Studio Card #2: Creating Characters!
| Brief | Welcome to the Made Collaborative Studio! This Studio Card #2 represents your first step on a creative journey with us. We begin this collaborative virtual studio just as it began in a classroom in the West Side of Chicago years ago - by providing you with an opportunity to create your own original comic character(s). |
|---|---|
| Scope | As you might expect, creative collaboration is at the heart of the Made Collaborative Studio. We believe in sharing stories, intertwining ideas and giving a voice to participating urban youth and collaborators like you. ALL OF YOUR STORIES MATTER. And that's why we begin this virtual journey with the creation of your own original character, some of which may be including in our Back of the Yards comic series! |
| This & That | The most intriguing submissions to this and all of our Studio Card may highlighted on our website. We'll showcase them on our "This & That" blog. And a few of you may also be invited to take part in one of our regular Zoom workshop sessions to further develop selected characters. |
Every Great Story
Begins With a Great Character
Welcome to the Made Collaborative Studio! And we begin in the same manner this project began years ago in a classroom in the West Side of Chicago – creating original characters.
Got a great idea for a comic book character? You can submit here it to the Made Collaborative Studio and the most eye-catching ideas may be chosen for further development with our team of creative professionals. Some crazy characters may even appear in future issues of the Back of the Yards comic!
We will walk you through this process below, but first, for a little creative inspiration, we present to you a few great character introductions from the big screen! …
Our Own Humble Beginnings
The Made Collaborative project started as a small but ambitious after-school arts program headed by our founder and CEO, Jimmy Briseno, with a group of high school students on the West Side of Chicago. Jimmy frequently recalls the pivotal moment when one young person boldly proclaimed:
I have an idea, and it’s going to be great!
From there, the intrepid student began to develop the character of Andre Davis. His classmates joined in, creating characters of their own, like Tamia Parker and Russell Patterson.
These ever-so-humble beginnings are what helped launch the Made Collaborative Studio and our inaugural comic book series–Back of the Yards.
Now, we invite artists and writers of all levels to join us on this shared journey by creating an original comic character of your own!
Creating Characters
Welcome to the Made Collaborative Studio! And we begin in the same manner this project began years ago in a classroom in the West Side of Chicago – creating original characters.
Got a great idea for a comic book character? Submit it to the Made Collaborative Studio.
The most eye-catching ideas may be chosen for further development with our team of creative professionals. Some crazy characters may even appear in future issues of the Back of the Yards comic as further described within the brief Google Slide presentation below!
Your Character's Basic Characteristics
& Personality Traits
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Character Archetypes & Core Values
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Your Character's History - We All Have a History!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
And A Final Word on Character Development
from Stan Lee
Determining your character’s unique traits is an important part of the creative process. Again, these traits can come from anywhere–fantasy or real life–as long as they are consistent and meaningful.
There are many methods to create a memorable character, and there are some tried and true techniques.
Some authors and artists choose to base their characters on people they already know, like a family member, one of their friends, or even themselves!
You can draw ideas from dreams, video games, books or movies as long as your approach is original and uniquely your own.
For some further character building insight, we present you words from the creator of Spiderman, the Hulk, Black Panther and countless others within the Marvel comic universe – Mr. Stan Lee …
In the next step of this journey (Studio Card #3 – Developing an Archetype), we will introduce the concept of Character Archetypes. Archetypes are collections of traits that tell the audience very important things about your character, like what they stand for and what role they’re expected to play in your story.
But, for now, let’s just keep things simple and direct:
What does your character look like? (Physical Traits)
What does your character act like? (Personality Traits)
And once you have developed these basic character traits, just use the submission forms below to introduce us to your character!
Let's Collaborate!
With this collaboration, you will have an opportunity to develop your own original comic character.
Especially creative submissions could be chosen for further development with the Made Collaborative team. We'll feature your character on our website. They might appear in the Back of the Yards comics!
We'll also invite some collaborators to take part in our livestream sessions over Zoom.
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
More Studio Card Collaborations!
Who is Dan Dougherty?
Who is John Golden?
Studio Card #9: Who Is Tamia Parker?
Who is Eric Nyamor?
Who is Len Kody?
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?
Studio Card #8: Who Is Andre Davis?
Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?
Studio Card #16: Who is Dexter Coleman?
Studio Card #4: The Hero’s Journey (Part I) – A Call To Action
| Brief | In the previous Studio Card, you took your first creative steps—bringing a character to life and exploring what makes them unique. Now, it’s time for their journey to begin. Every hero, from the first stories ever told to today, follows a path filled with trials, transformation, and discovery. Welcome to the Hero’s Journey! |
|---|---|
| Scope | The first five stages of the Hero’s Journey form a Call to Action. We meet your hero, step into their world, and watch as a challenge disrupts the balance. Will they answer the call? Will they step onto the rocky road of adventure? Or will they cling to blissful ignorance? |
| This & That | The Made Collaborative has developed a storytelling template rooted in ancient methods intrinsic to human nature. We invite you to engage in the same process that urban youth and our cadre of professional collaborators have used to shape Back of the Yards. Join us in building a richer, deeper world—on the comics page and beyond. And who knows? Your story could become part of it. |
We’ve Been Waiting for You
Welcome to the adventure, fellow travelers. As you’ll soon discover in this Collaborative Series, stories and storytelling are essential to human existence. The natural flow of a story—from beginning to middle to end—feels wired into our DNA. The stories we tell ourselves shape how we understand the world.
Across history and cultures, many of the greatest stories follow a pattern known as the Hero’s Journey. From Hamlet to Harry Potter, from Buddha to Spider-Man, this universal formula transcends time and place. Why? Because the Hero’s Journey isn’t just about how stories work. It’s about how we work. It’s a roadmap for life itself. Some stories are so powerful they don’t just shape our imaginations. They build nations, religions, skyscrapers and cathedrals around them.
The Hero’s Journey an ancient path that moves in flowing spirals, always renewing itself. It circling through stories, dreams and even the rhythms of our own lives. It offers clarity, but don’t mistake it for a rigid map. Not every tale fits neatly into its 12 stages, and that’s part of the beauty. Once you start seeing the patterns, though, they have a way of pulling you in, again and again.
Let’s take our first step into the labyrinth.
1. The Ordinary World
The hero is introduced to us in their ordinary world. The mundane, ordinary world is presented in stark contrast with the “special world” that the hero will enter when they accept their quest.
In Spider-Man, Peter Parker is introduced as a regular, particularly nerdy teen in the residential borough of Queens–quite the opposite of the New York-based superhero he becomes.
In our comic series, the “Ordinary World” is Back of the Yards, a fictionalized version of a real Chicago neighborhood with a community and a history all its own.
Every hero starts in a familiar world—safe, routine, or even limiting—before adventure calls.
In Back of the Yards, our heroes begin in a fictionalized Chicago neighborhood, rich with history and challenges. Their world seems ordinary—until change stirs.
Now, think about your hero’s world. Is it from your past, present, or a dream?
Describe your Ordinary World below.
2. The Call to Adventure
This is the moment that sets the story in motion—a pivotal event that presents the hero with a challenge they can’t ignore. Their journey begins here.
In Star Wars, the call to adventure arrives through Princess Leia’s desperate message, carried by R2-D2: “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.”
In Back of the Yards, Andre’s call comes on a fateful night when he ascends a translucent staircase to a mysterious craft hidden in a dark South Side alleyway.
A hero’s journey begins with a call—an opportunity, a crisis, or a moment of realization that changes everything. Sometimes it’s a whisper, other times a thunderclap, but it always leads toward something new. In your Ordinary World, what kind of call might set someone on a path to adventure?
3. Refusal of the Call
The hero often hesitates before answering the call to adventure. Fear, doubt, or attachment to the life they know can hold them back. Sometimes, they don’t feel ready. Other times, they don’t yet understand the path ahead.
In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo resists leaving the safety of the Shire, uncertain if he has the strength to face the dangers beyond his home.
Mr. Castaneda’s journey reflects this hesitation in a different way. He traveled to Mexico seeking wisdom, only to be rebuffed by the cosmic being he sought. Unready for the knowledge he desired, his path forward remained uncertain.
Whether through fear, uncertainty, or rejection, the hero’s first instinct is often to turn back.
A call to adventure isn’t always answered right away. The unknown is daunting, and stepping forward often means leaving something behind. Fear, doubt, responsibility, or even disbelief can keep a hero from taking that first step.
Before the journey begins, they must decide: stay or go?
4. Meeting The Mentor
The hero encounters a wise mentor—often an older man or woman—who provides the guidance, tools, or knowledge needed to begin the journey. But while the mentor offers wisdom, they can only accompany the hero so far. At some point, the hero must step forward alone.
In The Matrix, Neo meets Morpheus, who presents him with a choice: take the blue pill and remain in the familiar world, or take the red pill and embrace the unknown.
At New City High, the enigmatic Mr. Castaneda serves as a mentor to gifted young creatives, offering them insight and encouragement. Yet, much about him remains a mystery.
No hero starts their journey alone. A mentor appears to offer guidance, whether through knowledge, training, or an unexpected challenge. Gandalf helps Bilbo find his courage, Yoda teaches Luke the ways of the Jedi, and Mr. Castaneda serves as a cryptic guide to promising young minds at New City High.
But no matter how wise or powerful, a mentor can only do so much. In the end, the hero must choose their own path
5. Crossing the Threshold
Every hero reaches a moment of no return—the point where they step beyond the familiar and fully commit to the journey ahead. Fear and uncertainty may linger, but once they cross the threshold, there’s no turning back. They must embrace the unknown and face whatever challenges lie ahead.
In Spider-Man, Peter Parker takes this leap when he catches the thief who killed Uncle Ben, realizing the weight of his choices: “With great power comes great responsibility.” In that moment, he is no longer just Peter—he has stepped fully into his role as Spider-Man.
Now, it’s your turn. Storytelling itself is an adventure, a journey into uncharted territory where you shape the path ahead. Just like the heroes in the stories we love, you stand at the edge of something new.
Will you take the first step?
Let’ s Collaborate!
Are you ready to take the leap?
The time for hesitation is over, dear storyteller. You’ve crafted your character, explored their world, and maybe even glimpsed the path ahead. But a hero isn’t defined by where they start—it’s the moment they step forward that truly begins their journey.
Now, bring it all together. Set the stage. Show us how your hero crosses the threshold and embraces the adventure that awaits!
Draw the Journey
Stories come alive through images. Illustrate a pivotal moment from the first five stages of the Hero’s Journey.
It could be:
• A single image capturing the Call to Adventure or meeting the Mentor.
• A comics page showing the journey from the Ordinary World to Crossing the Threshold.
What does this moment look like? Show us the turning point.
Strong submissions may be featured in Back of the Yards!
Table of Contents
Related Studio Cards
Studio Card #2: Creating Characters!
Who is John Golden?
Who is Eric Nyamor?
Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?
Studio Card #3 – Creating a Character (Part II)
Who is Dan Dougherty?
Who is Len Kody?
Studio Card #6: The Hero’s Journey (Part III) – The Return
Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?
Who is Manny Dominguez?
Studio Card #5: The Hero’s Journey (Part II) – Initiation
| Brief | In the first part of the Hero’s Journey, the hero answered the call and stepped into the unknown. Now comes the real test. This stage—Initiation—is where the hero is challenged, pushed, and transformed. |
|---|---|
| Scope | The middle of the journey is where things get messy. The hero faces trials, enemies, and obstacles that test their strength and resolve. But they also find allies—unexpected friendships that help them push forward. Every challenge brings them closer to who they need to become, preparing them for the greatest test still to come. |
| This & That | The Made Collaborative has developed a storytelling framework rooted in timeless methods. Through this process, urban youth and professional collaborators alike have shaped Back of the Yards. Now, it’s your turn. Dive into the journey, add your voice, and your work could even be featured in a future issue of the comic |
6. Tests, Allies & Enemies
The hero steps deeper into the special world, facing trials that test their strength and reveal who they can trust. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry adjusts to life at Hogwarts, forming bonds with Ron and Hermione while clashing with Draco Malfoy.
In Back of the Yards, Andre’s initiation comes when he discovers his true power—but that revelation also brings danger. When a gang of bullies attack his friends, he’s forced into a fight that proves just how much the world around him has changed.
At this stage of the journey, your hero isn’t just reacting to the world—they’re being shaped by it. Every challenge, every ally, and every enemy serves a purpose. The trials they face push them to grow, revealing their strengths and weaknesses. The friends they make aren’t just companions; they reflect different aspects of the hero’s journey. The enemies they encounter force them to confront what stands in their way.
As a storyteller, think about how this stage unfolds in your own work.
What obstacles force your hero to change? Who stands beside them, and who stands against them?
Every moment in this stage should propel them forward, preparing them for the ultimate test still to come.
7: Approach the Inner Cave
The hero pushes deeper into the heart of the story, drawing closer to the ultimate goal. This “innermost cave” is often where the treasure, truth, or power they seek is hidden. Sometimes it’s a physical object, other times a symbolic revelation—but either way, it won’t be easy to claim.
In Star Wars, the innermost cave takes the form of the Death Star—a fortress at the center of the conflict. Luke and his companions must infiltrate it, risking everything to rescue Leia and take the next step in their journey.
The hero’s journey isn’t just about where they go—it’s about what they’re truly after. This is where they face the heart of their quest. The “innermost cave” holds the treasure, truth, or transformation they seek—but getting there is never easy.
Is it a lost artifact or something deeper, like self-acceptance? In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom, but the real test is the moment of decision.
What is your hero truly after? And what will it cost them?
8. The Ordeal
The hero faces their greatest test yet—a moment of life or death, victory or ruin. This is where everything is on the line. Through this struggle, they undergo a transformation, experiencing a kind of death and rebirth, whether literal or symbolic.
In The Lion King, Simba’s ordeal isn’t just about defeating Scar—it’s about confronting the guilt that’s haunted him since Mufasa’s death. Only by facing his past can he reclaim his place as king and restore Pride Rock.
Every story needs a moment where the hero is pushed to the edge—where victory seems impossible, and failure feels inevitable. This is The Ordeal, the moment that tests everything they’ve learned, everything they believe in, and everything they are willing to sacrifice.
For your story, this should be a turning point, not just a tough moment. This isn’t just another challenge—it’s the challenge. Whether it’s a brutal fight, a crushing betrayal, or a complete loss of control, the hero should walk away from this moment forever changed—or not walk away at all.
9. The Reward
Surviving The Ordeal changes a hero. Whether they’ve faced death, loss, or their own weaknesses, they emerge transformed—and with that transformation comes a reward. This could be the object of their quest, newfound wisdom, or a deeper sense of purpose.
Often, this is also a moment of connection—a love scene, a reconciliation, or an unexpected moment of peace before the next challenge.
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry overcomes every obstacle guarding the Philosopher’s Stone, only to discover that it has appeared in his pocket—proof that he was always meant to claim it.
Let’ s Collaborate!
It's time to claim the reward!
Your hero has been tested, pushed to the edge, and emerged transformed. They’ve faced trials, forged alliances, and survived the Ordeal—now, they’ve earned their reward. But what does that truly mean?
This isn’t just about winning—it’s about change. What has your hero gained? A physical prize? A new understanding? A moment of love, peace, or reconciliation?
Now, bring it all together. Show us how your hero claims their reward—and what it means for the road ahead.
Draw the Journey
llustrate a pivotal moment from the middle stages of the Hero’s Journey—the trials, allies, and enemies that shape the hero’s transformation.
It could be:
• A single image capturing a key trial, a powerful ally, or a dangerous foe.
• A comics page showing the hero navigating the Ordeal or approaching the Innermost Cave.
Show us the struggle that defines your hero.
Strong submissions may be featured in Back of the Yards!
Table of Contents
Related Studio Cards
Studio Card #7: Introducing The Back of the Yards Comic Series!
Who is Manny Dominguez?
Studio Card #8: Who Is Andre Davis?
Studio Card #9: Who Is Tamia Parker?
Action Card #4: Create an Illustration!
Studio Card #14: Who is Peaches?
Who is Len Kody?
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?
Studio Card #15: Who is Big Earl?
Studio Card #6: The Hero’s Journey (Part III) – The Return
| Brief | This Studio Card production was developed by the Made Collaborative Studio as part of its comic series the Back of the Yards. With this Studio Card, we present you with a summary of the Hero's Journey, which is a framework that helped many to develop their own creative projects through the centuries and with that, it is our hope this summary may help participating youth with their own creative projects. |
|---|---|
| When | The Made Collaborative Studio began as a modest grass roots project started by a ragtag group of participating artists in Chicago and was designed to provide a unique collaborative opportunity for after school programs and participating youth from our urban communities. |
| Who | This Made Collaborative Studio project technically started over 10 years ago as only a kernel of an idea in the mind of the project’s founder on one of his many bus rides home and through much trial and error over the years, evolved into the Made Collaborative Studio virtual model that exists today. |
| Why | The Made Collaborative Studio was created to help promote creative thought and provide a unique (and free) collaborative experience for afterschool programs and participating youth alike. |
Phase #10: The Road Back
The hero returns to the ordinary world or continues onward to an ultimate destination, but their trials aren’t over just yet. They are often pursued by a vengeful force that they must face.In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this is where Gollum confronts Frodo at the ledge of the volcano and tries to take the Ring back from him.
Phase #11: The Resurrection
The hero emerges from the special world fundamentally changed by their experiences.
In The Lion King, Simba learns the truth that it was Scar who orchestrated Mufasa’s death. Simba throws Scar off Pride Rock in order to reclaim his place as king.
Phase 12: The Return to Elixer
The hero brings with them the object of their quest, which they use to better the ordinary world in some way–whether it’s through knowledge, a cure, or some form of protection.
In The Matrix, armed with the knowledge of the truth, Neo delivers a message to the Matrix that he will save humanity.
Let’ s Collaborate!
Text
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 #7: Introducing The Back of the Yards Comic Series!
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Google Form Widget
Studio Card #3 – Creating a Character (Part II)
Who is Eric Nyamor?
Studio Card #10: Who is Russell Patterson?
Who is John Golden?
Studio Card #3 – Creating a Character (Part II)
Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?
Law Enforcement and Community Relations
Studio Card #7: Introducing The Back of the Yards Comic Series!
| Summary | With this Studio Card production, we introduce you to the Back of the Yards!, a Creative Commons comic project produced by the Made Collaborative Studio. Back of the Yards is a story about young man in the West Side of Chicago that has what he believes to be a supernatural encounter and his subsequent journey to understand what is real and what isn't within his neighborhood. |
|---|---|
| When | We will examine past, present and future states of these neighborhoods in attempt to gain a better understanding of how these neighborhoods originally developed and evolved through the years.developed in collaboration with participating youth from the West Side of Chicago. |
| Who | As part of this collaborative series, we will also examine the residents of these neighborhoods, including early immigrants to present day inhabitants, and their corresponding influence and impact to our urban communities. |
| Why | In order to more fully understand some of the complexities of our urban centers, we must understand their neighborhoods, including the evolution of those neighborhoods and their residents. And, of course, we plan to incorporate some of these related themes into our ongoing comic series, Back of the Yards, with your collaborations. |
A Quick Introduction
It doesn’t get more real than Back of the Yards, on the South Side of Chicago, when you’re growing up as a teen. It’s where fantasy and the power of story can build resilience, foster healing and lead to greater understanding. Based on the stories and experiences of real urban youth, the Made Collaborative Studio presents Back of the Yards, a story of gritty truth that’s beyond your wildest dreams.
A fictionalized version of the real Back of the Yards neighborhood serves as setting for the eponymous comic book series. Likewise, the stories and the characters themselves are based on the real lives and musings of Chicago youth. These stories were first conceived by students attending an after school arts program. They were collected by our main man, Jimmy Briseno, during Made Collaborative’s first round of urban outreach to inner-city schools. Jimmy had the bright idea to elevate these kids’ ideas in a way that few had contemplated before. By bringing professional comics artists and writers into the creative process, Jimmy hoped to validate the kids’ stories and experiences by weaving them together as the narrative threads of a real comic book series.
The result is a collaborative effort between artists and youth. It is the stuff of Back of the Yards’ first story arc: “Just Dreamin’.” But how, exactly, do kids’ ideas become comics pages? Read on.
First, A Prologue & Comic Series Origin Story
Before we jump into the actual development and related overview of the Back of the Yards comic series, we thought we’d start with a quick peak into how all of this first came about even prior to the comic itself – and be sure to expand to full screen (lower right hand corner within the window below) for the best reading experience…
Back of the Yards Comic - The Early Development Process
The magic of creativity begins with inspiration but it can only be sustained by unwavering dedication and tireless grinding. Project founder, Jimmy Briseno, has since recruited others to grind with him on the Made Collaborative journey (and we’re so glad he did!) but the journey began with him, all by himself, in front of a room full of kids all waiting for what he was going to say next.
It took a little coaxing, at first, to get things started, but once the kids caught the storytelling bug they were off and running. It only made sense to bring a small team of artists into the collaborative process to add greater depth and legitimacy to all that Jimmy had documented from his afterschool creative sessions with the youth.
Together—Jimmy, the artists and the youth—had refined and expanded upon a number of narrative threads. All of them fresh, original ideas from the kids, based on their lives and heightened by their favorite pop culture. Jimmy and his collaborators had compiled a “series bible,” of sorts, with model sheets, storyboards, descriptions of plot and characters. There were even some preliminary scripts that Jimmy had worked out with the youth.
It all amounted to the ingredients of a great comic book story. It had elements of romance, adventure and that all-too-elusive authenticity that came straight from the kids.But it wasn’t a comic book yet. Only the ingredients of one.
Telling a Story About Telling a Story
The first round of collaborations had produced a wide variety of narrative content. Which was wonderful. That’s exactly what the kids had been encouraged to do: tell whatever story they felt was worth telling. But it also presented a challenge in bringing all the disparate elements together into a harmonious whole. That was the challenge presented to the comics production team seeking to make “Back of Yards’” very much a reality.
An anthology of disconnected storylines would have been easier, but not nearly as engaging. We, on the comics production team, were inspired. We were inspired by the kids’ authentic, original stories and driven to produce something worthy of their courage. Because it takes courage to nurture the creative impulse and make something new in Chicago’s harsh urban environment. We wanted to reach a little higher.
But how?
Eureka!
We’d frame the Back of the Yards series in a context that mimics the one in which it was created! (Are you still with me?) In other words, the teenaged characters in kids’ stories would all go to the same school. And they would all be familiar with each other, too, because they are all part of the same afterschool arts program led by the same mysterious facilitator.
Presenting the comic book this way created two opportunities for the production team. First, it allowed us to incorporate elements of Made Collaborative’s amazing genesis into the comic itself. Because, as fascinating as the kids’ stories are, just as appealing is the story behind the story. That is, the story of the kids who created the stories.
On a deeper level, structuring Back of the Yards in this way forced the production team to search for the common themes influencing all the kids’ stories. They were by no means obvious. The stories ranged from heart-wrenchingly real to mind-blowingly fantastic. But the search, indeed, bore fruit, and it led us a journey starting on the Southside of Chicago and taking us to places beyond space and time.
So, how does a story of young love and betrayal connect to a story of secret chiefs from a higher dimension? How do the video game fantasies of two young cousins play into it? And how is the magic of creativity and storytelling somehow responsible?
Read on! …
Introducing Andre Davis! - A Young Man With Big Ideas
Andre is based on an intelligent and charismatic young man from Phase One of Made Collaborative’s youth outreach, and hence, he takes the lead role in our initial story arc of the Back of the Yards comic. Like the Chicago youth who inspired him, he is a curious and creative character, inclined to question, rather than take things at face value.
Andre finds himself the recipient of mysterious superpowers as a result of an amazing encounter with one of the inscrutable secret chiefs of all space and time. He learns that he has a certain mastery over the strange world that we all go to when we dream.
“You can make your dreams real,” he is told.
But, does that mastery carry over into the waking world, too?
Moreover, what would Andre do with that kind of power?
In the dream dimension, Andre’s formidable intellect is given regal form when his whole essence is enhanced to resemble a lion-themed superhero with heightened powers of strength, agility and perception.
The question posed by the Back of the Yards comic story arc is whether Andre’s superhero adventures are simply an escapist power fantasy or a representation of his highest, truest self.
And that’s just the start of the tale as Andre’s story will ultimately become intertwined with Tamia’s story of first love and betrayal …
Studio Card #8: Who Is Andre Davis?
And Our Comic’s Heroine Tamia Parker! - A Story of Betrayal & Empowerment
Studio Card #9: Who Is Tamia Parker?
The Back of the Yards comic character of Tamia Parker was also inspired from the first round of youth collaborations in the West Side of Chicago. During those initial collaborations, Jimmy Briseno met with a number of youth who shared initial ideas for comic characters and storylines. One of those youth was a young African American girl from that West-Side neighborhood.
Tamia’s story is surely relatable, but it’s also based on the true-life experiences reported to us by participating urban youth. And, like many of the kids in our program, Tamia turns to creativity as both an outlet and an escape from her daily struggles. She is an avid artist and journaler. Her perspective gives the story emotional depth and balance.
Tamia is a powerful young woman still in search of her voice. Will she ever realize the heights of her potential or will she continue to be stifled by those who seek to take advantage of her?
In the dream dimension, Tamia’s efforts to find her own voice are personified by a tiny fairy with a siren call that reaches beyond the boundaries of linear time. Her potential is great, but still not fully realized, as the fairy form she inhabits is small, undeveloped and not yet a true agent in her own destiny.
She has a special relationship with Russell, who can summon her for help when both of them are dreaming. The depth and the nature of this creative connection is yet to be explored in the pages of Back of the Yards.
The Young Cousins - Russell & Draymond!
Cousins Russell and Draymond share a fraternal bond that is cemented by the fantastic world they both share. It’s a world inspired by the manga and video games so popular in today’s youth culture. The stories they create make them feel powerful when they are so often made to feel powerless by neighborhood bullies and other stressors.
Many of our Phase One participating youth had similarly intricate imaginary worlds, worlds they would create with others. Made Collaborative has provided a structured outlet for these stories and we’ve developed them into real comic books with the help of professional artists and writers.
In the dream dimension, Russell and Draymond are Teshue and Shiro, powerful ninjas forever locked in mortal combat. They collaborate on an intricate storyline that incorporates both elements of the real world and the dream dimension. Their imagination is powerful, but, unlike Andre’s abilities, their shared narrative is not yet “self-aware” enough to have evolved beyond the potential for escape.
Give them time. They’re still young.
Interestingly, Teshue, Russell’s alter ego, is capable of summoning Tamia’s fairy from for assistance. But the process is difficult for Russell to master. And since the fairy has a developing will of her own, she isn’t always helpful to Russell. At not helpful in ways that are immediately obvious.
Studio Card #10: Who is Russell Patterson?
The Mysterious Lynchpin that Connects Them All - Mr. Carl Castaneda!
Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?
And as we previously described, to tie all of the youth characters together as part of a common comic story narrative, we developed the character of Carl Castaneda.
Mr. Castaneda, that is.
Mr. Castañeda has the poise and bearing of a seasoned teacher.
But nobody knows who he is. Mr. Castañeda may or may not be a real teacher, but his afterschool arts program is ardently attended by those in the know. Their regular meetings in Room 23 are no secret, nor are they what one would call common knowledge. By all appearances, Mr. Castañeda handpicks young people of promise and extends them a personal invitation.
His recruitment efforts have been fruitful. Tamia and Russell are both already in the program. Andre was recently invited. And from there, a special bond between Andre and Mr. Castaneda begins formation from which we will build through future collaborations with participating youth.
And Last But Certainly Not Least, the Bedrock of the Neighborhood - The Elders!
And last but certainly not least, central to the Back of the Yards comic narrative are the Elders. Created by Jimmy Briseno and Len Kody to help provide further context for both the fictional Back of the Yards fictional neighborhood and the younger comic characters, the Elders are 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, 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 pageantry. 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.
Studio Card #15: Who is Big Earl?
Read Issue #1!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Studio Card Project Board!
Let’s Collaborate!
Table of Contents
Related Studio Cards to the Back of the Yards Comic Series
Studio Card #3 – Creating a Character (Part II)
Studio Card #16: Who is Dexter Coleman?
Who is John Golden?
Studio Card #7: Introducing The Back of the Yards Comic Series!
Studio Card #8: Who Is Andre Davis?
Studio Card #10: Who is Russell Patterson?
Studio Card #4: The Hero’s Journey (Part I) – A Call To Action
Studio Card #2: Creating Characters!
Studio Card #11: Who is Carl Castaneda?
Action Card #4: Create an Illustration!
Studio Card #8: Who Is Andre Davis?
| Brief | Andre Davis 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. Andre is a young African American high school youth who suddenly obtains god-like superpowers through an encounter he has in an alley within his Back of the Yards neighborhood. |
|---|---|
| Core Personality Traits & Values | Andre is bright, inquisitive and self-reliant, always searching for the truth and a greater understanding of himself and others … but he may also be susceptible to the trappings of his newfound power … |
| Archetype | The Hero |
| Motto | “To dare is to do.” |
| Collaboration Background | Andre’s character was initially developed during the original Made Collaborative in-person classroom collaborations with youth in the fall and winter of 2013, as part of an after school program in the West-Side of Chicago. |
| Debut | Issue #1 of the Back of the Yards comic series |
A Quick Introduction
Many of our initial stories and characters in Back of the Yards aren’t really entirely ours. We are but humble stewards to the exciting new narrative avenues Jimmy Briseno discovered while facilitating the Made Collaborative After School Arts Program with real urban youth in Chicago in the winter of 2013.
Indeed, this entire project can be traced to a single, intrepid utterance by a young man whom we call “Andre.” It was a declaration that emboldened us all:
“I’ve got an idea. I know what story I want to tell. And it’s going to be great!”
Andre’s audacity, creativity and charm crystalized the vision we have for this whole enterprise. So, it is absolutely fitting that the character he inspired should step forward into a leading role for this first chapter of Back of the Yards: “Just Dreamin’.”
Andre's Story
The premise of Andre’s story is that Andre himself, as the main character, obtains “god-like” powers through a supernatural encounter in his Chicago neighborhood.
As originally described, the story begins with Andre and a friend walking to a house party of a known high school acquaintance. At the party, Andre sees some familiar faces and also some new ones. He meets Charmayne for the first time. The two banter as they get to know one another. Charmayne—one-half of a precocious pair of twins—challenges Andre’s rebellious and self-assured manner.
That is, until he hears some commotion outside.
Meanwhile …
Tamia is at the very same party. The party serves as the backdrop for an important point in her narrative, as well. Has she been betrayed? She’s been hearing rumors and fearing the worst. So, she confronts her boyfriend, Wilson, the young man with whom she’d spent one magical summer.
The bracing winds of autumn, however, have a way of revealing difficult truths. The young lovers argue. Wailing and in tears, Tamia dashes from the adolescent revelry.
The Wake-Up Call
A high-pitched whistle, or a siren, rings throughout the party. It’s so loud it’s painful! But only Andre can hear it.
Andre reels, bidding an abrupt farewell to Charmayne. He stumbles to the alley behind the house, the apparent source of the piercing tone. This is where the story takes an interesting turn—both in Andre’s tale and in the story of how the Made Collaborative project came to be.
While “Andre,” our participating youth, described his fantastic alleyway vision to Jimmy, the cinematic sweep of all the kids’ narratives took shape in Jimmy’s mind. There was potential here. It was palpable. These were all creative, fun and sometimes personal teenage stories, to be sure. But, to Jimmy, there seemed to be more to them than only that. As in dreams, the familiar sights and sounds of everyday life can also indicate hidden features of the collective unconscious.
Jimmy felt his suspense heighten as the youth continued his chronicle…
The Translucent Staircase
The alarming sound fades as Andre steps into the alley. He raises his eyes to the soft, pallid glow of what he assumes to be the full moon. Appearing in the middle of the alley, a flight of golden, translucent stairs lead towards the sky, beckoning Andre to ascend.
Ascend he does, where he finds himself in the smooth interior of a higher dimensional craft. He is greeted by a giant—one of the mysterious Secret Chiefs—who immediately speaks words of comfort and reassurance.
“Welcome, Andre. Please, don’t be alarmed. We’ve been expecting you.”
Having heard the otherworldly call to adventure, and answered, Andre can now worthily receive his revelation. The strange visitor explains that he has the power to make his dreams real. It is a power which, for now, distinguishes Andre from the other characters in Back of the Yards.
Fight!
Aloft in the moon-shaped craft, Andre observes others’ dreams, as well, like the video-game combat of Russell and Draymond. As their ninja alter egos, Teshue and Shiro, their sparring is cut short when they are attacked by a gang of bullies.
Andre feels compelled to intercede. Once again answering the hero’s call, he emerges from the dream craft as a heightened version of himself—a true superhero like the kind he draws in his sketchbooks. If not yet a god, Andre is now far more than mere mortal. Using his enhanced physical abilities, he easily beats back the bullies.
An Uncertain Future
We follow Andre’s journey as he comes to terms with his newly obtained powers, and begins to contemplate how he will use those powers as a teen still living in his inner-city neighborhood.
To be continued … in the Back of the Yards comic!
A Made Collaborative Studio Production
Studio Card #7: Introducing The Back of the Yards 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!
Andre is one of the first characters we're introduced to within the initial issues of Back of the Yards. And, even though he plays a central role at the outset, there's still plenty of blanks to fill in on this creative young man's promising past and perplexing present!
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. With this submission, we are would welcome in particular any illustrations that include the Andre character, but we welcome all of your submissions even if Andre is not included.
Table of Contents
Studio Cards Related to the Back of the Yards Comic Series Project
Studio Card #9: Who Is Tamia Parker?
Who is John Golden?
Google Form Widget
Studio Card #16: Who is Dexter Coleman?
Studio Card #10: Who is Russell Patterson?
Source Card #13: Law Enforcement & The Community
Studio Card #15: Who is Big Earl?
Who is Manny Dominguez?
Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?
Who is Dan Dougherty?