Story: Scott A. Bachmann | Art: Scott D.M. Simmons
Trimmed down the words a bit, and found a logic problem on the page. Leon said he’d be back Monday for Markie’s ‘big game’. This counselor scene takes place Monday afternoon. That’s fine. But the scene AFTER that takes place Monday evening, and then the scene with Markie’s game. So I dropped the monday reference here, and in the print version Leon will say he’ll be back Monday, in time for his big game on Tuesday.
Simmons did an excellent job on this page, and the next, making talking heads not look boring. That’s not an easy thing to do.
ORIGINAL SCRIPT
Panel 1
Big panel. A counselor’s office in a busy elementary school. Office stuff is going on outside a mix of kids and teachers and front office staff. In the counselor’s room it’s a respite of calm, the eye of the storm. The building’s guidance counselor, a cheery Korean woman named CHOON HE PARK (we see it on a nameplate on the desk and probably a badge around her neck). She’s dressed professionally but casually, Think Eddie Bauer. LIZA is sitting hands folded, nervous but holding it in. She’s dressed to be presentable. GAIL is in school clothes and is preening. CHOON HE is reading from a computer screen on her desk.
CAPTION
Guidance Counselor’s office, Monday afternoon.
CHOON HE
Gail is both reading and writing at a sixth grade level. Four grade levels higher is very significant. In addition she has a perfect math grade. Sorry. That’s my favorite pun.
GAIL
Mom, I have a perfect grade in ALL my classes.
CHOON HE
With the notable exception of Phys Ed, that’s quite true.
Panel 2
LIZA is clutching her chest trying to catch a breath, looking very relieved. GAIL is scowling.
LIZA
Oh thank goodness! I was worried this was about behavior! But it’s good news!
GAIL
Mom!
Panel 3
CHOON HE is admonishing GAIL lightly. Gail is turning her nose up indignantly.
CHOON HE
While it’s true that Gail can be a bit… strong willed… we think it’s because she’s not being properly challenged.
Panel 4
LIZA looks overwhelmed, CHOON HE is trying to be cheery and helpful. GAIL is arrogantly proud, arms folded with an “of course” attitude.
CHOON HE
It’s my recommendation that we have Gail meet with our district’s Psychologist and be assessed for gifted status.
