Issue 2

Panel 1:Wide exterior shot of the New Bloods warehouse at night. The corrugated metal facade is drenched in magenta and teal neon from surrounding holographic advertisements. Arjun bursts through a side door mid-sprint, coat flaring behind him, eyes locked forward.

Panel 2:Across a cracked asphalt lot, Skittles straddles a bright pink motorcycle, its chrome accents catching the neon light. He twists the throttle and glances back over his shoulder with a wide grin, one hand gripping a metallic briefcase strapped to the bike's side.

Panel 3:Close on Arjun's face — jaw set, eyes wide and tracking the pink motorcycle as its engine roar fills the panel. Pink light plays across one side of his face, the other in deep shadow.

“Arjun: Not so fast!”

Panel 4:Arjun vaults onto his yellow-and-black Akira-style motorcycle parked beside a chain-link fence. He slams his boot onto the kick-start, the engine flaring to life with a burst of exhaust. The yellow headlight cuts a bright cone through the dark alley ahead.

Panel 5:Establishing overhead shot of the Vena City slums at night. Pink and yellow headlight streaks trace a winding path through dense, crowded streets lined with flickering holographic billboards, rickety market stalls, and crumbling tenement towers. The two motorcycles are small bright sparks cutting through a vast neon labyrinth.

Narrator:“Vena City. Where the neon never sleeps and the streets eat the slow.”

Panel 1:Street-level shot from behind Skittles' pink motorcycle. His rear wheel throws sparks off a pothole as he blasts through a narrow alley. Holographic ads — a neon ramen bowl, a glowing pill advertisement — loom on the walls to either side. Arjun's yellow headlight is visible far behind, closing fast.

Panel 2:Skittles glances back over his shoulder. His expression shifts from grin to visible alarm — Arjun is much closer now, yellow headlight blazing directly behind him.

“Skittles: Come on!”

Panel 3:Both motorcycles explode out of the alley and onto a wider broken elevated roadway. Chunks of crumbled concrete line the edges. Below, the sprawling cyberpunk city glitters — towers of neon, flying vehicles, holographic columns of light stretching into low clouds. The pink and yellow bikes race side by side in forced parallel, separated by a concrete divider.

Panel 4:Low angle looking up at Arjun from the side. He rides with his left hand tight on the handlebars, his right arm extended outward, pistol leveled at Skittles' motorcycle ahead. Wind tears at his coat. His face is hard and focused.

Panel 1:INSERT panel: extreme close-up of Arjun's finger tightening on the pistol trigger. The gun is a matte black semi-automatic. His knuckle is white with tension.

Panel 2:A single muzzle flash — BANG — rendered as a stark white burst against the dark roadway. The word BANG is integrated into the panel art in heavy bold letters.

Panel 3:The bullet strikes Skittles' rear tire in a burst of rubber and sparks. The tire shreds and collapses, the rim grinding against the pavement in a shower of orange sparks.

Panel 4:Skittles' pink motorcycle fishtails violently left and right, the rear end swinging wide. Skittles' body is thrown sideways, arms out, losing control completely. The metallic briefcase tears loose from the side of the bike.

Panel 5:Wide dramatic panel: Skittles' body slides hard across the pavement on his side, sparks and debris fanning out around him. The briefcase skids to a stop several feet away. In the background, Arjun's yellow-and-black motorcycle blasts past at full speed, already beyond him.

Panel 6:Arjun's yellow-and-black motorcycle swings into a sideways Akira-style locked-brake slide, the rear wheel kicking out at a sharp angle. A massive fan of orange sparks sprays across the roadway surface. Arjun leans into the slide, body low, face set.

Panel 1:Arjun dismounts the stopped motorcycle in a single smooth motion, boots hitting the pavement. He stands upright, pistol raised in a two-handed grip, walking slowly forward toward the fallen Skittles in the distance. The city glows beneath the roadway edge behind him. Arjun’s motorcycle is yellow and black.

Panel 2:Skittles lies on the pavement, road-rashed and battered, propped up on one arm. His other arm is raised with his palm out in surrender. The briefcase rests on the ground beside him. His face is scraped and desperate.

“Skittles: Please don't kill me, man! Just take the money and go!”

Panel 3:Close on Arjun's face from below. His pistol is still raised but his brow furrows slightly. A long beat of silence written into his expression — jaw tight, eyes searching. Deep shadow cuts across the lower half of his face.

“Arjun: You know I can't do that, choom.”

Panel 4:Arjun lowers the pistol slightly — barrel now angled toward the ground rather than Skittles' face. His arm is still extended. His expression is unreadable but the gun is no longer aimed to kill. Arjun has a face of regret on his face

“Arjun: But… if you step down from the New Bloods…I can let you go…”

Panel 5:Skittles raises both hands now, nodding rapidly, face flooded with relief. His posture is completely collapsed — no defiance left in him.

“Skittles: You got it, man. Whatever you say.”

Panel 1:Arjun extends one arm and points firmly toward the far end of the roadway — away, into the dark. His other hand holds the pistol loose at his side. His face is stone.

“Arjun: Good then get out of here. And don’t ever let me see you on our streets again!”

Panel 2:Wide shot from behind Arjun. Skittles is on his feet in the middle distance, running away into the darkness at the far end of the roadway. His silhouette shrinks against the neon glow of the city beyond. Arjun stands in the foreground watching him go, pistol at his side.

Panel 3:Arjun crouches and picks up the metallic briefcase from the pavement with one hand. The briefcase surface has a faint blue tech-light running along its seams. He straightens, holding it at his side.

Panel 4:Wide shot of Arjun standing alone at the roadway's edge, briefcase in hand. Before him, the vast neon skyline of Vena City fills the horizon — towers of light, holographic columns, flying vehicles threading between buildings. He is a small dark figure against a glittering, indifferent city.

Panel 1:Interior of the New Bloods warehouse. Jose, Jimenez, Orton, and Yanira stand amid the aftermath of the earlier raid — overturned crates, broken lights, scattered debris. Arjun walks in through the main entrance, the briefcase held at his side. All four heads turn toward him simultaneously.

Panel 2:Jose grins wide, shaking his head. He points at the briefcase with one finger, the grin turning into a laugh. Jimenez throws his head back laughing beside him.

“Jose: Arjun! You actually got it. Jimenez: Such a badass! You're my best friend, Arjun.”

Panel 3:Jose's grin fades slightly. He crosses his arms and gives Arjun a pointed look — still fond but with a sharper edge behind the eyes.

“Jose: I was pissed you ran off alone. But I gotta admit — pretty badass.”

Panel 4:Jose's expression goes fully serious. It’s a close up shot of him voice low. His eyes are direct and searching.

“Jose: What about Skittles? Did you kill him?”

Panel 5:Arjun pauses, eyes briefly dropping before coming back up. He sets the briefcase on a crate beside him and meets Jose's gaze.

“Arjun: He's taken care of. We won't ever see him again.”

Panel 6:Yanira and Orton rush forward and wrap their arms around Arjun from both sides in a double hug. Arjun's arms go out slightly in surprise. Jose and Jimenez stand behind them laughing. Arjun also has a smile and laugh on his face

“Yanira: YESSSS, Arjun!”

Panel 1:Establishing wide shot of a farmhouse on the outskirts of Vena City. A large bonfire burns at the center of an open field. The gang sits in a loose circle around the fire on crates and folding chairs. Behind the farmhouse and fields, the massive neon skyline of Vena City glows on the horizon — towers, holographic columns, a city that never darkens. Tutiven sits beside the others, a drink in his hand.

Narrator:“Later. The edge of the city. Where the neon can't quite reach.”

Panel 2:Jose stands beside the fire, glass raised high. The bonfire light catches his face and the raised glass. The rest of the crew looks up at him from their seats, drinks in hand.

“Jose: To my gang — the best in Vena City! And to Arjun — the most badass friend a man could have.”

Panel 3:The full group raises their drinks high. Glasses and cups catch the firelight. Jimenez is mid-cheer with his goofy wide grin. Tutiven nods and raises his cup with a reserved smile.

“Tutiven: Arjun, sounds like you were quite the hero today. Arjun: I just didn't want to let everyone down.”

Panel 4:Jose sits back down, staring into the fire. His expression has gone quiet and philosophical. The firelight plays across his face from below, casting deep shadows under his brow.

“Jose: There are no heroes in this city. There are those who thrive… and those who don't.”

Panel 5:Orton shakes her head with a firm but warm expression, leaning forward in her seat. She glances toward Arjun across the fire.

“Orton: I think a hero is exactly what this city needs. And if he's half as brave as Arjun, we'll be fine.”

Panel 6:Yanira grins and points at Tutiven. Tutiven immediately holds both hands up, palms out, shaking his head. Jimenez laughs loudly beside him.

“Yanira: You should follow us into the field one day, Tutiven. Tutiven: No thanks. I prefer staying in the shop.”

Panel 1:Jose stands and stretches both arms above his head with an exaggerated yawn. He looks toward Orton with a relaxed, easy expression.

“Jose: I'm gonna hit the hay in the barn. Orton — come get some rest with me.”

Panel 2:Orton gives Jose a knowing smirk, one eyebrow raised. Yanira sits beside her, also raising one eyebrow with a sly grin and lifting her drink to her lips.

“Orton: Sure. I could use some sleep. Yanira: I'm sure you'll be hitting the hay alright.”

Panel 3:Wide interior shot of the barn. Moonlight streams in through gaps in the wooden plank walls in long silver bars. Jose and Orton lie together on a large pile of hay in the corner. The barn is quiet and still, empty except for them. Old wooden beams cross overhead.

Narrator:“One hour later.”

Panel 4:Close on Jose's hands. He holds a simple string necklace between his fingers, a small gold bullet pendant catching the moonlight. His own matching gold bullet pendant is visible around his neck below frame.

“Jose: I got something for you.”

Panel 5:Orton's eyes go wide, fixed on the pendant. She reaches out and touches it gently with two fingers, leaning closer to examine it.

“Orton: Holy shit — is this real gold? Gold is so rare. How did you even get it?”

Panel 6:Jose leans forward and carefully places the necklace around Orton's neck. His hands rest gently on her shoulders. He looks directly into her eyes. Her expression is soft and open.

“Jose: I just want to show you how dedicated I am to you. I love you, Orton. Orton: I love you too.”

Panel 1:Exterior of the barn. The farmhouse is dark and completely still. Jose steps outside through the barn door, one hand on the doorframe. He looks up at the open night sky, head tilted back. Stars are visible above. The distant neon glow of Vena City sits on the horizon.

Narrator:“Later. The farmhouse has gone silent.”

Panel 2:From directly behind Jose, a dark figure steps out of the shadows — Skittles, gripping a heavy metal pipe in both hands. His face is set in a wide, cold grin. Jose's back is fully to him, completely unaware.

Panel 3:The metal pipe swings down with full force. CRACK — large bold sound-effect letters fill the upper portion of the panel. Jose's body buckles forward, knees giving out, arms dropping limp.

Panel 4:Interior of the barn. Jose sits tied to a wooden chair, head drooping, eyes half-open and unfocused. His wrists are bound behind the chair back with rope. Across the room, Orton sits on the floor against the wall, hands tied in front of her, expression hard and frightened. Skittles stands in the center between them, arms crossed, grinning down at Jose.

“Skittles: You really thought you could screw with me, Jose?”

Panel 5:Skittles turns and takes a step toward Orton, pointing at her with one finger. His grin widens. Jose's head lifts, eyes sharpening with anger despite the blood at his temple.

“Skittles: I'm gonna make sure your girlfriend remembers this night. Jose: Hard to be memorable with two inches and a pair of tiny Skittles.”

Panel 6:Exterior of the farmhouse. The bonfire has grown enormous — flames leaping several meters high, roaring and violent. Arjun, Jimenez, Yanira, and Tutiven are on their knees in a row with their hands tied behind their backs. Four New Blood gang members stand over them in colorful mismatched cyberpunk gear — hoodies, tactical vests, face masks, improvised armor. One of them throws a large piece of wood onto the fire. The flames surge higher.

“Arjun: You fuckfaces! We're gonna kill you all!”

Panel 1:Inside the barn. Skittles has his back to Jose and takes another step toward Orton. Jose's eyes drop down to his own bound feet. His expression shifts — focused and calculating, jaw tight.

Panel 2:INSERT panel: extreme close-up of Jose's hands tied up behind his back but hes holding a knife managing to get his hands free of the rope and loosen the knots.

Panel 3:Jose's wrists behind the chair. He gets his hands free! With a combat knife in one hand

Panel 4:Jose launches himself off the chair with both feet, body fully airborne, arms forward, knife in hand. Skittles starts to turn but Jose is already in the air. THUD in bold letters at the panel edge. The two crash down onto the wooden barn floor in a violent collision of limbs.

Panel 5:Jose pins Skittles flat on his back on the barn floor. Both of Jose's hands are locked around Skittles' throat, arms fully extended and pressing down with his full weight. Skittles' hands claw at Jose's forearms. Orton stands against the wall behind them, hands still bound, eyes wide and fixed on the struggle.

Panel 6:Close up of skittles face with his eyes wide open and shocked and Jose’s hands

Panel 7:Jose crouches beside Orton and cuts the rope from her wrists with a single swift motion. He stands, knife in hand, and looks toward the barn doors. Orton rubs her freed wrists and looks up at him from the floor.

“Jose: Stay here. Orton: What are you going to do?”

Panel 8:Jose stands facing the barn doors, back to Orton. He grips the combat knife at his side. His posture is straight and still. The barn door frame outlines him in the faint glow of the distant bonfire visible through the gap.

“Jose: If Skittles is here, the others are trapped too. I'm going to get them.”

Panel 1:Wide low-angle shot of the farmhouse exterior at night. Jose is a dark crouching silhouette moving along the outer wall of the barn, pressed close to the wooden planks. The enormous bonfire blazes in the middle distance, casting long orange light across the field. Three New Blood gang members are visible near the fire, their colorful mismatched cyberpunk gear catching the light. Arjun, Jimenez, Yanira, and Tutiven are on their knees in a row, hands bound behind them. One New Blood guard walks away from the group toward a woodpile at the field's edge, his back to the others.

Panel 2:From directly behind, Jose closes the gap on the lone guard in three silent strides. The guard is bent slightly, reaching for a piece of wood from the pile. The guard is wearing multi colorful hoodie gang colors. Jose's left arm comes around the man's mouth from behind and his right hand drives the combat knife into his back. The guard's knees buckle. And Jose has an angry look

Panel 3:Jose crouches over the downed guard and lifts the cybertech rifle — a sleek matte-black weapon with glowing blue tech-strip accents along the barrel. He holds it up and checks the charge indicator with one thumb. His face is expressionless, jaw set, eyes flat and cold. Behind him in the distance the bonfire roars but no other people are shown in this shot

Panel 4:Jose steps out of the darkness and into the edge of the firelight. His silhouette emerges from black shadow into orange flame-glow, the cybertech rifle held at his hip, the combat knife still in his other hand. One of the New Blood gang members nearest the fire turns his head and spots him — eyes going wide beneath his face mask. The new blood member is a white guy wearing a multi color style gang outfit

Panel 5:Jose's arm snaps forward in a sharp throwing motion. The combat knife leaves his hand in a tight spin. THUNK — bold black sound-effect letters slam into the upper right corner of the panel. The knife buries to the hilt in the turning gang member's eye socket. The man's arms fly out and he drops straight down. The new blood gang member is a white guy wearing multi color gang outfit

Panel 6:The two remaining New Blood members spin toward Jose, raising their weapons. Jose already has the cybertech rifle at his shoulder, firing in a continuous burst. BANG BANG BANG — three large bold letters stacked diagonally across the panel. Blue-white muzzle flashes light his face from below. Both gang members are thrown backward by the impact, bodies arcing away from the fire, weapons spinning loose. One crashes into a crate, the other collapses face-down in the dirt at the fire's edge. The new blood gang members are white guys wearing multi color gang outfits

Panel 7:Jose walks forward without breaking stride, rifle lowered at his side. He stops beside the gang member with the knife in his eye and crouches. He grips the handle and pulls the blade free in a single clean motion. One of the men he shot lies nearby — his chest still rising and falling, one hand scraping weakly at the dirt. The man's eyes are open and looking up at Jose. The new blood gang members are white guys wearing multi color gang outfits

Panel 8:Extreme close-up on Jose's face from below. His expression is utterly flat — no rage, no hesitation, no satisfaction. Just cold empty noir. The bonfire light paints half his face in deep amber, the other half in pure black shadow. His eyes are fixed downward on the man at his feet.

Panel 1:Jose walks slowly toward Arjun, who is still on his knees, wrists bound behind his back. Jimenez, Yanira, and Tutiven remain kneeling beside him, all staring up at Jose. The bodies of the New Blood gang members lie in the background near the enormous roaring bonfire. Jose's silhouette is framed by the fire behind him — a dark figure against a wall of orange flame.

Panel 2:Jose crouches directly in front of Arjun. Their faces are level. Arjun looks up at him — eyes wide, expression raw and stunned. Jose holds the combat knife down at his side, blade still dark with blood. His eyes are steady and quiet. He reaches behind Arjun and saws through the rope binding his wrists.

Panel 3:Jose stands upright. He raises the combat knife in front of him — blade held up at eye level, dark with blood, catching the orange firelight along the flat of the blade. His face is completely still. Arjun looks up at him from below frame, the rope loose at his sides. Jimenez, Yanira, and Tutiven are visible behind Arjun, still on their knees, staring at Jose.

“Jose: That… …is how you kill someone.”

Panel 4:Extreme close-up on Jose's eyes. The enormous bonfire is reflected in both pupils — two tiny columns of orange fire burning inside his irises. His expression is unreadable. Cold. The celebration is gone from his face entirely.

Panel 5:Wide establishing noir shot of the entire farmhouse property. The bonfire towers at the center, enormous and roaring, flames reaching high into the dark sky. The gang stands around it in a loose cluster — Jose upright at the center, Arjun rising to his feet beside him, Jimenez and Yanira and Tutiven nearby. Orton has emerged from the barn doorway at the left edge of the frame and stands watching. The cybernetic briefcase sits on the ground beside Arjun. Behind the farmhouse and the fields, the glowing neon skyline of Vena City sprawls across the entire horizon — towers of light, holographic columns, a city that never sleeps and never forgives. The gang is small and dark against the blaze and the skyline.

Narrator:“In Vena City, there are no heroes. Only those who survive.”