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Welcome to The Made Collaborative Virtual Studio!

Introducing Made Collaborative Studio!
Let's Collaborate!

What

Made Collaborative is an immersive virtual studio experience. Our virtual Studio Cards are designed to facilitate collaboration with you by providing you with context on topics, concepts, characters and some of the people behind or Creative Commons comic project called the Back of the Yards.  

Why

The Made Collaborative Studio was developed by Jimmy Briseno and Len Kody.  Len and Jimmy began developing this virtual platform in 2020 when COVID emerged as a way of extending their original in-person classroom comic collaborations in the west side of Chicago to the virtual realm. 

Who

In addition to Len and Jimmy, other project collaborators include John Golden, Eric Nyamor, Dan Dougherty and Manny Dominguez.  

10/18/26

This Week's Featured Collaboration:

Who Does Dex See?

We begin the development of Issue #3 of our Back of the Yards comic series with one of our three neighborhood elder characters – Dex Coleman.  And, more specifically, with someone Dex doesn’t recognize in the first scene of this new comic issue.

We won’t tell you too much about this new character yet. Partly because his identity will become important to the story ahead. But also because, candidly, parts of him are still being developed.  And that is where we’re starting this week.

Working with young artists and collaborators like you, we will be developing the appearance, presence and personality of the mysterious figure Dex encounters at the beginning of Issue #3.

What we know is that this person matters.  We also know his arrival connects to something larger. And we know more about where his story may eventually lead than we’re ready to reveal.

But there are still things we haven’t decided.

And with this week’s workshop podcast, we’ll talk about what the story requires from this character, what we’ve deliberately left open, and how our young collaborators are beginning to shape the person who will eventually appear on the page.

Before We Enter the Workshop - More on What We Know

Introducing a New Hero’s Journey
Back of the Yards!

Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!

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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.
Read more

The Person Dex Sees

As currently contemplated within the Issue 3 Working Manuscript (which you can access by flipping the Back of the Yards Studio Card to your right), Issue #3 begins with Dex Coleman noticing someone new.  We know this person matters.

We also know his arrival will connect Dex – and the story we’re beginning to tell – to something that reaches much further into the past.

But we haven’t figured out everything about him yet.  What does he look like?  How does he carry himself?  What does Dex notice first?  What makes his presence feel significant?

Those are some of the questions we’re still exploring.  And they’re some of the questions we’re inviting you to help us answer.

 

 

But for Dex, part of this story may not necessarily be new.

More than thirty years ago, Dex knew another man from Back of the Yards.  His name was Darius King.  And back in his day, he was known as “The Broker.”

And then in 1994, something happened.  King disappeared without a trace.  A young police officer named Nick Zomski (who we will first see in Issue #3 as an older much more seasoned officer) became involved in the investigation.  And the story surrounding King never completely went away.

Now, as we begin developing the person Dex encounters in Issue #3, we’re looking back at a few case files involving King and some of his known acquantainces.  And before you enter the Workshop, we invite you to do the same.  One thing to keep in mind, we’re not asking you to recreate Darius King.  And we’re not telling you exactly how the person Dex sees might connect to him.

Instead, as you explore King’s file, think about what made him distinctive.

His appearance. His personality. His presence. The way he understood people. The way he moved through the neighborhood.

Then ask yourself:

What, if anything, might echo forward more than thirty years later?

 

Enter the Workshop

Let's Collaborate

WHO DOES DEX SEE?

You've seen what we know.

Dex encounters someone he doesn't recognize.

You've also been introduced to Darius King - a man Dex knew more than thirty years ago, before King disappeared in 1994.

We know these stories are connected.  But we haven't decided exactly how.

That's where you come in.

We're developing the person Dex sees at the beginning of Issue #3 - and we'd like you to help us figure out who he might become.

ENTER THE WORKSHOP →

No drawing skills required. Just bring your imagination.

New to the Back of the Yards?

Building Comics Together

Back of the Yards began as a collaborative experiment: what might happen if young people were invited not simply to read a comic, but to help create one?

That idea grew from after-school workshops into an original comic series - and now into an expanding creative Studio where youth, artists, writers and other collaborators can help explore what comes next.

The Issue #3 Dossier is your introduction to that world. Inside, you can explore how the project began, catch up on the story so far, discover the characters and mythology behind Back of the Yards, get an early look at what we're developing for Issue #3, and find opportunities to contribute ideas of your own.

Table of Contents

Featured Studio Cards

Looking for more ways to collaborate? Explore our complete collection of Studio Cards below, where you’ll find additional characters, locations, story concepts, and creative challenges from across the Back of the Yards universe.

Introducing a New Hero’s Journey
Back of the Yards!

Studio Card #3 | Our New Comic Series!

QR Code for Studio Card #3 | Our New 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.
Read more

All Stories Start With

A Great Character!

Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!

QR Code for Studio Card #1 | Let’s Create a Character(s)!
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.
Read more

And Every Great Character Has
A Hero’s Journey

The Journey Begins

Studio Card #2 | Creating Your Own Hero’s Journey!

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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.
Read more

Who is…
Andre Davis?

Studio Card #4: Our New Comic Hero

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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
Read more

Who is…
Russell Patterson?

Studio Card #6: Our Young Dreamer

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Brief
Russell Patterson 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. Russell is a very shy and creative young man. He is a grade or two younger than the rest of our young principal characters.
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
Read more

Who is…
Carl Castaneda?

Studio Card #7: The Mysterious Mentor

QR Code for Studio Card #7: The Mysterious Mentor
Brief
Carl Castaneda 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. Mr. Castañeda is a mysterious teacher and mentor who guides our main characters on their road to realization. Glimpses at his own foggy past reveal that he embarked on a similar journey long ago.
Core Personality Traits & Values
He clearly knows more than what he is saying, but the best teachers do not give they answers but merely point the way.
Primary Archetype
The Mentor
Motto
“Your dreams are part of the same primal energy that brings all existence into being!”
Collaboration Background
Mr. Castañeda is a character developed by Len Kody. He is a way of tying the various narratives and characters created by the first wave of participating youth as part of an after school program in the West-Side of Chicago.
Debut
Issue #2 of the Back of the Yards comic series
Read more

Neighborhoods
& Their Residents!

Studio Card #8: Neighborhoods & Their Residents

QR Code for Studio Card #8: Neighborhoods & Their Residents
What
With this Source Card collaborative production, we examine the unique characteristics of our urban neighborhoods, including their unique histories, events and residents.
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.
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.
Read more

Law Enforcement &
The Community

Source Card #9: Crossing the Threshold Every Day

QR Code for Source Card #9: Crossing the Threshold Every Day
What
This collaborative series is a peek into the issues facing law enforcement and community relations within our urban communities.
When
We will begin Part I of this collaborative series with a snapshot of the early origins of modern day policing, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the present day issues in Part II of this series.
Who
This Source Card overview begins with a look at a man named Robert Peel who may not be a household name to many of us, but as it turns out, in many ways he may well be the founding father of today’s modern day police force as we know it.
Why
To facilitate a collaborative process that promotes just a little more understanding from all sides on a complicated set of issues facing our country’s urban centers. And along the way, with your help and input, incorporate some of these themes and issues into our Back of the Yards comic series.
Read more

Who is…
Peaches?

Studio Card #10: The Street Corner Mentor

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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!
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
Read more

Who is…
Big Earl?

Studio Card #11: Our Gentle Giant Everyman

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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.
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
Read more

Who is…
Dex?

Studio Card #12: We All Have That One Trickster In Our Life

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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.
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
Read more

Who is…
Draymond Carter?

Studio Card#17: Who is Draymond Carter?

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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).
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
Read more

The Monahans!
Andre’s Favorite Comic!

The Monahans!

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Summary
TBD
When
TBD
Who
TBD
Why
TBD
Read more

Who is…
Cerria Cortez?

Studio Card #[__]:

QR Code for Studio Card #[__]:
Summary Profile
Cerria Cortez is a sharp, ambitious young Chicago police officer whose relentless pursuit of truth gradually pulls her into the hidden intersection of institutional corruption, personal trauma, and the supernatural forces haunting Back of the Yards
Core Personality Traits & Values
Cerria is fiercely independent, emotionally guarded, highly intelligent, and driven by a deep belief that truth, justice, and personal determination can still challenge broken systems
Archetype
TBD - [Eric to Determine]
Motto
TBD - [Eric to Develop]
Collaboration Background
Cerria Cortez was developed by Eric Nyamor in collaboration with Tony Maldonado, Len Kody, and Jimmy Briseno as part of the Issue #3 pre-production workshops during the summer of 2026.
Debut
Issue #3 of the Back of the Yards comic series
Read more

Who is…
Nick Zomski?

Studio Card #[__]:

QR Code for Studio Card #[__]:
Summary Profile
Nick Zomski is a veteran Chicago police officer whose quiet reputation for fairness masks a long-buried connection to a deeply ambiguous period of violence, disappearances, and hidden corruption within the fictional Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Core Personality Traits & Values
Quiet, observant, and deeply pragmatic, Zomski values fairness, survival, loyalty, and maintaining order within systems he no longer fully trusts.
Archetype
TBD - [Tony to Determine]
Motto
TBD - [Tony to Develop]
Collaboration Background
Nick Zomski was developed by Tony Maldonado in collaboration with Eric Nyamor, Len Kody, and Jimmy Briseno as part of the Issue #3 pre-production workshops during the summer of 2026.
Debut
Issue #3 of the Back of the Yards comic series
Read more

Who is…
Tamia Parker?

Studio Card #5: The Back of the Yards Heroine!

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Brief
Tamia Parker is a character developed as part of the Back of the Yards comic series, a Creative Commons project produced by Made Collaborative. Tamia is a young African American high school youth who learns more about herself as she experiences the pain of betrayal and lost love.
Core Personality Traits & Values
Tamia is extremely bright, curious, introspective and creative. She is an artist at heart, with empathy that forms connections with others in ways that she even doesn’t fully understand yet…
Archetype
The Creator
Motto
“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” - Leonard Cohen
Collaboration Background
Tamia’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
Read more
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Pick a Card, Any Card!

Submit Your Artwork

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). 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

Some special pieces may be selected to appear in the Back of the Yards comic book.

UPLOAD YOUR IMAGES BELOW 

Submit Your Artwork

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