| 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. |
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| 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 |
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book. iPad/iPhone users, submit images from FILES (NOT from Photo Library).
Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.
UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW
Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.
UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW
Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.
UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW
Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.
UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW
Collaborate with professional artists by contributing some artwork of your own! Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.
UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW
