Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
| Brief | Russell Patterson is a shy, imaginative young student at New City High and one of the original characters from the Back of the Yards comic series. A grade or two younger than the other principal youth characters, Russell often retreats into his extraordinary imagination and vivid dream life. With this bonus Studio collaboration, we explore Russell's mysterious past, emerging abilities, and relationships with Tamia and Draymond, inviting collaborators to help imagine how his story might unfold in future issues of Back of the Yards. |
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| Core Personality Traits & Values | Russell Patterson has an extremely vivid imagination and a very active dream life. He just may be the most talented and creative student at New City High, but he lacks confidence so he too often daydreams as a means of escape. |
| Archetype | The Dreamer |
| Motto | “It is okay to live a life that others don't understand” |
| Collaboration Background | Russell’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 |
Quick Introduction
Russell and Draymond: Closer Than Brothers
There’s a magical time in a young person’s life, before the opposite sex becomes quite so interesting, when the diaphanous membrane between dreams and reality is at its most permeable. It’s a time when dreams can be shared easily between those with whom we’ve forged a special, life-long bond.
Russel and Draymond are cousins—but more like brothers, really—and they share a common dream iconography made up of interwoven archetypes and meta-narratives. Together, they intermittently inhabit a whole universe of stories that are both created and experienced by the two.
They participate avidly in video games, but their imagination is ultimately too big for the platform. Russell and Draymond collaborate in fully imaginative, visionary campaigns, more akin to the tabletop D&D adventures of a generation before.
Their inner landscape is deep and vivid. Russell and Draymond express themselves through their imaginary ninja avatars, Teshue and Shiro, respectively.
Teshue and Shiro: Continuity of Dreaming
Russell and Draymond’s connection to the power of dreaming is strong. Perhaps it is their youthful innocence which grants them ease of access. Of all our Back of the Yards cast, so far, they are the most easily transported to the surreal depths of imaginative fantasy.
Like Andre, whose awareness is unlocked by his encounter with one of the strange Secret Chiefs, the younger pair’s ninja visions have a continuity with the waking world—broomsticks become katana swords and a band of bullies is a marauding and villainous horde. But, Andre becomes lucid as he evolves; he begins to show signs of godlike control over the dreamscape. Russell and Draymond, on the other hand, are all but completely swept away in their recurring reveries.
Draymond, in fact—the younger and more impetuous of the pair—completely forgets himself.
“Draymond!” his cousin Russell cries.
“I am Shiro,” the mistaken middle schooler repeatedly insists.
But the two young boys do possess some imaginative insight. Russell especially. Russell and Draymond are the first to discover the interconnectedness of the grander dream universe, even if they aren’t quite aware of it yet. Because their dreams aren’t only shared between the pair of them. Their dreams regularly include Tamia and eventually many others.
Both dreams and stories can be a community asset because they reflect the world we know but they also show us something new.
The Fairie and the War-Wolf
Russell and Draymond, as Teshue and Shiro, inhabit a world filled with more than rival bullies, they each have pet allies, as well—familiars which they summon to aid them in the heat of battle: Enyo, the loyal, horned war-wolf, and the strange and mysterious fairie. Captivating in their own right, these fantastic beings also highlight other points of interest.
There’s a developing sense of camaraderie between Tamia and Russell. It goes at least as deep as their preference for the same sweet yet cinnamon-y snack: Red Hot Popcorn. Perhaps she envies his innocence. In the world of dreams, their connection is even more curious. Russell’s ninja avatar, Teshue, has the power to summon Tamia’s nascent fairie-form!
Draymond’s wolf is more of an extension of his own contentious energies. Quite unlike Russell’s experience. Enyo the war-wolf is Shiro’s pugnacious partner. She is steadfast at his side as Shiro bravely (and sometimes recklessly) charges into battle.
Stories Show Us How to Think
Russell and Draymond are at first only immersed in their consuming world of fantasy. But in that bemused state, the boys’ powerful shared story grows to include many other players, even if most of them (including Russell and Draymond themselves) are hardly aware of it.
Stories reflect the everyday world, but they can also change it. One wonders where young Russell’s path, particularly, may lead him as he joins other youth in beginning to “wake up” to the transformative power of dreams.
Let's Collaborate!
Russell Peterson has a lot of growing up to do. And that, dear collaborators, means it's up to you to help us tell his story. But there is more to Russell's story than meets the eye!
Just click below to collaborate with us and we will highlight selected responses from you (i.e., your "Studio Notes") within upcoming virtual Zoom workshop sessions (limited virtual seats available for live viewings, but we will post recordings of all workshops in any case), along with an invitation to some of you to collaborate directly with us and other creators within those virtual working sessions!
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
Studio Cards Related to the Back of the Yards Comic Series Project
05 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
10 | Issue #3 Collaborations
03 | Issue #3 Collaborations
06 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
12 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
02 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
| Brief | Peaches is one of the neighborhood's Elders in the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project developed by the Made Collaborative Studio. Known only by his nickname, Peaches observes, advises and occasionally comments on the lives of the neighborhood's younger generation. But behind his familiar presence lies a rich and largely untold history. With this bonus Studio collaboration, we invite collaborators to explore Peaches' mysterious past, his relationships within the neighborhood, and the experiences that shaped him, helping imagine how his story might unfold in future issues of Back of the Yards. |
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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.
Let's Collaborate!
Before he became one of the neighborhood's respected Elders, Peaches was a young man caught between family expectations, forbidden love and the criminal forces shaping his community.
It's 1974 Chicago. His father's legacy weighs heavily on him, his heart pulls him toward Stephanie St. Croix, and the Policy Kings threaten everything he believes in.
What choices will shape the man Peaches eventually becomes?
With this bonus Studio collaboration, we invite you to explore Peaches' past, the relationships that define him, and the difficult decisions that may shape his future in Back of the Yards.
Table of Contents
Studio Cards Related to the Back of the Yards Comic Series Project
12 | Issue #3 Collaborations
02 | Issue #3 Collaborations
05 | Issue #3 Collaborations
08 | Issue #3 Collaborations
11 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
01 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Who is Eric Nyamor?
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
| Brief | “Big Earl” Perkins is one of the neighborhood's beloved Elders in the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project developed by the Made Collaborative Studio. A big man with an even bigger heart, Earl is known throughout the neighborhood for his warmth, wisdom and the stories he's collected over the years. But behind this gentle giant lies a lifetime of experiences and untold stories. With this bonus Studio collaboration, we invite collaborators to explore Earl's past, his relationships within the community, and the moments that shaped him, helping imagine how his story might unfold in future issues of Back of the Yards. |
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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
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
Who is John Golden?
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
02 | Issue #3 Collaborations
03 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
04 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
11 | Issue #3 Collaborations
07 | Issue #3 Collaborations
12 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
| Brief | Draymond Carter is a fiery-tempered young character in the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project developed by the Made Collaborative Studio. The younger cousin of Russell Patterson, Draymond shares a brotherly bond with Russell, who moved in with Draymond and his mother, Evelyn, years earlier. Bold, passionate and sometimes unpredictable, Draymond's personality contrasts with Russell's quieter, more imaginative nature. With this bonus Studio collaboration, we invite collaborators to explore Draymond's family relationships, his connection to Russell, and the experiences that shape his identity, helping imagine how his story might unfold in future issues of Back of the Yards. |
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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
01 | Issue #3 Collaborations
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
Who is Eric Nyamor?
07 | Issue #3 Collaborations
09 | Issue #3 Collaborations
03 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
10 | Issue #3 Collaborations
06 | Issue #3 Collaborations
Who is Jimmy Briseno?
Beyond the Issue | Bonus Studio Collaboration
02 | Issue #3 Collaborations