Batman - The Carving - Issue #1
This is the script for the first issue of my fan created Batman comic story line, subtitled the Carving. It stars ‘The Carving’ the joker’s traumatised daughter, her fractured psyche and emotional state lead her to throw herself backwards in time on a one way mission to the only freedom she could ever understand.
The Carving – Part One – Betrayed Beginnings
Panel A – Light drops of rainwater drips down an axe, washing away dried blood. The unstained parts of the axe reflect the vibrant colours of the city shining into them.
Caption – Gotham City – The Year 2043
Caption – Two days after the Joker’s body was discovered.
The Carving – Caption – For decades I’ve wondered what it felt like. Living, that is. Human Living. Being more than just a heartbeat and breath.
The Carving – Caption – I wondered what it felt like to be a person.
Panel B – In the foreground, shrouded in shadow stands the flash (Barry Allen), his hood pulled down, his long beard swaying gently in the wind as he watches from the rooftop doorway. Standing on the edge of the building, looking out to the beautiful Gotham skyline is a figure wearing a dark stealth suit, a bloody axe hanging gently from her hand as she spreads her arms freely. Her long, vibrantly green hair flowing in the wind, sickly pale skin shining in the moonlight of the clear sky as the colours of Gotham city dance across her face. She is The Carving.
The Carving – I know what that feels like now. I know what it means to be a person. Which kinds of people there are. Which person I am.
The Flash – And who is that?
Panel C – The Carving jumps down from the edge on to the roof in front of him causing the flash to flinch slightly.
Panel D – The Carving runs up to the flash holding the bloodied axe in front her face. The entirety of her lower face, her mouth, cheeks and nose are hidden beneath an advanced looking skin-tight mask. Despite the mask, her excitement and joy can still be seen in her eyes and raised eyebrows.
The Carving – I’m the person that cut the Joker’s head off!
Panel A – The Carving jumps back on the edge of the building spreading her arms wide and the axe high in celebration. The flash stands in the background, looking away from the Carving, guilty.
The Carving – He’s dead!!!!
The Carving – Ha! Ha! Ha! Haaaaa!
Panel B – E – This succession of panels is intended to display the swinging nature of The Carving’s moods and to demonstrate her separation from who and what the joker is. She is something different to her father. Over the first two panels, the joy and freedom in the Carving’s face are slowly replaced by despair and agony as she slowly lowers her arms defeated as tears begins to fall from her eyes. The third panel shows her screaming into the empty air in front of her in pure broken agony. In the final panel she begins to appear leaning forward over the edge of the building. Across the four panels the flash moves towards the Carving tentatively until he rests his hand on her shoulder in the final Panel.
The Carving – Never hurt…
The Carving – AHHHHHH!!!!!
Panel A – Splash – The flash is holding the Carving’s Arm as she stands nearly horizontal on the wall of the building staring down into the traffic dozens of stories below her. The Flash holds onto telephone wires to keep himself and her from going over the edge.
The Carving – You wouldn’t even let me go if I asked, would you?
The Carving – I know you’d consider it. I know you’d want to. You’d hate yourself for thinking it, but you’d want to.
The Carving – Maybe I’m wrong, maybe you would let me go.
The Flash – Clark would never forgive me.
The Carving – Well, he is dead, if that makes it easier for you.
Title Caption – “The Carving: Part One”
Title Caption – “Betrayed Beginnings”
Panel A – The Flash, using all his strength, pulls the Carving back onto the ledge of the building, she makes it hard for him by not lifting herself in the slightest, or shifting her weight back onto her legs, which are still on the ledge.
The Carving – We’re going with saved then.
Panel B – The two of them are standing on the rooftop once more, the flash still not looking at her directly. The Carving looks at him with curiosity.
The Carving – You still can’t look me in the eye. None of you can. Why?
The Carving – Guilt? Shame? Hatred? Am I getting close? Or is it pity?
The Flash – After what you’ve done, you don’t deserve any pity from me.
Panel C – The Carving’s smile returns, but it is crueller. She leans in close to the Flash who stares at her coldly; she seems bigger and more intimidating then she is.
The Carving – But it’s still there. And you hate it. You hate that you can’t hate me. Don’t you?
The Carving – Heh. Heh. Tell me why. I want you to tell me why, Barry.
Panel D – A look of resentment runs across Barry’s face as he continues to stare down at the bemused Carving.
The Flash – Because I didn’t save you.
Carving – That’s not right. You can't even admit it to yourself, can you? Boy Scout could, you know. Just before… He was brave in the end, I guess.
Panel E – There is a silent look of rage from The Flash directed at his taunting company.
Panel F – Finally the Flash looks away in shame. Causing the Carving’s glee to somehow present itself more clearly on her face.
The Flash – Because I chose not to save you.
The Flash – All of us. We all chose not to. For years…
Panel G – The Carving wraps her arms around the shamed Flash in a taunting and false hug causing the Flash to only look more disgusted, but he doesn’t try to fight her off.
The Carving – There you go. There you go, sweetie. Get it out.
The Carving – Now, doesn’t that feel so much better.
The Flash – You belong in Arkham. Sealed away.
The Carving – Wouldn’t be the first time you kept me locked away in hell.
Panel H – The Flash turns away from her as he continues where he was cut off.
The Flash - …Bruce stopped us.
The Carving – No! No! No, he didn’t. He asked you not to interfere. And you just accepted that. He never had to stop you because you never tried!
Panel A – The Carving’s face becomes sympathetic in an instant as she continues the one-sided hug on Barry. Meanwhile behind his back she is picking at some of the dried blood still stuck to her axe.
The Carving – Oh, I’m sorry sweetie, I didn’t mean to shout. I just… I just get so mad. You are so big, so far above the rest of us. But you still bow to that Big Bad Bat like a little puppy. Doing what master says, hoping for a treat.
Panel B – The Flash tears himself from The Carving’s grasp and begins to walk away. The Carving raises her hands in mock surprise at his withdrawal.
The Carving – Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m here?
Panel C – A close-up on Barry’s stunned face as he hears the Carving’s next words.
The Carving – Just gonna’ run home to sweet Iris, and uh, … what are their names it’s so hard to remember? Dan and Dianne?
Panel D – The same shot as before but now rage has taken over Barry’s features.
The Flash – Don and Dawn.
Panel E – The Flash, using his super-speed is holding the Carving by the scruff of her combat suit, holding her mostly over the edge of the building.
The Carving – Oh! Ha! Ha! Back here again!
The Carving – How old are they now? 16? 17? I forgot to ask.
The Flash – What did you do? Where are they?
Panel F – The smile and cruelty vanish from The Carving’s face as a wave of cool focus seems to wash over her. She has power over the situation and she knows it, and so does the Flash.
Panel A – The Flash releases her and takes a step back to allow her to stand fully on the roof once more.
The Carving – That’s better.
The Flash – Where are they?
The Carving – No. Not yet.
Panel B – The Flash turns around and bends down to get into his running stance to leave, but the Carving pulls a clicker with a big red button with the word ‘Boom!’ written on it, from her belt.
The Carving – Always in such a rush. You must miss so much going so quickly.
The Flash – What is that?
The Carving – You know what it is.
The Flash – What do I have to do for you to not press that?
Panel C – The Carving sits on the ledge, folding her arms and legs, letting The Flash stand straight once more.
The Carving – 23rd September 2022.
The Carving – Why not? Ha Ha!
The Flash – Whatever you plan to do, you have no idea what consequen…
The Carving – Are you going to take me, or I am going to have to go and kidnap Wally’s family too?
Panel D – The Flash hangs his head in defeat. As the Carving saunters towards him in gleeful victory.
The Flash – I have a responsibility, Carving. I can’t use these powers to disrupt time. Especially knowing what happened last time I changed history, it nearly caused the world to tear itself apart.
The Carving – Well that sounds like an exciting story Barry. But I think that, right now at least, you have a choice to make, all of time and space, or little Iris.
The Flash – Tell me why. Why that date?
The Carving – Oh, you’ll figure it out when you get back here, don’t worry. Now stop dilly-dallying.
Panel E – Small sparks of energy begin to bounce off the Flash’s boots, as he holds out his arms in an invitation to the Carving.
The Carving – We have a deal then?
The Flash – It seems I don’t have a choice.
The Carving – Don’t you remember Barry?
The Carving – We always have choices. You should know that by now.
The Carving – Don’t hide behind helplessness Flash. It’s not a good look on you… hero.
Panel F – The Carving jumps into the Flash’s arms bridal style, hanging one arm around his neck.
The Carving – Good choice, Flash!
The Carving – You know, I’ve always wondered what this felt like.
The Flash – Time travel? 4. The Carving – Being held in kind arms…
The Carving – But yes, time travel too, now that you mention it.
Panel G – This panel will show the Flash in very stages of descent down the side of the building and onto the road below in the heavy traffic, his streak trailing behind him. The Carving is waving her arms around like a child in an amusement park.
Panel A – Splash – The Flash runs towards a time vortex. The vortex appears to be tearing itself into reality, dragging everything towards it with bolts of lightning shooting out of it. In the centre of the vortex, The neon sign of A.C.E. Chemicals sits in the eye of the storm. The Carving is no longer waving her arms, instead focusing intently ahead, her grip on her bloody axe is clearly tight.
Panel A – Double-Page Splash – This splash is meant to serve as a fragmented introduction to the DC Universe which the Carving and this older Barry Allen originate from. As the two of them travel through the time vortex, moments of importance flash through the vortex. The muscular body of Superman lying on a lonely country road, costume torn and bloody, with his neck visibly broken and jutting out into the skin; In the background Lois holds the body of Superboy who looks as bad as superman, his neck in the same condition. The hands of a Green Lantern wrapped in yellow chains with the cracked, lifeless ring of willpower still sitting on his finger, mocking him. A lonely Diana sitting upon the throne of Themyscira wearing her mother’s crown, darkness engulfing her. Arthur Curry turning away from a holo-image of Amnesty Bay with his brother Orm standing at his side. Penultimately, Bruce Wayne, cast in shameful silhouette, standing in the doorway of Wayne Manor as Alfred Pennyworth and Damian Wayne carry their most valuable possessions away, never to return. Finally, Batman, without his cowl to hide his agonised face, aiming a pistol square between the eyes of the Carving herself.
Panel A – A silent, gloomy Gotham alleyway. Trash and filth cover the floor and walls as shadows try their best to hide the disgusting site.
Narration – Gotham City – 2021
Panel B – The portal smashes through reality into existence as bolts of lightning lash out at the walls and fire escapes. Stray newspapers and other trash are claimed by the violent winds swirling around the opening in reality.
Panel C – The portal has disappeared as soon as it appears, Barry Allen now standing in its place with the Carving already eagerly jumping from his hands. Her eyes wide as she takes in the Gotham of the past.
Panel D – She turns and looks at Barry with disappointment.
The Carving – It’s the same. Isn’t it?
The Flash – Gotham is always Gotham.
Panel A – The Carving catches a stray piece of newspaper that is still floating about in the air.
Panel B – C - A close-up of the front page, the attached photograph shows the Penguin sitting in a bulletproof glass box inside a court house, but the article is more focused on the captivating Bruce Wayne standing in the middle of the court room. The title of the article reads, “Bruce Wayne, Batman’s Elected Court Representative!” The paragraph of the article that hasn’t been torn away from the old paper reads “Bruce Wayne appeared in court today, acting as the middle man between Batman and the Gotham High Courts. He presented evidence provided Batman and authenticated by the GCPD with assistance from several divisions of Wayne Enterprises. The Penguin will face life in court for numerous counts of arms dealings amongst other charges including…” The rest of the article is missing. Silent Panel. Panel C – The Carving brings the paper close to her eyes and crosses her eyebrows with heavy scrutiny.
The Carving – He looks so young. He still has his eye…
The Flash – Where is my family?
Panel D – The Carving walks down the alleyway towards the main road still engrossed by the newspaper. She absentmindedly calls back to the Flash.
The Flash – Is this all a big joke to you?
The Carving – That’s the answer you wanted, right?
Panel A – The Flash launches a vibrating hand right at The Carving’s belt, she watches but chooses to not react what so ever. Silent Panel. Panel B – The Flash crushes the trigger in-front of her in a righteously victorious manner. While the Carving just rolls her eyes.
The Carving – Party Pooper.
Panel C – The Flash grabs her and slams her against a wall, his face a complete mess of confusion while the Carving just seems bored with the whole situation.
The Flash – You’re done! You’re coming back with me to our time. And I’m giving you back to him. He can decide what to do with you. As long as I never have to see you again, I don’t care.
The Carving – Good little puppy.
Panel D – The Flash turns back to the centre of the alley where the portal had been moments ago. But is halted in his tracks, his face is cold with shock and dread.
The Carving – And I thought you loved her. I mean, she clearly loved you.
The Flash – Whispering – loved…
The Carving – Yes, Flashy boy. Loved. You see…
Page Thirteen Panel A – Splash – Without holding back, the flash slams her into the wall sideways with all the force and speed he can.
The Carving - #### Barry! What was that for?
The Flash – Enough ####### games. What did you do? Where is my family?
The Carving – They’re waiting for you at home. Just hanging out.
The Carving – Hehe. Cough* Sorry. Hahaha!
The Flash – What. What’s so damn funny.
The Carving – Panel Sound Effect – Hahahahahahahaha!
The Flash – No… 10. The Carving – Yep.
Panel A – Indent – Barry’s face collapses to tears as he raises his fist and begins to vibrate is right in-front of the Carving’s face.
The Flash – Whispering – Why?
The Carving – Cause Barry.
The Carving – Because now you can’t take me back.
The Flash – You’re right! I might not even take back a body.
Panel A – The Carving, seemingly enjoying playing with the Flash shrugs lightly.
The Carving – Oh, come on. You’re a smart little puppy Flash. Why did I pick this date?
The Flash – I don’t care!
The Carving – Yes you do. Good little detective like you? You need to know. It’s scratching away at the back of your mind. Chipping away. Chip! Chip! Chip!
Panel B – The Flash lowers his vibrating hand while The Carving just waits expectantly.
Panel C – The Flash snaps up looking at the Carving with sudden realisation.
The Flash – No… No, you can’t! You can’t do that. It will create a paradox. Time will tear apart trying to rearrange itself around the void.
The Carving – There you go. Clever little puppy.
The Flash – I can’t let you do this.
Panel D – The Carving walks forward knowing she now has the power of the situation.
The Carving – But you know you’re going to anyway. Don’t you Barry.
The Carving – You know that if there’s ever a chance. The smallest chance that your wife will be waiting for you when you go back. Your beautiful children running up to hug you as you walk through the front door. You will never fight me, because if you don’t let me do what I came here to; you will never hold Iris in your arms again.
Panel E – Barry let’s his shoulders fall as he stands back out of her way. The Carving forces his eyes to hers by lifting his head under his cheeks. He doesn’t hide the tears dripping into his beard, nor does he hide the rage and grief dancing across his face.
The Carving – You all do. You always have. Now, I’ve just given you a reason.
The Carving – Now go home.
Panel A – Without another word the Carving walks down the alleyway towards the street. The Flash is left standing defeated in the dark; losing a fight he didn’t even realise had started, a fight he’d already lost.
Panel B – A Close-up of Barry as he looks down at his wedding ring, gently rubbing the beautiful gold band and the delicate metal work. The letter’s ‘Iris’ shining in the pale moonlight shining down from above.
Panel C – The Carving is leaning against the wall, around the corner listening to the Flash. Her eyes are sad.
The Carving – I really shouldn’t be surprised. The plan kinda’ did rely on him believing it.
Panel D – The Carving looks up at the neon green sign that reads A.C.E Chemicals. Her shoulders are slumped, she looks weary as if she were about to let the earth consume her.
The Carving – I’d just mentioned their names, and he’d never even think to question it.
The Carving – Iris, he loves her so much. I wonder what she’s like.
Panel A – A joker thug is patrolling along the roof of the A.C.E. Chemicals building with a high-powered assault rifle in his hands. He is walking towards a Joker thug who is lighting a cigarette through a heavy plastic mask, with his legs dangling over the side of the roof.
Gun Thug – Even for him this is twisted.
Smoking Thug – Haha! You’re kidding right.
Gun Thug – Don’t laugh like that man. You know you sound like him.
Smoking Thug – I know, I know. I’m sorry. Come on, relax man.
Panel B – The thug with the assault rifle slumps down and sits on the edge of the roof next to his friend and lets his own feet hang off the edge. He sits the rifle against a pillar next to him. Behind them, The Carving appears in the shadows, her axes drawn.
Gun Thug – You know what he’s doing to her in their don’t you.
Smoking Thug – This is just their thing you know that.
Smoking Thug – He chases her. She runs. He catches her, drags her back kicking and screaming up a storm.
Gun Thug – I don’t know man. He’s never used chains like that. Back When they started, there’s used to be a glint in her eyes, a smirk behind the gag. Not this time. She was bloody.
Smoking Thug – I thought you didn’t have a shift on Tuesday.
Gun Thug – Rostering called me last minute.
Smoking Thug – Huh. Of course, they called Craig before they called Xavier.
Gun Thug – Hey, I told you not to give them your real name when I brought you in.
Panel A – The men continue their conversation oblivious to the figure who is moving closer towards them, raising her axes.
Smoking Thug – Whatever man. Why do you even care? She was bloody last time as well.
Gun Thug – And the time before I know. It’s getting worse though. I can’t remember the last time I saw her even pretending to be happy about being caught.
Smoking Thug – You suddenly grow a conscience mate. You know this is dirty. Just don’t think about it. They’re both sick. Just be happy the freak’s attention isn’t pointed at you.
Gun Thug – I was sitting with my daughter last night. She asked me to tell her about work.
Panel B – The Carving lowers her axes slightly. The smoking thug puts an arm around the shoulder of his buddy.
Gun Thug – What am I meant to tell her. That I got paid to carry a bloody and beaten, barely conscious woman in a stupid clown costume. And then hang her by her cuffs on a crane above a vat of acid for some sick clown to come and play with?
Smoking Thug – I don’t know how you do it. Go home to her after working a shift here.
Gun Thug – I have lots of glass friends sitting in my fridge.
Smoking Thug – That’s only going to make it worse later.
Gun Thug – Whatever, crossing bridges and all that ####. I’m just trying not to think about what he’s doing to her in there right now.
Smoking Thug – Yeah. Me too. Wanna smoke?
Panel E – The Thug with the rifle is reaching for a smoke out of the offered pack from his friend when The Carving slams needles into both of their necks, causing them to stiffen and contort in pain.
Panel A – The Carving is checking the gun while she stands above the unconscious bodies of the two guards. Rain is starting to pore down on her and the bodies, she seems unphased by it.
Panel B – The Carving lands gently on metal catwalks as the sickly green glow of the acid shines up from the bubbling vats below.
Soft Sound Effect – Clang.
Panel C – The Carving slowly approaches the edge of the catwalk, looking down in to the green. A look of disgust and fear crosses her face as she raises a hand in surprise to her masked face in surprise.
Panel A – Splash – The Joker is standing, half submerged in a shallow Vat of acid. His shirt is dissolving as the acid splashes over his body. With one hand, he is holding a purple trailing point pocket knife blade to the neck of a bound and gagged Harley Quinn, her arms being held above her by cuffs hooked into a crane. The Joker is laughing maniacally as he uses his free hand to run an acid coated hand through his electric green hair like a perverted shampoo. Harley is thrashing roughly in the acid as her pants melt. Her blood is dripping into and mixing with the green acid, as tears mix with the blood leaking from lacerations on her face, staining the fabric gag. High on the catwalk in the background, the Carving is visible in her shocked and frozen position.
The Joker – Oh Harley dear, stop thrashing about so much. I know you’ve missed this as much as I have.
The Joker – You’ll have to speak up dear I’m afraid my ears are getting a little clogged from the bath.
The Joker – Now. What does my little minx want her pudding to do to her?
Panel A – The Carving turns away from the railing, from the scene below, she is slamming her eyes shut, desperate to stop the tears escaping them.
The Carving – No! Don’t let me see…
Panel B – C – These two panels are meant to follow the idea of like mother like daughter, both being subjected to the sadistic tyranny of the joker. In the first panel, Harley is screaming into the gag as the Joker bites into her neck while lightly dragging the blade across the top of her shirt. In the second panel, The Joker is uncomfortably close to a Terrified and agonised young girl with long green hair and skin paler then his own. He is kissing her forehead as he carves the letter “J” Into her chest.
The Joker in both panels – You are mine! My pretty girl!
Panel D – The Carving has slunk against the railing of the catwalk with her head in her hands, her body troubled as if it were shaking with dread.
The Carving – Go away! Go Away!
Panel A – The Carving pulls her knees to her chest and holds them tight, her face is a wet mess of tears as they drip down her face and across her mask. She begins to softly sing to herself.
The Carving – “Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row.”
Harley Quinn – Off/Panel – MMMM!
Panel B – The Carving shakily returns to her feet, using her rifle to support herself. She is still singing to herself and her eyes are squeezed tight, trying to drown out Harley’s muffled screams coming from below.
Harley – Off/Panel – AHHH! MMMM!
The Carving – “Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row.”
Panel C – The Carving rests the rifle on the railing and aims it down at the vat of acid. Her face has gained some of its determination.
The Carving – “Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle…”
Panel A – The Joker reaches up and tears away the dissolving rag and tosses into the acid. Replacing it with his index finger as he moves himself as close to Harley as physically possible.
The Joker – Now my pretty little Harley, is all that screaming necessary. You sound like a dog caught in a bear trap. Or are you just whining for me like a good little girl?
Panel B – The Joker removes his finger and holds Harley tightly with both hands around her neck.
Harley – Softly as she’s struggling to breathe – Please, puddin’ ya hurtin’ me. Stop.
The Joker – Hehehe. I know Harl’
Panel C – A red dot appears on the side of the Joker’s face as he leans in close to kiss Harley.
The Joker – Come give your Joker a nice kiss and I might stop squeezing. Or maybe I’ll squeeze harder.
The Joker – AHHH-HAHAHAHA!
Panel D – The Carving’s finger ever so slightly squeezes the trigger.
Panel E – A massive swirling shadow appears over the Carving as she is about to fire.
Panel F – The Carving’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise as she recognises the voice.
The Carving – No. Not yet…
Panel A – The Carving swings her axe around, catching the fins on Batman’s gauntlets. He himself is still hidden mostly in shadows, practically invisible.
Panel B – The Carving launches herself at the shadows with her axes aimed high, ready to strike a killing blow. Her rifle now leaning unreliably on the railing.
Panel C – The Carving spins around with a kick aimed for the head, she is blocked by a floating hand as if the shadow was defending itself from her.
Panel D – The rifle is starting to slip from its precarious resting point.
Panel E – The Carving is contorting herself in an extreme fashion in an attempt to slice at the shadow’s legs with her axes.
Panel F – The Rifle is now falling away from the railing towards the edge of the balcony.
Panel G – The Carving makes a dive for the rifle as it falls off the balcony to the full vat of boiling acid below them. Grabbing her leg are the finned gauntlets of the shadow.
Panel A – The Carving kicks at the shadow’s arms.
Panel B – The Carving launches herself into a sprint along the catwalk. In the shadow behind her are piercing white eyes.
The Carving – You won’t stop me! Not again!
Panel C – The Carving readies her axe to throw down at the Joker who is still oblivious to the commotion going on above him.
Panel D – As the Carving is mid-throw, a grappling hook wraps itself around the handle of the axe.
Panel E – The Hook retracts, dragging the axe from her reluctant grip pulling her to the floor as well.
Panel A – Splash – The Carving is kneeling on the ground with one hand on her second axe, looking ready to pounce on the figure before her. The figure being a larger than life Batman, holding her axe above her in a position ready to defend against the undoubtedly incoming blow. His cape is swirling around him, making him look almost animalistic and demonic in his visage that is still partially hidden within the shadow.
The Carving – You weren’t here Bruce!
