There
are dozens of films featuring a curse that is used to
resurrect a mummified Egyptian or other preserved human
remains, from the dead. The opportunity for artistic
expression in graphic novel terms is limitless.
Roughly
speaking, a graphic novel equates to 1 page per minute of
screen time. Or, one page of script. At the planning stage,
it was thought that one large issue would be possible. But,
in practical terms that would have been too bulky and
unmanageable as a project. For this reason, the Graphic
Novel is proposed to be serialized as three Issues. This
template could be used for a three, or six part TV
series, or a 100 minute feature film edited down from
120 (theoretical) pages.
MANGA
- Manga, as a visual medium, can effectively convey complex stories and emotions. The concept of "Cleopatra Reborn" lends itself well to a manga adaptation, particularly given the Japanese interest in reincarnation and rebirth.
ADVANTAGES OF A MANGA ADAPTATION
Visual Storytelling: Manga can use visuals to convey emotions, ideas, and cultural nuances that might be difficult to capture in a written format. The visual representation of Cleopatra's rebirth, her interactions with modern society, and the potential supernatural elements could be particularly effective.
Character Development: Manga can delve deeply into character development, exploring Cleopatra's inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This would allow readers to connect with her on a personal level.
Cultural Nuances: Japanese artists are skilled at capturing cultural nuances and details. A manga adaptation could effectively portray ancient Egyptian culture and its contrast with modern society.
Genre Blending: Manga often blends genres, such as historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. "Cleopatra Reborn" could be adapted to incorporate elements from all of these genres, making it appealing to a wider audience.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
Visual Complexity: Depicting ancient Egyptian settings and costumes can be visually complex. Artists would need to strike a balance between historical accuracy and artistic interpretation.
Emotional Depth: While manga can convey emotions effectively, it can be challenging to capture the full depth and complexity of a character like Cleopatra.
Cultural Sensitivity: It is crucial to portray ancient Egyptian culture respectfully and avoid stereotypes.
GRAPHIC
BRIEF - SUGGESTED LAYOUTS/ FORMAT (AS) THREE ADVENTURE
PACKED ISSUES
PART
I - ISSUE 1.
CHAPTER
1. THE
POISON ASP - Overwhelmed by grief, Cleopatra poisons herself with a
cobra bite in her mausoleum
CHAPTER
2. WRATH OF THE GODS - The destruction of
Thonis and Alexandria
CHAPTER
3. NEW WORLD ORDER - A Neo-Nazi plan to regenerate Aryan supremacy
CHAPTER
4. CYBERCORE
GENETICA - Nano computer technology is purchased at an auction by a
religious sect
CHAPTER
5. INCUBUS - Franco Francisco accepts offer of employment
from Roberta Ferrara
CHAPTER
6. SPLICE
- Klaus von Kolreuter perfects a method of gene manipulation
CHAPTER
7. TREMORS - Cleopatra's
tomb lay lost for centuries, until shift in the tectonic
plates trigger tremor off the coast of Alexandria
PART
II - ISSUE 2.
CHAPTER
8. PANAMANIAN
RUNNING MAN - Marjorie Boyle videos exceptionally fast athlete, Sam Hollis
investigates
CHAPTER
9. AMAZON
QUEEN - Elizabeth Swann navigating river and
docking at Manaus
CHAPTER
10. TOMB
RAIDERS - Safiya
Sabuka finds
Ahmed
Saleh and persuades him to reveal where he found Cleopatra's ivory comb.
CHAPTER
11. SCOTLAND
YARD - London's secure DNA database is stolen
CHAPTER
12. OPERATION
ALEXANDRIA - Neo-Nazi occultists recover Cleopatra's
sarcophagus from underwater tomb near Palace
CHAPTER
13. KIDNAPPED - Charley is taken
prisoner up the Amazon, John, Dan and (eventually) CIA rescue her
CHAPTER
14. UNESCO -
Catholic Church fear grave desecration heritage
theft, asks agencies for help. Interpol issue Red Notice
PART
III - ISSUE 3.
CHAPTER
15. REPLICANT - The Society reproduce Cleopatra using Francisco's
RepliVator™, uploading synapse sequence, implanted memories
CHAPTER
16. FULL STEAM AHEAD -
To
Thonis, then uses the Swann's AI
sensors and the Ark
database to find tomb has been plundered
CHAPTER
17. RITUAL SACRIFICE - The Baron prepares a drugged Cleopatra for ceremonial
impregnation
CHAPTER
18. SANCTUM
INTERRUPTUS - John finds Nazi hideout near Alexandria,
disturbs ritual - rescues Cleopatra, arresting conspirators
CHAPTER
19. THE CHOSEN ONE - The reincarnated Cleopatra falls for her rescuer. John comes under her
spell, despite her being a replicant
CHAPTER
20. MILITARY
INTERVENTION - Military detain Cleopatra for stakeholders, despite media
& medical protests. Storm distraught
CHAPTER
21. DÉJÀ VU - History repeats itself,
military lock up technology as gross violation of human rights, John left
disillusioned
The original mummy movie was remade three times with similar characters but always a slightly shifted storyline.
Since then the storyline has not shifted much, but when it
has the accompanying film has typically bombed.
JAPANESE
TRANSLATION
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER
1.
CHAPTER
2.
CHAPTER
3.
CHAPTER
4.
CHAPTER
5.
CHAPTER
6.
CHAPTER
7.
CHAPTER
8.
CHAPTER
9.
CHAPTER
10.
CHAPTER
11.
CHAPTER
12.
CHAPTER
13.
CHAPTER
14.
CHAPTER
15.
CHAPTER
16.
CHAPTER
17.
CHAPTER
18.
CHAPTER
19.
CHAPTER
20.
CHAPTER
21.
ARABIC
TRANSLATION
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER
1.
CHAPTER
2.
CHAPTER
3.
CHAPTER
4.
CHAPTER
5.
CHAPTER
6.
CHAPTER
7.
CHAPTER
8.
CHAPTER
9.
CHAPTER
10.
CHAPTER
11.
CHAPTER
12.
CHAPTER
13.
CHAPTER
14.
CHAPTER
15.
CHAPTER
16.
CHAPTER
17.
CHAPTER
18.
CHAPTER
19.
CHAPTER
20.
CHAPTER
21.
