I have finally completed my “plot map” for the story just completed. I’m giving a shortened version of it just below this paragraph, but I recommend you check out the fuller version (with very fancy formatting) at my new site http://dt.canadatoyou.com. I haven’t got the legend all written up, but quickly, red is for bad guys, blue is for good guys, grey is both together and the circled numbers can be clicked to see each strip on GoComics. My first report on the current story will be “soon.”
The Three Detectives (Specs and Spicy)
December 26, 2015 to April 6, 2016 (105 days)
Act 1: The Headaches are Getting Worse
The first act introduces the main villains, X-Ray Specs and Spicy Condiment, and Tracy’s two collaborators, Francisco Wunbrow and Porfiry Ivanov. Specs’ quest to relieve his migraines becomes a quest for riches once he discovers glasses with a remarkable ability. (15 days)
EXPOSITION/INTRODUCTIONIntroduction to Specs and SpicyIntroduction to Ivanov and WunbrowExperimental glasses fix Specs’ headaches but he can also see through solid objects!Specs tells Spicy, “It will make us rich!”
INCITING ACTIONHis headaches gone, he has a new goal: making money using the glasses.
Act 2: Spicy’s quest to “be their own boss”
Spicy thinks that their good situation would be better if they set out on their own. They could get rich even faster and nobody would push them around. Act 2 mainly follows the point of view of Specs and Spicy, except for a stop at the detectives conference. (14 days)
Act 3: The police respond to stop the crimes
The three detectives form a team to stop Specs’ crime wave in its track before it spreads to Cuba. Act 3 is mainly concerned with the point of view of the detectives. (21 days)
Act 4: Find the criminals/Stop the detectives
In Act 4, scenes bounce back and forth between Tracy’s viewpoint and the viewpoint of our main villains, Specs and Spicy. The goal of the detectives is to track down Specs and Spicy. The goal of Specs and Spicy (following Mendoza’s plan) is to kill the detectives so they can continue with their plan to get rich. (23 days)
FALSE CLIMAXAll appears hopeless for the detectives. It appears that Wunbrow and Ivanov have been killed, Tracy is about to be killed, and Specs and Spicy have triumphed.
Act 5: Kiko’s Revenge/The Casino Job
In the final act, the detectives are again separated from Specs and Spicy, so we alternate between the two viewpoints again until they come together again in the climax and everything is resolved. (30 days, including 7 days for Mole’s wedding)
CLIMAXThe safecracker sees wire and dynamite through the opening into the safe. Seconds later, the casino explodes. Specs and Spicy have failed in their quest to become independently rich.
FALLING ACTION/DENOUEMENTThe three detectives arrive at the casino
RESOLUTIONIvanov reveals the X-ray specs hidden in his bandages. The stolen glasses are recovered. Diet understands Specs’ migraine condition and has ordered new glasses without the X-ray ability. Specs’ quest to solve his constant migraines (which started the plot in motion) is now permanently solved!
My first Saturday “State of the DT World” report:
I have finally completed my “plot map” for the story just completed. I’m giving a shortened version of it just below this paragraph, but I recommend you check out the fuller version (with very fancy formatting) at my new site http://dt.canadatoyou.com. I haven’t got the legend all written up, but quickly, red is for bad guys, blue is for good guys, grey is both together and the circled numbers can be clicked to see each strip on GoComics. My first report on the current story will be “soon.”
The Three Detectives (Specs and Spicy)December 26, 2015 to April 6, 2016 (105 days)
Act 1: The Headaches are Getting WorseThe first act introduces the main villains, X-Ray Specs and Spicy Condiment, and Tracy’s two collaborators, Francisco Wunbrow and Porfiry Ivanov. Specs’ quest to relieve his migraines becomes a quest for riches once he discovers glasses with a remarkable ability. (15 days)
EXPOSITION/INTRODUCTIONIntroduction to Specs and SpicyIntroduction to Ivanov and WunbrowExperimental glasses fix Specs’ headaches but he can also see through solid objects!Specs tells Spicy, “It will make us rich!”
INCITING ACTIONHis headaches gone, he has a new goal: making money using the glasses.
Act 2: Spicy’s quest to “be their own boss”Spicy thinks that their good situation would be better if they set out on their own. They could get rich even faster and nobody would push them around. Act 2 mainly follows the point of view of Specs and Spicy, except for a stop at the detectives conference. (14 days)
Act 3: The police respond to stop the crimesThe three detectives form a team to stop Specs’ crime wave in its track before it spreads to Cuba. Act 3 is mainly concerned with the point of view of the detectives. (21 days)
Act 4: Find the criminals/Stop the detectivesIn Act 4, scenes bounce back and forth between Tracy’s viewpoint and the viewpoint of our main villains, Specs and Spicy. The goal of the detectives is to track down Specs and Spicy. The goal of Specs and Spicy (following Mendoza’s plan) is to kill the detectives so they can continue with their plan to get rich. (23 days)
FALSE CLIMAXAll appears hopeless for the detectives. It appears that Wunbrow and Ivanov have been killed, Tracy is about to be killed, and Specs and Spicy have triumphed.
Act 5: Kiko’s Revenge/The Casino JobIn the final act, the detectives are again separated from Specs and Spicy, so we alternate between the two viewpoints again until they come together again in the climax and everything is resolved. (30 days, including 7 days for Mole’s wedding)
CLIMAXThe safecracker sees wire and dynamite through the opening into the safe. Seconds later, the casino explodes. Specs and Spicy have failed in their quest to become independently rich.
FALLING ACTION/DENOUEMENTThe three detectives arrive at the casino
RESOLUTIONIvanov reveals the X-ray specs hidden in his bandages. The stolen glasses are recovered. Diet understands Specs’ migraine condition and has ordered new glasses without the X-ray ability. Specs’ quest to solve his constant migraines (which started the plot in motion) is now permanently solved!