The Joker's Wild Card Waltz: A Dance of Unpredictability and Anarchy

Thanks for tuning into WGCL 104.7 FM (Gotham City Live), next up is a song from one of our local boys...

Verse 1: I'm the wild card, the joker in the deck I'm the one who'll make the rules, and then I'll wreck The game of life, the game of chance I'll take the wheel, and I'll take a dance

Chorus: Oh, the wild card waltz, it's a dance of anarchy Where the rules are broken, and the chaos is free I'll spin the wheel, and I'll take the fall In the wild card waltz, I'll have it all

Verse 2: I'm the master of mayhem, the king of the game I'll make the city burn, and I'll make it all the same I'll take the power, and I'll take the stage I'll make the people dance, to the wild card waltz

Chorus: Oh, the wild card waltz, it's a dance of anarchy Where the rules are broken, and the chaos is free I'll spin the wheel, and I'll take the fall In the wild card waltz, I'll have it all

Bridge: I'll take the Joker's card, and I'll play it right I'll make the city mine, and I'll make it ignite I'll take the power, and I'll take the throne I'll make the people bow, to the wild card waltz, alone

Chorus: Oh, the wild card waltz, it's a dance of anarchy Where the rules are broken, and the chaos is free I'll spin the wheel, and I'll take the fall In the wild card waltz, I'll have it all

Outro: So come along, and join the fun In the wild card waltz, we'll have begun We'll dance and sing, and we'll take the fall In the wild card waltz, we'll have it all.

 

The Lasso of Truth and the Star-Spangled Sword (Wonder Woman)

Wonder Woman has been protecting the world, mostly through her adventures in and around America since 1941.

[Workflow: Basic Wonder Woman created within Nightcafe, then added in flaming sword, magic lasso, and overlaid the American flag into the background all within Affinity Photo.]

Hi-rez image link [2160px tall]

The Lasso of Truth and the Star-Spangled Sword (1941-2024)

Scuba Diving the Black Lagoon [TrUzApalOOza cardstock wraparound variant cover B-RI]

Continuing the Creature from Black Lagoon series, here I present the Cover B-Retailer Incentive version...

[Workflow: Another large series of image prompts (75+) fed, and re-fed back through NightCafe, Tengr, and Co-Pilot via hand edits to give me various pieces to start with. Pulled them all together and made the composition within Affinity Photo. My first painting layout did not match the wraparound aspect ratio {13.25" x 10.25" | 3310px x 2560}, so I condensed the frightened scuba diver closer to the monster and another minor shuffling of objects for a version 2 look.]

Image list:

1. final TrUzApalOOza cardstock variant wraparound exclusive Pulp Fiction Comics cover
2. raw version 2 of the painting (reduced resolution), without final book layouts/logos
3. raw version 1 of the painting (reduced resolution), the art size did not fit my comic book format
4. and a glance at my Affinity Photo layering panels with Fx filters
5. my source fish

TrUzApalOOza cardstock wraparound variant cover B-RI

raw virgin cover art for Cover B-RI

version 1 art that I had to redo to make it fit comic book layout

my big fish

Beyond the Black Lagoon [TrUzApalOOza cardstock wraparound variant cover]

[my rough proposal for an annual comic book from Image Comics/Skybound]

Two decades after the original film, set in the backdrop of 1974, backwoods anthropologist Bill McGee, with a spirit reminiscent of the counterculture movement of the era, embarks on his psychedelic and marijuana-fueled expedition through the Amazon rainforest. Drawing inspiration from the environmental consciousness of the 1970s, Bill's journey is a quest for discovery and a reflection of the growing awareness of ecological issues.

As Bill encounters the enigmatic "Creature from the Black Lagoon," the cultural landscape echoes reverberate through their interactions. Themes of environmental conservation, interspecies communication, Indigenous rights movements, land conflicts, and the search for harmony with nature resonate strongly in their evolving friendship. The turbulent socio-political climate of the era, marked by military dictatorships and infrastructure development, adds a layer of complexity to their bond, mirroring the era's struggles for understanding and acceptance.

Through their shared experiences and encounters with the mysteries of the rainforest, Bill and the creature navigate the complexities of their relationship, drawing parallels to the era's exploration of identity, Indigenous rights movements, and interconnectedness. As they confront numerous challenges, including conflicts over land ownership and resource extraction, they embody the spirit of resilience and empathy that defined the 1970s, forging a bond that transcends time, species, and societal norms. Join Bill McGee and the Creature from the Black Lagoon on a transformative odyssey of friendship, understanding, and the enduring quest for harmony in a world in flux.

I propose that the comic book annual for October 2024 be written by the returning Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! creative team of writer Ram V, interior art by Matthew Roberts, and featuring exclusive painted covers by TrUz ApalOOza.

[Workflow: A large series of image prompts fed, and re-fed back through NightCafe, Tengr, and Co-Pilot via hand edits to give me various pieces to start with. I then composed and merged it within Affinity Photo. Lots of layers, overlays for shadows and lighting, texture layers for bubbles, plant life, and water ripples, with a large dash of masking, wrapping it up with final comic book banners, logos, and credits.]

Image list:

1. final TrUzApalOOza cardstock variant wraparound exclusive Pulp Fiction Comics cover
2. raw version of the painting (reduced resolution), without final book layouts/logos
3. front cover view
4. back cover view
5. The series logo which I worked within both Affinity Photo and Designer
6. background base water image
7. and a glance at my Affinity Photo layering panels with Fx filters

Zatanna Portraits

The base images were created with Nightcafe inputs, and then I mixed in the background, a smidge of magical flash, and fixed some AI artifacts in post-editing.

Zatanna on Stage

The base image was created with Tengr inputs, and then I mixed in the background, a smidge of magical flash, and fixed some AI artifacts in post-editing.

Hi-rez image link [2158px tall]

John Constantine Smoking a Cigarette

John Constantine smoking a cigarette.

The Vale of Desolation [The Lost and Found: Uncovering Hidden Comic Book Treasures]

We traveled only during the night. And rested during the day. We were going in a southeastern direction along the rim of the Kalaghari Desert. Major Ali Mupha came over to me as I was resting on a chair. "Mr. Winston,' he began. I have a feeling that somewhere in the past the two of us met. I will admit that the money you did offer us was a great temptation to come out here. No native would dare to make this trip. This section of the desert is known as the Vale of Desolation. For your money. I took leave from the Security Police Department. And then managed to get men who are willing to do anything for money. They are not afraid of Death. For that is a kind of occupational hazard in their work. Paul Dumont is a Frenchman; Raul Garbano is a Spaniard; Hans Klepper is a German; and Marc Harley is an Australian. They have agreed to follow you in the jaws of Hell if necessary. And also, I do assume because they are curious. Out here where all you have is wind and sand - what can you be looking for?" The time had come for me to explain the object of this small expedition. Consisting of the men he named, two jeeps, and a supply truck.

"We never met before in our lives. But I still am familiar to you. My name is John Winston. I am the identical twin of the late Herbert Randolph. If I shaved off my beard you couldn't tell us apart." "Then your mansion here must somehow be connected With the death of your late brother. But why do you have a name different than his?" "Because my maternal uncle adopted me," I informed him. "He wanted me to carry on his name. And he left his fortune to me. What I tell you now, you may or may not believe. I don't care much about it. All I care is that you take me to where I want to go. I have travelled throughout the world. I could sense any message my brother wanted to send me. And in the same way I could reply to him.  Remember, that identical twins are really one creature and in the view of the ancients they thought and acted as one being. By the death of my brother, his partner. Frank Howell inherited the entire business property and the death insurance of half million dollars."

"That means you are implying that your brother's partner killed him. Why, that is impossible!" "Why is it impossible?' I demanded. "Greed does a lot of peculiar things to any human being." "But many people saw your brother get into his plane. At that very moment, Frank Howe!l was in Cairo. The plane headed out to sea. It exploded in the air and that is how your brother died." Major Ali Mupha stopped for a minute. Looked at me. Then added, "Or did he?" "My brother's ghost communicated with me." I continued, will tell you how he died. The two went out here in a jeep loaded with supplies. My brother had an idea that he could find where the legendary Roman treasure had been hidden when the Romans were attacked and the Third Roman Legion was wiped out. He didn't want anyone to follow them, so they left secretly. He made one big mistake. He told his partner he was aware of the fact that the books had been falsified. That Frank Howell had been stealing partnership funds. So that is why he Was killed. His body was dumped out on the sand. His partner returned. The rest was easy. He hired an aviator. Had him wear a facial mask to look like my brother. Take the plane up. Blow it up and parachute to safety. Frank Howell also killed him and the man who made the mask. If we find my brother's body, and we will, then you have the evidence to convict his killer."

The next two days we traveled during the late afternoon. I knew what I was looking for. Then came the message: "l am here, John. Right here. Dig under the sand where you are standing." On the way back, the Major was very quiet. He was doing a lot of hard thinking. Then he spoke his thoughts to me. "It could be that somehow you learned where your brother had been buried. But I dismiss that. Only his killer was with him. So I am forced to accept that from beyond the grave messages be sent. Worry not. Justice will be done."

• story author uncredited
• title header illustrator uncredited
• story featured in Haunted #10 (January 1973) 
• published & copyrighted by Charlton Comics

Here is the list of characters from the short story:

1. John Winston (identical twin of Herbert Randolph),
2. Herbert Randolph (John's twin brother, deceased)
3. Frank Howell (Herbert's business partner)
4. Major Ali Mupha (leader of the mercenaries)
5. Paul Dumont (French mercenary)
6. Raul Garbano (Spanish mercenary)
7. Hans Klepper (German mercenary)
8. Marc Harley (Australian mercenary)

Disclaimer: As the original publisher is no longer in operation and has not issued digital reprints, this collection serves as a valuable archive of these classic tales for the benefit of researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts. By making these stories available, I aim to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of comic books, while also acknowledging the original creators and copyright holders.

Zatanna: London, Two Nights Only (Book 1) [TrUzApalOOza cardstock wraparound variant cover]

[my rough proposal for a two-part Zatanna Zatara storyline for DC Comics]

In the city of magic and wonder, where the lights of the West End shine bright, a legendary illusionist is about to take the stage. Zatanna Zatara, the enchanting mistress of magic, has arrived in London for a limited two-night engagement at the historic Garrick Theatre in the heart of Westminster.  As she prepares for her opening night, Zatanna is approached by an old family friend, the enigmatic and mysterious Sargon the Sorcerer. His eyes gleam with an otherworldly intensity as he whispers a cryptic message in her ear. "Zatanna, my dear, I have a favor to ask of you. A dear friend of mine, a collector of rare and ancient artifacts, has gone missing. His name is Silas, and he was last seen in the city, searching for the Orb of St. Edward. It seems that the Cult of Mithras, a secretive and ancient organization, has stolen the Orb from the British Museum, and Silas was tracking them down. I fear he may have gotten himself into trouble, and I need your help to find him and recover the Orb."

Zatanna's eyes narrow, her mind racing with the possibilities. She knows that Sargon's friends are often involved in the darker side of magic, and she senses that this is no ordinary case. "I'll help you, Sargon," she says, her voice firm and resolute. "But I need to know more about the Orb of St. Edward and what kind of danger we're facing."  Sargon's smile is like a crack of thunder on a stormy night. "Ah, Zatanna, you always were one for the thrill of the chase. Very well, I'll tell you what I know. The Orb of St. Edward is a powerful relic, said to grant the power to control the very fabric of reality. It's been passed down through the centuries, and its last known resting place was the British Museum. But now it's gone, and I fear that if it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences will be catastrophic."

Zatanna's eyes flash with excitement. She knows that she's in for the adventure of a lifetime, and she's ready to face whatever dangers lie ahead. "Then let's get started, Sargon," she says, her voice dripping with determination. "I'll find Silas and the Orb of St. Edward, no matter what it takes." And with that, Zatanna Zatara sets off on a journey that will take her to the very limits of her magical abilities, and beyond. The game is afoot, and the stakes are higher than ever before. Will Zatanna emerge victorious, or will the darkness consume her?  The world of magic is full of surprises, and Zatanna is about to find out just how true that is...

I am proposing this would be written by Paul Dini, interior art by Jamal Igle, and exclusive painted covers by TrUz ApalOOza.

[Workflow: A series of image prompts from Bing Co-Pilot and NightCafe to give me a chunk of starter images, which I then composed and merged within Affinity Photo. Lots of layers, overlays for shadows and lighting, texture layers for lens flares, sparkles, fireworks, distorted/warped/twisting all over with a large dash of masking.]

Image list:

1. final TrUzApalOOza cardstock variant wraparound cover of Zatanna London book 1
2. raw version of the painting (reduced resolution), without final book layouts/logos
3. front cover view
4. back cover view
5. The series logo which I worked within both Affinity Photo and Designer
6. Letter Z, applied to her tuxedo lapel
7. and a glance at my Affinity Photo layering panels with Fx filters

Children of the Corn (literal)

Four corncob creatures, known as the Children of the Corn, each with a unique personality, stood in a grassy field, their bright yellow bodies glistening with dew. The rustic backdrop of a derelict barn and silo loomed behind them, its weathered boards and rusty metal evoking a sense of abandonment. But these corncob warriors were far from harmless; each one was armed with a farm tool transformed into a deadly weapon in their capable hands.

The first corncob, 'Sickle Sammy,' stood in the shadow of the eerie dusk, his twisted blade catching the last rays of light and casting a sinister gleam. His body, fashioned from a corncob, bore cryptic carvings that twisted and squirmed like malevolent tendrils. Sammy's exaggeratedly open eyes blazed with a savage hunger, a thirst for conflict that seemed to consume his very soul.

Next to him stood 'Rakey,' wielding a rusty pitchfork with sharpened tines and a smaller weeding fork in his other hand. His eyes gleamed with a mischievous spark as if he relished using the tool in a murderous competition.

The third corncob, 'Angry Jim,' held a long-handled axe with deadly precision. Jim's corncob body was covered in dirty overalls, hiding most of his golden kernels. His eyes burned with a quiet intensity, as if driven by a desire to chop away the very souls of his enemies.

Finally, there was 'Pete,' the eldest corncob, who held the largest axe of the group. Pete's corncob body was covered in a fine layer of dust, giving him a rugged, battle-hardened appearance. His eyes seemed to hold a deep wisdom as if he had fought many battles and emerged victorious every time.

Together, these four corncob outcasts stand ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, each of them armed with their favorite farming implement and willing to reap a deadly harvest at any moment.

[Workflow: A large series of image prompts from NightCafe to give me the best 8+ starter pieces, which I composed within Affinity Photo.  Lots of layers + shadow work (via FX cover overlay), brush layers for tweaking and shadow masking.]

Jakarta Daemon, Part 2: "The Cursed Streets of Old Batavia" [TrUzApalOOza cardstock variant cover]

Continuing my previous post for the Jakarta Daemon storyline...

[my rough proposal for part 2 of a new John Constantine storyline for DC Comics]

As John Constantine ventured into the historic streets of Old Batavia, the crumbling colonial architecture seemed to loom over him like sentinels, casting long shadows that seemed to writhe and twist in the flickering streetlights. The air was thick with the scent of incense and decay, and the distant sounds of chanting and drums echoed through the alleys, drawing him deeper into the heart of the city. But as he turned a corner, he was suddenly ambushed by a group of shadowy demons with red eyes, their faces twisted into grotesque grins as they emerged from the darkness. John's instincts screamed at him to defend himself, but he hesitated, his mind racing with the implications of what he was seeing. These were no ordinary demons - they were the servants of the daemon Kuntilanak, and they had been sent to stop John from uncovering the truth.

John's local contacts, a group of street-smart kids who had been tracking the daemon's movements, appeared out of nowhere, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of fear and determination. "John, we've been waiting for you," one of them whispered, as they quickly ushered him into the safety of a nearby doorway. But as John looked around at the kids, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were hiding something from him. Despite his reservations, he decided to trust them, and together they set out to uncover the web of ancient secrets and forbidden knowledge hidden within the city's oldest temples and catacombs.

Image list:

1. final TrUzApalOOza cardstock variant cover of Jakarta Daemon part 2
2. raw version of the painting (reduced resolution), my original version is too wide for the standard comic book layout so I had to crop some of the shadowy demons.
3. an earlier work-in-progress (WIP) image as i was trying to decide on the layout
4. and a glance at my Affinity Photo layering panels with Fx filters