Story: Scott A. Bachmann | Art: Scott D.M. Simmons
This page is a nod to the Novel. I wrote a novel about Liza’s origins that is coming out in a month or so. The novel is a soft R rating, so not really the same audience as the comic. The novel came first, then Hardcase, then Super Mom. Later drafts of the novel were influenced by the comic, and I changed the novel to fit into the same world as Hardcase. So both comics, and the novel, are canon and part of a shared world. Flare is the only character to appear in two of the works, although she will make a cameo in issue 2 of Our Super Mom. Flare has promised to behave for our audience.
Spent a lot of time getting references right for Chicago architecture for the bookstore in this page and the next one. Hardcase issue 4 will also take place in Chicago. Pandering to C2E2 and Wizard World Chicago had nothing to do with picking the windy city. Well maybe a bit. Truth is, I love Chicago. I grew up in Cleveland and Chicago is like the bigger older brother that gets all the girls while younger bro Cleveland gets picked on by the other cities.
Simmons was great again on the art details and the facial expressions. I also think Liza looks gorgeous in panel 1. I also like how he drew Gwen, and how we get to see their contrast in body type. Growing up, Gwen was the hot girl in town, Gwen was the opposite, so it’s nice to see them at parity.
One detail made me laugh. Markie has a race car bed with the number 5. That’s not in the script and was never discussed, just something Simmons came up with. I laughed because I had a car bed at Markie’s age, and I insisted it have the number 5 on it because Speed Racer drove a Mach 5. Go Speed Racer Go!
We also see the costume for the first time. (Aside from the promo art) The costume has SO grown on me, that just seeing it hanging there I feel nostalgic. Which is odd, because she doesn’t wear the costume much in this comic, and she didn’t wear it in the novel. There’s just something about it that strikes a chord.
ORIGINAL SCRIPT
Panel 1
At Port Columbus airport, either by the ticket counter area or just outside the security queue. GAIL and MARK are in t-shirts and jeans as is LIZA. LIZA is giving LEON a peck on the cheek. LEON is in slacks, dress shirt, tie and a corduroy coat with patched elbows. LEON has a laptop bag slung over one shoulder. MARK has a death grip on LEON’s leg, LEON ruffles his hair. GAIL is playing Gameboy.
CAPTION
Port Columbus Airport. The next day.
LEON
Just two nights in Chicago kiddo. I’ll be back Monday so I’ll be there for your big game.
LIZA
I’ll still miss you hon. So will your daughter.
GAIL
Uh Huh.
Panel 2
LEON is at the end of a claustrophobic line of people in a bookstore (THOM’S TOMES) with isles too thin to move down. Some people in line are in cosplay. Cheesy posters of the TV show are hanging up, and promo posters for the “Against the Tide” novels.
CAPTION
Thom’s Tomes. Chicago.
Panel 3
Back at the homestead, LIZA tucks snoring GAIL into bed as GWEN looks on gushing at the cuteness. GWEN is pretty, white, thin, blond, blue eyed flower child who always looks spacey and bohemian. Think rail thin Stevie nicks. GWEN is a life long best friend of LIZA and will appear occasionally. The kids think of her as an Aunt.
CAPTION
Meanwhile.
Panel 4
LIZA is flying out of the room, making a thank you prayer with her hands as she passes GWEN.
LIZA
Thank you for watching them tonight Gwen.
GWENIFER TWO TALES
What are besties for?
Panel 5
LIZA has her bedroom closet open and the PARAGON suit hangs on the door on a special reinforced hook. LIZA reaches for it. GWEN is in the doorway to the bedroom or nearby.
LIZA
You have my cell number and Leon’s…
GWENIFER TWO TALES
Go. I’ve got this.
LIZA
You’re direct and to the point? Who are you really? Evil clone?
GWENIFER TWO TALES
You haven’t had any couple time in months. Go!
