Volume 2 Opening Scene Sneak Peek

For my higher tier Patrons, I wanted to give you all a sneak peek at the opening scene of Volume 2. This is NOT the full scene, nor is it 100% final, but it's definitely gone through a few drafts. This is also a way for you to see how I outline and structure my writing before it hits illustration. I can't be sending these every week, but at least it's something for a Friday!

Also, the first draft of Volume 2 is nearly complete. I have about 1 more scene to write, but I've been pleased with it. It comes full circle from the end of Volume 1 (in a way). So far... on schedule. :D

- Jared

P.S. I ask you to please keep these posts private as they are meant specifically for patrons only. Thank you!

Below you'll see that I start with a scene synopsis, then actually begin the scene.

-------

SCENE 1. We begin with what looks like a vintage Disneyland brochure of Ion Valley. Lots of vintage 60’s esque illustrations with an Atomic Era feel. There will probably be 4 pages, two dual spreads with a collage of Ion Valley locations and features, similar to an amusement park. There will be lots of flashy words and narration showing how amazing Ion Valley is.

Turning the page, We see Arlo working behind the counter at a Jolt Java as a barista. He hates his job and is quite bored. He decides to have some fun and blows up a cappuccino machine with insane amounts of foam. His boss looks at him with disgust. We then cut rapidly to Arlo getting thrown in a jail cell for what has apparently not been his first time. The officers are annoyed of Arlo and mention how pissed Archer is going to be. Arlo is talking smack and being a smartass not taking the situation seriously. Archer then enters the room, staring Arlo down as they begin to have a heated discussion. 

-------

Arlo is working at a Jolt Java in apron and hat looking very annoyed. A customer is making a complicated coffee order.

ARLO: Welcome to Jolt Java where we keep you going full throttle. How may I help you?

CUSTOMER: Soooooo, like… can I get a half caramel, half vanilla latte, decaf espresso heated only to 100° with nonfat milk and caramel drizzle on top, but like… put layers of whipped cream with caramel and mocha drizzle between each layer… and lots of foam.

ARLO: Wait, so you want the whipped cream in between the caramel and mocha?

CUSTOMER: Uh, that’s what I said didn’t I? It’s not hard. Between EACH layer though. And lots of foam! (being snotty)

Arlo is very annoyed at this point and walks over to the machine. He pulls a giant canister of milk from under the counter.

ARLO: Lots of foam you said? 

CUSTOMER: Did I stutter? Hurry up! I have places to be!

Arlo pours a bunch of milk into the machine and starts cranking the knobs to their limits. The machine starts vibrating violently while steam starts billowing out. 

ARLO: W-wait… come on you piece of crap!

Arlo starts to realize he might’ve taken it too far and starts to panic.

ARLO: Uh oh…

Suddenly the machine busts open and explodes foam all over the entire coffee shop and customers. The store alarms have even been set off. The snotty customer had hot espresso blasted all over her with burns, screaming in pain. Arlo is in a stunned silence as everyone is looking at him. We then see his boss give him death eyes. Arlo tries cracking a grin.

--- 

We see a body tossed against a brick wall onto a bench with the sound of a gate shutting. We then see Arlo’s face inside a holding cell.

OFFICER 1: *whistles* What number does that make it this month? Two… three?

OFFICER 2: Ah what’s it matter. Archer’ll probably just bail him out again.

Arlo smirking

OFFICER 1: Ehhh I don’t know. He seemed really pissed the last time.

Arlo’s smirk is gone

ARLO: Don’t you idiots have somewhere else to be? I thought I saw someone delivering donuts in the front lobby.

OFFICER 1: Hey we got a real comedian here! Cops? Donuts? Wow!

OFFICER 2: Tell ya what buddy. We’ll get a tomato delivery so we can throw them at your unoriginal ass.

Arlo sneering

OFFICER 1: Oooh I think you might’ve made him angry.

ARLO: Ooooh I tink u might’uv made ‘im ungry! (talking in smartass mocking voice)

OFFICER 2: Come on, let’s go before Archer roasts this punk.

ARLO: Yeah OINK off you grease frying piece a…

Archer suddenly standing in the doorway looking stern

OFFICER 1 & 2: C-Commissioner!

OFFICER 1: *pause* He’s right in there. 

OFFICER 2: … it’s Arl….

ARCHER: I know… who it is. Thank you officers. (stern tone)

The officers leave and Archer stares in silence through the cell gates at Arlo sitting on a bench

*long pause*