This is my submission for the sorry entertainer small press zine. The idea is that you read around the page with panels 1-3 reflecting 6-4 like a playing card. Hopefully it'll sneak its way in and if I'm allowed I'll throw up the eventual finished piece. Same goes for the Land of All Sorts story. They'll currently in submission limbo. If they get published I'll let you know where to read them, if not I'll throw them on here. It's been a while since my last post but I'm planning on trying to get more scripts up on here for potential artists to see. Hope you enjoy.
SLEIGHT OF HAND
By
RICHARD WORTH
PANEL ONE
Foreground: The Magician sits slumped at the bar to the right of the panel. His forearms crossed with a glass of whiskey in his visible hand. He looks at the reader with sullen eyes. His bowtie is draped around his neck and one of his cuff shirt cuffs are open whilst his top hat sits crookedly on his head. He is the guy nobody wants to talk to in the bar. Next to him further towards the middle of the panel (the magicians right) is a bottle of whiskey.
Background: A classic theatre stage with heavy curtains parted. The stage is relatively small and on stands The Magician as small boy. His top hat is falling down over his face as he tries to hold it up. His tuxedo is far too big for him and the hidden cards and flowers are popping out of his pockets and spilling on the floor. A white Rabbit makes it escape from him.
CAP
WHEN I FIRST STARTED IT WAS DIFFERENT Y'KNOW? EVEN AS A KID A MAGICIAN WAS ALL I EVER WANTED TO BE.
PANEL TWO
Foreground: The Magician explodes suddenly with enthusiasm for his story, knocking over the whiskey bottle as he does. Whiskey spills from both the bottle and his glass. His arms are open in pleading explanation.
Background: A younger version on the magician stages on the stage, he now has a fitting tuxedo but perhaps no moustache. He stands proudly with his head held high his arms wide open blowing kisses to his unseen audience.
CAP
AND I GOT GOOD. I GOT RESPECT. THE CROWD LOVED ME! WHEN THE CROWD LOVES YOU, THATS WHEN YOU GET THE MONEY!
PANEL THREE
Foreground: The Magician calms himself but is still open armed. Stan (the bar man) arm enters from the left of the panel to wipe up the spilled booze.
Background: The young magician stands as a beautiful assist begins to drape herself all over his body. He has a gleeful, mischievous smile.
CAP
WITH THE MONEY COMES THE GIRLS. THE THINGS I COULD TELL YOU ABOUT THE GIRLS. YEAH THE GIRL.
PANEL FOUR
Foreground: Back to the panel one style. The magician is quiet, introverted and closed off again. But this time his face is tight and cruel. The whisky bottle has been placed in its original position again.
Background: Conversely the Young magician is smiling as he pulls up his sleeve to reveal nothing at all.
CAP
THE BEST TRICK IS MAKING YOU THINK MAGIC IS REAL. BUT IT ISNT. THERES NO MAGIC. NO REAL MAGIC.
PANEL FIVE
Foreground: Panel two imitation but his hands are elaborately making "mystical" signs and the Magician leans back in his chair, arching his back to develop his sorcery.
Background: The magician is producing suddenly has produced three doves flying away from him.
CAP
I MEAN IF MAGIC WHERE REAL, I MEAN PROPERLY REAL. I COULD FILL UP THIS GLASS WITH EVER TOUCHING THAT BOTTLE.
PANEL SIX
Foreground: The Magician is deadpan. Stan's hand once again comes from the left of the panel to top up his drink.
Background: The Magician takes a dramatic bow at the end of his performance.
CAP(STAN)
THERE YOU GO.
CAP
THANKS.
