A group of superheroes mysteriously disappeared 4 years ago...
Up high on that plinth; four superheroes; Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Amber stand proud.
The plinth has been left without maintenance. Moss has started to take over. Inscribed in the stone of the plinth, are the words;
”HOPE AND MEANING. FOR THOSE WITHOUT.”
It seems as if there is a space up top for a fifth member. A fifth superhero whose figure seems to have been knocked down or removed. There is a burn mark on the floor beneath the plinth.
Their biggest fan, Will, moves out to pursue a career in journalism...
Will prepares to speak, but his mother speaks first.
LILIAN
I need you to take out the trash.
WILL
I'm going now.
Awkward.
Will's mother takes another sip of her whisky. Her otter whiskers flick about a bit.
WILL
I'll be back to visit.
Lilian says nothing. A beat.
Will moves in with a dear online friend in the big city...
Will is not used to hugs. He is not sure where to put his hands.
TOBY
Can't get those online, huh.
The hug is released, but then Toby leans in like he's about to tell Will a secret.
TOBY
We're glad to have you--
Toby leans back. His nose flares, whiskers flick. He grins.
TOBY
--Plus the rent is useful.
Toby winks. Will looks awkward. Toby grins, the tension is broken only for a second. An element of serious is left.
But during a chance visit to a shop of antiquities...
Will looks behind him. The chunk of amethyst he saw on the shelf earlier is gone. He looks back in front of him.
WISE VULTURE
You see a key.
Will reaches in to pick up the chunk of amethyst. He holds it in his hand. It has glorious purple crystals inside a curved shell. It glints in the light. Then...
Sparks fly. Purple and pink. With trails like tiny comets.
The zoetrope behind slows fast and stops sharp in a flurry of dust and sparks--
Will discovers he may just be a Gemstone Hero himself.
Gemstone Heroes is a sweeping mystery-thriller about superpowers and the choices we make in the name of family.
Begin reading now for FREE (or small donation). Five chapters are currently released.
Chapter 6 is coming soon!
Follow my Twitter or Telegram Channel to stay updated.
Semi-Finalist in the 2022 Bluecat Screenplay Competition
Reached the top 42 pilot screenplays out of 1087 total submissions
Gemstone Heroes is a mind-bending, adult-superhero, mystery-thriller saga written in screenplay format and illustrated with original artwork. It features anthropomorphic animal characters and explores themes of masculinity, heroism, identity and family all while remaining an engaging page-turner. The story delivers constant surprises and emotional beats that tug on the heart strings.
Will, a young Otter, moves to Centrum City to start a new job at a news magazine with the hope of investigating what happened to a group of superheroes that went missing 4-years earlier; The Gemstone Heroes; only to discover that he might just be one of them himself.
Think Watchmen meets Invincible. A dramatic narrative of mystery and intrigue that spans time and history. A lore that runs deep and emotions that run high. Every episode brings fun, tear-jerking revelations and stunning surprises for a range of lovable yet deeply complex characters. It's a narrative ride like nothing you've invested in before.
NOTES FROM THE WRITER
All of the planned eight episodes are written, and my attention is on illustrations and artwork for each chapter now. I have been working on this alone since September 2019, and continue to find excitement in it. I am eager to get this story out into the world for people to enjoy.
This is a story with which I feel a deep connection, love and passion. I am a trained screenwriter. I am a lover of superhero stories that do something different. I enjoy complex mystery and strong world-building. I have thoughts and experiences about our world and its ways that I want to share and mirror through the story's themes. I am also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and want to see more of those identities represented in popular culture. It is with this project that I have tried to combine all of those things into a rich and vibrant experience written for those who identify with any single one of these elements.
The episodes will be published here, one at a time, in High Quality PDF format for free, or a small voluntary donation.
This website will be updated periodically with back story, lore and information to help you find your way deeper into the world of Gemstone Heroes. Follow the Twitter for this project to stay updated! I hope you enjoy the journey. Thank You <3
- John Vogel -