Studio Card #10: The Street Corner Mentor
| Summary | Peaches is a comic character developed as part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project produced by the Made Collaborative Studio. For now, known only by his nickname, “Peaches,” he is one of the neighborhood’s “Elders” who observe and comment upon the activities of the younger folks. Peaches backstory is rich, deep and yet-to-be revealed! |
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| Core Personality Traits & Values | Peaches is the dignified moral compass the Elders. Even though he is very much a realist, Peaches tends to see the best in people and he encourages them toward a righteous path. |
| Primary Archetype | The Mentor |
| Motto | “Though our destiny is now our own, our search for that destiny has only just begun.” |
| Collaboration Background | Peaches was developed by Jimmy Briseno and Len Kody as part of the initial Issue 1 scripting process. |
| Debut | Issue #1 of the Back of the Yards comic series |
Quick Introduction
The Funky Finger of Fate
Three wise-cracking wise guys man a permanent post around a pickle barrel in front of Kozlow’s General Store. They are Peaches, Dex and Big Earl. Although these distinguished gentlemen of the neighborhood are officially retired from whatever eclectic ventures kept them occupied (and mostly out of trouble) in their storied youth, the Elders, as we call them, continue to serve an important purpose in their community—and in our story!
The intertwining threads of fate in Back of the Yards all intersect at the Elders’ humble pickle barrel, believe it or not. In ancient mythology, the Fates weren’t just observers and commentators but also tailors in life’s grand tapestry. Similarly, Peaches, Dex and Earl color the happenings of their Southside Chicago block with their piercing insight and cutting humor. They provide context, gravitas and perspective, reminding the reader and our younger characters that the world is big and history is long.
Atonement With the Father
It’s the summer of 1974 and love is blossoming on the Southside of Chicago. Peaches is in his early 30s and he is maturing into his destiny.
Peaches' Forbidden Fruit
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Peaches is a sweet old-timer, but not without substance. He is a source of both warmth and reason in the group, initiating many of their deeper conversations and keeping his comrades in check when he needs to.
As with all the Elders, his full backstory is too rich and mysterious to reveal entirely just yet. But it’s plain to see that Peaches carries himself with an unmistakable air of dignity. He expresses himself thoughtfully. Though rational, he is certainly not immune to passion, especially in matters regarding injustice.
A Made Collaborative Production!
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
This Studio Card is part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project developed by the Made Collaborative Studio. You can learn more about our Creative Commons license by visiting the Explore the Studio page, but in short, what this means is that as a Creative Commons project, you can copy, redistribute, remix, transform, and build upon the content for any purpose, even commercially, as long as you give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. And if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license above.
If you’d like to explore the Back of the Yards comic further, you can see and access the Studio Card to your right and/or the related Studio Cards below. Thanks for collaborating with us!
Let''s Collaborate!
In the summer of 1974, Peaches was a young man who was assuming the responsibilities of his ailing father, who was a preacher and a community leader. Peaches was also exploring the man he would become.
Table of Contents
Studio Cards Related to the Back of the Yards Comic Series Project
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!
Studio Card #7: The Mysterious Mentor
Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?
Who is Dan Dougherty?
Source Card #9: Crossing the Threshold Every Day
Action Card #4: Create an Illustration!
Who is Len Kody?
OLD Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
Studio Card #11: Our Gentle Giant Everyman
| Summary | "Big Earl" is a comic character developed as part of the Back of the Yards comic series; a Creative Commons project produced by the Made Collaborative Studio. Big Earl is a big man with a big heart. Beloved by all in the neighborhood, everybody knows his name and has heard a story or two about this gentle giant. |
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| Core Personality Traits & Values | Earl was the neighborhood football hero before an injury pushed him to the sidelines. And undiagnosed dyslexia prevented him for excelling in school. But Earl’s kind soul and balanced nature granted him resilience through life’s toughest struggles. |
| Primary Archetype | The Everyman |
| Motto | “If I didn’t get hurt, then I would never have found me.” |
| Collaboration Background | Big Earl was developed by Jimmy Briseno and Len Kody in 2015 as part of the initial Issue 1 scripting process. |
| Debut | Issue #1 of the Back of the Yards comic series |
Quick Introduction
The Funky Finger of Fate
Three wise-cracking wise guys man a permanent post around a pickle barrel in front of Kozlow’s General Store. They are Peaches, Dex and Big Earl. Although these distinguished gentlemen of the neighborhood are officially retired from whatever eclectic ventures kept them occupied (and mostly out of trouble) in their storied youth, the Elders, as we call them, continue to serve an important purpose in their community—and in our story!
The intertwining threads of fate in Back of the Yards all intersect at the Elders’ humble pickle barrel, believe it or not. In ancient mythology, the Fates weren’t just observers and commentators but also tailors in life’s grand tapestry. Similarly, Peaches, Dex and Earl color the happenings of their Southside Chicago block with their piercing insight and cutting humor. They provide context, gravitas and perspective, reminding the reader and our younger characters that the world is big and history is long.
How did Earl endure?
Before he packed on the pounds, Earl was towering 6’5” of solid muscle. He matured early, physically. But his otherwise brilliant brain is burdened by a severe case of dyslexia, which meant he would always struggle in his studies. Because of his large size and kind nature, Earl stood up to the local bullies. So, the other kids all pitched in to help him pass his classes. Thanks to their help, he remained eligible to play high school football.
On the field, Earl was a champion.
As an adult Earl, avoided the temptation to become muscle for the various Chicago criminal outfits. He tried to become a cop or a firefighter, but his reading and writing difficulties held him back once again. He couldn’t pass the entrance exams.
Earl settled for a career in security, a position in which he excelled, until that fateful night…
The Everyman
Following his injury, Earl’s once-unstoppable metabolism slowed down. It became difficult for him to fight his weight. So, his old high school nickname, “Big Earl,” took on new meaning.
Recovery was difficult for Earl, but he’s not bitter. His peace doesn’t come from ignorance or blind optimism but from deep understanding.
Earl’s journey of the Everyman is one that has taught him acceptance. Sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you get knocked down. Usually, life is pretty unfair. But, as long as you do right by your friends and loved ones, that’s all that really matters when the grim reaper comes a-calling!
Let's Collaborate!
The long life of Big Earl Perkins has gone through many seasons. For the moment, we'd like to investigate two dramatic inflection points in his teenage and young adult years. That's where you, our brilliant and imaginative collaborators, can help! There are a couple of important events during and shortly after high school that helped shape the man he is today. Your input on these events can help further develop the rich tapestry of overlapping stories that compose Back of the Yards.
A Straight and Narrow Path
In the early 1960’s, Big Earl Perkins felt like life was passing him by.
Sometimes Trouble Finds You
A Made Collaborative Production
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
This Studio Card is part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project developed by the Made Collaborative Studio. You can learn more about our Creative Commons license by visiting the Explore the Studio page, but in short, what this means is that as a Creative Commons project, you can copy, redistribute, remix, transform, and build upon the content for any purpose, even commercially, as long as you give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. And if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license above.
If you’d like to explore the Back of the Yards comic further, you can see and access the Studio Card to your right and/or the related Studio Cards below. Thanks for collaborating with us!
Let's Collaborate!
As Earl confronts a major turning point in his life, things are also changing in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Indeed, the entire nation seems to be in crisis.
Table of Contents
Related Studio Cards
Studio Card #8: Neighborhoods & Their Residents
Studio Card #12: We All Have That One Trickster In Our Life
Who is Dan Dougherty?
Studio Card #5: The Hero’s Journey (Part II) – Initiation
Studio Card #5: The Back of the Yards Heroine!
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!
Studio Card #[__]:
Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?
Studio Card #12: We All Have That One Trickster In Our Life
| Summary | Dexter Coleman is a comic character developed as part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project produced by the Made Collaborative Studio. "Dex" is one of the last of a previous generation of neighborhood troublemakers who are alive and not in prison. He’s gone (mostly) straight in his older years, trying his best to make amends for the bad deeds of his youth. |
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| Core Personality Traits & Values | Dex is a wisecracker, a sharp dresser and a straight talker. Even though his moral compass has evolved over the years into that of a respectable citizen of Back of the Yards, he’s still known to indulge in a few vices. |
| Primary Archetype | The Rebel |
| Motto | “I ain’t got time for dreamin’. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” |
| Collaboration Background | Dex was developed by Jimmy Briseno and Len Kody as part of the initial Issue 1 scripting process. |
| Debut | Issue #1 of the Back of the Yards comic series |
Quick Introduction
The Funky Finger of Fate
Three wise-cracking wise guys man a permanent post around a pickle barrel in front of Kozlow’s General Store. They are Peaches, Dex and Big Earl. Although these distinguished gentlemen of the neighborhood are officially retired from whatever eclectic ventures kept them occupied (and mostly out of trouble) in their storied youth, the Elders, as we call them, continue to serve an important purpose in their community—and in our story!
The intertwining threads of fate in Back of the Yards all intersect at the Elders’ humble pickle barrel, believe it or not. In ancient mythology, the Fates weren’t just observers and commentators but also tailors in life’s grand tapestry. Similarly, Peaches, Dex and Earl color the happenings of their Southside Chicago block with their piercing insight and cutting humor. They provide context, gravitas and perspective, reminding the reader and our younger characters that the world is big and history is long.
Lightning Quick Wit
Dex has a sharp mind. As steel sharpens steel, he keeps his mind sharp through constant use: chess in the park, all-night poker games and the occasional hustle.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but that isn’t true of Dex—he’s probably the only one of the Elders who knows how to work a smartphone! Even so, he’s never learned his lesson.
Dex has lost a step or two but he stays one step ahead of the law, for now.
Old Habits Die Hard
Unlike Peaches, who became a community leader at marches and church picnics, Dex made his way running numbers for the policy kings of Chicago. “Policy” was an underground lottery in poor and working-class neighborhoods that was something of an illegitimate institution. The whole racket was run by the mob but supported by local politicians and preachers who always counted on their cut.
Dex is a good man, at heart. He’s never hurt anyone (intentionally) nor has he scammed anyone who didn’t have it coming (mostly). He’s just not one to turn the other cheek. Dex is an operator. When he sees injustice, he’s going to figure out a way to finish ahead.
The Policy Kings of Chicago
Who's Hustlin' Who?
For others in the community, Policy was opportunity in a time when legitimate opportunities were scarce. The Policy hustle was an economic engine that helped drive the growth of many legal black-owned businesses
Policy made millionaires of the men (and women) who hustled in that racket. But, as a criminal gambling enterprise, it certainly left its own victims in its wake; most notably, the poor folks who played multiple times a day, throwing away their scant earnings in the desperate hope that the numbers would fall their way one day…
Dream Logic
A Made Collaborative Production
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
This Studio Card is part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project developed by the Made Collaborative Studio. You can learn more about our Creative Commons license by visiting the Explore the Studio page, but in short, what this means is that as a Creative Commons project, you can copy, redistribute, remix, transform, and build upon the content for any purpose, even commercially, as long as you give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. And if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license above.
If you’d like to explore the Back of the Yards comic further, you can see and access the Studio Card to your right and/or the related Studio Cards below. Thanks for collaborating with us!
Let's Collaborate!
Imagine that it's 30 years ago. It's the mid-1980s. Dex is a slightly younger man, in his early 40s. He's misspent his entire youth by crossing people and double-crossing them.
Table of Contents
Studio Cards Related to the Back of the Yards Comic Series Project
Studio Card #6: The Hero’s Journey (Part III) – The Return
Studio Card #6: Our Young Dreamer
The Monahans!
Studio Card #12: We All Have That One Trickster In Our Life
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Who is Manny Dominguez?
Google Form Widget
Action Card #4: Create an Illustration!
Studio Card #7: The Mysterious Mentor
Who is Dan Dougherty?
Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?
| Brief | Draymond Carter is a comic character developed as part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project produced by the Made Collaborative Studio. Draymond is Russell Patterson’s fiery-tempered younger cousin. But the cousins are more like brothers ever since Russell moved in with his Auntie, Evelyn (Draymond’s mother). |
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| Core Personality | Draymond’s extroverted and assertive personality is a stark contrast to Russell’s more gentle and introverted nature. |
| Archetype | The Sidekick |
| Motto | “You're going to lose.” |
| Collaboration Background | Draymond was developed by Jimmy Briseno and Len Kody as part of the initial Issue 1 scripting process. |
| Debut | Issue #1 of the Back of the Yards comic series |
Quick Introduction
A Bond Forged in Dreams
Russell wasn’t supposed to stay forever. That’s what Draymond thought, at least. When his quiet, lanky cousin first moved in, it felt like a temporary thing—a visit that would end. But as the months stretched on, Draymond realized that Russell wasn’t going anywhere.
It was weird having him around, with his head always buried in books or lost in his own thoughts. But then something happened that Draymond didn’t expect—even as they teased each other and fought like brothers, Draymond started looking up to Russell. Not that he’d ever say it out loud, of course. Russell had this whole other world inside his head, filled with wild adventures and incredible stories, and before Draymond knew it, he was pulled right in.
The Adventures of Teshue & Shiro
It didn’t take long for them to become both rivals and teamates—Russell leading the way on their imaginary quests, and Draymond charging in as Shiro, his fearless ninja alter ego. Even in the real world, Draymond secretly admired Russell’s calm, even if it drove him crazy at times. Maybe being the sidekick wasn’t so bad, not when the hero was his cousin.
In their dream world, anything was possible. Broomsticks became katana blades, and bullies turned into warlords. Russell became Teshue, the silent warrior, while Draymond was Shiro—fierce and unstoppable.
Who is the Caregiver?
Draymond’s mother, Evelyn Carter, is Russell’s auntie. Evelyn is caring for both both of the boys, currently. Russell won’t tell Draymond what happened to his own mother.
It is a mystery.
Evelyn approaches the boys with a careful balance of strength and care. With Draymond, she’s firm and unyielding, guiding his fiery impulsiveness with discipline.
For Russell, her touch is softer—nurturing his quiet, sensitive side with understanding. Her own grounded nature keeps the household steady, providing the stability both boys desperately need as their worlds grow increasingly chaotic.
A Made Collaborative Production
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
This Studio Card is part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project developed by the Made Collaborative Studio. You can learn more about our Creative Commons license by visiting the Explore the Studio page, but in short, what this means is that as a Creative Commons project, you can copy, redistribute, remix, transform, and build upon the content for any purpose, even commercially, as long as you give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. And if you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license above.
If you’d like to explore the Back of the Yards comic further, you can see and access the Studio Card to your right and/or the related Studio Cards below. Thanks for collaborating with us!
Let’s Collaborate!
Draymond’s world was turned upside down when his older cousin came to live with him. Some of those changes have been amazing, others have been a struggle. Either way, Draymond is growing and his family is changing.
What events from Draymond’s mother’s past have brought Russell into his life? What happened between Evelyn Carter and her sister?
Submit Your Artwork
The Made Collaborative Studio is fueled by your artistic contributions. We’re a community of artists and storytellers who want to build something supportive for creatives of all backgrounds and ages.
We encourage you to participate in our collaborative community by showing off some of your work. We may feature your artwork in the future.
Table of Contents
Related Studio Cards
Studio Card #11: Our Gentle Giant Everyman
Google Form Widget
Studio Card #6: Our Young Dreamer
Studio Card #4: Our New Comic Hero
Who is Manny Dominguez?
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
Who is Eric Nyamor?
Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!
Studio Card #[__]:
Studio Card #10: The Street Corner Mentor
Who is Manny Dominguez?
| Summary Traits | TBD |
|---|---|
| Core Personality Traits & Values | TBD |
| Archetype | The Magician |
| Motto | TBD |
| Collaboration Background | TBD |
| Debut | Eric started working with Jimmy Briseno and Manny Dominguez in the very early days of this Made Collaborative project back in 2014, during initial meetings with youth in the after school programs of Chicago. |
Introduction to Eric Nyamor
[Background on Eric, plus education and credentials. Include John’s art to further promote his work.]
[TBD - Links to Eric's sites and other works/projects to be inserted]
More space for John to introduce his interests and projects, etc.
And Then Came Made Collaborative and a New Comic, the Back fo the Yards!
REVISE TO INCORPORATE JOHN’S WORK ON THE PROJECT MORE SPECIFICALLY. It was by way of Chicago’s community of comic creators that Len crossed paths with Jimmy Briseno, founder of the Made Collaborative project. The two met for coffee in Logan Square during what turned out to be Len’s final week in Chi-Town. Great changes were afoot in Len’s life at the time — he was about to relocate to Los Angeles.
Even so, Jimmy’s pitch captivated him:
Made Collaborative is a social entrepreneurship enterprise that uses the magic of comics and storytelling to empower urban youth and give them a voice.
Len loved the idea because comic books had provided him so much purpose and direction; this was an opportunity to share that with others. When Len and Jimmy concluded their first meeting with a handshake, it was the beginning of a prosperous partnership and a beautiful friendship.
Let’s Collaborate! [WORK WITH ERIC TO CREATE A GOOGLE FORM THAT TARGETS HIS OWN PROJECTS AND INTERESTS AND SOLICITS OTHERS TO HELP/COLLABORATE, ETC.]
Table of Contents
Related Studio Cards
Studio Card #2 | Creating Your Own Hero’s Journey!
Who is Dan Dougherty?
Studio Card #5: The Back of the Yards Heroine!
Studio Card #6: Our Young Dreamer
Studio Card #4: Our New Comic Hero
Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?
Studio Card #10: The Street Corner Mentor
Who is Manny Dominguez?
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
Google Form Widget
Who is Dan Dougherty?
| Summary Traits | TBD |
|---|---|
| Core Personality Traits & Values | TBD |
| Archetype | The Magician |
| Motto | TBD |
| Collaboration Background | TBD |
| Debut | Eric started working with Jimmy Briseno and Manny Dominguez in the very early days of this Made Collaborative project back in 2014, during initial meetings with youth in the after school programs of Chicago. |
Introduction to Eric Nyamor
[Background on Eric, plus education and credentials. Include John’s art to further promote his work.]
[TBD - Links to Eric's sites and other works/projects to be inserted]
More space for John to introduce his interests and projects, etc.
And Then Came Made Collaborative and a New Comic, the Back fo the Yards!
REVISE TO INCORPORATE JOHN’S WORK ON THE PROJECT MORE SPECIFICALLY. It was by way of Chicago’s community of comic creators that Len crossed paths with Jimmy Briseno, founder of the Made Collaborative project. The two met for coffee in Logan Square during what turned out to be Len’s final week in Chi-Town. Great changes were afoot in Len’s life at the time — he was about to relocate to Los Angeles.
Even so, Jimmy’s pitch captivated him:
Made Collaborative is a social entrepreneurship enterprise that uses the magic of comics and storytelling to empower urban youth and give them a voice.
Len loved the idea because comic books had provided him so much purpose and direction; this was an opportunity to share that with others. When Len and Jimmy concluded their first meeting with a handshake, it was the beginning of a prosperous partnership and a beautiful friendship.
Let’s Collaborate! [WORK WITH ERIC TO CREATE A GOOGLE FORM THAT TARGETS HIS OWN PROJECTS AND INTERESTS AND SOLICITS OTHERS TO HELP/COLLABORATE, ETC.]
Table of Contents
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Older Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!
Studio Card #3 – Creating a Character (Part II)
Action Card #4: Create an Illustration!
Studio Card #12: We All Have That One Trickster In Our Life
Studio Card #2 | Creating Your Own Hero’s Journey!
Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!
Who is John Golden?
Studio Card #8: Neighborhoods & Their Residents
Google Form Widget
Who is Manny Dominguez?