BAMComix - New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight.

New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (126) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (127) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (128) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (129) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (130) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (131) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (132) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (133) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (134) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (135) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (136) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (137) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (138) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (139) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (140) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (141) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (142) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (143) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (144) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (145) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (146) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (147) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (148) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (149) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (150) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (151) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (152) by Dal Lee, on Flickr
New Agent, New Problems - Chapter Eight - The Genesis Project. (153) by Dal Lee, on Flickr

Terrific set up for this one Dal excellent scripting too..Those agents sure look cool.

Gunner Munro wrote:

Terrific set up for this one Dal  excellent scripting too..Those agents sure look cool.

Cheers Steve! really pleased you enjoyed chapter eight! really means a lot!

EPISODE 8:

COVER: Once again, a fantastic comic book style layout on the cover! This is definitely a cover that would sell some copies! Except perhaps to the younger boys, whose mums might be less keen on handing over the coins.

The title is intriguing. Are we going to learn more about the genesis of the Genesis Project? What secrets will be revealed? What else could be revealed? (There's quite a bit revealed right here on the cover!) Can't wait to turn the page... but can't stop admiring the cover illustration!

Looks like it's gonna be a longer than usual issue as well!

p119 - Excellent plot summary, adding some new elements and raising some intriguing questions. Is Jake wondering about the ethics of building upon someone else's technology? Is he concerned that perhaps these cloned agents could end up being too good? With their superior strength and intelligence, what if one or more of them were to be led astray?

Strong graphic layout despite being a text-heavy page. The exposition leads smoothly in to Jenna's question... and Jake's response.

p120 - Ah! You set it up well in the previous page, for those are precisely Jake's concerns: the ethics, and the power of the clones!

The science team, however, seems, as is often the case, to be blind to anything beyond the science; pleased by their accomplishments thus far, but still looking for ways to improve and  to push the boundaries.

p121 - Assertive group, aren't they? Being scientists, they want to be sure, through further experimentation, that the success with Tanya C was not a fluke. They want proof that their concept is successful and can be duplicated... replicated. Jake is wisely cautious. Can any technology ever be "perfect?"

p122 - Ya know, these people are kind of scary. But then, the world of "Black Ops" is a pretty scary place. We can already get a sense of which way Jake is leaning, however. He's seeking reassurances and justification, but his mind is already made up.

p123 - It appears that Jake is taking every possible precaution. But... is anything ever perfect?

The Dr. Sid figure looks really good in these scenes!

p124 - Just another day in charge! Juggling more dangerous, complex, and top secret projects than one can count! And rather enjoying the challenge, I suspect! No retirement in this soldier's near-term future! Puttering about in the garden is not for him!

p125 - You know what this almost seems to be laying the groundwork for? You're an old hand with comic books with years of experience following long story arcs. So you know that eventually, even the "good guys" end up in a war against one another. It's a long-standing comic book trope. That's what I see the germ of... the genesis of... here: an eventual conflict between Jake's agents and Robinson's agents. Between Jake's HQ and Robinson's organization. Between Jake and Robinson themselves. A dramatic rift, a schism, among the allies eventually leading to a climactic face-off!

More personality development of the Dr Sid character. We see that the science is his interest. And... his desire for personal achievement! Are these hints that the "scientist" is leaning toward becoming... a mad scientist?

Lots of interesting possibilities raised in this single page. Which will play out, and which are red herrings? Time will tell!

p126 - I wonder if the clone agents can out-drink regular human agents?

With the flashback sequence wrapping up, this seems like a good place to pause with my overly-long (and to some, annoying) rambling.

Great installment so far! I'm looking forward to seeing where things go!

SCU_HQ wrote:

EPISODE 8:

COVER: Once again, a fantastic comic book style layout on the cover! This is definitely a cover that would sell some copies! Except perhaps to the younger boys, whose mums might be less keen on handing over the coins.

The title is intriguing. Are we going to learn more about the genesis of the Genesis Project? What secrets will be revealed? What else could be revealed? (There's quite a bit revealed right here on the cover!) Can't wait to turn the page... but can't stop admiring the cover illustration!

Looks like it's gonna be a longer than usual issue as well!

p119 - Excellent plot summary, adding some new elements and raising some intriguing questions. Is Jake wondering about the ethics of building upon someone else's technology? Is he concerned that perhaps these cloned agents could end up being too good? With their superior strength and intelligence, what if one or more of them were to be led astray?

Strong graphic layout despite being a text-heavy page. The exposition leads smoothly in to Jenna's question... and Jake's response.

p120 - Ah! You set it up well in the previous page, for those are precisely Jake's concerns: the ethics, and the power of the clones!

The science team, however, seems, as is often the case, to be blind to anything beyond the science; pleased by their accomplishments thus far, but still looking for ways to improve and  to push the boundaries.

p121 - Assertive group, aren't they? Being scientists, they want to be sure, through further experimentation, that the success with Tanya C was not a fluke. They want proof that their concept is successful and can be duplicated... replicated. Jake is wisely cautious. Can any technology ever be "perfect?"

p122 - Ya know, these people are kind of scary. But then, the world of "Black Ops" is a pretty scary place. We can already get a sense of which way Jake is leaning, however. He's seeking reassurances and justification, but his mind is already made up.

p123 - It appears that Jake is taking every possible precaution. But... is anything ever perfect?

The Dr. Sid figure looks really good in these scenes!

p124 - Just another day in charge! Juggling more dangerous, complex, and top secret projects than one can count! And rather enjoying the challenge, I suspect! No retirement in this soldier's near-term future! Puttering about in the garden is not for him!

p125 - You know what this almost seems to be laying the groundwork for? You're an old hand with comic books with years of experience following long story arcs. So you know that eventually, even the "good guys" end up in a war against one another. It's a long-standing comic book trope. That's what I see the germ of... the genesis of... here: an eventual conflict between Jake's agents and Robinson's agents. Between Jake's HQ and Robinson's organization. Between Jake and Robinson themselves. A dramatic rift, a schism, among the allies eventually leading to a climactic face-off!

More personality development of the Dr Sid character. We see that the science is his interest. And... his desire for personal achievement! Are these hints that the "scientist" is leaning toward becoming... a mad scientist?

Lots of interesting possibilities raised in this single page. Which will play out, and which are red herrings? Time will tell!

p126 - I wonder if the clone agents can out-drink regular human agents?

With the flashback sequence wrapping up, this seems like a good place to pause with my overly-long (and to some, annoying) rambling.

Great installment so far! I'm looking forward to seeing where things go!

Really pleased you liked the cover Dave! looks like I picked the right image to sell this chapter!

119 - Yeah, I had a lot of ground to cover here, Jake's worries and concerns, this seemed the best way to tackle this

120 - Typical scientists and their ego's, constantly pushing the boundies, whether they should or not! Jake as you say is typically concerned and is looking for reassurance.

121 - Time will tell I guess Dave??

122 - Yes, with the success of Tanya C. and Jenna's support for the sister project, I think Jake is quietly confident about what his choice wil be.

123 - I agree Dave, Dr Sid was a perfect addition to BAM HQ, I was a little concerned when I read the reviews of his body articualtion, but apart from a loose knee, the bodies aren't that bad! Dr Sid will have a long future at BAM HQ I think

124 - Jake doesn't have time to retire! far too much to do. ou're right too, he does enjoy it!

125 - It's all about the long game for me Dave, popping lines in to set up future installments, while as you say some will come to nothing. As for a rift, not sure on that one, the main reason being the figures would need to come together, and it would be a long way for that to happen. Chances are that my agents will go dark and have no contact with the Robinson Organization?

126 - Well if their anything like Captain Steve Rogers, they won't be able to get drunk as their Metabolism burns too fast, so I would say yes, they could drink the bar dry and walk away feeling as fresh as a daisy!

Ramble on Dave! i enjoy the comments, it helps no end with ideas and how to cover bases I may have missed . Looking forward to the follow on review

A great set up looks like there's definitely trouble ahead

Rogue-Trooper wrote:

A great set up  looks like there's definitely trouble ahead

Thanks Chris! more to come soon!

Fantastic work Dal

More twists and turns in this saga, and a potential super hero team?

Looking forward to seeing how this thread develops

Beatlefan wrote:

Fantastic work Dal

More twists and turns in this saga, and a potential super hero team?

Looking forward to seeing how this thread develops

Cheers Richard! really pleased you enjoyed it! Yeah, a team of super soldiers, ready for action, lots more to come in Chapter nine, which will follow on soon!

Great issue, Dal!!!

I loved reading it and Dave's analysis and your follow up.

Really looking forward to part 9.

Episode 8 commentary - continued

p127 - Oooh! Carlos is in da house! And lookin' sharp in that black shirt!
I wonder why he chose Jayden to share his information with? Does he have an ulterior, and possibly personal, motive?

p128 - Oh... okay! No mystery here: Carlos admits he "kind of likes" Jayden. The man has good taste! And he also has a sense of fair play, at least to an extent. Give him a fair shake, he'll return the sentiment.

Excellent and creative trick, using the "trigger finger" to hold a cigar! The hand position makes sense, and it gives the character even more of a debonaire appearance.

p129 - Well, look at this! A "cameo appearance" by a visiting figure from Professor Gangrene's lair! Even when he's off-duty and out of his usual jurisdiction, Bludd is paying attention to his surroundings. In this case, it is possible that bringing Jayden and Carlos' conversation to the attention of No-Face could have repercussions down the line.

p130 - Hmmm... progress for Carlos? Maaayyybeee! A step in the right direction, anyway! If it turns out he's telling the truth, and his info is accurate...

p131 - Love that top panel, with Carlos checking out Jayden as she walks away! Carlos' motivation seems genuine and believable. Makes sense with everything we've seen so far.

p1432 - Two tough characters! Intense scene! Reminds us, after showing us Carlos' nicer side, what he remains capable of.

p133 - Wow! Carlos really does despise Dr. X, and anyone associated with him!

Another change of scene, so another point at which to pause! Looks like some fun stuff coming up!

gibri wrote:

Great issue, Dal!!!  

I loved reading it and Dave's analysis and your follow up.

Really looking forward to part 9.

Cheers Bri! yeah I agree Dave's comments are really helpful for me, and keeps me remembering any small details I might have forgotten otherwise . Really pleased you enjoyed it!, Chapter Nine coming soon!

SCU_HQ wrote:

Episode 8 commentary - continued

p127 - Oooh! Carlos is in da house! And lookin' sharp in that black shirt!
I wonder why he chose Jayden to share his information with? Does he have an ulterior, and possibly personal, motive?

p128 - Oh... okay! No mystery here: Carlos admits he "kind of likes" Jayden. The man has good taste! And he also has a sense of fair play, at least to an extent. Give him a fair shake, he'll return the sentiment.

Excellent and creative trick, using the "trigger finger" to hold a cigar! The hand position makes sense, and it gives the character even more of a debonaire appearance.

p129 - Well, look at this! A "cameo appearance" by a visiting figure from Professor Gangrene's lair! Even when he's off-duty and out of his usual jurisdiction, Bludd is paying attention to his surroundings. In this case, it is possible that bringing Jayden and Carlos' conversation to the attention of No-Face could have repercussions down the line.

p130 - Hmmm... progress for Carlos? Maaayyybeee! A step in the right direction, anyway! If it turns out he's telling the truth, and his info is accurate...

p131 - Love that top panel, with Carlos checking out Jayden as she walks away! Carlos' motivation seems genuine and believable. Makes sense with everything we've seen so far.

p1432 - Two tough characters! Intense scene! Reminds us, after showing us Carlos' nicer side, what he remains capable of.

p133 - Wow! Carlos really does despise Dr. X, and anyone associated with him!

Another change of scene, so another point at which to pause! Looks like some fun stuff coming up!

p127 - Yeah, I like Carlos a lot and he is developing nicely. All wil be revealed as to why he has chose to share with her soon .

p128 - He is a complicate fella, that's for sure and he will often play both sides for any advantage to himself. Ha! yeah, I kinda liked the idea that he should have a cigar, just like John "Hannibal" Smith .

p129 - Yeah Major Bludd is always on duty, but I wonder if he knows his boss gangrene of PFG HQ is in he nick?? We shall see how this plays out with no face soon

p130 - He will sometimes use the truth to his advantage, he is a true double dealer

p131 - I think you're right Dave, he does have a soft spot for Jayden .

p132 - Yeah, No Face has poked the bear! and here he proves that he is not just a gun for hire

p133 - Yeah, Carlos is not about to take any crap from Dr X and his cronies, plus I think he wants to get into Mr Redbox' good books

Indeed! Our saga is about to take another twist, time too meet BAM HQ's two latest enhanced agents, Tami and Annabelle

Episode 8 commentary - continued

p134 - Ambitious assignment: retrieve computer files, retrieve alien artifact, and blow up the lab! No sweat, no problem!

Smooth way of introducing the characters, their names, and their skill sets in just a few lines of dialog.

p135 - I can see why Tami likes driving the Jeep! It's a rugged rig, capable of expeditions in to Dinosaur Valley. Plus... it looks perfectly in scale with the figs! It's not easy to find a vehicle that looks this realistically scaled.

p136 - Filling in the backstory, only to the extent necessary to re-introduce readers to Dr. X. I have not actually read that entire episode, but I've picked up enough to know what they're talking about here. Once again, excellent "comic book style" storytelling method to introduce new readers who may have joined the story mid-stream.

The first panel at the top is quite cinematic in nature. Cool lighting.

p137 - Interesting! Filling in more back-story, about Jake this time. I wonder if this somewhat tangential info will eventually prove important in setting up future events?

p138 - Ah! The mysterious General Tibias, a truly enigmatic character from Jake's past who has only been fleetingly mentioned a few times over the years. Could this conversation be a prelude to a future tale in which General Tibias plays a significant role? Time will tell! The groundwork for a number of intriguing future storylines is being laid out over these few pages.

We also see a mention of Robinson, whom the conversation thus far would suggest is no longer directly involved in the development or training of the new agents. Indeed, is Robinson even aware of the new agents? Or has Jake taken his "black ops" even further under the radar?

Nice curly hair on the Anna figure. Looks appropriately wind-blown there in the back seat!

p139 - Wrapping up the Robinson and Tanya 1.0 line, finishing with a dose of humor! We learn that yes, Jake has apparently parted ways with Robinson, at least regarding this experiment.

The foliage in the background effectively sets off the darker hues of the vehicle and the uniforms.

p140 - "We don't know what hidden dangers lay in wait...." Yeah, especially since you signalled your approach pretty clearly by revving up that engine! I guess they're not expecting the surface entrance to be guarded. That appears to be something that your Dr. X and Professor Gangrene have in common with Alex's Professor Gangrene: their egos are so immense that it never occurs to them that anyone could find their secret lairs, so they don't bother posting guards! Or even setting up electronic surveillance.

I know, it's a comic book story, don't over-think things!

p141 - Oh! I stand corrected! Tanya, at least, has considered the possibility of electronic surveillance! The repartee among the gals is entertaining, and illustrates that they have developed both a professional working relationship and a genuine friendship.

I shall refrain from commenting on another obvious point... or points... because a picture is truly worth a thousand words!

p142 - "Sure, no problem." Confident... and she looks it! If push comes to shove, I'm sure Tam is capable of unleashing some serious havoc! Speaking of which, is it mere coincidence that Tami's uniform is somewhat reminiscent of the look of Agent Havoc, as crafted in miniature form by fellow 1/6 enthusiasts Jacalls and MiskatonicNick?

p143 - Sounds like a win-win wager... for the clientele at the AMMO Arms, at least!

I wonder if we'll get to see that scene?

I wonder if anyone will survive to collect or to pay off on this bet?

p144 - That middle panel! So cool!

p145 - Uh oh! Five heavily armed, and very irritated, bad guys! I wonder what Tami is really thinking behind those cool shades?

Now we need to wait... for the next exciting episode!

I am not sure how you manage to put together these stories, time-wise. It would take me forever to carefully reposition the figures from shot to shot like you do. And there are hundreds of photos in each of these installments. I look at these, and think about you quickly setting things up at the top of the stairs or on the kitchen table, and I wonder, how does he do it?

SCU_HQ wrote:

Episode 8 commentary - continued

p134 - Ambitious assignment: retrieve computer files, retrieve alien artifact, and blow up the lab! No sweat, no problem!

Smooth way of introducing the characters, their names, and their skill sets in just a few lines of dialog.

p135 - I can see why Tami likes driving the Jeep! It's a rugged rig, capable of expeditions in to Dinosaur Valley. Plus... it looks perfectly in scale with the figs! It's not easy to find a vehicle that looks this realistically scaled.

p136 - Filling in the backstory, only to the extent necessary to re-introduce readers to Dr. X. I have not actually read that entire episode, but I've picked up enough to know what they're talking about here. Once again, excellent "comic book style" storytelling method to introduce new readers who may have joined the story mid-stream.

The first panel at the top is quite cinematic in nature. Cool lighting.

p137 - Interesting! Filling in more back-story, about Jake this time. I wonder if this somewhat tangential info will eventually prove important in setting up future events?

p138 - Ah! The mysterious General Tibias, a truly enigmatic character from Jake's past who has only been fleetingly mentioned a few times over the years. Could this conversation be a prelude to a future tale in which General Tibias plays a significant role? Time will tell! The groundwork for a number of intriguing future storylines is being laid out over these few pages.

We also see a mention of Robinson, whom the conversation thus far would suggest is no longer directly involved in the development or training of the new agents. Indeed, is Robinson even aware of the new agents? Or has Jake taken his "black ops" even further under the radar?

Nice curly hair on the Anna figure. Looks appropriately wind-blown there in the back seat!

p139 - Wrapping up the Robinson and Tanya 1.0 line, finishing with a dose of humor! We learn that yes, Jake has apparently parted ways with Robinson, at least regarding this experiment.

The foliage in the background effectively sets off the darker hues of the vehicle and the uniforms.

p140 - "We don't know what hidden dangers lay in wait...." Yeah, especially since you signalled your approach pretty clearly by revving up that engine! I guess they're not expecting the surface entrance to be guarded. That appears to be something that your Dr. X and Professor Gangrene have in common with Alex's Professor Gangrene: their egos are so immense that it never occurs to them that anyone could find their secret lairs, so they don't bother posting guards! Or even setting up electronic surveillance.

I know, it's a comic book story, don't over-think things!

p141 - Oh! I stand corrected! Tanya, at least, has considered the possibility of electronic surveillance! The repartee among the gals is entertaining, and illustrates that they have developed both a professional working relationship and a genuine friendship.

I shall refrain from commenting on another obvious point... or points... because a picture is truly worth a thousand words!

p142 - "Sure, no problem." Confident... and she looks it! If push comes to shove, I'm sure Tam is capable of unleashing some serious havoc! Speaking of which, is it mere coincidence that Tami's uniform is somewhat reminiscent of the look of Agent Havoc, as crafted in miniature form by fellow 1/6 enthusiasts Jacalls and MiskatonicNick?

p143 - Sounds like a win-win wager... for the clientele at the AMMO Arms, at least!

I wonder if we'll get to see that scene?

I wonder if anyone will survive to collect or to pay off on this bet?

p144 - That middle panel! So cool!

p145 - Uh oh! Five heavily armed, and very irritated, bad guys! I wonder what Tami is really thinking behind those cool shades?

Now we need to wait... for the next exciting episode!

I am not sure how you manage to put together these stories, time-wise. It would take me forever to carefully reposition the figures from shot to shot like you do. And there are hundreds of photos in each of these installments. I look at these, and think about you quickly setting things up at the top of the stairs or on the kitchen table, and I wonder, how does he do it?

p134 - Yeah! in they go, let's see how they get on?? Yeah, I wanted to try and keep it brief, just so you can get an idea of whom they are .

p135 - Ah, Jake's favoured vehicle of choice . I must admit, I wish I had owne this as a kid!

p136 - Yeah, again, just a little info so folks can catch up or as you say, get introduced to the bad guys again

p137 - Quite possibly Dave!, I always try to leave small clues in each chapter as to what might happen next

p138 - Hmm, yes, the mysterious General Tibias . A man that lurks in te shadows and seems to pull the strings. We shall have too see if and indeed when he rears his head from the shadows.
Indeed! Jake has truly parted company with Director Robinson, especially after the development of Tami and Annabelle. Jake is an old hand at playing the 'black ops' role, and I think it will take all of his cunning and deception skills to fool or even convince Director Robinson that they don't exist.

p139 - Indeed! As far as Robinson will be concerned, he will have no further involvement with Jake's enhanced agents. Thanks also for the comments about the background, I do like putting these sets together

o140 - Could their arrogance be their downfall???

p141 - I think Jake's words may still be ringing in her ears about her actions concerning Redbox on her last jaunt into Dinosaur Valley . Yeah, I wanted to show that they had become not only a competent team, but also that they had formed strong friendship bonds . Pleased you liked te pic

p142 - they didn't say she was the best at hand to hand for nothing Dave . As events unfold, all will be revealed.
yes mate, her outfit was indeed inspired by Jacalls and MiskatonicNick's Havoc creations, and maybe also a bit of Lara Croft in the first Tomb Raider film.

p143 - As I said earlier, the girls have formed ther own little click withing the agents, and I am sure this wager idea may continue . Will we get too see it?? we shall have to wait and see.

p144 - Thanks!

p145 - Will Tami be up for the challenge?? look out for the next chapter

It does take a fair bit of time, However, I have found that doing a few sequences at a time is the key. Yeah, It does mean rebuilding the sets, but it's a lot easier than trying to get the whole chapter done in one go. I often refer back to pics I have already taken to rebuild the sets, but I do enjoy it!