Here's another script for a wedding comic Kurt and I did about a year ago. I was basically given a one page bio on the couple, and this is what I came up with. There were a few edits done by the groom, but this is the copy I originally sent to him. If you want to see the full book with all the artwork, go to imaginarytales.com and click on the Wedding Comics tab. Enjoy!
PAGE 1
Page 1, Panel One
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Various wedding-preparation materials are strewn haphazardly around the living room. Invitation boxes stacked up in the corner, wedding planner books and magazines littering the coffee table, that sort of thing. Brian is sitting on the couch with his feet planted on the coffee table, absentmindedly wrinkling a few of the magazines with his shoes and knocking a few more onto the carpet. He is playing X-Box 360, fingers rapidly working over the controller. However, instead of watching his progress, his head is arched toward the bedroom, intent of persuading Lisa to come and watch him play.
1. Brian: Hey honey, c’mere and check this out!
2. Brian: I just unlocked the World War II costume for Captain America on Ultimate Alliance!
3. Brian: This is sweet! Now my shield does five percent more damage!
Page 1, Panel Two
Lisa enters the living room, purse in one hand, wedding planner’s guide in the other. She hovers over Brian, whose full attention is now once again focused on his video game. Lisa glares at the back of Brian’s head, not angry, but slightly preoccupied with all the wedding details and tasks that still need to be accomplished. Brian stomps his foot on the coffee table in excitement, knocking over a few more of the magazines.
1. Lisa: That’s…that’s nice.
2. Lisa: Hey listen. We have to go get the guestbook and the ring bearer’s pillow today.
3. Lisa: And then we have to go over the list of people who’re coming to make sure we have a final head count for the caterers.
4. Lisa: And then we…
5. Brian: OK, just let me find a save spot real quick…
Page 1, Panel Three
Lisa walks over to Brian’s foot perch, knocking them down silently, and reaches over to pick up some of the magazines as she does so. Brian’s fingers are still furiously attacking the controller in a blur of combos and special moves. His tongue wags out slightly from the corner of his mouth. At this particular moment in time, his world is the video game and absolutely nothing else.
Page 1, Panel Four
Lisa, realizing she’d probably get more accomplished without Brian tagging along, grabs her car keys from an end table and gently kisses Brian on his forehead, rolling her eyes as she does so. Brian still does not unglue his eyes from the television.
1. Lisa: Have fun honey. Love you.
2. Lisa: See you in a little bit.
3. Brian: Yeah. Love you too.
Page 1, Panel Five
Brian pauses the game and slyly looks at the reader.
1. Brian: Geez, I thought she’d never leave. How you guys doing out there in the future? Hopefully you’re having a great time at the wedding and the reception and all that other fun stuff.
2. Brian: I know I sure am. Or am going to be. Or whatever. This past/future stuff always makes my head hurt.
3. Brian: Anyway, this is the romantic story of Lisa and Brian. For those of you who don’t know it yet, read on. It should hold your interest until the food comes.
4. Brian: For those of you that have heard it a thousand times…just grit your teeth. It’s only eight pages and you’ve already finished one.
5. Brian: Enjoy!
PAGE 2
Page 2, Panel One
Flashback panel. I’m thinking for the ‘fake’ introduction to the relationship (all flashbacks on Page 2), go with a panel shaped like a cloud. Dreamlike. Lisa sits at her desk or is enclosed in a cubicle. There are a few random trinkets on her desk, and a Tim McGraw poster tacked to the barrier separating her from her other co-workers. Staring at her computer screen in a dreamy haze, her hands lazily wisp back and forth across the keyboard.
1. Lisa: Stupid TPS reports…
Page 2, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Same panel as Page 2, Panel One with the exception of Brian’s friend Mike. Seemingly appearing from nowhere, Mike stands directly behind Lisa, gaping at her country music poster. Lisa has yet to notice him, and continues to go about her business.
1. Brian Caption: My friend Mike installs office furniture for various businesses, and one day, he happened to be working in the same building that Lisa worked at.
2. Brian Caption: Stars aligned and fate was with us, as he noticed her Tim McGraw poster, parlaying that into a conversation about his awesome friend Brian, who it just so happens, also listens to country music. And is awesome.
Page 2, Panel Three
Flashback panel. Mike timidly approaches Lisa, hands shoved deep into his pockets, eyes focused solely on his shoelaces. Lisa spins around in her chair to greet her newfound friend.
1. Mike: Hi.
2. Lisa: Hey.
3. Mike: So, you like country music huh?
4. Lisa: Yep.
5. Mike: So does Brian.
Page 2, Panel Four
Flashback panel. Lisa wheels her chair slightly closer to Mike, curious about the mention of the mysterious Brian. Mike loosens up his stiff stance a bit, removing his hands from his pockets to accentuate his conversation with visual aids.
1. Brian Caption: Of course, she was instantly intrigued. I can’t really blame her.
2. Lisa: Who’s Brian?
3. Mike: Oh, he’s just a friend of mine. He likes country music too…
4. Lisa: You should set us up on a blind date!
5. Brian Caption: And that was that!
Page 2, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Close up of Brian and Lisa kissing and holding each other in a loving embrace.
1. Brian Caption: It was love at first sight, yadda, yadda, yadda, you all know the rest. The end!
2. Brian Caption: Now, if I could just take a moment of your time to explain the attributes of…
3. SFX Caption: BRRINGGG!!! BRRINGGG!!!
PAGE 3
Page 3, Panel One
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Brian is still lounging on the couch, with his feet once again propped up on the coffee table. Picking at a bowl of chips, he sets down his soda, reaching for the cell phone in his pocket. He is obviously impressed and entranced with his own story.
1. Brian: You guys are gonna have to hang on a sec. It’s my cell.
2. SFX: BRRINGGG!!! BRRINGGG!!!
3. Brian: Hello?
Page 3, Panel Two
Brian stares dumbfounded at the reader, fumbling so he doesn’t drop his phone in his current state of shock. His right foot jerks a little knocking over the can of soda, as he timidly puts the phone to his ear.
1. Lisa (over phone): Brian, if you’re going to tell them our story, at least tell it the way it happened. Jeez!
2. Brian: Uh…honey…I’m not talking to anyone.
3. Lisa (over phone): Yes you are! You’re talking to the guests at our wedding…
4. Brian: How…how do you know that?
5. Lisa (over phone): I got a sixth sense when you proposed. Every woman develops it when they’re about to get married.
6. Lisa (over phone): I’m like Daredevil, only with better taste in fashion.
Page 3, Panel Three
Brian shrugs his shoulders and throws one hand to the gods above in frustration. He sticks out his tongue toward the audience.
1. Brian: OK then…if you’re so extra-sensory, what am I doing now?
2. Lisa (over phone): Don’t you stick your tongue out at me! And get your feet off the coffee table!
3. Brian (quieter): Yipes!
Page 3, Panel Four
Brian quickly returns his tongue to its rightful position in his mouth and lowers his hand, while simultaneously removing his feet from the table. He looks at the audience like he’s five years old and just had to go tell his mother he wet the bed.
1. Lisa (over phone): Honey, I’m sorry I yelled at you. Pre-wedding stresses and all. You know how it is.
2. Brian: Do I!
3. Lisa (over phone): But you know that was just a story we told our families because we wanted them to accept us as a couple and not focus on how we met.
4. Lisa (over phone): Just tell them the truth. It’s too late for them to take back the gifts anyway!
5. Brian: BaDumBump!
Page 3, Panel Five
Brian cups the phone to his shoulder and stretches his hands forward to crack his knuckles.
1. Lisa (over phone): Anyway, I’ve got to go, there’s still a bunch of shopping left to do. Tell everyone I said hi!
2. Lisa (over phone): Hey, does that mean they’re in the future?
3. Brian: It’s…it’s a bit complicated.
4. Brian: Weird. K! Love ya baby!
5. Brian: Love you too!
Page 3, Panel Six
Brian returns his cell phone to his pocket and just looks at the audience quizzically.
1. Brian: Lisa says hi.
PAGE 4
Page 4, Panel One
Flashback panel. For the remainder of the script, every flashback panel should have rounded edges. Brian is furiously typing away at his work computer. On his desk sit mountains of papers and other various tasks he needs to accomplish before quitting time.
1. Brian Caption: OK, so on to the real story then.
2. Brian Caption: I’d always been a career orientated person, and was super busy at my job.
Page 4, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Just replace Brian with Lisa. Same desk, same stack of relentless papers, etc.
1. Brian Caption: Lisa was too.
Page 4, Panel Three
Flashback panel. Side shot of Brian staring at his computer screen, eyebrows raised. On the screen is the text, “WE’VE FOUND YOUR 100% MATCH, BRIAN!!!”.
1. Brian Caption: So, I figured, what the heck, I’d sign up for a dating website. I mean, why not let the computer do all the leg work for me?
2. Brian Caption: After getting back a bunch of personality matches, I decided to e-mail the only girl who shared a 100% compatibility rating with me.
3. Brian Caption: How perfect was that?
4. Brian Caption: Her name was Lisa Mike.
Page 4, Panel Four
Flashback panel. Side shot of Lisa staring at her computer screen, eyebrows raised. She is in her e-mail account and there are about ten messages, all from sender, “BRIAN”. The subject line on the most current message reads, “SO, ARE WE GONNA MEET SOMETIME?”.
1. Brian Caption: We messaged and e-mailed back and forth for a few weeks, and we really learned a lot about each other.
2. Brian Caption: Her messages always made me smile. And I threw on the charm like nobody’s business.
3. Brian Caption: The chemistry set was on fire, and we could both feel it, so we finally decided to meet face to face over lunch.
Page 4, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Lisa and Brian are sitting at Starbucks. Customers are working on laptops or enjoying the company of their friends. The two lovebirds are closely talking, hanging on each and every word the other is saying. Lisa is gazing into Brian’s eyes, her hands propping her head up. Brian is burying a fist into the palm of his other hand.
1. Brian Caption: We parlayed lunch into a conversation at a Starbucks that lasted over four hours.
2. Brian: And that, in a nutshell, is The Dark Knight Returns.
3. Lisa: Yowza! You’re cooler than Tim McGraw!
4. Brian Caption: I like to think that’s when she fell in love with me, but I could be off by a couple seconds.
Page 4, Panel Six
Flashback panel. The parking lot of Starbucks. Lisa and Brian are standing by her car as Lisa hands Brian one of her business cards as she opens the driver’s side door.
1. Brian Caption: As we were both leaving, I asked Lisa if it would be possible if I could see her again. She flicked me her business card in response.
2. Lisa: I’d love to go out with you again. I had a lot of fun today Brian.
3. Brian: Me too. See ya!
4. Brian (quieter): Yowza!
5. Brian Caption: Our next date was out to dinner and a movie. And, as a bonus, it was the first time we shared a kiss.
PAGE 5
Page 5, Panel One
Flashback panel. The same panel as Page 2, Panel Five, only this time it’s for real. Brian and Lisa are gently kissing each other as various Dr. Who characters swirl around them cupid-like. Think geek romantic.
1. Brian Caption: Yeah, it was as cool as it looks.
Page 5, Panel Two
Flashback panel. The interior of Brian’s car. Giddy with delight over his newfound love, Brian glances at his dashboard to see the ghostly visage of Jeff, CEC owner…pork pie hat and all, cigarette dangling from his lips, arms crossed. Brian is extremely taken aback by his disillusion, but decides to hear him out anyway.
1. Brian Caption: It was weird. On the way home, I could’ve sworn I saw a little man appear.
2. Brian Caption: Right then and there, I knew everything was gonna be all right.
3. Jeff: Hey kid. Now that she’s hooked, I think it’s high time you relaxed with a nice book.
4. Jeff: Have I ever told you about Watchmen?
5. Brian Caption: He had, but I listened anyway.
Page 5, Panel Three
Flashback panel. Lisa and Brian are attempting to sleep on an air mattress in a tent. However, due to the rain outside, the tent is floating on about six inches of water, as they perilously get closer and closer to the tent’s entrance. Lisa looks absolutely frightened, pulling the sheets up over her face.
1. Brian Caption: The next few months were a blur. We were always together, and we did a bunch of stuff.
2. Brian Caption: Lisa had never really been camping, so we bought some gear and set off on Memorial Day for a fun, relaxing weekend.
3. Lisa: That had seriously better be water.
4. Brian: Well this sucks.
5. Brian: Our tent had other plans.
Page 5, Panel Four
Flashback panel. The exterior of Brian’s truck. There are two sets of legs hanging out the window as the rain lightly falls.
1. Brian Caption: But it was cool. We just slept in the truck instead.
Page 5, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Lisa’s annual family gathering at a park or picnic area. Tied between two trees hangs a banner reading, “ACTION in JACKSON”. Lisa is off in the background talking with a small group of family members, while others play catch, lounge at picnic tables, and eat corn on the cob. Brian is slowly sipping a drink from a plastic cup, talking to Erica, Lisa’s younger cousin. Erica is smiling at Brian, and the two seem to genuinely like each other.
1. Brian Caption: At Lisa’s annual family gathering, her cousin Erica planted the seed that became that in which you are currently attending.
2. Brian Caption: Or reading about.
3. Brian Caption: Or…whatever.
4. Erica: So you gonna marry her or what?
5. Brian: That cool?
6. Erica: You’d better. I like you.
7. Lisa: What are you guys talking about over there?
8. Brian and Erica: Nothing!
Page 5, Panel Six
Flashback panel. Brian is at a jewelry store scratching his head as he picks out Lisa’s engagement ring.
1. Brian Caption: So, I was all set.
2. Brian: That’s the one.
PAGE 6
Page 6, Panel One
Flashback panel. The interior of BW3. Brian and Lisa are seated at a booth waiting for their food. Brian’s hands are cupped in front of Lisa, and are trembling slightly. Lisa just stares at his hands, not knowing what they conceal.
1. Brian Caption: We were out to lunch when I popped the question. I was totally calm about the entire thing.
2. Brian: So…uhh…do you maybe…wanna…
3. Lisa: Are you doing what I think you’re doing?
Page 6, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Now it’s Lisa’s turn to cup her hands over her face as Brian unclasps his, revealing the ring that lay inside. Tears begin to form at the corners of Lisa’s eyes as she nods her head in disbelief.
1. Brian Caption. I told her she didn’t have to answer right away, but surprise, surprise, she eventually said yes!
2. Brian: You’ve got until you graduate.
3. Lisa: I love you.
4. SFX Caption: BRRINGGG!!! BRRINGGG!!!
Page 6, Panel Three
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Brian is once again on his cell phone trying to be manly by wiping away the tears that were beginning to form at the corners of HIS eyes as he recounted that special day.
1. Lisa (over phone): You knew I was gonna say yes, you big softie.
2. Brian: I know…I like to create a mood of dramatic suspense.
3. Brian: How are you doing, baby?
4. Lisa (over phone): Good. Almost done with everything. I should be home in a little bit.
5. Lisa (over phone): You know, if you’re gonna cry, there’s Kleenex in the bathroom.
6. Lisa (over phone): Bye!
Page 6, Panel Four
Brian looks sheepishly at the audience.
1. Brian: I…I wasn’t crying.
2. Brian (quieter): I wasn’t.
Page 6, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Split panel. The first side has Lisa walking past a massage and nail salon with her head bowed low. The second side is Brian, at his local comic book store tearfully parting ways with a stack of new releases, hand dramatically draped across his forehead, not wanting to let go of his books.
1. Brian Caption: You know what you need for a wedding? Money.
2. Brian Caption: A lot of money.
3. Brian Caption: So we had to go without the stuff that we usually care about so much. Lisa had to cut out getting pedicures and being pampered, and I…
4. Brian Caption: I had to stop buying comic books to save cash.
5. Brian Caption: That is until…
PAGE 7
Page 7, Panel One
Flashback panel. The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. The couple are relaxing on the couch watching television when they are both startled by a breaking news bulletin. On the TV are pictures of Captain America and a closed casket.
1. Television: This just in! Captain America is dead! We repeat, the Soldier of Liberty has been assassinated! We bring you live to…
2. Brian: Honey, I…
3. Lisa: Go baby. Go.
Page 7, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Brian at the comic book store, desperately clutching the death of Captain America issue. Though somber, he is prancing around the shop doing the cabbage patch, oblivious to the steady stream of onlookers.
1. Brian Caption: And see? That’s one of the thousands of reasons that I love Lisa. Not only is she loving, forgiving, and sweet…
2. Brian Caption: …she gets me. Like no one else.
3. Brian: My fiancée is the coolest! My fiancée is the coolest!
Page 7, Panel Three
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Lisa is walking in through the front door with loads of bags wrapped around her wrists. Se even has a small one hanging from her mouth. Brian leaps from the couch to help her.
1. Lisa: C’n u melf me?
2. Brian: Yes I can help you. Here.
Page 7, Panel Four
Brian grabs the bag from Lisa’s mouth and gently kisses her on the lips as she begins to set the bags down.
1. Lisa: What was that for?
2. Brian: ‘Cause. You sure you don’t want to run? There’s still time y’know.
3. Lisa: Nah. The invites are already in the mail.
4. Lisa: That’s a lot of postage.
Page 7, Panel Five
As Lisa drops the last bag, she glances at the audience. Brian goes back to sitting on the couch, with Lisa soon following.
1. Lisa: They’re still here?
2. Brian: Yeah. We had to stall them with something until the food came.
3. Lisa: Man, this was the best we could come up with?
4. Brian: It was either this or ask your uncle to start up a game of charades.
5. Lisa: Brrr…
PAGE 8
Page 8, Panel One
Lisa and Brian wave goodbye to the audience.
1. Brian: Later guys! Have fun tonight!
2. Lisa: Don’t forget to tell me how pretty I am in my dress!
Page 8, Panel Two
Lisa waves her fist at the audience.
1. Lisa: Don’t…forget…
2. Brian: I’d tell her if I were you…
Page 8, Panel Three
Large panel. Brian and Lisa are both in their wedding attire facing each other, holding hands.
1. Caption: The beginning!
Page 1, Panel One
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Various wedding-preparation materials are strewn haphazardly around the living room. Invitation boxes stacked up in the corner, wedding planner books and magazines littering the coffee table, that sort of thing. Brian is sitting on the couch with his feet planted on the coffee table, absentmindedly wrinkling a few of the magazines with his shoes and knocking a few more onto the carpet. He is playing X-Box 360, fingers rapidly working over the controller. However, instead of watching his progress, his head is arched toward the bedroom, intent of persuading Lisa to come and watch him play.
1. Brian: Hey honey, c’mere and check this out!
2. Brian: I just unlocked the World War II costume for Captain America on Ultimate Alliance!
3. Brian: This is sweet! Now my shield does five percent more damage!
Page 1, Panel Two
Lisa enters the living room, purse in one hand, wedding planner’s guide in the other. She hovers over Brian, whose full attention is now once again focused on his video game. Lisa glares at the back of Brian’s head, not angry, but slightly preoccupied with all the wedding details and tasks that still need to be accomplished. Brian stomps his foot on the coffee table in excitement, knocking over a few more of the magazines.
1. Lisa: That’s…that’s nice.
2. Lisa: Hey listen. We have to go get the guestbook and the ring bearer’s pillow today.
3. Lisa: And then we have to go over the list of people who’re coming to make sure we have a final head count for the caterers.
4. Lisa: And then we…
5. Brian: OK, just let me find a save spot real quick…
Page 1, Panel Three
Lisa walks over to Brian’s foot perch, knocking them down silently, and reaches over to pick up some of the magazines as she does so. Brian’s fingers are still furiously attacking the controller in a blur of combos and special moves. His tongue wags out slightly from the corner of his mouth. At this particular moment in time, his world is the video game and absolutely nothing else.
Page 1, Panel Four
Lisa, realizing she’d probably get more accomplished without Brian tagging along, grabs her car keys from an end table and gently kisses Brian on his forehead, rolling her eyes as she does so. Brian still does not unglue his eyes from the television.
1. Lisa: Have fun honey. Love you.
2. Lisa: See you in a little bit.
3. Brian: Yeah. Love you too.
Page 1, Panel Five
Brian pauses the game and slyly looks at the reader.
1. Brian: Geez, I thought she’d never leave. How you guys doing out there in the future? Hopefully you’re having a great time at the wedding and the reception and all that other fun stuff.
2. Brian: I know I sure am. Or am going to be. Or whatever. This past/future stuff always makes my head hurt.
3. Brian: Anyway, this is the romantic story of Lisa and Brian. For those of you who don’t know it yet, read on. It should hold your interest until the food comes.
4. Brian: For those of you that have heard it a thousand times…just grit your teeth. It’s only eight pages and you’ve already finished one.
5. Brian: Enjoy!
PAGE 2
Page 2, Panel One
Flashback panel. I’m thinking for the ‘fake’ introduction to the relationship (all flashbacks on Page 2), go with a panel shaped like a cloud. Dreamlike. Lisa sits at her desk or is enclosed in a cubicle. There are a few random trinkets on her desk, and a Tim McGraw poster tacked to the barrier separating her from her other co-workers. Staring at her computer screen in a dreamy haze, her hands lazily wisp back and forth across the keyboard.
1. Lisa: Stupid TPS reports…
Page 2, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Same panel as Page 2, Panel One with the exception of Brian’s friend Mike. Seemingly appearing from nowhere, Mike stands directly behind Lisa, gaping at her country music poster. Lisa has yet to notice him, and continues to go about her business.
1. Brian Caption: My friend Mike installs office furniture for various businesses, and one day, he happened to be working in the same building that Lisa worked at.
2. Brian Caption: Stars aligned and fate was with us, as he noticed her Tim McGraw poster, parlaying that into a conversation about his awesome friend Brian, who it just so happens, also listens to country music. And is awesome.
Page 2, Panel Three
Flashback panel. Mike timidly approaches Lisa, hands shoved deep into his pockets, eyes focused solely on his shoelaces. Lisa spins around in her chair to greet her newfound friend.
1. Mike: Hi.
2. Lisa: Hey.
3. Mike: So, you like country music huh?
4. Lisa: Yep.
5. Mike: So does Brian.
Page 2, Panel Four
Flashback panel. Lisa wheels her chair slightly closer to Mike, curious about the mention of the mysterious Brian. Mike loosens up his stiff stance a bit, removing his hands from his pockets to accentuate his conversation with visual aids.
1. Brian Caption: Of course, she was instantly intrigued. I can’t really blame her.
2. Lisa: Who’s Brian?
3. Mike: Oh, he’s just a friend of mine. He likes country music too…
4. Lisa: You should set us up on a blind date!
5. Brian Caption: And that was that!
Page 2, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Close up of Brian and Lisa kissing and holding each other in a loving embrace.
1. Brian Caption: It was love at first sight, yadda, yadda, yadda, you all know the rest. The end!
2. Brian Caption: Now, if I could just take a moment of your time to explain the attributes of…
3. SFX Caption: BRRINGGG!!! BRRINGGG!!!
PAGE 3
Page 3, Panel One
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Brian is still lounging on the couch, with his feet once again propped up on the coffee table. Picking at a bowl of chips, he sets down his soda, reaching for the cell phone in his pocket. He is obviously impressed and entranced with his own story.
1. Brian: You guys are gonna have to hang on a sec. It’s my cell.
2. SFX: BRRINGGG!!! BRRINGGG!!!
3. Brian: Hello?
Page 3, Panel Two
Brian stares dumbfounded at the reader, fumbling so he doesn’t drop his phone in his current state of shock. His right foot jerks a little knocking over the can of soda, as he timidly puts the phone to his ear.
1. Lisa (over phone): Brian, if you’re going to tell them our story, at least tell it the way it happened. Jeez!
2. Brian: Uh…honey…I’m not talking to anyone.
3. Lisa (over phone): Yes you are! You’re talking to the guests at our wedding…
4. Brian: How…how do you know that?
5. Lisa (over phone): I got a sixth sense when you proposed. Every woman develops it when they’re about to get married.
6. Lisa (over phone): I’m like Daredevil, only with better taste in fashion.
Page 3, Panel Three
Brian shrugs his shoulders and throws one hand to the gods above in frustration. He sticks out his tongue toward the audience.
1. Brian: OK then…if you’re so extra-sensory, what am I doing now?
2. Lisa (over phone): Don’t you stick your tongue out at me! And get your feet off the coffee table!
3. Brian (quieter): Yipes!
Page 3, Panel Four
Brian quickly returns his tongue to its rightful position in his mouth and lowers his hand, while simultaneously removing his feet from the table. He looks at the audience like he’s five years old and just had to go tell his mother he wet the bed.
1. Lisa (over phone): Honey, I’m sorry I yelled at you. Pre-wedding stresses and all. You know how it is.
2. Brian: Do I!
3. Lisa (over phone): But you know that was just a story we told our families because we wanted them to accept us as a couple and not focus on how we met.
4. Lisa (over phone): Just tell them the truth. It’s too late for them to take back the gifts anyway!
5. Brian: BaDumBump!
Page 3, Panel Five
Brian cups the phone to his shoulder and stretches his hands forward to crack his knuckles.
1. Lisa (over phone): Anyway, I’ve got to go, there’s still a bunch of shopping left to do. Tell everyone I said hi!
2. Lisa (over phone): Hey, does that mean they’re in the future?
3. Brian: It’s…it’s a bit complicated.
4. Brian: Weird. K! Love ya baby!
5. Brian: Love you too!
Page 3, Panel Six
Brian returns his cell phone to his pocket and just looks at the audience quizzically.
1. Brian: Lisa says hi.
PAGE 4
Page 4, Panel One
Flashback panel. For the remainder of the script, every flashback panel should have rounded edges. Brian is furiously typing away at his work computer. On his desk sit mountains of papers and other various tasks he needs to accomplish before quitting time.
1. Brian Caption: OK, so on to the real story then.
2. Brian Caption: I’d always been a career orientated person, and was super busy at my job.
Page 4, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Just replace Brian with Lisa. Same desk, same stack of relentless papers, etc.
1. Brian Caption: Lisa was too.
Page 4, Panel Three
Flashback panel. Side shot of Brian staring at his computer screen, eyebrows raised. On the screen is the text, “WE’VE FOUND YOUR 100% MATCH, BRIAN!!!”.
1. Brian Caption: So, I figured, what the heck, I’d sign up for a dating website. I mean, why not let the computer do all the leg work for me?
2. Brian Caption: After getting back a bunch of personality matches, I decided to e-mail the only girl who shared a 100% compatibility rating with me.
3. Brian Caption: How perfect was that?
4. Brian Caption: Her name was Lisa Mike.
Page 4, Panel Four
Flashback panel. Side shot of Lisa staring at her computer screen, eyebrows raised. She is in her e-mail account and there are about ten messages, all from sender, “BRIAN”. The subject line on the most current message reads, “SO, ARE WE GONNA MEET SOMETIME?”.
1. Brian Caption: We messaged and e-mailed back and forth for a few weeks, and we really learned a lot about each other.
2. Brian Caption: Her messages always made me smile. And I threw on the charm like nobody’s business.
3. Brian Caption: The chemistry set was on fire, and we could both feel it, so we finally decided to meet face to face over lunch.
Page 4, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Lisa and Brian are sitting at Starbucks. Customers are working on laptops or enjoying the company of their friends. The two lovebirds are closely talking, hanging on each and every word the other is saying. Lisa is gazing into Brian’s eyes, her hands propping her head up. Brian is burying a fist into the palm of his other hand.
1. Brian Caption: We parlayed lunch into a conversation at a Starbucks that lasted over four hours.
2. Brian: And that, in a nutshell, is The Dark Knight Returns.
3. Lisa: Yowza! You’re cooler than Tim McGraw!
4. Brian Caption: I like to think that’s when she fell in love with me, but I could be off by a couple seconds.
Page 4, Panel Six
Flashback panel. The parking lot of Starbucks. Lisa and Brian are standing by her car as Lisa hands Brian one of her business cards as she opens the driver’s side door.
1. Brian Caption: As we were both leaving, I asked Lisa if it would be possible if I could see her again. She flicked me her business card in response.
2. Lisa: I’d love to go out with you again. I had a lot of fun today Brian.
3. Brian: Me too. See ya!
4. Brian (quieter): Yowza!
5. Brian Caption: Our next date was out to dinner and a movie. And, as a bonus, it was the first time we shared a kiss.
PAGE 5
Page 5, Panel One
Flashback panel. The same panel as Page 2, Panel Five, only this time it’s for real. Brian and Lisa are gently kissing each other as various Dr. Who characters swirl around them cupid-like. Think geek romantic.
1. Brian Caption: Yeah, it was as cool as it looks.
Page 5, Panel Two
Flashback panel. The interior of Brian’s car. Giddy with delight over his newfound love, Brian glances at his dashboard to see the ghostly visage of Jeff, CEC owner…pork pie hat and all, cigarette dangling from his lips, arms crossed. Brian is extremely taken aback by his disillusion, but decides to hear him out anyway.
1. Brian Caption: It was weird. On the way home, I could’ve sworn I saw a little man appear.
2. Brian Caption: Right then and there, I knew everything was gonna be all right.
3. Jeff: Hey kid. Now that she’s hooked, I think it’s high time you relaxed with a nice book.
4. Jeff: Have I ever told you about Watchmen?
5. Brian Caption: He had, but I listened anyway.
Page 5, Panel Three
Flashback panel. Lisa and Brian are attempting to sleep on an air mattress in a tent. However, due to the rain outside, the tent is floating on about six inches of water, as they perilously get closer and closer to the tent’s entrance. Lisa looks absolutely frightened, pulling the sheets up over her face.
1. Brian Caption: The next few months were a blur. We were always together, and we did a bunch of stuff.
2. Brian Caption: Lisa had never really been camping, so we bought some gear and set off on Memorial Day for a fun, relaxing weekend.
3. Lisa: That had seriously better be water.
4. Brian: Well this sucks.
5. Brian: Our tent had other plans.
Page 5, Panel Four
Flashback panel. The exterior of Brian’s truck. There are two sets of legs hanging out the window as the rain lightly falls.
1. Brian Caption: But it was cool. We just slept in the truck instead.
Page 5, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Lisa’s annual family gathering at a park or picnic area. Tied between two trees hangs a banner reading, “ACTION in JACKSON”. Lisa is off in the background talking with a small group of family members, while others play catch, lounge at picnic tables, and eat corn on the cob. Brian is slowly sipping a drink from a plastic cup, talking to Erica, Lisa’s younger cousin. Erica is smiling at Brian, and the two seem to genuinely like each other.
1. Brian Caption: At Lisa’s annual family gathering, her cousin Erica planted the seed that became that in which you are currently attending.
2. Brian Caption: Or reading about.
3. Brian Caption: Or…whatever.
4. Erica: So you gonna marry her or what?
5. Brian: That cool?
6. Erica: You’d better. I like you.
7. Lisa: What are you guys talking about over there?
8. Brian and Erica: Nothing!
Page 5, Panel Six
Flashback panel. Brian is at a jewelry store scratching his head as he picks out Lisa’s engagement ring.
1. Brian Caption: So, I was all set.
2. Brian: That’s the one.
PAGE 6
Page 6, Panel One
Flashback panel. The interior of BW3. Brian and Lisa are seated at a booth waiting for their food. Brian’s hands are cupped in front of Lisa, and are trembling slightly. Lisa just stares at his hands, not knowing what they conceal.
1. Brian Caption: We were out to lunch when I popped the question. I was totally calm about the entire thing.
2. Brian: So…uhh…do you maybe…wanna…
3. Lisa: Are you doing what I think you’re doing?
Page 6, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Now it’s Lisa’s turn to cup her hands over her face as Brian unclasps his, revealing the ring that lay inside. Tears begin to form at the corners of Lisa’s eyes as she nods her head in disbelief.
1. Brian Caption. I told her she didn’t have to answer right away, but surprise, surprise, she eventually said yes!
2. Brian: You’ve got until you graduate.
3. Lisa: I love you.
4. SFX Caption: BRRINGGG!!! BRRINGGG!!!
Page 6, Panel Three
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Brian is once again on his cell phone trying to be manly by wiping away the tears that were beginning to form at the corners of HIS eyes as he recounted that special day.
1. Lisa (over phone): You knew I was gonna say yes, you big softie.
2. Brian: I know…I like to create a mood of dramatic suspense.
3. Brian: How are you doing, baby?
4. Lisa (over phone): Good. Almost done with everything. I should be home in a little bit.
5. Lisa (over phone): You know, if you’re gonna cry, there’s Kleenex in the bathroom.
6. Lisa (over phone): Bye!
Page 6, Panel Four
Brian looks sheepishly at the audience.
1. Brian: I…I wasn’t crying.
2. Brian (quieter): I wasn’t.
Page 6, Panel Five
Flashback panel. Split panel. The first side has Lisa walking past a massage and nail salon with her head bowed low. The second side is Brian, at his local comic book store tearfully parting ways with a stack of new releases, hand dramatically draped across his forehead, not wanting to let go of his books.
1. Brian Caption: You know what you need for a wedding? Money.
2. Brian Caption: A lot of money.
3. Brian Caption: So we had to go without the stuff that we usually care about so much. Lisa had to cut out getting pedicures and being pampered, and I…
4. Brian Caption: I had to stop buying comic books to save cash.
5. Brian Caption: That is until…
PAGE 7
Page 7, Panel One
Flashback panel. The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. The couple are relaxing on the couch watching television when they are both startled by a breaking news bulletin. On the TV are pictures of Captain America and a closed casket.
1. Television: This just in! Captain America is dead! We repeat, the Soldier of Liberty has been assassinated! We bring you live to…
2. Brian: Honey, I…
3. Lisa: Go baby. Go.
Page 7, Panel Two
Flashback panel. Brian at the comic book store, desperately clutching the death of Captain America issue. Though somber, he is prancing around the shop doing the cabbage patch, oblivious to the steady stream of onlookers.
1. Brian Caption: And see? That’s one of the thousands of reasons that I love Lisa. Not only is she loving, forgiving, and sweet…
2. Brian Caption: …she gets me. Like no one else.
3. Brian: My fiancée is the coolest! My fiancée is the coolest!
Page 7, Panel Three
The interior of Brian and Lisa’s house. Lisa is walking in through the front door with loads of bags wrapped around her wrists. Se even has a small one hanging from her mouth. Brian leaps from the couch to help her.
1. Lisa: C’n u melf me?
2. Brian: Yes I can help you. Here.
Page 7, Panel Four
Brian grabs the bag from Lisa’s mouth and gently kisses her on the lips as she begins to set the bags down.
1. Lisa: What was that for?
2. Brian: ‘Cause. You sure you don’t want to run? There’s still time y’know.
3. Lisa: Nah. The invites are already in the mail.
4. Lisa: That’s a lot of postage.
Page 7, Panel Five
As Lisa drops the last bag, she glances at the audience. Brian goes back to sitting on the couch, with Lisa soon following.
1. Lisa: They’re still here?
2. Brian: Yeah. We had to stall them with something until the food came.
3. Lisa: Man, this was the best we could come up with?
4. Brian: It was either this or ask your uncle to start up a game of charades.
5. Lisa: Brrr…
PAGE 8
Page 8, Panel One
Lisa and Brian wave goodbye to the audience.
1. Brian: Later guys! Have fun tonight!
2. Lisa: Don’t forget to tell me how pretty I am in my dress!
Page 8, Panel Two
Lisa waves her fist at the audience.
1. Lisa: Don’t…forget…
2. Brian: I’d tell her if I were you…
Page 8, Panel Three
Large panel. Brian and Lisa are both in their wedding attire facing each other, holding hands.
1. Caption: The beginning!
1 comments:
The beginning sounds just like me when I get home from work, especially since I am actually playing a lot of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance lately. The only difference is my wife doesn't leave me alone. She keeps talking and if I continue to ignore her, she'll slowly make her way to the front of the TV until I just can't play anymore.
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