANEL 7: Mai looks horrified with what she's just said. PANEL 8: Mai buries her face in her hands, embarrassed. Nathan's color shifts to a soft yellow again, still looking incredibly endeared by this kid. MAI: Oh my god, why did I say that? Rough sailing?! That's not even a GOOD Ferryman joke!
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan smiles. NATHAN: Hey, your name's Mai, right? MAI: Y-Yeah. PANEL 2: Nathan offers his hand to the girl, which surprises her. She seems to calm at this gesture, though, her color now turning a light blue with little swirls surrounding her. NATHAN: The name's Captain Nathan Vargas! And I'm gonna make sure this whole case is sailin' on smooth waters! PANEL 3: Mai smiles and shakes Nathan's hand. PANEL 4: Though, she looks unsure as he pulls his hand away. Her color fades back to green as she hugs herself anxiously. MAI: What if...what if you can;t, though? PANEL 6: Mai is surrounded by a void, curling into herself. MAI: Like- like you never know what's gonna happen! What if you- you can't find Eileen? Or shes in trouble? Or--
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: We snap back to reality, Nathan offering a reassuring smile to Mai. NATHAN: Hey, a good captain always goes down with his ship. I'll figure it out something! PANEL 2: He places his hand on Mai's shoulder. NATHAN: Listen. PANEL 3: Nathan smiles down at Mai softly. NATHAN: Wherever your sister is, we're gonna find her, okay? Spirit or not, I promise. PANEL 4: Mai's color changes to yellow, matching Nathan's. She smiles. MAI: ...Okay.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Back in the present, Eddie grips his own wrist tightly. EDDIE: ...And then-- what? Dead end? No leads from there? PANEL 2: Mai scratches at her face, looking off to the side. MAI: N-No there were a few! But... PANEL 3: Eddie looks over Nathan's shoulder at the notepad he's writing on. Nathan looks away, a guilty expression on his face. Eddie seems surprised by what he sees. MAI: Well, you know... PANEL 4: We see what is written on the notepad, which is a series of dates noting significant events in Eileen's disappearance, such as the day she disappeared, when the family contacted the Vargas's, a series of interviews, and finally the case being called off. The dates are not specified and are just represented by a series of X's. NATHAN: ...Yeah, I know. PANEL 5: An overhead shot of the three sitting together in the living room. NATHAN: But, uh...yeah. We had a lot of leads back then, but most of them lead nowhere. I even got to talk to the Carters once. MAI: Oh, yeah, I remember my mom and dad mentioning that. They never said what for, though. NATHAN: Probably because it was another dead end. PANEL 6: Nathan looks down at his notebook. NATHAN: They told me Eileen just stopped showing up to set one day. As far as their records show, that's exactly what happened. PANEL 7: Mai looks surprised by this. MAI: ...Wait, no, that doesn't make sense.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan also looks surprised. NATHAN: It doesn't? PANEL 2: Mai slams her hands down on the table. MAI: No! Because she'd told me a few months before that she'd found a big project to work on! PANEL 3: Mai stands, starting to pace and wave her hands as she talks. MAI: She was struggling to find roles at the time and- and then she found one and she suddenly got really busy. There's no way she wasn't coming to set! PANEL 4: Nathan stands up to follow Mai. As the two are talking, neither seem to notice Eddie suddenly slapping a hand to his own mouth and trying to tug that hand away. NATHAN: You're sure it was a project with the Carters? MAI: It had to be. She mentioned them a few times, never said what it was exactly but I can't see it NOT being them! PANEL 5: Nathan gets closer to Mai. NATHAN: There would have been records of this! Wilbur couldn't find any! MAI: And that's not suspicious to you? PANEL 6: Mai puts a hand to her head, trying to think. MAI: Her last phone call, it had to be someone at the studio! PANEL 7: Nathan doesn't seem convinced. NATHAN: Wilbur said her last phone call was from an old payphone, remember? MAI: I know, but-- PANEL 8: The two look back behind Nathan, shocked as Eddie suddenly speaks off screen. EDDIE: They were lying outta their asses.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie rips his hand away from his mouth. He looks extremely angry. EDDIE: She stopped showin' up to set. That's a lie if I ever heard one. PANEL 2: Nathan puts his hands up, Mai looks surprised. NATHAN: We don't know that. EDDIE: I've got a real strong feelin'. PANEL 3: A close up of Eddie's side profile as they look down at the ground. The panel is black and Eddie is sketched entirely in a bright, fiery red. EDDIE: I can't prove anything, but- I dunno. It feels fishy. PANEL 4: A top down view of the living room. Eddie curls into himself a bit as Mai looks at him in confusion with white lines surrounding her head. Nathan puts a hand to his head. NATHAN : Well-- Where does that leave us? I can give the Carters a call, ask for another interview? PANEL 5: Mai looks at Nathan in disbelief. MAI: If they lied before they won't just suddenly tell you the truth years later! NATHAN: We don't even know if they were involved! You guys are jumping to conclusions here! MAI: But- But isn't there something here we should look at? PANEL 6: Nathan waves a hand as he tries to focus. NATHAN: Okay, then, um...Let me think.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks up, eyes lighting up with realization. He puts a finger to his chin. He's surrounded by an orange glow. NATHAN: ...Wait. The Carter's. Her old workplace. PANEL 2: Behind Nathan is a swirling mass of ghosts, who all circle around each other in a whirlpool formation down into a glowing green light. NATHAN: Ghosts aren't always anchored to where they died. Somethings they're...in some kinda haze, they dunno where they are and wander off until they find somewhere familiar. If the last place Eileen was had to do with her current project, maybe she's somewhere similar? PANEL 3: Nathan looks back at Mai as she speaks. MAI: There is one place that could be...if it was a project for the Carters, like I think.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Mai stands in front of a sketchy background, depicting an old worn down warehouse. MAI: There's this old uh...weird, maze-y warehouse in the city. The Carters turned it into a studio way back in the 50s, got shut down due to safety violations and a buncha workers got sick-- it was a whole thing! I could talk about it for hours, but we gotta keep this short. PANEL 2: Mai looks to Nathan. MAI: It also used to be a hot-spot for paranormal activity. NATHAN: Used to? PANEL 3: Mai looks uneasy. MAI: Y-Yeah, it's...kinda diminished over the last few years. I can feel it. PANEL 4: Nathan puts his fist in his hand. NATHAN: Then we start there!
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan puts a finger to his chin, over his shoulder we see Eddie look at him. NATHAN: If Eileen's spirit has been captured, and a familiar place to her is a hots-pot for stuff like this...Then this is the first step to finding her captor! PANEL 2: Eddie rubs the back of his neck nervously, but he still smiles. EDDIE: I...I uh-- I know where that old building is, I could probably lead us there. PANEL 3: Nathan looks back at Mai, who looks surprised. NATHAN: Mai, is there any way we can reach out to you if we find anything? PANEL 4: Mai sticks her hands up, tilting her head to the side and forcing a smile. MAI: Oh! Uh, yeah! Honestly, just give my folks a call, yeah? You probably still have their contact info, right? PANEL 5: Mai starts walking towards the door. Nathan looks at her, confused. NATHAN: Well, yeah, but-- MAI: Then that's covered! I- I should really be getting out of here! Stuff to do and all that.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks at Mai, confused. NATHAN: Oh, uh...alright? PANEL 2: Mai smiles nervously, waving goodbye to the others. MAI: Thanks for the interview, Cap'n! Hope I could lend a hand! PANEL 3: She quickly leaves, slamming the door behind her as Nathan watches in confusion. PANEL 4: Eddie and Nathan exchange befuddled looks.
Posted on June 22, 2026PANEL 1: Mai quickly exits the Vargas house, walking off the porch. She puts on her headphones and takes out her phone. PANEL 2: Mai begins typing something into her GPS, from what we see of it it says Carter Film Warehouse. PANEL 3: Her GPS loads, giving her directions to the old warehouse. PANEL 4: Mai stares down at her phone, a serious but somewhat on edge expression on her face.
Posted on June 22, 2026

 

Chapter 07

Chapter seven divider
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: We see a birdseye view of Mai's childhood bedroom. There's multiple ghost-themed posters on the wall, including one that says Are You Scared? and another that is a red version of the GHOST EYES art on the back of Nathan's punk jacket. There's a desk to the right and a bed with red covers to the left. There's a laptop on her bed and multiple cryptid-themed plushies. Eileen sits on the bed, looking towards the closed closet door. EILEEN: C'mon, Mai! Let me see it! MAI: Um...I- I dunno, Ellie.. PANEL 2: Eileen smiles softly. EILEEN: You were so excited about this earlier, though! What changed? PANEL 3: We see over Eileen's shoulder, looking at the closet door. MAI: You're gonna think I look stupid... PANEL 4: Eileen sits on Mai's bed, smiling still. We see she has a brace around her left ankle. Mai opens the door, but only slightly. EILEEN: No I won't! And even if I did, why does that matter? MAI: Cause it just does! PANEL 5: Eileen tilts her head to the side. EILEEN: Well, do you think it looks nice? PANEL 6: The closet door, barely opened. MAI: ...Yeah. PANEL 7: We see Mai inside the closet, hugging herself and looking nervous. EILEEN: Then come on out!!! We can't wait all day!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai steps out of the closet. She's nervously smiling and still hugging herself, rubbing the back of her neck. She's wearing a simple black skirt. She's surrounded by sparkles. PANEL 2: Eileen claps excitedly. EILEEN: Aw, c'mon now! You look adorable! PANEL 3: Mai blushes, smiling softly. MAI: Thanks... EILEEN: Sorry it's the only thing I could give you, 's the only one I had that really matches your style. MAI: I-It's okay! I like it. PANEL 4: Eileen smiles, gesturing with her hand. EILEEN: Maybe ma will take you out to grab some more! She's real excited about you figurin' yourself out, y'know. PANEL 5: Eileen puts an arm around Mai's shoulders, winking at her as she whispers. EILEEN: And don't tell pops, but I think she's happy she has another daughter now. MAI: You really think so? PANEL 6: The two smile as Eileen ruffles Mai's hair. EILEEN: I know so! 'Sides, I'm on pops' team half the time, he'll live.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Eileen sits back on Mai's bed, smiling proudly. EILEEN: We're all really happy for you. Figuring out gender stuff is difficult! I know it took me a while to figure out I was bigender! PANEL 2: Mai smiles brightly. PANEL 3: But her smile falls, she suddenly looks unsure. MAI: ...Do you think it's...gonna be too much, though? PANEL 4: Eileen sits up, looking concerned. Mai hugs herself. EILEEN: What do you mean? MAI: Like- i-is everyone else gonna think I'm making a bad choice? PANEL 5: The style shifts to sketches, Mai is sketched in green and surrounded by shaking green lines. She looks down at the floor, anxiously scratching at the side of her head. MAI: Or- or that I don't know what I'm talking about and-- PANEL 6: Mai grips her hair, surrounded by thousands of eyes that stare directly at her. MAI: Oh god what is everyone at school gonna say-?! PANEL 7: Eileen puts a hand on Mai's shoulder, the art returns to full color. EILEEN: Mai.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Eileen is knelt down to Mai's eye level. She looks worried. EILEEN: Deep breaths, okay? Relax a little. PANEL 2: Eileen smiles softly, taking her hands off of Mai's shoulders. Mai, still hugging herself, looks up at her. EILEEN: I'm gonna drop some truths on you, but you've gotta have your head on right first. You can do that, right? PANEL 3: Mai looks down, shaking a bit. MAI: Y-Yeah- yeah, I can. PANEL 4: Eileen closes her eyes and puts her hands up. EILEEN: Coolio. So listen to me real quick. PANEL 5: Eileen opens her eyes and the background behind her lightens up. EILEEN: It literally doesn't matter. PANEL 6: Eileen leans forward on one knee, smiling softly at her sister who looks at her in slight confusion. EILEEN: The only person who knows what you want is you, Mai! You gotta make that heard! Even if no one wants to hear it. PANEL 7: Mai looks surprised by this. EILEEN: You understand?
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai thinks for a second, the background is dark. PANEL 2: She smiles nervously, the background is lighter but somewhat de-saturated. MAI: ...Y-Yeah, I- I think I get it. PANEL 3: Eileen smiles, keeping a hand on Mai's shoulder. EILEEN: Good. You remember that. PANEL 4: Eileen's phone rings. PANEL 5: Eileen doesn't answer, but still picks up her phone. EILEEN: That's my cue, I gotta get to work. Recap me on the new ParaNathan when I visit next week, yeah? MAI: Totally! PANEL 6: The two hug. EILEEN: Love you, you take care while I'm gone. MAI: I love you too! PANEL 7: Eileen leaves the room. PANEL 8: Mai sits on her bed, reaching for her laptop.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai opens up her laptop, smiling softly. A voice comes through the speakers. NATHAN: --it's not that I'd really recommend doing this kinda stuff on your own-- WILBUR: And for legal reasons, we don't. PANEL 2: We see what's on the screen, a new ParaNathan episode. Wilbur isn't onscreen, but we do see Nathan shrugging nonchalantly. NATHAN: Yeah, what the nerd said-- WILBUR: Watch yourself, Nathan. PANEL 3: Nathan smiles, gesturing with his hand. NATHAN: Anyway! Like I was sayin', I don't think anyone should be runnin' around abandoned buildings tryna find ghosts, y'know? PANEL 4: He shrugs again, smiling still. NATHAN: Sometimes these guys want to be left alone, not every single one of 'ems ready to move on, but...
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan smiles at the camera softly. NATHAN: All I'm sayin' is to keep an eye out, 'cause at the end of the day, they're just people. People who want nothin' more than to be seen for who they are, to be heard. PANEL 2: Nathan looks off to the side, his expression becoming wistful. NATHAN: What a wonderful thing... PANEL 3: We cut to Mai, watching this broadcast as Nathan speaks. She looks intensely interested. NATHAN: To be able to help the silenced find their voice. PANEL 4: Nathan suddenly looks up, realizing he's been dozing off a bit. PANEL 5: Nathan blushes and smiles, a bit embarrassed. He waves a hand around dismissively. NATHAN: I-I'm rambling again, sorry! I-I just get really excited about this kinda thing, heh! Um-- Right, so, before we get explorin'...Let's start from the top! From here, the page turns to static.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: The static continues. Nathan, in the past, keeps speaking. NATHAN: It all started like any other morning... PANEL 2: We see the Vargas cabin in the present. PANEL 3: Nathan casually walks into the living room, not paying much mind to what's around him. PANEL 4: Nathan suddenly snaps to attention, looking utterly baffled. PANEL 5: We see over Nathan's shoulder that there are two Joey's standing in his living room. Once of them looks back at Nathan with a soft, curious smile. The other has a laid back expression and a scar over his left eye, a catlike smirk on his face.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: It quickly becomes clear that this second Joey is just Eddie, shapeshifted to look like Joey. The real Joey turns to Nathan, excited. JOEY: Nathan! Hi!!! EDDIE: What's up? PANEL 2: Nathan stares, baffled. PANEL 3: Nathan squints. PANEL 3: If you ever make me listen to your voice come out of my nephew's body ever again I'm going to go ballistic. PANEL 4: Joey still looks excited, Nathan rolls his eyes. JOEY: Awww c'mon, it's cool!!! They can change into anybody! NATHAN: Anybody they've seen before. PANEL 5: Eddie begins to transform back to their usual appearance, glitching out as they do. EDDIE: I can pick and choose a lil' too. PANEL 6: Eddie transforms back, but they're now styling Nathan's usual hairstyle. They fluff their hair out, winking at Nathan with a smirk. Nathan's face reddens. EDDIE: Liiike I can choose t' have this messy ass hairstyle of yours! Seriously, when's the last time ya brushed this thing? NATHAN: You're one to talk!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan walks past them. Joey stares up as he does, curious. NATHAN: We don't have time for this, we need to get out to that old film warehouse. PANEL 2: Joey jumps up, excited. Nathan stops in his tracks, looking nervous. JOEY: You're going on another mystery hunt?! PANEL 3: Joey begins running ahead of Nathan. JOEY: C'mon c'mon c'mon!!! This is gonna be so cool!!! PANEL 4: Nathan grabs the back of Joey's overalls, stopping him in his tracks. NATHAN: Sorry, Jojo, you can't come along on this one, and I'm serious this time. JOEY: Whaaat? Come on!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie approaches, causing the two Vargas's to look his way. EDDIE: Nah, kid, Nate's got the right idea. PANEL 2: Eddie looks off to the side, nervous. EDDIE: That warehouse has been around longer than I've been alive. It got abandoned a few years back, 's too dangerous for a kid. PANEL 3: Eddie kneels down to Joey's eye level, winking at him and giving him finger guns. EDDIE: I'll be sure t' tell ya the whole story when we get back, though. PANEL 4: When Eddie stands, Nathan leans close to him and whispers. NATHAN: We'll see about that, this could get ugly. PANEL 5: Nathan gets down to Joey's eye level. He puts his hands on the boy's shoulders and smiles softly at him. NATHAN: We'll only be out for a few hours. You hold down the fort, remember to call me if anything happens.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan plants a kiss on Joey's forehead, causing the boy's face to scrunch up. NATHAN: ¡Te amo, mi niño de sol! PANEL 2: Eddie and Nathan begin to walk out the door. EDDIE: Aw, that was cute. NATHAN: Shut up-- PANEL 3: When they leave, Joey turns his attention to the window. PANEL 4: Joey climbs up to look out the window. Outside, he sees Nathan and Eddie heading towards the woods. Nathan now has his trench coat over his shoulders and is carrying his lantern. PANEL 4: Joey slumps back down, looking disappointed. PANEL 5: Joey pulls something out of his front pocket. PANEL 6: We see it's Eli's business card. PANEL 7: Joey stares down at the card, deep in thought.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: An outdoor shot of a run down old warehouse. There's a loud SMASH as something breaks off screen. PANEL 2: We see inside the warehouse. Eddie jumps down, presumably having broken a window and climbed in. He sticks the landing. PANEL 2: Nathan follows suit, but he lands flat on his face and cries out in pain. Eddie smiles in amusement. EDDIE: You, uh...need a hand there, pal? PANEL 4: Eddie helps Nathan sit up. NATHAN: Why does it not surprise me that you seem used to this? EDDIE: Who, me? Pullin' a B&E? I could never, Mr.Vargas, ya wound me!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: We see over the duo's shoulders into the room they're in. They're standing in an abandoned movie set. An old kitchen set is in shambles in front of them, graffiti covering the walls and old film equipment scattered everywhere. PANEL 2: Nathan looks over the area. NATHAN: Huh, haven't seen something this desolate in ages. No wonder ghosts love this place. PANEL 3: Nathan glances over at Eddie. PANEL 4: Eddie looks incredibly uneasy. PANEL 5: Nathan looks up at Eddie in concern. PANEL 6: Eddie turns to face Nathan when he speaks. NATHAN: Uh...you alright there?
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie snaps back to reality. EDDIE: Huh--? PANEL 2: Eddie puts his hands up dismissively, avoiding eye contact with Nathan. EDDIE: Oh! Yeah, yeah, no, I'm all good! Jus', y'know, old building. Probably has a buncha asbestos or somethin'. PANEL 3: Nathan stares up at Eddie in silence. PANEL 4: Nathan walks further into the room, Eddie looks unhappy. Nathan's trying to hide a small smile as he takes out his lantern. EDDIE: I'm a street artist! Spray paint is no laughin' matter, I take my respiratory health very seriously I'll have you know! NATHAN: Yeah, yeah, I get it. If it helps, I'll make this quick. PANEL 5: Eddie looks curious. EDDIE: What does that thing even do, anyway? PANEL 6: Nathan looks back with a smirk. NATHAN: What do you think? PANEL 7: Nathan's eyes begin to glow green. PANEL 7: Nathan holds out the lantern as it glows. NATHAN: It guides.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: The light of the lantern begins to fade, there's no response from anyone. PANEL 2: Nathan looks uneasy. NATHAN: ...Maybe there's nobody left. PANEL 3: Nathan puts a finger to his chin, thinking. NATHAN: Usually this thing tells spirits where a safe place is, but if nobody's responding then-- PANEL 4: Nathan jumps as a loud CRASH is heard from above. PANEL 5: The noisy chaos continues overhead. PANEL 5: Eddie smiles, pointing up at the ceiling. EDDIE: Oooorrr maybe they're just tryna find their way. Wanna do a li'l extra guidance? NATHAN: Let's go!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Meanwhile, someone somewhere begins to open a door. The door creaks loudly. PANEL 2: Mai pokes her head out from behind the door. MAI: ...Hello? Is- Is anybody here? PANEL 3: Mai is holding a strange looking radio. A screen in its center indicates that it's detecting something. MAI: My name is Mai Nguyen! PANEL 4: We see Mai walking through the hallway of an abandoned building. MAI: Uh...kind of a rookie P.I, kinda not. I mean, I've been doing this for a bit. P.I. as in, uh-- paranormal investigator, not private investigator. PANEL 5: Mai smiles nervously as she keeps talking. MAI: I know that's not, like, the right term for it or whatever but-- it just sounds cooler to say P.I, y'know what I mean? PANEL 6: Mai waves her hand around. MAI: Wait-- okay, getting off track. Sorry.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai holds the radio out, hunching over as she gazes up. MAI: Are there any spirits here tonight? PANEL 2: The radio begins to crackle. PANEL 3: Soon, the sounds become clearer: Whistling. PANEL 4: Mai walks further down the hall. PANEL 5: Mai begins to cough as smoke wafts into the hallway. PANEL 6: She looks up, the smoke still trailing past her. PANEL 6: The whistling continues, we see the smoke is coming out of a room with an ajar door.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai pokes her head into this room. PANEL 2: We see a spirit hovering in the room, rifling through one of the many boxes scattered throughout. PANEL 3: A closer look at this spirit. He's a young white man with a large pompadour and leather jacket. He's holding a cigarette in his mouth, a small trail of black liquid oozing from between his lips. PANEL 4: The spirit finally notices Mai, whipping his head around to face her. PANEL 5: The spirit throws his head back in exasperation, taking the cigarette out of his mouth. SPIRIT: Ah, shit, just another ghost hunter, huh? PANEL 6: Mai looks around the room, trying to find the spirit. SPIRIT: If I gotta deal with one more'a these I'ma flip my lid.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: The spirit hovers in circles around Mai, who looks deeply unamused with this. SPIRIT: 'S that one 'a them fake li'l radios or whatever? What kinda bullshit do I have to say to get you outta here, huh? PANEL 2: The spirit reels back in shock as Mai responds to him. MAI: ...I can actually hear you, just so you know. SPIRIT: HEY WHAT THE FUCK-- PANEL 3: The spirit gets up in Mai's face, though she doesn't make eye contact with him. SPIRIT: Can you see me? PANEL 4: Mai smirks and holds up her radio. The spirit looks dumbfounded. MAI: No, but I can hear you because of my fake li'l radio.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai looks anxious. MAI: N-Not that-- I-I mean, I get it. PANEL 2: Mai looks away and starts nervously scratching at her cheek. MAI: It's gotta be really annoying having dumb kids like me pop in all the time, yeah? I- I'm sorry-- PANEL 3: The spirit goes back to digging through the crate, looking uninterested. SPIRIT: Ain't no big deal, Dolly. Just don't go causin' me any trouble. MAI: R-Right...uh... PANEL 4: Mai holds out a hand as she talks, still looking a bit on edge. MAI: If you don't wanna be bothered, I get it, but I do have some questions. PANEL 5: A birds eye view of the room. The spirit continues digging through the crate, alerting Mai to his position in the room. She looks at the crate as he digs through it and stays by the door. SPIRIT: If you're about t' ask me if I've seen your dead grandma or that Carter kid or whatever, the answer is no. Never seen no grannies and I never even met that little scamp anyway. I died WAY b'fore he was born. MAI: N-No! It's not that.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai looks away from the spirit as she talks. MAI: Do you know anything about the disappearances here? SPIRIT: I just told ya I never even met Charl-- PANEL 2: Mai looks a bit frustrated. MAI: No! Disappearances of ghosts! PANEL 3: Mai grips her radio. MAI: Spirits have been going missing around Elysium... PANEL 4: The spirit looks up, he has an uneasy expression on his face. MAI: And some of 'em were probably haunting this place too? PANEL 5: The spirit turns around and forces a smile. Mai looks dumbfounded. SPIRIT: There were other ghosts here? PANEL 6: Mai walks out of the room without saying a word, much to the spirit's shock. SPIRIT: WAIT WAIT HEY!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: The ghost phases through the wall, looking rather frantic. He shouts after Mai Don't go runnin' off, Dolly! Maybe I can help ya! Mai keeps walking, motioning her hand in annoyance. She replies You JUST said you didn't know other ghosts were here! PANEL 2: The spirit catches up with her, floating in front of her. Mai's Spec activates, both of them are colored in a light green. The spirit keeps rambling, saying I- I mean-- sure! Yeah! Yeah! I...don't tend to leave that room back there all too much! But that don't mean I can't help! You can't see ghosts, I am ghosts, we make a good team! PANEL 4: Mai looks away, nervous. She says Look I- I know you've got something you probably need help with, you wouldn't feel so...panicked otherwise, but I- I should really-- PANEL 5: Mai suddenly stops, staring ahead of herself. The spirit says I'm just sayin'-- PANEL 6: Mai cuts him off, holding a finger to her lips. She tries to look in his direction, but looks the wrong way. She says Wait, shut up for a second. The ghost looks at her and says Aw, c'mon-- only for her to cut him off again, saying Look at that. Mai is pointing ahead at something.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: We see down the hallway. Nothing seems out of place, but there is a door hanging open. PANEL 2: The spirit raises an eyebrow, sarcastically saying That's a door, miss. Mai looks annoyed by this. PANEL 3: Mai holds up her radio, as if bracing for something. She says That wasn't open when I walked into your room. PANEL 4: The two jump, startled by distant footsteps. PANEL 5: Mai expression turns serious. She tells the ghost Stay quiet. The ghost looks at her and nods. PANEL 6: Mai begins walking down the hall.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Some time down the hall, Mai stops in her tracks. She is staring down at something on the floor, something the ghost also notices. PANEL 2: There is a strange, glowing yellow ball on the floor. PANEL 3: Mai picks it up, it's small enough to fit in her palm. PANEL 4: Mai suddenly looks up, startled as the ghost shouts off screen HEY- HEY, WATCH OUT! PANEL 5: A shadowy figure is looming over Mai. They seem to be wearing cowboy attire, but the only trait of theirs that is completely visible are their glowing purple eyes.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai backs away, still on the floor. She looks shocked. PANEL 2: A close up of the stranger's eye. PANEL 3: The stranger reaches for something in their pocket. PANEL 4: The stranger pulls out a purple and golden revolver, aiming it at Mai and cocking it. PANEL 5: The ghost stares on in shock. PANEL 6: The ghosts takes out a cigarette, quickly inhaling. PANEL 7: The ghost flies out in front of Mai, exhaling an extreme amount of smog, filling the room and catching the stranger off guard.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Mai stares at this display, terrified. Off screen, the ghost shouts GO, DOLLY! RUN!!! PANEL 2: Mai looks nervous, yet determined. PANEL 3: Mai dashes past the ghost and the stranger, both of them staring after her. The ghost looks shocked by this action, he shouts WH-- ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! PANEL 4: He flies after her, shouting WHAT'RE YOU DOING!? Mai begins to cough and gag from the smog. She says Something's-- something's going on in this place, I've gotta figure out what it is! The ghost replies in disbelief Do you have to, though?!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: A shot rings out, Mai and the ghost dodge just in time for it to not hit them. The bullet breaks open the sides of the panel. Mai shouts SHIT. PANEL 2: The ghosts suddenly looks surprised, a bright green glow surrounding him. PANEL 3: The two continue running, but the ghost points to his right. He says This way! Mai looks back at him, franticly asking Which way!? The ghost replies To your right, I think I know a safe place! PANEL 4: Mai looks unsure. She says I thought you said you never leave your room, how do you know what's safe?! PANEL 5: The two continue running, the ghost saying I know this place well, Dolly! 'Sides, I just-- I just got a feeling! Mai looks determined and says Ooookay I'm- I'm trusting you on this!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Several more shots ring out from the darkness behind the duo, all of which miss. PANEL 2: The ghost inhales another cigarette. PANEL 3: And exhales much more smog. PANEL 4: The ghost puts his hand to his mouth, coughing up a black, tar-like substance. PANEL 5: Off screen, Mai shouts after him A-Are you okay?! He looks in her direction. The tar is dripping down his chin, his hair is messier and he's starting to show stress lines. He says I'm already dead, can't get any worse! Keep running!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Suddenly, we see Nathan running to the right PANEL 2: And Mai running to the left. PANEL 3: A loud slam echos out. PANEL 4: Mai stands up, trying to get her balance. The ghost behind her looks worried, asking You good, Dolly? Mai puts a hand to her head and says Y-Yeah, I-- PANEL 5: She stops, both she and the ghost staring at who's ahead of them. PANEL 6: Nathan and Eddie stare back. Nathan looks surprised and a bit angry. Eddie looks very amused by this. PANEL 7: Mai and Nathan stare at each other. Nathan, looking angry, shouts MAI?! Mai, looking a bit anxious, replies Captain!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie, with a big smile on his face, places his hands on Mai and Nathan's shoulders. He says You two gotta quit meetin' like this. PANEL 2: Floating behind Mai, the spirit pinches the bridge of his nose. He says Oh you've gotta be fuckin' yankin' my chain! Mai looks surprised by this. PANEL 3: The spirit looks at Nathan saying Of course it was that stupid lantern! Mai, looking around to try to face the spirit, says Wait, you-- but is interrupted. PANEL 4: Loud banging noises go off behind Mai, which everyone reacts to in shock.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan, looking shocked, turns to Mai and shouts What was that!? PANEL 2: Mai runs past Nathan and Eddie, looking back at them and shouting No time to explain, just run! PANEL 3: Nathan stays in place, yelling after her Now, wait a minu-- but is interrupted. PANEL 4: A bullet goes whizzing past Nathan's face, just barely missing him.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan slowly looks over his shoulder. PANEL 2: A figure stands in the dark. PANEL 3: The stranger takes a single step forward. We see their boots, which are dark purple cowboy boots with a skeletal angel wing pattern. PANEL 4: We get a full look at their appearance. They are wearing a skeletal mask with glowing purple eyes. The rest of their face is covered by a purple and gold bandanna. They are wearing a serepae with golden rings around its rims. They stare ahead at Nathan blankly. PANEL 5: Nathan holds out his lantern, shouting STAY BACK.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: A close up of the Ranger's eye. They stare blankly. PANEL 2: A close up of Nathan's eye. He stares back, terrified. PANEL 3: The ranger looks down, holding something between their fingers. PANEL 4: They are holding a glowing yellow orb between their fingers. PANEL 5: They toss it, it rolls towards Nathan who takes a single step back. It begins glowing brighter. PANEL 6: Nathan stares down at this thing as it glows brighter and brighter, petrified. We can vaguely see Eddie's silhouette behind him. He shouts a few things-- Nate! Nathan, we need to go! NATHAN!. None of which Nathan seems to hear.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie grabs Nathan and tackles him to the ground, just BARELY managing to dodge a giant explosion that goes off. PANEL 2: Eddie sits up, rubbing his forehead. PANEL 3: He looks down at Nathan and says Nate--?! PANEL 4: Nathan is curled up on the ground next to Eddie. Eddie shakes him, saying Oh, fuck-- Come on, Nate! Get up!
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan doesn't respond, he stays curled up shaking like a leaf. Eddie reaches for him to turn him over. PANEL 2: Upon turning him over, we see Nathan staring ahead of himself blankly. He doesn't seem aware of his surroundings. PANEL 3: The ranger begins approaching. PANEL 4: Eddie looks over his shoulder, panicking as the Ranger approaches. PANEL 5: Eddie looks up, noticing something off screen.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: We see that the explosion has caused one of the ceiling beams above to become extremely loose. It creaks and groans. PANEL 2: The ranger approaches. PANEL 3: The Ranger stares ahead, emotionless. Their eyes begin to glow purple. PANEL 4: They raise their gun. PANEL 5: Eddie kicks the weak beam with extreme force.
Posted on June 29, 2026The entire page begins to collapse, panels falling down and breaking into pieces. PANEL 1: Eddie grabs Nathan's shoulder. PANEL 2: Eddie drags Nathan up and runs, Nathan looking back at the Ranger. PANEL 3: The Ranger stares back. PANEL 4: The screen begins to fade as the rubble falls down, we can barely see the light of the Ranger's eyes. The screen goes dark as the ceiling crashes down.
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: The dust settles. We see Eddie, Mai, and the spirit on the other side. PANEL 2: Mai looks horrified, saying Wh-What just happened?! PANEL 3: Eddie sits up, a hand on the side of his face. He says I- I don't know! PANEL 4: He looks up, panicked, saying They shot some-- thing at us and--
Posted on June 29, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie turns around, seeing Nathan sitting behind them just in front of the rubble. PANEL 2: Eddie reaches for Nathan's shoulder, saying Shit-- Nate, are you-- PANEL 3: Nathan flinches away, hugging himself tightly. PANEL 4: Everyone stares after Nathan. Eddie and Mai look worried, but the spirit looks confused and a bit annoyed. PANEL 5: Nathan, shaking and terrified, looks over his shoulder. With a quivering voice, he asks Who was that?
Posted on June 29, 2026

 

Chapter 08

Chapter eight divider
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan turns fully to face the group. He looks distressed as he shouts Who was that?! PANEL 2: Eddie reaches a hand out to Nathan, slow and gentle. He says Nathan, hey-- PANEL 3: Nathan flinches away, hugging himself, and he shouts Don't touch me! Eddie pulls his hand back in surprise. PANEL 4: Nathan turns back to face the rubble, we can only see the lower half of his face. Nathan says We need to keep going. That-- that bastard could burst through the rubble at any moment. The others look at Nathan in concern, except for the Spirit, who stares at him almost annoyed.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan walks away from the group. He is colored in a dark purple, while the rest of the group is colored in continuously lighter colors. Eddie is the darkest, then the spirit, and Mai is the lightest. PANEL 2: Eddie steps forward, a concerned look on his face. PANEL 3: Mai puts a hand on Eddie's shoulder. PANEL 4: Eddie turns to face Mai, who says to him Be- Be careful, he's... PANEL 4: Mai's Spec activates. She's colored green and is surrounded by purple bubbles. She says God, that's a lot, okay-- PANEL 5: Eddie nods, looking determined.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: The spirit floats next to Mai, asking her You okay, Dolly? PANEL 2: With her Spec active, Mai grits her teeth and sighs. PANEL 3: She puts her headphones on and says I will be. PANEL 4: Mai begins following Nathan and Eddie, her Spec slowly fading out. We see the spirit is colored in red under her Spec view. He is surrounded by red cracks.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie catches up with Nathan, the others trailing behind him. He says Nate, you can't go running off like that! You know it's not safe. PANEL 2: Nathan ignores him. He looks over his shoulder and says Mai. PANEL 3: He turns and points directly at her, making her tense up. Nathan says You have some explaining to do. PANEL 4: Mai puts her hands together, holding her radio close and looking down in shame. She says Cap'n, I-- PANEL 5: The spirit pushes past Mai, putting a hand on her head which inadvertently causes it to sink into her. It's like he's possessing her. Mai reacts to this in surprise, but the Spirit doesn't seem to notice. He points accusingly at Nathan, saying Hey, she doesn't have to explain shit to you!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan points at the spirit. And you, he says, What's your name? The spirit crosses his arms and replies Oh, like you give a damn. PANEL 2: Nathan turns on his heel, waving his hand as he walks away. He says You're right, maybe I shouldn't. Because you should be leaving. PANEL 3: Eddie tries to gently approach Nathan, softly saying Nathan-- PANEL 4: Nathan turns around again and cuts Eddie off. He shouts I was talkin' to a ghost, Pierce! You saw that purple light, that's our kidnapper! They just chased us down and tried to get their hands on him! He should phase through the wall and get out of here!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: The spirit looks annoyed, saying Yeah, well, I ain't doin' that! Nathan replies Why not?! PANEL 2: The spirit gestures at Mai, saying Cause I can keep 'em away from you! Dolly here will tell ya, my Spec can distract 'em! PANEL 3: Mai nervously looks away, but affirms by replying That's...true. It's smoggy, though. Very hard to breathe around. PANEL 4: Nathan looks back at Mai, suspicious. He asks Wait, you can hear him? PANEL 5: He turns to fully face Mai, asking How can you--? PANEL 6: Nathan looks down and sees the spirit box in Mai's hand.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Mai nervously holds out her spirit box. She says It's a uh...a spirit box. PANEL 2: Nathan stares down at it intensely. He says I know that. Why do you have that? PANEL 3: Mai holds it close, starting to shake with anxiety. She says I made it! Vibes can apply to sound waves, so... PANEL 4: Mai shrinks into herself, continuing with I figured I could make a spirit box that actually works..? PANEL 5: Nathan towers over Mai, dropping his lantern in surprise. He says You were ghost hunting?!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Mai looks down in shame as Nathan says to her Mai, this is way too dangerous for you to get involved in! What were you thinking?! You need to leave this to the professionals-- PANEL 2: The spirit pushes past Mai again, snapping back with Professional my ass! There ain't nothin' professional about you, Vargas! PANEL 3: Nathan looks at the spirit, annoyed. He says Okay, seriously, what is your problem?! PANEL 4: The spirit gets up in Nathan's face. Nathan takes a step back. The spirit says I dunno, Mr.Ferryman! You're so smart, why don't you figure it out for yourself?! PANEL 5: Eddie steps between them, holding their hands over their ears. They shout Guys, please!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie faces Mai, looking at her spirit box. He asks New guy, what's your name? PANEL 2: The ghost crosses his arms and replies Dusty. Dusty Morris. PANEL 3: Eddie puts a hand on their forehead, looking exhausted. They say Cool. Dusty, whatever beef you have with Nate, now ain't the time to be hashin' it out. There's some weird fuckin' cowboy thing that we're pretty sure has been kidnapping ghosts-- PANEL 4: Eddie presses two fingers to their forehead, continuing with And if we're gonna make it out of here without getting kidnapped or shot or suffocated by smoke or crushed by a building or WHATEVER ELSE, we're all gonna have to get along. PANEL 5: That relaxed smile returns to Eddie's face. They do sarcastic jazz hands to punctuate their point and say So lets cut the shit for thirty minutes to an hour, and then we can all have a lil' feelin's chat.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan walks past the group saying Fine, let's just go. Eddie looks after him, still concerned. Mai looks ashamed. Dusty looks annoyed. PANEL 2: Dusty grits his teeth and mutters Jackass.. PANEL 3: Mai hugs herself and says I- I get it. He's goin' through some stuff. PANEL 4: Mai's Spec activates. She's colored in green, purple bubbles barely managing to dissipate around her. She says I-It's so strong my headphones barely block it out. PANEL 5: Dusty looks at her and says Yeah, sure. I really sympathize with him. PANEL 6: Eddie, still watching Nathan leave, says He's just on edge. I'll try to talk to him.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Off screen, Eddie says And hey. Mai looks up, surprised. PANEL 2: Eddie smiles and points at her spirit box. He says That's pretty sick! Real neat way to use your Spec, kid. PANEL 3: Mai looks at him, suspicious. Searching his expression for any sign of insincerity. PANEL 4: She removes her headphones, just to check. PANEL 5: Her Spec activates. Eddie smiles brightly, colored in a warm, bright yellow. He's surrounded by little rays of light. PANEL 6: Mai realizes he's being genuine. She puts her headphones back on, smiling and blushing. She says ...Thank you.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: The gang enters a large room. It is an abandoned movie set for a 50s diner. Several tables and chairs are turned over, and the room is in general disarray. PANEL 2: Nathan throws an arm out in front of the others, shouting STOP! PANEL 3: The tiles on the floor appear to be covered in blood. PANEL 4: Nathan stares down at it intensely, gripping his lantern. PANEL 5: Dusty peers over his shoulder, unimpressed, saying Cool it, it's just a prop. Nathan looks back at him and says What?!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie surveys the set, muttering Holy shit, wait. Is this the set for-- Dusty suddenly looks up. PANEL 2: Dusty looks over to Eddie as Eddie's eyes spark with recognition. The two of them say Red, Black, and Pink! at the same time. PANEL 3: Dusty's face lights up and he says Hell yeah! You know it? Eddie smiles, but doesn't face Dusty since he can't see him. Eddie replies I grew up watching it! Mai keeps staring down at the fake blood. She asks Okay, but, why is there blood..? PANEL 4: Eddie strikes a pose and says It's fake! It was a murder mystery! The owner of the local diner gets whacked one day-- PANEL 5: Dusty also strikes a pose, saying And it's up to two gals, Kel and Kacey, two strangers from two completely different worlds, to solve the mystery!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie puts a hand to his chin, saying It's been forever! Was Kel the greaser or was it Kacey? Dusty smiles and says Nah nah, Kel was one of them pink ladies. She wanted to be a greaser. PANEL 2: Nathan cuts them off, saying We don't have time for this as he walks past them. PANEL 3: Nathan walks further into the set room, saying Start searching for a way out.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie walks backwards away from Dusty and Mai, giving them finger guns and winking as he follows after Nathan. PANEL 2: Dusty crosses his arms and says What a square. PANEL 3: Dusty turns his attention away from Nathan, smiling at Mai. He says Hey! You wanna see somethin' neat, Dolly? Mai looks down at her spirit box nervously and replies Uh...Sure! PANEL 4: Dusty floats further onto the set and says Over by the jukebox! I think I can get it workin.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie catches up to Nathan and leans down in front of him. He smirks and says Heyyyyy. Nathan closes his eyes, annoyed, and replies Don't start. PANEL 2: Nathan walks past Eddie, who stares at him with a small smile. Eddie says Start what? Talkin' to you? Nathan replies No- No! That- That thing you do! PANEL 3: Nathan makes a gesture with his hand as he talks, saying Where you slide up acting all calm and chill and weirdly charming to try and distract me! PANEL 4: Eddie smirks and asks You think I'm charmin'? PANEL 5: Nathan pauses, realizing what he's just said. PANEL 6: Nathan blushes and says F-Forget I said anything--
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie looks concerned and says Look, you seem tense. PANEL 2: Nathan turns to Eddie defensively and says I-- PANEL 3: Eddie interrupts Nathan by putting a finger to his lips. Eddie says For a good reason. PANEL 4: Eddie jumps up and sits down on a nearby table. He gestures to the room around them. He says But come on, relax a little! Look at where you're at right now! Have you ever been on a film set before, Nate? PANEL 5: Nathan looks over his shoulder, unamused, asking No, have you? PANEL 6: Eddie grips his wrist and says Nope! Can't say I have!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks at Eddie curiously. PANEL 2: Eddie is avoiding eye contact. PANEL 3: Eddie spots something on the floor, saying Oh, hey, check that out! PANEL 4: An old script lies on the ground with the name Red Black and Pink written on its cover. Eddie says It's the script for Red, Black, and Pink! PANEL 5: Eddie leans down to grab it, saying I think this part is the scene where-- Nathan then interrupts them, saying Pierce, we don't have time for-- PANEL 6: Eddie leans up against Nathan. He holds the script and smiles, saying C'mon! Humor me a little! Nathan replies If I look at it, will you let me go? Eddie says Scouts honor. Nathan says Ugh. Fine.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie begins to shapeshift, saying Hold on, let me get into character. Nathan stares at him and says What the fuck are you talking about? PANEL 2: Eddie shapeshifts into a woman with pale skin and curly light hair, wearing a greaser outfit and a bandanna. This person doesn't have any color and is colored in black and white. Eddie acts out the scene, saying What makes you think you've got what it takes? A frilly little thing like you would faint lookin' at red hair dye! PANEL 3: To Nathan's delight, Eddie shapeshifts to the other character in this scene. This character is a woman with curly hair tied up in a bun, dark skin, and a pink lady outfit. She also lacks color and is in black and white. Eddie says I would not! Remember who patched up that nasty skid on your leg, missy! PANEL 4: Eddie shapeshifts again, displaying the bloody injury on the character's leg. PANEL 5: The character stares down at the injury on her leg. PANEL 6: Eddie shapeshifts back into the Pink Lady again, saying And that's not even the worst motorcycle accident I've seen!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: The Pink Lady looks up at her companion, pleading I wanna solve this as much as you do! He was my friend! You worked with him, but that doesn't put you in charge! I've got what it takes to be tough like you, you just gotta trust me! PANEL 2: Eddie shapeshifts back into the greaser. She looks grim, but says ...Alright. Fine. But you better keep those nerves of steel the whole time. And if things get bad...you turn and run. PANEL 3: Back to the Pink Lady again, she smiles and says I won't let you down! PANEL 4: Nathan smiles, quietly chuckling. PANEL 5: Eddie notices this. He shapeshifts back into his usual look, bowing and saying Aw, thank you, thank you! You're too kind! Y'know, I could'a been an actor if I wanted to. Nathan looks away in embarrassment at this. PANEL 6: Nathan looks away, pausing to think. He says And..what? She just lets Kel join like that? PANEL 7: Nathan looks at Eddie, saying After one show of competency?
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie shows Nathan the script, flipping it open. Eddie says Well, okay, we're missin' a few pages here, she made those bandages outta her skirt, see? Didn't even flinch, used a pocket knife she had on her. It shows Kacey she's just as tough as she says she is! PANEL 2: Eddie flips to the next page, which Nathan stares down at. Nathan says But okay, the victim, who he was...shouldn't this be Kacey's job? PANEL 3: Eddie holds the script up, flipping through it more. Eddie says I mean maybe, but 's like Kel said, he was her friend. And if Kacey could use her help, if she really wants it... PANEL 4: Eddie continues speaking, saying Wouldn't it be stupid to turn it away? Nathan looks down, thinking and looking uncertain. The background is highlighted in red.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty floats in front of the jukebox, Mai watches on wordlessly. Dusty says I'm surprised this thing still works! PANEL 2: Dusty turns back to Mai, though since she can't see him she just keeps looking at the jukebox. Dusty says Back in the day, this thing was fitted out with the actual fuckin' soundtrack for the movie! PANEL 3: Mai stares, a curious expression on her face. Dusty continues: It didn't play on set or anythin', that'd clog up the audio, yknow? PANEL 4: Dusty smiles wide, gesturing to the jukebox. He says You add that in post, but still. It was fun to have between shoots.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Mai tilts her head, curious, and asks I see..so you guys usually play it between takes or something? PANEL 2: Dusty replies Oh, yeah, all the time! Durin' lunch breaks too, everyone goin' for crafy loved it In the background, Mai smiles wide. PANEL 3: Off screen, Mai shouts So you DO know this place! Dusty looks shocked. PANEL 4: Dusty turns around, saying Huh-- Mai smiles, excitedly rambling on saying, I thought it was weird that you say you'd never left that room before! PANEL 5: Mai gestures with her hand dismissively and says I mean, what kind of ghost haunts a single room PANEL 6: Mai turns her back to Dusty, who's starting to look nervous. He says Hey-- but Mai interrupts him, not realizing he's still speaking, Like, okay, it happens, but you guys at least wander a nearby hallway or something.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Mai starts to walk away from the jukebox. Dusty stares after her, looking increasingly uncomfortable. Mai continues speaking, Also, your dialect-- you're from, what, the 50's? You would've been here before this place shut down. PANEL 2: Dusty raises his hands in frustration and shouts, Alright, alright, wizkid, ya got me! I lied to ya, are you done? PANEL 3: Mai looks shocked by this outburst. PANEL 4: Mai turns to her spirit box, staring down at it. Dusty looks at her in regret as she says S-Sorry, did I-- PANEL 5: Dusty crosses his arms and sighs, No, no, Dolly, you're fine. I just don't got a lot of good memories here.
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty turns back to flicking through the Jukebox, though it doesn't produce any sound yet. PANEL 2: A heavy silence hovers over the two of them. Mai looks down, uncomfortable. PANEL 3: Mai taps the side of her spirit box, muttering Do you...have any good memories here? PANEL 4: Dusty smiles, Oh-- yeah, yeah, 'course I do! In fact-- PANEL 5: The jukebox finally starts working! A song starts playing. Dusty proudly gestures to it and says, I wrote this song! Mai smiles and says Oh, whoa! PANEL 6: Dusty smiles, saying It was Kel's theme-- the lil' pink lady from that movie the big gal and I were talkin' about. PANEL 7: Mai smiles, but looks a bit confused, It's a little more...hard rock than I'd expect from a pink lady. Offscreen, Dusty replies Yeah, that's the point!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty flexes and excitedly rambles on, Most people woulda looked past her, assumin' she's as soft on the inside as she is on the out, but nah! She's rough around the edges and she wants to prove it! And her ticket to doin' just that? That broad Kacey! PANEL 2: Dusty shrugs, still smiling proudly. He continues, Toughest of the tough-- a different version of her motif comes into Kel's theme too if ya listen, shows they're one in the same really-- and if Kel can prove herself to Kacey, then she can prove herself to anyone! PANEL 3: Mai stands behind Dusty, looking nervous. She says That sounds...intimidating. PANEL 4: Dusty turns to her and smiles softly. He says, 'Course it is, but some doesn't take no for an answer~ If there's something she wants... PANEL 5: Mai grips her spirit box and holds it closely. A bright green glow surrounds her in the background. Dusty continues, She doesn't back down 'til she has it!
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Mai looks down with a frustrated look on her face. She says, Easier said than done... PANEL 2: Mai turns around as Nathan shouts off screen, Guys! PANEL 3: Nathan crawls over the tables and booths to approach the duo faster. Eddie follows close behind. Nathan says, Don't blare that thing, you're gonna give away our location! PANEL 4: Mai quickly turns to switch off the jukebox, saying S-Sorry! Dusty crosses his arms and rolls his eyes, he says I was just showin' the lady some tunes, Vargas. Relax a little. PANEL 5: Nathan looks irritated and he says, Look, that's lovely and all, but that thing is after you! I'm trying to keep you safe! PANEL 6: Dusty rolls his eyes again and says That's a first. Nathan replies Can you just--
Posted on July 5, 2026PANEL 1: Two loud BANGS ring out from the rooms behind them. The group turns and stares in fear. PANEL 2: Mai tenses up and says Shit, shit-- where do we go?! PANEL 3: Dusty says, There's a hall nearby that goes to a coupl'a old writers rooms! Follow me! PANEL 4: Dusty flies off, Nathan follows after him. Mai and Eddie follow Nathan.
Posted on July 5, 2026

 

Chapter 09

Chapter nine divider
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: A worms eye view of the SpecTech office building. It's large and towering over the city. PANEL 2: A person with pale skin and curly brown hair sits at a computer, working. PANEL 3: Off screen, Joey says Excuse me? PANEL 4: Joey grabs onto the end of the desk, looking up and asking Is Mr.Brusque here today?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: The worker looks amused. They say Aw, hey kiddo! Tours aren't open in the facility today, I'm sorry. PANEL 2: Joey looks upset and says I'm not here for a tour! I'm here to see Mr.Brusque. PANEL 3: The worker replies Oh, I'm sorry, but-- PANEL 4: Both of them jump in surprise and look off to the right. A voice calls out Joey Vargas! How the hell area ya, kid?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eli struts into the lobby. People move out of his way, parting like the red sea. Everyone stares after him. PANEL 2: The worker looks at Eli, confused. They ask Sir, do you know this young man? Eli smiles nervously and replies He's...a volunteer. PANEL 3: The worker looks back down at Joey. They say, He looks a bit too young for our volunteer program-- Eli interrupts, whispering Hey, you remember that vacation you're taking in a few weeks? PANEL 4: The worker looks at Eli and says, Uh- yes, what does that-- PANEL 5: Eli stares down at them intensely and whispers, Then that little privilege should be a reminder not to question me! PANEL 6: The worker cowers and says R-Right, yes sir. Eli begins walking away, calling back to Joey Kid! Good to see ya. Follow me.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Joey looks back down the hall. He asks, Um...were they okay? Eli waves his hand dismissively, Look, everyone gets nervous around their boss. They're fine. PANEL 2: As Eli and Joey approach an elevator, it opens up. Eli continues, People get a bit jittery sometimes, is all! PANEL 3: Eli sneers, his eye barely visible underneath his visor. He grumbles, It's a bit...inconvenient. PANEL 4: Joey stares after Eli as he keeps walking, saying Oh, uh...okay?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: A screen on the elevator wall lights up. It has a cartoonish, yellow smiling face. It says Good evening, Mr. Eli Brusque! Are you heading to your office? PANEL 2: Eli replies Sure am, Auto, and make it snappy. Joey, standing behind Eli, looks shocked and excited. PANEL 3: Joey balls up his hands excitedly, You have robots?! PANEL 4: Eli smirks proudly, Heh. This is more of an artificial intelligence, kid. Autovator just makes it easier for me to get around. I call her Auto. PANEL 5: Joey looks up at Eli, excited. He says But COULD you make robots? Eli shrugs casually, Sure, but why would I? I've got Specs to research and lives to change! PANEL 6: The elevator dings and opens up.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Joey and Eli start walking down the hallway. Auto calls after them, Have a good day, sir! Eli replies, Yeah, you too, Auto! PANEL 2: Eli looks down at Joey, smiling. He asks, So, kid, how's your uncle been? Still chasin' ghosts? PANEL 3: Joey replies, He's out on a case right now, actually! Eli smiles and asks, So he knows you're out here while he's working, right? PANEL 4: Joey stops walking, smiling nervously. Uhhh-- Sure! Yeah! He sure does! He says. Eli throws his head back and laughs, HA! You're a shit liar, kid. PANEL 5: Joey looks anxious, rushing to defend himself. Eli waves him off and smiles, Relax, I'm not here to be a snitch.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: They walk into Eli's office. It's an absolute wreck, collections of items sprawled throughout the room. Projects are half finished, like a bookshelf who's books are barely on its shelves and instead thrown on the floor and still in a box. PANEL 2: Eli sits down at his desk. What's that case he's workin', anyway? PANEL 3: Joey sits down across from Eli. He looks down and says, Something to do with Mai's sister, I think? I dunno much about it. PANEL 4: Eli kicks his foot up on the desk, Nate didn't even tell you where he's going? PANEL 5: Joey looks uncomfortable. To some old warehouse, but he...doesn't tell me much. PANEL 6: Eli crosses his arms, looking off to the side. He says Huh. That's weird. PANEL 7: Joey looks more uncomfortable, Yeah, um... PANEL 8: He forces a smile, So! What're we doing?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eli sifts through the mess on his desk, eventually picking up a knife. He says, Well, we're mostly tryna figure out how the Spec and the soul are connected. PANEL 2: Eli kicks back, spinning the knife around in his hand, Specs are connected to who you are as a person, eyes are the window to the soul. Yada yada, you get the whole poetic meaning behind that. PANEL 3: Eli stops spinning the knife. He looks at Joey and asks, Do you even have a clue what your Spec could be? PANEL 4: Joey tenses up, Not really... PANEL 5: Eli looks upwards, poking the point of the knife with his index finger. A glow surrounds Joey's head and the knife as Eli talks. He says, Hm. Well this complicates things. PANEL 6: The glow gets brighter, Joey looks curious about something. PANEL 7: Off screen, Joey asks Oh-- s-sorry, this has nothing to do with anything! But-- Eli looks at him, confused.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: We focus on the knife, which has a small glow surrounding it. Joey asks, Is that a prop from 'Red, Black, and Pink'? PANEL 2: Eli looks at the knife, surprised. PANEL 3: Eli looks at Joey, Yeah. How'd you know that? PANEL 4: Joey gestures for Eli to hand him the knife. Eli does so, but hesitantly. Joey says, I saw the movie a few times when I was little! My dad really liked old black and white films. PANEL 5: Joey points at a chip on the knife. I remember he told me that the knife from the movie is a real blade! And this chip is from when one of the musicians knocked it off the director's desk. PANEL 6: Joey looks incredibly excited as he speaks, literally glowing. Apparently, he and the director got into a HUGE fight, stuff was thrown, it got ugly! One of the actresses thought the chip gave the knife character, so they kept it!
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eli stares, surprised. PANEL 2: Eli smiles and says You put all that together just by looking at a little chip?! PANEL 3: Joey gestures to the room while saying Well, that and you obviously like collecting things. I mean, look at this place! It's full of junk! PANEL 4: Joey's expression becomes hesitant. N- No offense… PANEL 5: His face brightens again as he hands Eli back the knife. If anyone was gonna have it, it'd probably be you. Otherwise this would just be a regular ol' knife. PANEL 6: Eli takes the knife, pulling back his hand and carefully touching the chip in it. PANEL 7: Eli speaks with a cunning smile. I think we can work with this. I wanna show you somethin', kid.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eli stares, surprised. PANEL 2: Eli smiles and says You put all that together just by looking at a little chip?! PANEL 3: Joey gestures to the room while saying Well, that and you obviously like collecting things. I mean, look at this place! It's full of junk! PANEL 4: Joey's expression becomes hesitant. N- No offense… PANEL 5: His face brightens again as he hands Eli back the knife. If anyone was gonna have it, it'd probably be you. Otherwise this would just be a regular ol' knife. PANEL 6: Eli takes the knife, pulling back his hand and carefully touching the chip in it. PANEL 7: Eli speaks with a cunning smile. I think we can work with this. I wanna show you somethin', kid.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eli opens the display case of a different item, a bat with large cracks of red inside of it and reaches for it. He says This thing, however… PANEL 2: Smiling with the bat slung over his shoulder he asks You wanna see something neat? PANEL 3: He winds up the bat to swing. PANEL 4: The impact of the strike violently shatters the glass of five display cases as well as the very edges of the comic panel.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Joey is amazed, saying Whoa!!! while Eli stands impressed. Ain't it great, kid? This looks just like a normal ole bat, but this thing is a relic from back when we started imbuing our Specs into things. PANEL 2: Eli holds up the bat and says The days before microchips, before just being able to easily copy off of those things. Back then we had to put a little bit of ourselves in somethin' to really connect with it. This guy? His Spec was Strike, some of his blood is seeped into this thing, y'know. Joey sticks his tongue out and says Gross… PANEL 3: Eli is putting the bat back in the display case while speaking. Ha! Yeah, pretty gnarly. The guy was a real babe, though. PANEL 4: Eli turns around and waves Joey over and says But that's not what I wanted to show ya. Follow me. Joey looks intrigued.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eli and Joey walk past various display cases and paintings. Joey looks around as Eli explains Now these are the real treasures. PANEL 2: Eli gestures to a display in the background while Joey is staring at something else, glowing, and not listening. Eli says I managed to get my hands on collectibles from entire families! PANEL 3: Eli, smiling, continues describing a display out of view. These guys right here? Family of scholars, each and every one of 'em has a similar Spec power. All focusing on some part of their intelligence. Joey in the background is in front of a different display. PANEL 4: Eli points forward and continues, Screen, they were extremely observant. Stitch, a natural at putting together a thesis– you see what I'm getting at here, kid? PANEL 5: Eli continues speaking. It doesn't always happen, but how you grow up influences your personality, who you are. And because of that, it's common for families to have similar Specs. So if we can ascertain anything from your family history, then– PANEL 6: Eli looks surprised when Joey interrupts from out of view and says Where's Charlie? PANEL 7: Eli turns around, now confused, and asks Excuse me?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eli turns around to see Joey glowing and looking at three labeled display cases and a family portrait of three. Joey says The Carters have two kids, right? Why's only one of em' here? Eli asks ... Care to elaborate? PANEL 2: Joey turns around, enthusiastic and grinning. Oh! You haven't heard about this, huh? PANEL 3: Joey says Well, okay. You have everyone else here. The portrait features three people. On the left is an older Caucasian man with close-cut black hair with salt and pepper grey streaks, as well as a mustache, goatee, a striped orange suit and white tie. He is smiling, staring forward and slightly wrinkled. On the right is an older woman, the same hair color kept up in a bun and similar wrinkles. She wears a purple dress, smiling and looking down at the third person in the middle, who is a child with the same hairstyle as his father. He has a beauty mark on the left of his face, and is frowning. PANEL 4: A zoom-in of the older man, and Joey says each of their names in order. Gregory. PANEL 5: A zoom-in on the older woman. Lillian. PANEL 6: A zoom-in on the child. And Connor. But the portrait is missing their youngest kid, Charlie. PANEL 7: Three labeled display cases are together in a row. The first is labeled Gregory Carter, Compose, with a conductor's baton beneath the glass. The second is Lillian 'Lily' Carter, Hush, with a microphone. The third is Connor Carter, Veil, with a pendant. Joey continues speaking. You also don't have anything from him on your display tables. Sometimes I uh… I kinda get obsessed with things! And I have to know everything about it! PANEL 8: Joey's expression is focused. So I heard someone say that the Carter's had another kid, and I got curious.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Joey is seen researching in a library in the past, and he narrates over it. From there it was pretty easy. There's records of Charlie's birth. PANEL 2: A closer look at the newspaper reads Second family welcomes second child, and Joey continues. The family announced it in the newspaper. And he's in a few other family portraits that aren't public anymore, but I found newspapers at the library that do have photos of them. PANEL 3: An open newspaper with the outline of a three-person family like the portrait is in view. Joey says And then one day they all just stop! No more mentions of him, he's not in newspapers anymore, or family photos of public appearances or anything! No missing persons report, no report of a death– he's just gone! PANEL 4: Joey stares at the open newspaper, eyebrow raised and confused and continues narrating. It's like he just stopped existing after he turned five. PANEL 5: Back in the present, Joey's back is still turned facing the portrait with a glow behind his head. You said this was a whole family collection! And given how peculiar you are about the rest of your collection… I figured you would've at least gotten a portrait with Charlie in it!
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Joey turns around to face Eli with a cheerful smile and a pointed finger, the glow brightening and being visible in his eyes now. He says Looks like you didn't do your research, Mr. Brusque! This collection isn't complete! PANEL 2: Eli looks surprised, Joey's glow radiating in front of him. PANEL 3: Eli smiles menacingly, and says Kid, I think we're off to a great start.
Posted on July 13, 2026

 

Chapter 10

Chapter ten divider
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Cut back to Eddie, Nathan, Mai and Dusty in the abandoned warehouse. Mai's in front of a large, old photograph, Nathan is behind her, Dusty's in the doorway and Eddie's looking at an old desk. PANEL 2: Dusty peeks behind Mai and says Ugh, this asshole. PANEL 3: Mai looks over at her spirit box and asks Do you know the guy who worked here? Dusty looks upset. PANEL 4: With a closer look of the black and white photograph, it is labeled Cooper Carter. He is a man with close-cropped hair, a beard and suspenders. Dusty says Yeah, he was my boss. Real piece of work. PANEL 5: Mai says I wouldn't be surprised if he had a layout map or something, then. PANEL 6: Mai looks over to Nathan further behind her and says They've gotta at least give the guy in charge a map of this place. It's a maze!
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan looks back to her and says What, like some sort of safety regulation thing? Dusty in the background snorts before dismissively saying Right. That's not how we did it back then. PANEL 2: Nathan ignores that and says Well, it's worth a shot. Everyone, look around. Pierce, you tag with me. PANEL 3: With no response, Nathan looks over at Eddie and asks …Pierce? PANEL 4: Across the room, Eddie by the desk is holding a much smaller photograph and looking closely at it. PANEL 5: This photo is unlabeled, also black and white, showing someone with close-cropped hair, suspenders, and budding facial hair. PANEL 6: Eddie startles and looks up when Nathan asks Everything alright?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Eddie looks back at Nathan and smiles sheepishly, saying Oh– Uh– Yeah, sorry. Old places like this just creep me out. PANEL 2: They show Nathan the small photograph, saying Everyone we see in these pictures is probably dead by now, y'know. PANEL 3: Nathan points at the photo and says Well, not this kid. Gregory's the current CEO of the studio. PANEL 4: Eddie squints a bit and frowns, saying Oh. Yeah. Guess that's true. PANEL 5: She brightens up to smile back at Nathan and asks How about you, Nate? Feelin' a bit better after earlier? PANEL 6: Nathan frowns and looks to the side. He says Yes and no. I'm starting to feel like this is a huge waste of time.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan moves closer to the desk as he speaks, I'm glad to help Dusty get away from this maniac, but we came here for Eileen. PANEL 2: He examines old, torn up papers with no discernible text and says I don't think she's here. PANEL 3: Eddie, from behind him, smiles kindly and says Well, hey, your investigative skills are just a bit rusty. This case got interrupted last time you were on it, s' bound to happen. PANEL 4: Nathan quickly turns back with his eyebrows raised and says Interrupted? PANEL 5: Eddie responds with I mean, yeah. You had to stop working on it because of the fire, right? PANEL 6: Nathan looks away from Eddie, who looks very surprised, and says …Actually, that's not– PANEL 7: They are interrupted and startled by a long, ominous creaking sound. PANEL 8: The background of the panel glows purple. Eddie is looking to the side while Nathan looks to him, both nervous. He asks What was that? Eddie replies Sounded like a door. Nathan replies Might be an exit. Let's investigate.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Cut to Mai and Dusty. She's on the floor investigating a filing cabinet while he's looking across the room. PANEL 2: Mai leafs through the old files, saying There might be something in here we can use... PANEL 3: Mai's eyes widen in shock at something she's found. PANEL 4: In her hands she's holding a folder labeled Dusty P.M. and is pulling out one of the papers inside it. PANEL 5: Mai asks Dusty? What's your Spec? PANEL 6: Dusty tilts his head, raised eyebrows, and says 'Scuse me? Mai continues with It makes a bunch of smog, right? What is it? Dusty responds saying Corruption. Why? PANEL 7: Mai is visibly reading the file as she says That- That doesn't make sense. This paper here says it's Reverb.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty clutches his chest from behind Mai, still reading the file. PANEL 2: He smiles sadly, telling Mai …Specs can change, dolly. PANEL 3: His smile turns shaky as he continues. Just like people can, even if it don't happen a lot. PANEL 4: Dusty narrates over a blurry memory of himself in the hospital, frailer than he is now. Yknow when you're on your deathbed… people don't have a lot to say about you anymore. PANEL 5: Focus on the emptying IV bag. Dusty continues. All you are is the thing that's killin' you. PANEL 6: Black ooze is pouring out of Dusty's mouth into his shaking hand, even the panel is dripping with it. Shaking, he finishes. Ain't that fucked up?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Mai sympathetically looks down to her spirit box and says …Oh, Dusty, that's– PANEL 2: She is interrupted by another voice saying Hey. Mai turns around to look behind her. PANEL 3: She looks to Nathan, who gestures to behind him and says Looks like there's an old studio up the hall, there might be a way out up there. PANEL 4: Dusty perks up and says Oh, shit, hey that's probably my old studio! PANEL 5: Nathan watches Dusty excitedly goes ahead, saying C'mon, what're we waiting for? PANEL 6: As Nathan moves to follow, Mai puts her hand on his shoulder and says Um… Cap'n PANEL 7: Mai nervously says I-I think something's wrong with Dusty. Nathan turns around unamused and says Well, yeah. He's dead. Mai continues with You know what I mean!
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Looking closely at the papers Mai is holding, they read NAME: DUSTY P.M. SPEC: REVERB. AGE: 27. Mai says I found these papers that have a different Spec listed for him. A-And he made this comment about being on your deathbed and that changing you as a person or something. PANEL 2: Mai continues saying He's been so bitter this whole time too and– PANEL 3: Close up on Nathan's glasses, showing him to be skeptical and reflecting an image of Mai looking nervous. Nathan says So what're you getting at? PANEL 4: Mai looks down and has a nervous sweat, but keeps speaking. I-I think I know why he's still here. You know, haunting the place. If- If we can help him find peace, then– PANEL 5: Nathan abruptly interrupts her and says We don't have time to do that, it's much more complicated than you think. We'll all be caught before he even has a chance to reflect. Mai tries to continue, saying But- PANEL 6: Nathan points to her and continues what he was saying. Mai. We need to focus on getting out of here, we can deal with Dusty later. Stop getting distracted. PANEL 7: Nathan turns his back and walks away from her while Mai shrinks in on herself, folding her arms and lowering her head.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan, Mai and Eddie see Dusty looking through a room similarly run down, but without any documents or personal effects like the other rooms. Dusty is frantically talking to himself, saying C'mon, c'mon– Where the hell is it?! There's gotta be something here… PANEL 2: Mai, confused, peers behind Dusty and asks What're you looking for? Dusty says I dunno, anything! PANEL 3: He opens a cabinet, empty, while continuing. My instruments, my records, hell even some of my notes or something! PANEL 4: Dusty is framed in the distance, small, and alone in the dark. He says I know I didn't stick around as long as they would've liked, but… PANEL 5: Close up of Dusty, in utter disbelief, saying They- They didn't just… get rid of everything, right?
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty slams open a cabinet, saying C'mon– PANEL 2: He keeps searching, shaking a box upside down. All that comes out are scraps. He says Come on!!! PANEL 3: He pulls out a cabinet drawer, also empty, with a crack. Dusty continues with more desperation. There's– PANEL 4: He throws the cabinet drawer into glass with a loud crash, screaming Nothing!!! PANEL 5: Mai speaks into her spirit box saying Dusty– PANEL 6: Dusty keeps going like he didn't hear her. It's all gone!!! After everything I did for these motherfuckers they just–
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty continues with his back turned to everyone else. Y'know, when I got sick none of these bastards tried to do anything for me! PANEL 2: There's a large splotch of black ooze coughed into Dusty's hand. He says I was dying and I still wanted to help these assholes! So you think they would've kept somethin', anythin' but no! PANEL 3: More ooze comes out of Dusty's mouth and his hair starts to fall out as he keeps shouting. The second I became the local charity case they tossed me aside like garbage! PANEL 4: Dusty stops when he hears loud coughing and gagging. Black smog starts to fill the air and his hair keeps falling out. PANEL 5: Eddie and Nathan are coughing and covering their mouths and Mai looks scared. PANEL 6: Dusty finally looks over at them, in shock. The smog is rising from him. PANEL 7: Dusty laughs miserably, the walls behind him darkening. PANEL 8: He turns his head, starting to cry. I hate this. I fucking hate this.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty looks to his violently trembling hand, black ooze in his palm. He says I hate that this is all I am, I hate that they couldn't even leave a little of my work behind… something other than this stupid fucking disease. PANEL 2: Nathan hears an ominous creaking, starting to look behind him. PANEL 3: He turns all the way to see something not pictured in the panel, immediately shocked and says Shit– PANEL 4: Nathan apprehensively starts to speak. Dusty, look, I know you're dealing with a lot right now but we should get you out of here– PANEL 5: Dusty argues shouting Oh up yours, Vargas! I don't want to hear anything from you! Nathan, no longer apprehensive, snaps back saying I'm trying to keep you safe! PANEL 6: Dusty turns to face Nathan saying And where was that attitude over the last few years, huh?!
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty narrates over a flashback of himself, dead but with his healthier appearance. He is running away and behind him is the Ranger. He says Y'know somethin' funny? This ain't the first I've had to run and hide. PANEL 2: The flashback continues, showing two spirits, blurred in orange, purple and pink. They are both afraid. Dusty says Do you have any idea how many of us have just up and vanished, Vargas?! PANEL 3: Back in the present, Dusty points to Nathan as he reels back. Nathan tries to interject with I- but Dusty immediately continues with Where were you when they needed protecting, huh? Why'd you just abandon all of us?! PANEL 4: Nathan retorts with a hand to his chest saying My– My brother died! My goddamn leg got amputated! I can't just– PANEL 5: Dusty gestures to Mai who has otherwise been silent and visibly surprised to be involved. Dusty says Then quit bein' an asshole to Mai! Let her do the job! And she's better at it than you are, she's figured out more about me this whole night than you could've in a week! PANEL 6: Mai looks to the side and holds herself saying I really don't want to be dragged into this– PANEL 7: Dusty faces Mai and tells her No! You should! He's been terrible to you this whole night, Dolly! Doesn't that piss you off?! PANEL 8: He asks Why aren't you standing up for yourself?! While Mai looks down to the ground.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: There is a quiet tapping sound nobody has noticed yet. Mai shrinks down looking at her spirit box and Nathan keeps arguing with Dusty in the foreground, saying Mai is just a kid, she doesn't know what she's getting into! PANEL 2: The tapping continues as Dusty shouts If you won't protect us and Mai ''can't'' do it, then what're we supposed to do?! PANEL 3: The tapping continues. Dusty points his wrinkled hand as he speaks. Sorry you're having a little fucking pity party, Vargas, but some of us need to keep moving forward! PANEL 4:Eddie interjects saying Hey, you're being really harsh– Before Dusty screams back with I don't care! PANEL 5: A bright yellow ball rolls behind Nathan's feet that no-one sees. He starts to step forward, saying Dusty…
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: The tapping continues throughout the page, but nobody hears over the shouting. The edges of the panel start to roughly tear. Dusty says You promised all of us you'd protect us! PANEL 2: A familiar purple boot with a golden trim approaches. PANEL 3: Dusty clutches his chest as he continues, You abandoned all of us like these assholes abandoned me! PANEL 4: There's a close-up shot of Nathan gritting his teeth when Dusty says You've let all of us down, Vargas! PANEL 5: Nathan cries out that Do you think I don't know that?!
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Suddenly an explosion goes off behind Dusty and Nathan, with the silhouette of The Ranger in the doorway. These panels don't have borders, just sharp edges. PANEL 2: They pull out and shoot a small gun with a deafening bang. PANEL 3: A small yellow capsule-shaped bullet embeds itself in Dusty's chest. His physical form cracks with purple, pupils visible and panicked. He is flinching back, terrified.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Dusty disappears and the capsule turns purple in the air, pulling purple fog and cracks into itself as The Ranger stares forward. PANEL 2: Everything coalesces inside the capsule and starts to fall down. PANEL 3: They catch it in the palm of their hand. PANEL 4: They look ahead, ignoring Mai sitting up against a scorched wall holding her head. PANEL 5: Nathan's hand shakily grabs their boot to stop them. PANEL 6: The Ranger looks down at him, seemingly surprised.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: Nathan is bleeding from a head wound, one eye open fiercely looking up at them as he shudders in pain. All of the panel edges on the page are rough like on Page 260. PANEL 2: The Ranger looks down on him. PANEL 3: They continue moving on, easily breaking Nathan's hold. PANEL 4: He tries to grab them again and fails. PANEL 5: The floor between Nathan and The Ranger is crumbling, and as they stand in front of the doorway, they throw a small yellow ball like before. PANEL 6: The ball clinks on the edge of the floor… PANEL 7: And explodes.
Posted on July 13, 2026PANEL 1: The panel is rough and purple, highlighting the collapsing ground as Nathan holds onto the edge with one hand, reaching towards The Ranger with the other. They look down on him. PANEL 2: The edge breaks, sending Nathan careening down with a crash. The Ranger walks away.
Posted on July 13, 2026