Jakuta: Long live the king

ISSUE #6 (Draft):
Title: Better prepared
WRITTEN BY: AYEGBUSI D. TOBI
Page 1 (full page)
Panel 1:
Description: Exterior, zoomed in view of the Oyo Empire,
with the palace in the middle. The sky is Orange as the sun
is preparing to set behind the clouds. The sky has a
beautiful spread of sun rays, with a few birds flying in the
distant.
Location caption: Oyo
Page 2 (2 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: From Obas rear view, we see Oba kneeling down
with her head bowed, facing Jakuta who is laying on the mat.
(Reference can be provided)
Jakuta: Yes dear…
Panel 2:
Description: Jakuta is trying to sit up from the mat, he
groans a bit because of the strain he faces trying to sit
up.
Jakuta: Why are you shouting so loudly?
Eloisa: My King!!
Oba: eeehhhnnn, oti ji!!! (You’re awake!!!)
Page 3 (2 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Close shot of Jakuta scratching his eyes with
his fingers, he is talking.
Jakuta: How am i…I thought I’d died…
Oba: Never! Olodumare didn’t put us to shame. Your generals
found your cure, Eloisa made it and healed you
Panel 2:
Description: Full view of the room and we see Timi, Gbonka,
Oba and Eloisa all bowing down to Jakuta in the center of
the room (Jakuta is still on his mat but sitting up)
Jakuta: Rise
Page 4 (3 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Close up on Jakuta, he is standing and by his
side, we see Oba holding his arm and having a little bright
smile on her face. Jakuta is talking to the others.
Jakuta: Thank you all for saving me, modupe (I’m grateful).
Please join me for dinner tonight, I insist.
Gbonka (from below the panel): Your majesty, we serve you
humbly. I speak for others when I say, we shall be present
to dine with you
Panel 2:
Description: Wide view of Timi, Gbonka and Eloisa in the
room.
Timi: Of course Gbonka would speak first, for food only.
Gbonka: Can’t you behave yourself.
Eloisa: Pardon me…
Panel 3:
Description: Eloisa, close up
Eloisa: My king, I tried to save you and avoid the rapid
aging process the poison caused, but unfortunately you aged
a little.
Jakuta: I stand before you, alive and well and that is
enough, whatever mystic force that was used against me
failed.
Caption: Whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.
Page 5 (2 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Close shot of Jakuta walking away and waving
his hand back at the people in the room (trying to tell them
to leave)
Jakuta: Timi, prepare an audience for me with the Oyo Mesi.
Jakuta: You all can leave…
Panel 2: background panel.
Description: Full scale view of Gbonka walking down a hall
way with Jakutas chamber door by the right side behind him
and we see the guards in front of the door behind him.
Gbonkas eyes glow green and Gbonka has a serious look on his
face.
Floating speech bubble (should be pale green and partially
transparent) (Koro): Bebi ere (puppet), you will tell the
king what I say to you.
Note: this speech bubble would always be close to Gbonkas
head because it is koro whispering to Gbonka
Page 6 (4 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Close shot of King Olowus hand holding a clay
pot that has ancient carvings on it. He is carrying the pot
from a shelf and on that shelf, where he took the pot from,
on that spot, we see a small tag that has this written on it
“Iyunde” there are other items such as a little statue, a
small box… (Nothing too serious for the other items, to keep
our focus mainly on Olowus hand and the Pot in his grasp)
King Olowu: A trade for a hefty price.
King Olowu: Hmmmm…if this is what it will cost to see the
Oyo Empire fall, so be it.
Location caption: Owu kingdom
Panel 2:
Description: Front view of King Olowu holding the vase in
his hands as he turns it to look at it.
King Olowu: but what could that snake need this for? Another
charm? More power? Is this a hobby for the lunatic?
Panel 3:
Description: Close up On King Olowus face, he has a forced
smile on his face.
King Olowu: Does it even matter, I’ll finally get what I
want.
Panel 4:
Description: Back view of King Olowu walking away from the
scene. The scene dims.
King Olowu: Besides, Bí a bá jèwó tán èrín là ńrín… (After a
joke, one gives way to laughter)
Caption: The action should match the occasion.
Page 7 (3 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: side view of a wide spread cereal (Grain) field
valley, we see Jakuta riding his white horse with speed in
this valley. In the background, we see the light blue
evening sky and the mountains in the distance.
Panel 2:
Description: From Gbonkas rear view, we see him on his brown
horse, riding forward and in the not so far distance, we see
Jakuta on his own white horse heading straight forward.
Floating speech bubble (Koro): There he is, now go to him
quickly.
Panel 3:
Description: We see Gbonka on his horse riding next to
Jakuta (Camera angle: artist’s choice)
Jakuta: Has my wife sent you to me?
Gbonka: Her highness does not have anything to do with my
presence here.
Jakuta: I am trying to ease my mind off all that has
happened.
Gbonka: The guards told me you were out on a ride, I felt
you would enjoy the company.
Floating speech bubble (Koro): Good…You are concerned about
Jakuta, the last assault on him got you thinking.
Page 8 (4 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Distant shot of Jakuta and Gbonka riding side
by side on their horses towards the camera. We see how the
grasses (grain/cereal) are blowing in the direction of the
wind.
Gbonka: I’m concerned you’re Majesty.
Jakuta: Concerned about what brother?
Gbonka: ewo (see), the last few days have been intense and
those who knew of the situation were in a lot of fear.
Panel 2:
Description: Extreme close up of Gbonkas mouth as he talks
with a grim smile (we see parts of his nose and a bit of his
beard full chin with his mouth at the center)
Gbonka: No one was certain of what would happen to you…
Panel 3:
Description: Close shot of Jakuta and Gbonka riding side by
side on their horses towards the camera. We see how the
grasses (grain/cereal) are blowing in the direction of the
wind.
Jakuta: Gbonka, I am well. Can we not just be grateful? Oro
ti lo (the matter has gone)
Gbonka: Mo mor (I know), shugbun (but)…you’ve just said my
main point, we need to be better prepared.
Gbonka: The threats to this empire possess all sorts of dark
forces in their belly and they are ready to pour it all out
on you to see the end of your sudden reign and seize the
empire.
Panel 4:
Description: Side view, focused on Jakuta riding his horse
and facing forward. Jakuta frowns in deep thought as he
sighs to what Gbonka is saying. A bit behind, in the
foreground we see a bit of Gbonka as well.
Jakuta: You speak well. Truly the predators seek us out like
prey and my presence spikes their aggression. My cousin
Olowu of Owu is the enemy at forefront.
Jakuta: I am more than capable to conquer the foes and
protect my father land…abi kin ku ninu ija toripe miole jowo
re sile. (Or I die in battle because I cannot give up)
Page 9 (5 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Side view, focused on Gbonka riding his horse
and facing forward. Gbonka has his eyes wide open as he
sighs to what Jakuta is saying. A bit behind, in the
foreground we see a bit of Jakuta as well.
Gbonka: hmmmm, listen…
Gbonka: …I have heard rumors of an infamous place, along the
mountain paths of Nupe. This place is said to have great
power.
Floating speech bubble (Koro): You know of a place…filled
with god power.
Panel 2:
Description: Close up On Gbonka. He is gesticulating with
his arms spread as he tries to explain to Jakuta how great
the power is.
Gbonka: Power of the gods, divine and greater than Oduduwa
could have ever sought to wield.
Panel 3:
Description: Elevated view of Gbonka and Jakuta riding in
the field.
Jakuta: A place of power?
Gbonka: It is to your own interest and to the ultimate
interest of these people you are now bound to protecting…you
need this power.
Jakuta: In Nupe? And I’m just hearing of it now…?
Jakuta: I am curious…
Panel 4:
Description: Gbonka on his horse stays in front of Jakutas
way to block Jakuta as he talks with him.
Gbonka: You’re the almighty Jakuta, Sango himself… and not
until recently, you have never been in need of any form of
more power.
Panel 5:
Description: Extreme close up of Jakutas face. He has his
eyes squeezed shot as he is in deep thoughts.
Jakuta: When Akiniku struck me, I was helpless, too weak and
confused to fight properly.
Jakuta: Akiniku was an enemy within…truly, I cannot imagine
what outside forces could throw at me.
Page 10 (3 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Extreme close shot of Jakuta squeezing his
hands tight on his horse grip (the rope)
Jakuta: You convince me brother, truly I need to be better
prepared. I shall seek this place you speak of.
Panel 2:
Description: Close shot of Jakutas’ face, he has a
determined look on his face as he speaks.
Jakuta: There should be no time wasted, if I must seek this
great power, I must leave now.
Gbonka: This is an honorable decision you have made.
Panel 3:
Description: Jakutas horse is circling about Gbonkas horse
that was blocking it before.
Jakuta: My presence would be absent at dinner tonight, all
you need say to my wife and chiefs is that I have gone to
handle private affairs and I shall return soon.
Page 11 (2 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Back shot, full view of Gbonka on his horse,
with Jakuta riding away on his horse in haste in a little
distant front. As the horse rides away, we can see the dust
rising from its swift hoofs.
Gbonkas horse is wagging its tail. Jakuta is riding in the
north direction.
Floating speech bubble (Koro): Ssss…spleeendid. Bebi ere,
oti she dada. (Puppet, you have done well)
Jakuta: hiyyaaaaaaaa!!!
Panel 2:
Description: In Oyo town square, it is still evening time
(let’s say 7:00 p.m, not dark at all yet) we see an open
space in town with children playing around, some wrestling,
and some women carrying pots (about 2) and we also see some
goats and chickens roaming in corners, as well as some trees
and houses. It is an active scene. In the middle of the
street, heading forward, we see a drunk man walking wavy,
with his local clay bottle, he is drinking from the bottle
as he walks and stagers. The drunk man is dressed in his
raggy buba and shokoto with a fila on his head.
Location caption: Oyo Town square
Floating speech bubble (Koro): Now head back to the palace
and deliver your kings message.
Page 12 (4 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: The drunk man is approaching one of the women
carrying a pot on her head (Oshun). She is heading down an
empty path.
Drunkard: hhhaaaaaaeeeyyyyssss…omo to dun (sweet girl)
Panel 2:
Description: The drunkard grabs one of the womans hands
aggressively, she staggers and let’s go of her pot, which is
falling from her head.
Drunkard: Didn’t you hear me calling you?
Woman (Oshun): let go of me!!!!
Panel 3:
Description: Extreme close up of the womans clay pot hitting
the ground and shattering into pieces with water pouring
away.
Panel 4:
Description: We see the drunkard pulling the woman up by her
hand. She is on the floor, trying to make it difficult for
him to hold her.
Woman: Heeeelllppp!!! What is your problem? I don’t know
you?
Drunkard: You will know me today, I am ca…ca…calling you and
you cannot answer.
Page 13 (3 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Close shot of the drunkard. We see the
drunkards face, he looks very crazy like a barking dog and
he has an excited look on his face, enjoying how he
intimidates the woman.
Drunkard: I will show you some respect today…I called you
and you kept walking away, with your bountiful behind
mocking me.
Woman (from below the panel) (Crying bubble): Ejjoorrr…leave
me alone sir…ejjjooorrr!!!! (Please)
Panel 2:
Description: We see an action shot of the drunkard’s fila
getting pinned to a tree by an arrow (Timis’ arrow).
Sfx of arrow hitting tree: tttooonnnnggggg!!!
Panel 3:
Description: Close up on the drunkard from his mid-section
up. We still see his hand holding the womans hand. He is
looking up on his head in a comedic manner, amazed that his
fila has been struck off his head. He looks very funny the
way he looks up on his head and looks surprised.
Drunkard: AAAaaaahhh!!
Page 14 (4 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Full scale, low angle shot of Timi standing
tall with his bow fastened in his hand (his two hands are
down though).
Timi: Let her go, now!
Timi: Or bear the consequences.
Timi: my next shot won’t be at your filthy clothing.
Panel 2:
Description: side view of the scene and we see the drunkard
turning around to run away as he tries to pick himself up
from the ground. The woman is standing up as well, one knee
up.
Drunkard: wahala re ooo (this is problem ooo)…mtcheeeeewww
Panel 3:
Description: The woman is screaming at the fleeing drunkard
as she mocks him. In the background behind her, Timi is
about to tap her to calm down.
Woman: Shameless fool!!! Coward!!!...
Timi (faint speech bubble): That’s enough, he is gone now…
Panel 4:
Description: side view of the woman talking to Timi.
Woman (Oshun): eseun sir, mo dupe (thank you sir, I am
grateful)
Timi: kosii (it is fine)…you’re safe, did you do anything to
him?
Page 15 (4 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Focused on the woman, we see her gesticulating
dramatically as she explains herself to Timi.
Woman (Oshun): Rara ooo (not at all oo), werey ni ooo (he is
mad oo). He kept calling me and I refused to answer.
Panel 2:
Description: Timi is smiling as he talks to the woman.
Timi: It’s alright now…You’re lucky I was passing here.
Woman (Oshun): I am forever in your debt sir.
Panel 3:
Description: Side view, distant shot of the scene. Timi is
walking away in haste and the woman is just standing there
behind, her wrapper is blown a bit by wind.
Timi: I’m humbled, thank you.
Timi: I must be on my way, I’m running behind the time.
Woman: Till our paths cross again stranger…
Page 16 (3 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: we see a nature illustration of a scary looking
valley, with edgy mountains in the distance, heavy grey
clouds in the sky and lightening in the sky.
Location caption: Ara apata.
Panel 2:
Description: Extreme close up, Focused shot of Jakutas horse
leg and we can see a part of Jakutas leg dropping from above
the panel as well. In the background, we see a blur of the
edgy mountains.
Jakuta: Just as Gbonka described…
Panel 3:
Description: Full scale back shot of Jakuta on his horse.
His horse has come to a stop and in the background, we see
the edgy mountains.
Jakuta (Monologue caption): The scent of power in the air, I
can almost taste it…
Page 17 (4 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Jakuta is getting down from his horse.
Jakuta: I guess I’ll go by foot from here.
Panel 2:
Description: Back shot of Jakuta climbing up a mountain.
Panel 3:
Description: High angle of Jakuta climbing the mountain.
Panel 4:
Description: Extreme close up of Jakuta climbing and one of
his hands slip off, the rock he held broke off
Panel 5:
Description: We the stones falling down the high mountain
Page 18 (3 panels)
Panel 1:
Description: Through Jakutas eyes we see him looking down
and he is very high above. We see his legs hanging and some
rock pieces falling down.
Jakuta: Yeee!!
Panel 2:
Description: Jakuta struggles to get his grip back as he
holds with one hand.
Jakuta: Aaaahhh…haaa!
Panel 3:
Description: Extreme close up of Jakutas face, he is looking
up as he climbs. He is panting heavily and sweating.
Jakuta: I must…woooo…keep going…
Page 19 (2 panels)
Panel 1: Panel 1 and 2 are side by side, progression panels
(portrait).
Description: Focused, close shot of Jakutas arms at the edge
of the mountain top. One of them is folded and trying to
pull him up, the other is just touching the edge. (Reference
can be given)
Panel 2:
Description: Focused, close shot of Jakuta trying to pull
himself up at the edge of the mountain top. (Reference can
be provided)
Page 20 (full page)
Description: Back shot, we see more than half of the edun
ara protector (rock monster) standing tall by the right side
of the panel, the other unseen part is cropped out by the
panel side border. The monster is holding its giant mace on
its left hand. In the background at the left side, we see
Jakuta pause as he climbs up and stares at the monster in
shock.
Jakuta: Haaa!!
Closing caption: Find out what rocky challenge comes next
for the king in Issue 6.