Matt and Gabe are comic book writers brainstorming ideas for their graphic novel "The Last Man in the Universe". They discuss plot details and disagree on how their main character Marcus should react upon discovering Earth. Their debate covers aspects like how passive Marcus's character is, whether he should sob or remain stoic, and how he could have logically found Earth. They leave their apartment to get coffee from a local deli to continue their discussion, debating potential actors to play Marcus in a movie adaptation.

1. The Last Man in The Universe
By
Guilherme Neves
First Draft.
August 25th, 2010.

2. FADE IN
INT. GABE AND MATT’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT.
A New York City apartment fully decorated with action
figures, posters, books, comic books and DVDs everywhere.In
a corner, an LCD TV on the wall in front of an old ripped
futon. In the middle of the living room, two work desks. A
big window in the back exposes the Empire States Building
MATT VANDERSEE, a 26 years old comic book writer, circles
around the living room hitting the pen on his forehead.
MATT
It starts with Marcus waking up by
the sound of the alarm coming from
the computer. He jumps out of bed
and walks into the control room--
GABE ROBERTS, a 26 years old comic book illustrator is
seated on his desk holding a pencil. The desk is filled with
illustration drafts of spaceships and astronauts. On the top
of the pile of papers, the first draft of a Graphic Novel
titled "The Last Man in The Universe".
GABE (VO)
--Wait, you wanna do it on two or
tree panels?
MATT
Anh?
GABE
You’re thinking about showing the
act of jumping or just the
awakening and the walking panels?
MATT
No, no. Show the jumping. I want to
break into every action so we build
the tension. Got it?
GABE
Yep.
MATT
So he wakes up, jumps out of the
bed, walks into the control room,
opens the door. No, wait! DIALS the
password and THEN the door
automatically opens! We see a huge
windshield to the universe,you
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

3. CONTINUED: 2.
MATT (cont’d)
know? like a massive wall of glass
exposing this infinite dark of...
of--
Matt hits the pen on his forehead vigorously.
MATT
Of... you know, fucking darkness!
Black ink! Then, he stares to this
magnificent view.
Matt uses hand gestures to describe his idea.
MATT
From below, a monstrous round
blueish planet slowly appears in
front of his eyes.
GABE
In how many panels do you wanna do
the Earth’s arising?
Furiously, Matt throws the pen on Gabe.
MATT
Dammit Gabe! Seriously! Can you
make at least ONE creative decision
on your own? I’m fucking trying to
think inside the story here!
Jesus--
GABE
Sorry. Go on.
Matt sits in his chair, trying to concentrate again.
MATT
Right. So, as the planet arises in
front him, Marcus shakes his head
in disbelief. Sobbing like never
before, he falls on his knees
contemplating what once he called
home.
GABE
Oh.. really? Do we need all this
weeping crap?
MATT
Duuude! I’m trying to capture the
essence of this man, here! The guy
has been alone for over 20 years on
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

4. CONTINUED: 3.
MATT (cont’d)
that spaceship with one and only
desire to find home! This is the
achievement of a lifetime, We can’t
just put him highfiving himself.
GABE
Ye, but sobbing? This guy hasn’t
had any human contact for, like,
ages! Don’t you think this reaction
is a little bit too human?
MATT
What the fuck is wrong with being
human, Gabe?
GABE
Nothing, but the fact that this
guy’s best friend is a computer
voice who tells time. He has no
human attachment!
Matt sights, stands up and wanders to the kitchen.
MATT (OS)
You’ve been watching too much
Oprah, Gabe!
Gabe gives a quick smile.
MATT (OS)
What happened to the milk?
GABE
I put it in the bottom drawer. So
listen, I was thinking--
INT. GABE AND MATT’S KITCHEN - CONTINUES.
Matt looks for food in the shelves.
MATT
Now that’s unusual. Ha.
GABE (OS)
-- I’m not quite sure about this
finding Earth passage.

5. 4.
INT. GABE AND MATT’S LIVING ROOM - CONTINUES.
Gabe takes a deep breath to organize his toughs.
GABE
Don’t you think Marcus character is
too passive in this scene? I mean,
it’s the spaceship that eventually
passes around Earth. The main
character had nothing to do with
it.
Matt comes back holding a bowl of cereal with milk.
MATT
So what?
GABE
So, it’s random! Just a
coincidence! In a middle of the
infinite universe, this man finds
Earth by accident and that’s it?
MATT
I don’t know.
Matt swallows a spoon full of cereal.
MATT
Maybe he was, like, meant to. It
was his destiny--
GABE
--Don’t even start with this
destiny bullshit! Stop being a lazy
writer and come up with a
reasonable explanation for this
event!
MATT
What do you want me to do, Gabe?
Give him a map? An universal GPS?
GABE
You’re the writer. Use your magic
powers.
Matt let his head fall and hit the desk.
MATT
Argh...
Gabe spins on his chair.
(CONTINUED)

6. CONTINUED: 5.
MATT
(Moaning)
Can we have coffee now?
EXT. STREETS OF LOWER EAST SIDE, NEW YORK - NIGHT.
Winter in New York. Matt and Gabe are using heavy coats.
MATT
Question. In a movie adaptation of
"The Last Man in The Universe", who
should play Marcus?
Gabe looks funny towards Matt.
GABE
John Malkovich.
MATT
Are you kidding me?
GABE
What? He’s a great actor!
MATT
How do you expect to get rich
putting an ugly old dude alone in
the screen for two hours?
GABE
So now Marcus has to be handsome?
MATT
He has to be at least appealing,
tolerable. Malkovich is too old!
Maybe 15 years ago, but now he must
what? Sixty?
INT. DAVE’S DELI - NIGHT.
A small and cozy Deli. Matt and Gabe step in it. The door
bell rings. DAVE, a mid-fifties black man, comes from a door
behind the counter.
DAVE
What took you guys so long? I’m
almost closing here!
GABE
Sorry Dave, we’ve been working.
(CONTINUED)

7. CONTINUED: 6.
DAVE
Hunft... three?
GABE
Ye.
Dave turns himself to the Coffee Machine.
MATT
Hey Dave, who is more convincing as
a delusional astronaut, Russel
Crowe or Edward Norton?
DAVE
Denzel.
Matt and Gabe laugh but Dave don’t understand why. He faces
them.
DAVE
What?!
GABE
This character is... white.
DAVE
Why?
Matt and Gabe look at each other.
MATT
Well, I don’t know. He just... is.
DAVE
(Grabbing three cups of coffee
and moaning.)
Here we go. Four fifty.
EXT. STREETS OF LOWER EAST SIDE, NEW YORK - NIGHT.
Matt and Gabe are back in the streets, this time, drinking
their coffees. Matt carries the third.
GABE
Besides, if we give the role to
Edward Norton, he would end up
rewriting the whole thing and
taking our names of the credits.
They rush to cross the street and stop in front of a poorly
signposted comic book store called Supernova. They walk into
the store.

8. 7.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - NIGHT.
A large and dusty comic book store. JAY HERNANDES, a 28
years old puerto rican descendant born and raised in New
York is working behind the counter, talking to a girl who is
holding some books. Her name is JESSA, 23 years old girl
with long blond hair. The door bells rings.
RING
As Gabe and Matt make their way into the counter, the girl
leaves the books on the counter and heads for the exit. When
they are crossing to room, Gabe and the girl gaze each
other.
JESSA
Hi.
Gabe is caught by surprise.
GABE.
Uh... hey.
Matt and Gabe get to the counter.
MATT
(Talking to Gabe)
Do you know that girl?
GABE
(Still confused)
I don’t think so.
JAY
You probably don’t. She just moved
from California. You have my
coffee?
MATT
Here.
Matt hands the coffee to Jay. Gabe walks around the counter,
looking for something in the drawers.
JAY
(Holding one of the copies
from the book the girl left on
the counter)
This is the book she just made.
It’s like a series of comic strips
about the female universal. She
asked us to display at the Indie
Section.
(CONTINUED)

9. CONTINUED: 8.
Jay points with his head to a bookcase in the darkest corner
of the store. Matt grabs another copy of the book.
MATT
"The Uncanny Manual of Unorthodoxy
Girls, by Jessa Spalding.
Gabe appears from behind the counter holding a flannel coat.
GABE
Found it!
MATT
(flipping through the girl’s
book)
How bad is it?
JAY
Haven’t read yet.
Gabe grabs another copy of the book and starts flipping
through as well. He sees her picture on the back cover of
the book.
GABE
It seems alright.
MATT
(dropping the book on the
counter)
You always liked these girlie
stuff.
JAY
How’s work going, boys?
MATT
All good, but Gabe was bitching me
about using coincidences in the
story.
JAY
What kind of coincidence are we
talking about?
GABE
The scene when Marcus locates the
Earth.
JAY
Hum... let me think...
Jay crosses his arms and tips his forefinger on his mouth.
(CONTINUED)

10. CONTINUED: 9.
JAY
I don’t think you HAVE to follow
the causality rule. I mean, if it
where a commercial graphic novel,
ye sure, you would probably have to
elucidate better, you know? Make it
for dummies. But now in a case like
this--
GABE
--IT IS supposed to be a commercial
graphic novel! We are sick and
tired of stacking our work in the
Losers Section!
Gabe points to the same bookcase in the corner.
GABE
It’s time to go pro, Jay! We’re
done being notorious nobodies.
Matt takes a sip on his coffee.
MATT
The Last Man is our way out, dude.
Next time you see us, will be at
the cover of Wizard Magazine.
JAY
Argh! Can’t believe you, guys!
You’re selling out! How can you?!
GABE
Sorry Jay, but between sticking to
the cause or getting millionaire
with the merchandise rights, I go
with the toys.
Gabe points at the action figure of "Material Man". In the
background, a huge poster of the same character.
JAY
(Infuriated)
Are you kidding me?! "Material
Man"?! That’s the kind of shit you
want to produce?! You wanna be the
new fucking Frank Humbles? The
biggest jerk of comic industry?
Seriously, man?! How low can
someone gets?!
Gabe and Matt laugh, but Matt realizes that Jay is sincerely
mad at them.
(CONTINUED)

11. CONTINUED: 10.
MATT
Oook, boys. Play time is over.
Let’s get back to work, Gabe. See
you tomorrow Jay.
JAY
Jerks.
Gabe and Matt make their way to the exit. Matt stops under
the door.
MATT
Hey, Jay, in a movie adaptation of
"The Last Man in The Universe", who
do you think should--
JAY
--Fuck you, Matthew!
INT. GABE AND MATT APARTMENT’S DOORWAY - NIGHT.
Gabe and Matt are coming back from the street. Gabe is on
the phone. Matt is trying every key of his Superman key
chain to open the door. He finally finds right key.
MATT
It’s ridiculous. It’s always the
last one.
INT. GABE AND MATT’S APARTMENT - CONTINUES.
Gabe and Matt enter in their apartment.
MATT
So, can you wake me up tomorrow
morning? I’m pretty sure my phone
is gonna be dead by then I can’t
find the charger.
GABE
Shh! Dude, I’m on the phone!
INT. LEA’S BEDROOM - CONTINUES.
LEA ROBERTS, 22 years old girl is talking to Gabe on the
phone. She in on her bed, in a very girlie bedroom full of
old dolls and teddy bears.
(CONTINUED)

12. CONTINUED: 11.
LEA
(Into phone)
Just tell him to shut the fuck up!
INTERCUT AS NEEDED
GABE
She is asking you to keep it down,
please.
MATT
FUCK OFF, LEA!
LEA
(Yelling louder)
YOU FUCK OFF, MATT!
Gabe gets scared of her screaming and takes the phone out of
his ear. Gabe goes to his room and closes the door.
INT. GABE’S ROOM - NIGHT.
Just like the rest of the apartment, Gabe’s room has a Comic
Book theme. He leans his body against the door.
GABE
(Into the phone)
There’s some unsettled sexual
tension between you two, you know?
LEA
Shut up. When are you coming home?
Gabe sits on his bed.
GABE
Ah... not sure. We are pretty
focused on this new graphic novel
right now. I don’t want to stop the
process while we’re producing.
LEA
Whatever. Just saying, my birthday
is on three weeks and you better be
here.
GABE
Promise, no worries. I have to go
sleep now. Tell the folks I said
hi.
(CONTINUED)

13. CONTINUED: 12.
LEA
Ok. Miss you, bro.
GABE
Miss you, sis.
END INTERCUT.
Gabe hangs off the phone and lays on his bed. Matt turns on
the stereo loudly. It’s playing "Know you Enemy" by Green
Day. Gabe closes his eyes, trying to ignore it. He can’t.
Gabe stands up and opens the door.
GABE
FUCK OFF, MATT!
Gabe slams the door.
INT. GABE AND MATT’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
Silence. A "Watchman" clock on the wall marks 2h45 am. Matt
is fully awake, sited on his desk, tipping his fingers
rhythmically on the table. He is looking deeply to a blank
piece of paper in the top of an unorganized pile of papers
over his desk.
Matt stops and stretches. He stands up, walks around the
living room looking for inspiration. His forefinger moves
around the bookshelf, trying to find help in one of his
books. Nothing.
He sits again. Rest his head on his hands and moan.
INT. GABE AND MATT’S KITCHEN - LATER.
Matt opens the fridge. There’s water, milk and beer. He
takes the beer.
INT. GABE’S BEDROOM - LATER.
Slowly, Matt opens Gabe’s door. Gabe is snoaring. Matt
closes the door with a smirky smile on his face.
MONTAGE. INT. GABE AND MATT’S LIVING ROOM AND KITCHEN -
LATER.
BY THE SOUND OF KNOW YOUR ENEMY - GREEN DAY.
Matt turns the stereo on again. The same song continues.
Matt feels the music in his body, takes a long sip of beer
(CONTINUED)

14. CONTINUED: 13.
and sits back on his desk. He is writing fast. He drinks and
writes. He reads it punching his leg. He opens the fridge
and takes another beer. He writes. He drinks. He crumbles a
sheet of paper and throws it away. He keeps writing and
drinking moving his head energetically.
MATT
(holding a sheet o paper)
Now that’s better!
Matt opens another beer. He writes and drinks. He prepares a
line of cocaine and sniffs it. He tips his fingers on the
desk really fast while he thinks. He’s writing furiously.
There’s several writen pages on his desk. He opens another
beer and sniffs another line of cocaine. He laughs loud. He
writes until his pen is out of ink. He grabs another pen.
This second pen works. He is thrilled.
MATT
Yes, YES! This needs a celebration!
Matt sniffs three lines of cocaine. Now he is writing really
fast. He is really agitated. He opens another beer. Drinks
it, writes, laughs and sniffs another line of cocaine.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. GABE AND MATT’S APARTMENT - MORNING.
Gabe steps out of his bedroom wearing his pajamas and drags
himself to the kitchen. He opens the fridge and there’s only
water and milk. He takes the milk and pour some in a bow
with cereal.
He sits on his couch and turns the TV on. There’s Sponge Bob
Square Pants playing. The apartment looks messy, but he
doesn’t seem to have realized it yet. He looks to the
"watchman" clock on the wall. It’s marking 10h21 am.
GABE
MATT! YOU’RE LATE!
No response. Gabe eats his cereal.
GABE
(With his mouth full of
cereal)
MATT! WAKE UP! YOU’RE GONNA GET
FIRED THIS TIME!
No response. Gabe moans, stands up and walks to Matti’s
room. He opens Matt’s door and sees his friend is lying on
the floor. Matt is dead.

15. 14.
EXT. PLATTSBURGH’S CEMETERY - RAINY DAY.
Rains a lot. A line of black cars cross under a gate
indicating "Plattsburgh Cemetery".
EXT. PLATTSBURGH’S CEMETERY - LATER.
Matt’s family and friends are gathered at his funeral.
People are covering themselves with umbrellas. Gabe is
wearing a black suit. Lea, wearing a black dress, stands
besides him. He hold his sister’s hand.
EXT. PLATTSBURGH’S CEMETERY - LATER.
The rain starts to fade. The funeral is over. Gabe, Lea and
their parents BOB, a 58 years old chubby and bald man and
MARGARET, a 53 years old and still very distinct woman, are
heading to the car.
JAY (OS)
Gabe! Wait!
Gabe turns his back and sees a soaked Jay running in his
direction.
GABE
Hey Jay. How you doing?
JAY
Wha..what kind of question is this?
The last thing I said to the guy
was "Fuck You"! How do think I’m
feeling? I feel like shit!
Gabe laughs with sorrow.
GABE
I know the feeling.
JAY
Anyways. I just want to check on
you. I don’t know what are your
plans now. But, you know, if need
anything--
GABE
--Ye. I think I’ll spend sometime
in my parents’ house. Need to
process this whole thing before
doing anything.
(CONTINUED)

16. CONTINUED: 15.
JAY
Course. Well, I have to get going.
Need to take the road back to New
York before the sunset. Take care,
man.
GABE
You too, Jay.
Jay gives Gabe two awkward slaps on his sholder. Gabe starts
heading to his parents’ car again.
JAY
Er.. Gabe. One more thing. I don’t
wanna sound like a heartless
corporate son of bitch but... how
long are you intending to stay
here? Because I need to know how
long should I hold your job at
Supernova.
Gabe looks to Jay and then to his family, who are waiting
for him in the car.
GABE
Just... just don’t.
INT. ROBERT’S DINNING ROOM - NIGHT.
In a fancy dinner table, Gabe has a silent dinner with his
sister and parents.
INT. GABE’S OLD ROOM - DAY.
Two weeks have passed. Gabe has a beard and dark circles
under his eyes. Seated on the floor, he reads an old X-Men
issue from his collection that is stacked in a big paper box
with the sign "Gabe’s Comics" in front of him.
DOOR KNOCKING.
Bob opens the door.
BOB
Hey kiddo, can I come in?
Gabe nods in permission. Bob sits on Gabe’s bed. Gabe keeps
focused on reading.
(CONTINUED)

17. CONTINUED: 16.
BOB
Reading your old comics, ha? You
know, I had to put up a fight with
uncle Tommy for this.
Bob hits the old box full of comic books with his foot.
BOB
He was trying to take this away for
your cousin Brian, but I told him
you wouldn’t like it.
GABE
Thanks, dad.
Bob looks around the room, trying to find another subject to
start small talk. He fails. Gabe keeps his eyes on his
comics.
BOB
So... how’s New York?
GABE
All right.
BOB
Did you guys paid this month rent?
GABE
Uhum.
BOB
Good, good. Are you... planning on
moving back until the end of the
month or... eventually?
Margaret walks in the room, drying her hands on her appron.
MARGARET
Bob! Stop pushing him! Can’t you
see his doing his "thing"?
GABE
It’s ok Mom--
BOB
-- I was just talking to my son,
Margaret!
Margaret turns to Gabe.
(CONTINUED)

18. CONTINUED: 17.
MARGARET
(In a sweet voice)
Don’t let your old father bother
you, Gabe. You can stay here as
long as you want. As a matter of
fact, you don’t even have to go
back--
BOB
--Now I’m the pushy one! Look at
you woman! You’re son is a man!
Stop trying to bring him back to
your nest!
GABE
Guys...
MARGARET
I’m not trying to do anything, Bob!
I’m just concerned about our boy!
BOB
He’s not a boy anymore--
MARGARET
--That terrifing city can mess up a
person! Look what happen to
Matthew.
GABE
Stop it!
BOB
Oh, come on Margaret! You know that
boy was screwd up way before he
left Plattsburgh.
MARGARET
Don’t be so cruel, Bob! It’s been
only two--
GABE
--THAT’S ENOUGH!
Scared, Margaret and Bob stare at Gabe. Gabe take a deep
breath.
GABE
Wolverine is dying here, for Christ
Sake!

19. 18.
EXT. FRONT OF ROBERT’S HOUSE - CLOUDY DAY.
Gabe is looking to the christmas lights installed on the
roof. He’s holding a ladder. He supports the ladder on the
house’s lateral wall and prepares to climb it. A family car
loaded with boxes stops in front of his house. He recognizes
it. Uncomfortable, he goes toward the car.
While he gets closer, MAURA VANDERSEE, 56 years old fat
woman, steps off the passengers seat and meets Gabe in the
front of the vehicle. Gabe gives her a confort hug.
GABE
Hey, Mrs. Vandersee.
MAURA
How you doing, my son?
CHARLES VANDERSEE, A 63 years old man with a big mustache,
is waiting holding the steering wheel. They both have large
dark circles under their eyes and a really sad expression on
their faces.
GABE
Hello, Mr. Vandersee.
Charles nods to Gabe. Maura is still holding Gabe’s arms,
caressing him.
MAURA
Me and Charles just got back from
New York. We cleaned Matt’s bedroom
and brought back all his stuff.
She motions to the boxes in the car.
MAURA
I did’t touch anything in the
living room because I don’t know
what is yours or what was his. But
well, all those things have any use
for us now, so you should keep it.
Matt would probably prefer that
way.
GABE
OK, thanks. Thanks Mrs. Vandersee.
Gabe smiles at her. Mrs. Vandersee hugs him strongly and
looks deeply into his eyes, slowly shaking her head. Gabe
notices she starts to tear up. She wipes her eyes.
(CONTINUED)

20. CONTINUED: 19.
MAURA
Anyway. We just came to give Matt’s
keys back.
She takes the Superman key chain from her pants pockets and
puts on Gabe’s hands.
GABE
Thanks, Mrs. Vandersee.
Gabe put the keys on his coat pocket. Maura gives him
motherly smile. Maura is about to cry, but she holds back
her emotion.
MAURA
(Looking to the ground)
Hum... I should get going. I need
to unpack all these things and I’m
pretty sure Charles as useful an
umbrella in an ice storm.
Charles is distracted in the car. Gabe and Maura laugh a
bit.
GABE
Good bye, Mrs. Vandersee.
MAURA
Good bye, son.
Maura opens the car door. She hesitates before going inside.
MAURA
Gabe, Matt told me you two were
really excited about this new book
you were producing.
Gabe grins timidly.
GABE
Ye... it was gonna be great, I
think.
MAURA
You should finish it. You know?
(BEAT)
MAURA
He would like it.

21. 20.
EXT. FRONT OF ROBERT’S HOUSE - LATER.
Gabe and Lea are breaking down the christmas decoration in
front of the Robert’s House. Lea is deflating an inflatable
snow man while Gabe, on the roof, takes down the christmas
lights.
LEA
Gabe?
GABE
Ye?
LEA
For how long was Matt having drug
problems?
GABE
What? What are you talking about?
LEA
I heard mom on the phone. I know he
OD-ed.
GABE
No, I mean, yes. He died of
overdose. But he was no coke
addict.
LEA
Well... how come?
GABE
What do you mean, how come? He used
it now and then, but he was no
addict. At least I don’t think so.
(BEAT)
GABE
You know. He was like an ocasional
user.
LEA
(intriged)
Hum... never heard there was
such thing.

22. 21.
INT. ROBERTS KITCHEN - MORNING.
Gabe is on the kitchen table waiting for his breakfeast.
Margaret is making waffles. Bob walks in.
BOB
Waffles? You never do waffles! Now
that’s just low, Margaret.
Margaret ignores him. He makes a move to sit on the table.
MARGARET
Don’t even think about resting your
ass on that chair before taking the
trash out.
BOB
Ye, ye. I’ll take it later.
Bob sits.
GABE
Oh, boy.
Margaret stops cooking, crosses her arms, holding her
spatula, and stares at Bob.
MARGARET
Later when, Robert?
BOB
Later! After you make my
breakfeast.
MARGARET
Ha. But guess what.
Margaret point her spatula at Bob.
MARGARET
I’m not making any breakfeast until
you take your lazy ass out of that
chair and take the trash out!
While Margaret is threatening Bob, Lea enters the room. She
ignores the scene, walks around the table and stops behind
Gabe. She leans on Gabe’s chair and whispers in his ears.
LEA
Follow me if you want to eat today.
Margaret and Bob are arguing while Gabe escapes with his
sister from the kitchen. It takes a while until Margaret
notices their absence.
(CONTINUED)

23. CONTINUED: 22.
MARGARET
AT LEAST TAKE THE GARBAGE OUT!
INT. ROBERTS’ CAR - DAY.
Lea is driving Gabe around Plattsburgh. The place seems calm
and desert. They pass through a commercial area and Gabe
notices an abandoned place.
GABE
What happen to the Salvador’s
Market?
LEA
They went out of business.
Everything is closing nowadays. The
Cheesecake Factory closed as well.
GABE
That sucks.
LEA
Recession is a bitch.
Gabe keeps looking through the window.
LEA
Missing New York?
GABE
A bit, maybe.
LEA
I would be crazy bored already.
This town is the most lame place on
Earth. Take a look on these
streets, Gabe. Everything is the
same from when we were kids.
Nothing ever happens around here.
Gabe nods, but keeps his eyes on the outside, starring at an
endless line of identical houses.
LEA
So... when are you going back?
GABE
I don’t know. I don’t know if I
will.
Lea looks at Gabe in desbelief, very desapointed at her
brother. She hits the accelerator and the car goes faster.

24. 23.
EXT. OUTSIDE MERVIN’S DINER - DAY.
The Roberts’ car parks in front of Mervin’s Diner, a old
fashioned trashy place on the Interstate 87. Lea steps out
of the car. Gabe follows her.
GABE
Why are we eating here? This place
is a shithole.
LEA
It’s not about the food. I need to
show you something.
INT. MERVIN’S DINER - DAY.
A traditional road diner. A few locals are having their
breakfast seated on the stools, but all the tables are
empty. Gabe and Lea grab a both. An overly made-up waitress
that doesn’t look more then 24 comes to talk to them. On her
name tag is written AMBER.
AMBER
Hello and welcome to Mervin’s
Diner. My name is Amber and I will
be serving you today.
Gabe looks at her astonished.
GABE
Am?!
Amber needs a couple of seconds to recognize Gabe. She’s
seems uncomfortable with the situation.
AMBER
Oh my gosh! Gabe! It’s been ages!
How you doing?
GABE
You know, living.
Amber and Gabe look a little bit embarrassed. They try to
smile.
LEA
(Being cinical)
Hey, Amber.
AMBER
(Fake smile)
Heeey, Lea.
(CONTINUED)

25. CONTINUED: 24.
AMBER
(To Gabe)
So, I heard about Matt. Sorry I
couldn’t go to the funeral, but
it’s been crazy busy around here.
Lea notices that the place is almost empty.
LEA
Totally.
AMBER
So, Gabe, how is the city? Heard
you and Matt were a big hit in the
comics business.
GABE.
Nah, still striving, you know. But
we’ll get there. I mean, I, I’ll
get there.
AMBER
Great.
They both nod for a couple of seconds starring each other
with a forced smile. Lea is delighted, reading Mervin’s
menu.
GABE
So, how you been? Mom told me you
and Jareth--
AMBER
(Pointing to her wedding ring)
--Ye, we got married last year. Big
wedding, all that jazz, you know?
For a small town, it was like
Superbowl.
GABE
That’s great. What about acting?
Have you been--
AMBER
(Simulating a smile)
--Oh, nonono. I quit all that
nonsense a long time ago. I’m a
happily married woman and future
mother now.
She caresses her belly.

26. 25.
EXT. OUTSIDE MERVIN’S DINER - DAY.
Gabe steps off Mervin’s Diner, followed by Lea.
GABE
(Sarcastically)
Thanks Lea.
LEA
Don’t thank me, you paid.
GABE
I mean the whole trick you pulled
out today. You tottaly scrooge me
over, in there!
Gabe gets inside the car.
LEA
I’m just trying to help you!
INT. ROBERTS CAR, MERVIN’S DINER PARKING LOT - DAY.
Lea enters in the car with Gabe.
GABE
Help me how? By making me face my
highschool love pregnant with the
biggest jerk in town?!
LEA
No! I wanted to show you how
patetic and meaningless is life in
Plattsburgh! You told me that girl
was fucking talented and now look
at her! Is that how you want to
spend your life? Being a no one?
Gabe breaths heavily, looking forward, to the windshield.
GABE
Just drive.
INT. ROBERTS CAR - DAY.
Lea is driving Gabe back home.
GABE
If you hate this town so much, why
you’re still here?
(CONTINUED)

27. CONTINUED: 26.
LEA
Look at me Gabe, what do you see?
GABE
You are... a pretty girl.
LEA
Exactly. I’m pretty girl. That’s
it.
INT. ROBERTS GARAGE - DAY.
Lea and Gabe step out of the car inside their parents
garage. The place is full of old furniture, boxes and
hardware tools.
GABE
I don’t get it why you think you’re
not good enough to live in city.
LEA
Come on Gabe. I was never the
brightest. I didn’t go college like
you, I have no skills. I’m doomed
for this place, but you have a shot
and you’re wasting it!
Gabe closes the garage door.
LEA
I read your stuff, you know. That
was not... not so bad.
Gabe smiles at her. She smiles back.
GABE
Here.
Gabe takes the Superman key chain from his coat pocket and
throws at her. She catchs it.
LEA
What is this?
GABE
Your keys. If I’m going back, I
need a roommate.
Lea grins, still skeptical.
(CONTINUED)

28. CONTINUED: 27.
GABE
Happy Birthday, Lea.
EXT. ROBERTS YARD - SUNNY DAY.
Gabe and Bob are packing Gabe’s car with Lea’s bags. A
couple of feets away, Margaret is holding Lea by her
shoulders.
MARGARET
And if I hear that you’re causing
any kind of trouble to your
brother, I’ll be boarding on the
next train to NYC and bringing you
back with me! Now give me a hug!
Margaret gives Lea a tigh hug. Bob closes the car’s trunk.
BOB
That was the last one.
Bob puts his hand on Gabe’s sholder.
BOB
You’re a good kid, you’ll be
allright. Now, hug your dad.
Gabe hugs Bob. Bob whispers in his ears.
BOB
Take care of that one for me, ok?
GABE
You got it.
MARGARET
(about to cry)
Oh god! My little ones are leaving
me!
Margaret holds Gabe and kisses his cheek. She also gives him
a hug and whispers in his ears.
MARGARET
You don’t have to go if don’t want
to, you know?
Gabe laughs and kisses his mother.
GABE
No worries, guys. We’ll be alright.
Gabe and Lea enter in the car and leave the Roberts’ yard.

29. 28.
INT. GABE’S CAR IN FRONT OF ROBERTS’ HOUSE - DAY
Lea watches her parents, holding hands in front of the
house, waving goodbye.
LEA
I’ll miss those freaks.
MARGARET (VO)
Leandra! Don’t get pregnant!
MONTAGE INT. GABE’S CAR AND EXT. I-87, BY THE SOUND OF
"HOME"- EDWARD SHARP AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS.
Gabe looks aprehensive. A peaceful landscape enhanced by the
snow. Endless lines of trees. Lea plays with her hand out of
the car, trying to catch snowflakes. The car passes through
a brige over a deep river. Lea sleeps, Gabe looks at her and
smiles. It starts to get dark. Lea is awake again, she
points to the lights of the New York buildings spotted miles
away. The car is on Washignton Bridge. Lea has a grin on her
face but Gabe is serious.
END OF MONTAGE
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
Gabe opens his apartment door. He stays at the front door
staring at it. Lea pushes him inside with her luggage.
LEA
Come on, douchebag! I wanna take a
shower and get to bed!
INT. MATT’S OLD BEDROOM - NIGHT.
Lea walks to Matt’s old room. All the furniture is there,
but his personal belongings are gone. She puts her luggage
in a corner and start unzipping it.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM - NIGHT.
Gabe stands on his feet in the middle of the living room,
right in front of Matt’s desk. The desk looks the exact same
way from the night Matt died. There are several papers fully
written and piled randomly. He stares at it for a long time.
Then he looks at his own desk and sees the unfinished cover
of "The Last Man in The Universe".
He steps away.

30. 29.
EXT. STREETS OF LOWER EAST SIDE, NEW YORK - DAY.
It’s Spring in New York. In the streets, people are walking
dogs, carrying their coffees and talking on their phones.
Everyone seems happy, touched by the new season. Everyone
but Gabe. Now he has a long beard, messy hair and walks with
a grumpy face. He carries as bag while listening to his
ipod.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
Gabe and Jay are working at the Supernova. The store is
empty. Gabe is standing in front of the register, reading a
graphic novel titled "Blankets" by Craig Thompson. Jay is
seated on the counter, thrilled of excitement while drawing
on his notebook. Jay’s enthusiasm draws Gabe’s attention.
GABE
What is going on in that little
sick disturbed mind of yours?
JAY
Nothing... but the most AWESOME and
fucking kick-ass superhero ever
created. The Minute Man!
Jay hands Gabe his notebook. Gabe sees it drawn a cartoonish
black super hero with a big clock on his chest.
JAY
He has the ability of traveling
back in time. But here’s the trick!
He can only go back one minute in
the past.
GABE
Funny, your Minute Man looks just
like Flavor Flav.
Jay takes his notebook and stares at the opened page.
JAY
Fuck! You’re right!
With the back of his pencil, Jay erases his drawing. Gabe
smirks and goes back to his book.
JAY
(Grumbling)
At least I’m drawing something...
(CONTINUED)

31. CONTINUED: 30.
GABE
What you say, Jay?
JAY
At least I AM creating something.
Gabe frowns, keeping the eyes on his book.
JAY
Seriously man, when are you gonna
get going with your drawing again?
Remember how you guys were all
excited about "The Last Man in
Universe"? Why don’t you just
finish what you and Matt started?
You could still finish in time to
take it to Comic Con, you know?
Gabe closes his book.
GABE
Can you please stop? Just drop it.
You’ve been pushing me to finish
that piece of shit for the last two
months--
JAY
--It is not a piece of shit, Gabe.
GABE
--And we didn’t even come up with a
proper end to it. So why bother,
man? Let it go.
Gabe goes back to his book. Jay is not convinced.
JAY
What about those pages Matt wrote
that night?
Gabe slams his book and throws it on the counter.
GABE
What night, Jay?! Hun!? Which
night?! Are you talking about the
night when that son of bitch
drugged himself to death? Do you
want me to finish the story with
the insanities of a coked man?
JAY
How the hell you know if it’s good
or not when you don’t even bother
reading it!?
(CONTINUED)

32. CONTINUED: 31.
GABE
Forget it, Jay! I’m not gonna sit
my ass reading senseless words on a
paper! It’s just waste of time!
Jay sighs. Gabe returns to his book.
JAY
(mumbling to himself)
Waist of your fucking precious
time.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - NIGHT.
Gabe stands behind the counter reading his book. He reclines
over the balcony and accidentally drops Jay’s pencil. He
grabs it on the floor.
With the pencil on his hands, he gazes to the inventory
papers and flyers spread over the balcony. He grabs one
sheet of paper, turns backwards to it’s blank face and
stares at it. His fingers plays with the pencil. He holds
the pencil firmly and when it’s tip is about to touch the
paper, the door bell rings.
DING.
Gabe drops the pencil. A girl wearing a a Felix, The Cat
T-shirt walks in the store and goes towards the counter.
It’s Jessa.
JESSA
Hi. Is Jay here?
GABE
You just missed him.
Gabe recognizes her.
GABE
I know you! You’re the girl from
that comic strip book. "The
Unconventional Guide for Weird
Chiks", right?
JESSA
It’s "The Uncanny Manual for
Unorthodox Girls", but I like your
version.
(CONTINUED)

33. CONTINUED: 32.
GABE
He, Sorry. I’m Gabe.
JESSA
Jessa, nice to meet you.
Gabe throws his arms forward for a hand shake but Jessa is
leaning for a kiss. They share a moment of awkwardness while
they try to synchronize their kiss on the cheek while
holding hands. They detached from each other with big
embarrassment.
GABE
You’re not from here, are you?
JESSA
Can you tell?
GABE
Well, costumers usually don’t kiss
me during my shifts.
JESSA
(Giggling)
Sorry.
GABE
(Mumbling)
No, it’s alright. Highlight of my
day. Can I try to help you?
JESSA
I don’t know, Jay’s supposed to
have a check for me from the books
that were sold.
Gabe starts looking for something behind the counter.
JESSA
Is it there?
GABE
No. I’m actually looking for the
key chain that opens the office. He
usually keeps this kind of stuff
there. But he probably took the
keys with him.
JESSA
I should have called first.
(CONTINUED)

34. CONTINUED: 33.
GABE
Come back tomorrow! I’m sure he’ll
be here.
JESSA
(Walking to the door)
Ye, sure. I’ll drop by. Thanks for
the book title. I might use it for
the sequel.
Gabe smiles.
JESSA
Just kidding. Sequels sucks.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
Gabe is lying on the couch, having a good time reading "The
Uncanny Manual for Unorthodox Girls". He is so distracted
reading and laughing that he doesn’t realizes when Lea
arrives. She’s wearing a sleeveless black blouse with a pig
printed on it, thigh jeans and high heels. A big and
colorful rose tattooed on her left shoulder. She walks in
and goes directly to her room.
Gabe is laughing out loud. Intrigued, Lea comes out to the
living room.
LEA
What’s so funny?
GABE
It’s just a book that I took from
the store.
Gabe glances at Lea’s shoulder and jumps out of the couch,
shocked.
GABE
Lea! What the hell is that in your
arm!
LEA
Oh! This?
Lea gets her forefinger moistly putting it into her
mouth. Then, she rubs it in her skin over her tattoo. The
tattoo starts fading.
LEA
It’s fake. Everybody at work has
tattoos. I don’t want people
thinking of me as a sweetheart.
(CONTINUED)

35. CONTINUED: 34.
GABE
’Cause that would be terrible.
Lea seats on the couch with Gabe.
LEA
When you’re mean, people tip you
better. What is this?
She takes the book from Gabe’s hands.
LEA
(Reading the cover)
Jessa Spalding. Hum, who is she?
GABE
That’s what I’m trying to figure
out.
MONTAGE. INT. GABE’S BEDROOM - MORNING.
A Spider Man Alarm Clock awakes Gabe. He has a grim on his
face.
INT. GABE’S BATHROOM - LATER.
Gabe whistles a song in the shower.
Rolled on his towel, Gabe stares at the mirror, analyzing
his face.
Gabe shaving his beard.
Gabe is combing his hair.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT COMMON AREA - LATER.
Still rolled on his towel, Gabe walks from the bathroom to
his bedroom whistling. Lea, is watching TV on the couch. She
looks back at Gabe, curious about the sudden change of mood.
INT. GABE’S BEDROOM - LATER.
In his underwear, Gabe browses his closet, looking for a
nice shirt.
Gabe checks himself with his outfit.
Gabe sprays perfume on his neck.

36. 35.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT COMMON AREA - LATER.
A smiley Gabe leaves the the apartment. Jessa keeps looking
at the door after he left, shaking her head with
incredulity.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
The door bell rings.
DING.
Gabe comes in carrying his bag. Jay is the counter, very
focused, drawing vibrantly on his notebook. He doesn’t look
at Gabe.
GABE
Morning Jay.
Jay mumbles something incomprehensible.
Gabe takes Jessa’s book out of his bag.
GABE
(Holding Jessa’s book)
So, I took this book back home
yesterday. And I have to say man, I
think it’s pretty--
JAY
--Ga..Gabe. Shh! I’m almost done
here. Wait.
Gabe seats over the counter, putting Jessa’s book besides
him. Jay keeps centering his attention on his drawing.
JAY
Let me just say ahead, that you
might don’t get this idea. I think
it’s a bit too outside the box for
you. But listen up. Are you ready?
Gabe nods.
JAY
I present you the most up-to-date
hero. The state of the art force to
annihilate evil in every kind of
form. This is... wait--
Jay gives the final touches in his drawing.
(CONTINUED)

37. CONTINUED: 36.
JAY
--THE INTERNET MAN!
Jay holds his notebook opened right in front of Gabe’s face.
JAY
An online hero who saves people
without taking his ass of his
chair! But here’s the trick: he
uses a dial connection!
Gabe laughs of the drawing: a fat man in glasses, using a
tiny superhero suit, seated in front of a computer, eating
MC Donald’s. Jay closes his notebook an puts it
aside, disappointed at his friend reaction. Only then he
notices Gabe’s new look.
JAY
Wow!! What’s is going on here?
Jay points to Gabe’s facial area.
GABE
I shaved! So what?
Jay sniffs the air.
JAY
Are you using PERFUME!?
Gabe jumps out of the counter, turns his back on Jay and
starts organizing some papers.
GABE
Shut up.
JAY
Seriously, there’s something
happening. Wait. Are you throwing
me a surprise party? Because,
considering my birthday was three
months ago, I would be really
surprised.
GABE
There’s no party. I was just tired
of the "Cast Away" look. That’s it.
Jay keeps starring at Gabe.
JAY
(Whispering)
No way.
(CONTINUED)

38. CONTINUED: 37.
The front door opens.
DING.
Gabe turns his head quickly and sees Jessa coming in,
wearing a Betty Boop t-shirt. He goes back to his duties,
pretending he hasn’t seen her yet.
Jay notices Gabe’s movements. He looks at Jessa, at her book
over the counter and then at Gabe again. He connects the
dots.
JAY
(to himself)
No way!
JESSA
Hey comic boys.
Gabe turns to Jessa, pretending to be surprised.
GABE
Hey!
JAY
Hey! Let me get you money. Just a
sec. Gabe, keep in charge, looking
good.
Jay steps away to the office.
JESSA
What happened to the beard? You
look so... different without it.
Gabe rubs his hand around his face.
GABE
You don’t like it?
JESSA
No. It’s cool. Somehow it’s like
I’m finally meeting you face to
face.
Gabe holds Jessa’s Book.
GABE
I started reading your book last
night.
(CONTINUED)

39. CONTINUED: 38.
JESSA
Really? What you think of it?
GABE
It’s pretty good, actually.
JESSA
Actually? You were thinking that
just because I don’t make the nerdy
weird girl stereotype, I can’t a
make a descent work?
GABE
No! Of course not! I was just about
to tell you how your work surprised
by it’s unique way to tell a girl
story without being cliche. You
totally gets the feminine universe
without having to talk about boys.
JESSA
Why should I have to talk about
boys?
JAY (OS)
Got it!
Jay comes back holding an envelope.
JAY
Sorry, it’s not that much.
JESSA
Nah, it’s OK. I’m surprised that we
actually sold any of them.
Jay handles the check to Jessa.
JAY
I was gonna ask you. Have you been
to the Maitena’s exhibition at the
MOCCA?
JESSA
No! I didn’t know she has an
exhibition in town. But I
absolutely love her work. What is
this MOCCA?
GABE AND JAY
Museum of Comics and Cartoon Art.
(CONTINUED)

40. CONTINUED: 39.
JAY
You never been at MOCCA?! The
exhibition ends this weekend. You
should go tonight!
JESSA
I will! Thanks for the tip!
JAY
(Very theatrical)
I have to do inventory tonight, but
maybe Gabe could take you, right
buddy?
GABE
Ahn...
JESSA
Sure! That would be fun. Unless you
already have plans--
GABE
--No, no! I’m available. I’m mean,
I can go. I, I’ll take you. It’s no
problem, no problem at all. I’ve
been willing to go there anyway
before so it’s no problem--
Jay taps on Gabe shoulder.
JAY
--OK Champ, we got it.Gabe’s shift
ends at eight. Stop by and you guys
can walk from here.
JESSA
That works. So, see you later,
Gabe. Looking forward for tonight.
GABE
Ahn--
JAY
--So are we. Right, Gabe?
GABE
Ahn, ye.
Jessa leaves the store. Gabe sighs, starring seriously at
Jay.
(CONTINUED)

41. CONTINUED: 40.
JAY
What?!
INT. MAITENA’S EXHIBITION AT MOCCA - NIGHT.
A fancy art gallery room with big printings of Maitena’s
works on the wall. The place is crowded by artists and
hipsters. Gabe is still using the same outfit but Jessa is
on a white dress, high hells and loose curly hair. They stop
in front of one of the panels.
JESSA
All her work have deeply influenced
me to start producing.
GABE
It’s so cool that you know Maitena.
JESSA
I have an aunt who bought me all of
her books from Argentina a couple
of years ago. What do you think of
this one?
Jessa is starring at the panel, but Gabe is looking at her.
GABE
Very beautiful.
INT. MAITENA’S EXHIBITION AT MOCCA - LATER.
Gabe and Jessa are at the final exhibition panel. It’s a big
picture of Maitena, smiling to the camera.
JESSA
Oh my god, she is so gorgeous,
right.
Gabe disagrees.
GABE
Totally. Totally hot.
EXT. UNION SQUARE - LATER.
A crowded square, full of college kids hanging, playing
music and riding their skates. Jessa is holding the
exhibition book.
(CONTINUED)

42. CONTINUED: 41.
GABE
So, why you moved from California?
The comics industry is broader at
the west coast.
JESSA
It was more like for personal
reasons.
GABE
Sorry for asking.
JESSA
No! I mean, I was having some
issues with my mother. She was
constantly pushing me to be
something that I’m not. I just felt
lying to myself. So I came to New
York, for a brand new start.
INT. YAFFA CAFE - LATER.
A nice diner with retro decoration. Zebra prints on the
booths and tables and Christmas lights hanging from the
ceiling. Gabe and Jessa are seated by the window, eating
burgers.
JESSA
Wait, wait! So you also do comics?!
Why didn’t you tell me before?!
GABE
Well--
JESSA
--I’ve been talking about me the
whole night. I’m sorry! You must
think I’m the worst company.
GABE
Shut up. You’re not.
JESSA
How many books you published?
GABE
Published? No no, we produced like
half dozen of graphic novels, but
we never got published.
(CONTINUED)

43. CONTINUED: 42.
JESSA
Who’s we?
GABE
Me and Matt. He was my creative
partner.
JESSA
What happen, you guys broke up?
Gabe was about to bite his burger but he stops.
GABE
No. He died a couple of months ago.
Gabe and Jessa eat their burger in an awkward silence.
EXT. SAINT MARKS PLACE - LATER.
A noisy and colorful street. Gabe and Jessa are walking
slowly, enjoying the evening.
JESSA
So, where can I find these books?
GABE
Nowadays? I don’t know. But I still
have a couple of each volume in my
apartment. We can go there
someday--
JESSA
--Can we go now?
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATER.
Gabe opens the door for Jessa. They step into the apartment.
Jessa examines the decoration.
JESSA
Wow! You take the nerd concept to a
whole new level.
Gabe walks to the bookshelf.
GABE
Here they are.
Gabe points to his books. He grabs one of them and gives to
Jessa.
(CONTINUED)

44. CONTINUED: 43.
JESSA
Cool!
Jessa seats on the couch, and start reading Gabe and Matt’s
book.
GABE
Do you wanna drink something?
JESSA
Sure. You have beer?
INT. GABE’S KITCHEN - LATER.
Gabe opens the fridge. There’s only Lea’s healthy food.
GABE
HEY! I’LL BE RIGHT BACK! GOING TO
THE DELI DOWNSTAIRS REALLY QUICKLY
AND GET US A SIX PACK!
Gabe runs throughout his apartment door.
INT. DAVE’S DELI - LATER.
A tired Dave is closing the front door and turning off the
Deli’s lights when he hears door knocks.
DAVE
Now what the --
GABE (OS)
--DAVE! DAVE! IT’S GABE! OPEN UP!
Dave opens the door.
DAVE
We’re closed man, what the hell?
Are you on drugs?
GABE
Sorry Dave! It’s an emergency!
DAVE
What is it?!
GABE
I need beer.
Dave sighs and slams the door in Gabe’s face.

45. 44.
EXT. DAVE’S DELI FRONT DOOR - CONTINUES.
Gabe keeps starring the door while he hears Dave mumbling on
the other side. Dave opens the door again, handing a six
pack. He gives it to Gabe.
DAVE
Next time you have an emergency,
call 911.
GABE
Thanks so much!
Gabe rushes back to his apartment. Holding the door opened,
Dave watches Gabe’s run.
DAVE
(Shaking his head)
White people...
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATER.
The door opens with a bang. Gabe walks in, breathing
heavily. He goes straight to the living room, but he doesn’t
find Jessa on the couch. He turns his head and sees her,
sitting on Matt’s desk, reading Matt’s papers. Gabe freezes.
JESSA
Hey! That was fast!
GABE
What... what you’re doing?
JESSA
I was reading this. "The Last Man
in The Universe". You’re new baby!
Wow Gabe, this is really good!
GABE
(talks under his breath)
Uh... thanks.
JESSA
I didn’t know you were a writer as
well.
Gabe’s hands are trembling.
GABE
I’m...not.
Jessa stands up, still holding Matt’s papers.
(CONTINUED)

46. CONTINUED: 45.
JESSA
You don’t have to be so humble!
This is amazing! You have talent.
Gabe abruptly grabs the papers from Jessa’s hands and puts
it back on the desk. Jessa gets scared.
GABE
This is Matt’s desk.
The sound of a key chain trying to open the door is heard in
the living room. Lea comes in. She has a turtle tattoo on
her left arm, this time. She doesn’t notice the tension in
the air.
LEA
Hey Gabe, I have left overs! Oh,
hi. I’m Lea, Gabe’s sister.
Jessa is relieved by Lea’s arrival.
JESSA
Hey! I didn’t know you had a
sister. I’m Jessa.
LEA
Wait, you’re the comics girl! We
read your book last night! You’re
amazing! Right, Gabe?
Gabe nods. Lea looks at the six pack Gabe is holding.
LEA
Wow! Beer!
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
The living room is messier then before. Gabe is walking with
a trash bag, taking out the beer bottles. He throws it in
the trash.
He stares at Matt’s desk. Hesitating, he walks towards it
and stops right in front of the papers. He seats on the
chair, holds a sheet of paper and starts reading it.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
Another work day at Supernova. Jay keeps drawing on his
notebook. Gabe is reading a magazine. A fat kid is browsing
through the store.
(CONTINUED)

47. CONTINUED: 46.
JAY
You’re really not telling me what
happened last night?
GABE
Nothing happened Gabe. We went to
the exhibition and had dinner
later. That’s it.
JAY
Ye, but what happened? Where’s the
yesterday smiley face? You were
glowing like like those Twilight
gay vampires.
Gabe ignores him. Jay tries to concentrate on his drawing.
He can’t.
JAY
Did she try to stick a finger
there?
GABE
What?! No! Shut up! Just... show me
your new idea already.
JAY
Ok, wait...
Jay gives the final retouch on his drawing. Before showing
it to Gabe.
JAY
Taking in consideration all the
creative feedback you’ve been
giving me, I was able to realize
the flaws in my previous art pieces
and come up with my ultimate and
final creation. The one that will
rule them all. Are you ready?
GABE
Ye.
JAY
I have two words for you.
(BEAT)
GABE
What?
(CONTINUED)

48. CONTINUED: 47.
JAY
Wait! I’m setting the dramatic
tension here.
Gabe sighs.
JAY
Fish Whisperer.
Jay keeps nodding for approval.
GABE
I don’t get it.
JAY
Dude! Think! It’s Aquaman meets The
Six Sense!
GABE
Wow. I’m... speechless.
JAY
I know, right!?
The door bell rings.
DING.
Jessa walks in.
JESSA
Hey comic boys.
GABE AND JAY
Hey.
JESSA
Gabe, I dropped by to give you
this.
Jessa takes a small and thin notebook out of her bag. She
handles to Gabe.
GABE
What is it?
JESSA
Well, I felt really bad about what
happened last night.
Jay stares at Jessa’s finger.
(CONTINUED)

49. CONTINUED: 48.
JESSA
You could hardly sleep. So I
decided to write some ideas to help
you out finishing your story.
GABE
What?
Jay takes the notebook from Gabe’s hand and reads it. Gabe
seems confused.
JAY
Oh! Is this for "The Last Man in
Universe"?
JESSA
Yes. I thought some ways on how to
develop the story after Marcus
lands on Earth.
Jay keeps reading it.
JAY
This is great! You could really use
some of this insights, Gabe!
Gabe is looking to the floor. His hands are trembling again.
JAY
Gabe?
GABE
(controlling his anger)
Why are doing this?
JESSA
I’m just... trying to help.
Gabe grasps the notebook out of Jay’s hands and throws it
back to Jessa. The notebook hits her chest and falls in the
ground.
GABE
(Aggressively)
This is none of your fucking
business!
Gabe is breathing heavily. Jessa and Jay and the fat kid
look scared at him. Jessa opens her mouth to say something,
but she can’t. She turns her back to them and exits the
store, leaving her notebook on the floor. Jay and Gabe stay
in silence for some time.
(CONTINUED)

50. CONTINUED: 49.
JAY
Now that must have been a hell of a
finger.
INT. GABE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT.
Lighted by light of the moon, Gabe lies on his bed, starring
the ceiling. The Spider Man alarm clock marks 2h01 am. Gabe
rolls on the bed, sleepless.
INT. GABE’S KITCHEN - LATER.
Wearing his pajamas, Gabe opens the kitchen and grabs some
water. He drinks it from the bottle.
INT. GABE’S LIVING ROOM - LATER.
Gabe is walking back to his room but he stops and he faces
himself in front of his bag. He takes a moment before
opening the front pocket and taking out Jessa’s notebook.
Stares at it and them gathers courage to read it.
He seats on his chair, holding Jessa’s notebook and Matt’s
papers. He reads it all. A well sharped pencil over a blank
piece of paper lays in under his nose. He observes them and
slowly moves his hands attempting to hold the pencil.
After a deep breath, Gabe starts drawing again.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE - DAY.
A flowering and crowded square with a big fountain in the
center. Gabe and Jessa are seated on a bench. Around them
children plays and people walk their dogs.
GABE
Thanks for coming. I’m really sorry
for my behavior yesterday. Guess I
overreacted.
JESSA
Oh, you think?!
GABE
I know, I was a jerk. But hey,
look.
Gabe takes out from his bag a folder with comic book pages.
(CONTINUED)

51. CONTINUED: 50.
GABE
I spend the whole night drawing
this. I took all yours and Matt’s
ideas to keep producing The Last
Man.
Jessa is impressed, but resented.
JESSA
That’s terrific, Gabe. I’m glad for
you. Hope you can finish it
someday.
GABE
See, that’s the thing. Me and Matt,
we had this idea of finishing The
Last Man in time in time to promote
it at San Diego’s Comic Con. We
were confident that if we could do
so, we would find a publisher
willing to sell the book.
JESSA
That’s great. You should do it.
GABE
I can’t. At least not by myself. I
can’t write, Jessa. I’m not a
writer. I draw. But you, you
clearly have the skills.
JESSA
Wait. Are you proposing a
partnership?
GABE
Ye. Maybe together we can finish it
in time to San Diego.
JESSA
How much time would he have?
GABE
A couple of weeks to finish the
sample and send it to be evaluated
and then two months to finish the
whole thing. Matt and I had some
savings we’ve been keeping to print
some copies. So you wouldn’t have
to spend any money on it.
(CONTINUED)

52. CONTINUED: 51.
JESSA
Well, that is a lot to process.
Gabe stands up.
GABE
Of course. Take some time and call
me if--
JESSA
--Time?! We don’t any time! Ok,
I’ll do it, but you have to promise
me you won’t have another freak
attack!
GABE
You got a deal!
MONTAGE, BY THE SOUND OF "BRAND NEW START" - LITTLE JOY.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - DAY.
Gabe and Jessa are on Gabe’s couch, discussing ideas for
"The Last Man in The Universe".
EXT. SOUTH SEAPORT STREET - DAY.
Gabe and Jessa are talking and walking at the South Seaport
Street.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
Gabe and Jessa are discussing their ideas with Jay, who is
totally excited.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
Gabe is drawing on his desk, while Jessa sleeps in the
couch. He looks at her with kindness.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - DAY.
Gabe is seated in bench at Central Park. Jessa talks while
Gabe draws in his notebook.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
Gabe, Jessa and Lea are eating chinese food in the couch and
watching TV.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
(CONTINUED)

53. CONTINUED: 52.
Gabe is drawing on his desk. Jessa sleeps at Lea’s lap in
the couch while Gabe’s sister watches TV.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
Jay and Gabe are drawing in their notebooks while they work
at the supernova. Gabe’s drawing is a complex view of a
desert abandoned city. Jay’s drawing is a cartoonish
character dressed as a banana, wearing a cape.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
Jessa seated on the couch while she writes. Gabe sleeps over
his desk.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
Gabe is in front of the computer, coloring "The Last Man in
The Universe" pages. Jay and Jessa are making suggestions
behind him.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT AND JESSA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT.
Gabe and Jessa discussing ideas through the phone. Gabe is
drawing a female character on his notebook that resembles
Jessa.
INT. FEDEX KINKO’S - DAY.
Gabe and Jessa are printing the cover of "The Last Man in
The Universe" sample.
INT. STARBUCKS CAFE - DAY.
Gabe and Jessa are filling the application form to Comic
Con.
INT. POST OFFICE - DAY.
Gabe is in a line to send the application form in the post
office.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - DAY.
While Gabe is seated behind the counter, drawing another
page of "The Last Man in Universe", Jay is helping a fat
young dude in the register. The kid gives Jay a pile of
books.
(CONTINUED)

54. CONTINUED: 53.
JAY
Ok, let’s take a look on what do we
have here.
Jay start charging the books.
JAY
Eisner... Sacco... Spiegelman,
sweet man, nice selection! Moore...
Crumb... wait a minute.
Jay holds a copy of "Material Man".
JAY
Are you kidding me?
FAT YOUNG DUDE
What?
JAY
Are you... are you buying this?
FAT YOUNG DUDE
Yes.
JAY
But why?!
FAT YOUNG DUDE
Ahn... excuse me?
JAY
Why the hell, among all the great
art pieces in this store, you chose
THIS!?
Behind Jay, a monstrous "Material Man" poster.
FAT YOUNG DUDE
I... I don’t know, dude. I heard
it’s cool.
JAY
Cool?! You heard that this pile of
shit is cool? This big cliche
machine, superficial crap is cool?
How... who... how the... who told
you...
Jay closes his eyes, leans on the counter and takes a long
and deep breath. He looks deadly serious at the fat young
dude.
(CONTINUED)

55. CONTINUED: 54.
JAY
Dear and beloved costumer, I can
see that you mean no harm. And I
can also realize, by your other
selections, that you have potential
to be a quality reader. The books
you have here are classics of the
ninth art and I am proud of you for
taking them home and embarking on
these delightful journeys, full of
meanings, emotions and talent.
That’s why, putting this--
Jay breaths deeply again.
JAY
-- "book" among these other titles
is, at least, sacrilegious.
Therefore, as an certificate sales
associate at Supernova, I have to
recommend you something more
suitable with the other titles
you’re purchasing today.
Gabe is shaking his head with a smirk smile.
FAT YOUNG DUDE
Wow. Well, thanks dude. But I’m
taking it.
JAY
What!? But I just--
FAT YOUNG DUDE
--Dude! Are you fucking selling me
this or not?!
JAY
No! I won’t be responsible for such
a crime!
FAT YOUNG DUDE
FINE! I’ll get it online, then! Who
wants to buy in a dirty old store,
anyway?
The fat young dude walks towards the exit.
JAY
WAIT! What about the other books?
(CONTINUED)

56. CONTINUED: 55.
FAT YOUNG DUDE
SHOVE IT!
Jay keeps starring forward while the front door closes.
GABE
Great selling skills, Jay. You
totally deserve the assistant
manager title.
JAY
Shut up!
Jay looks to the ceiling.
JAY
Father, you know I won’t give up on
my quest of saving as many souls I
can.
GABE
Maybe you should think about saving
this store finances, because it’s
just a matter of time until this
shit hole closes.
Jay grabs the fat young dude pile of books over the counter
and starts replacing it back through the store.
JAY
So Gabe. Have you guys did it
already?
GABE
Did what? What you’re talking
about, Willis?
JAY
You know. You and Jessa. Have you,
you know.
GABE
Are you talking about--
JAY
--Sex!
GABE
What!? No! We’re just friends!
JAY
Right. Not by your choice.
(CONTINUED)

57. CONTINUED: 56.
Gabe keeps drawing. Jay finishes replacing the book and goes
back to the counter.
JAY
Seriously, Gabe. You have to make a
move, and fast. Otherwise you will
loose your moment.
GABE
Ye, I should definitively take love
advices from you, Casanova.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
Gabe is drawing in his desk. He hear the sound of a key
chain and then the door opens. Lea comes in, dressed on her
work uniform.
LEA
Hey, still working? Where’s Jessa?
GABE
She left about an hour ago. I want
to finish this page before going to
bed.
Lea throws herself in the couch.
LEA
So, there was this guy in the bar
tonight. Great tipper. He told me
he works in comics industry.
GABE
(Without paying too much
attention)
Hum, he’s an artist?
LEA
No, he said he is a publisher at
Black something. Black Horse--
GABE
--Dark Horse?!
LEA
Yes! Dark Horse! Exactly. And I
told him about you and the book
you’re making.
(CONTINUED)

58. CONTINUED: 57.
GABE
And?!
LEA
He said he would love to meet you
sometime. But... he I might just be
trying to get into my pants.
GABE
I don’t care! It’s a publisher,
Lea! He can get into whoever pants
he likes as long he takes a look at
The Last Man.
LEA
Gabe, I’m not your bitch!
GABE
Sorry, Lea. Just kidding here!
That’s not what I meant.
LEA
It’s ok. I’ll take one of the
samples you printed and I’ll bring
to him tomorrow.
Gabe grins.
GABE
Thanks sis.
LEA
Whatever.
Gabe goes back to his drawing, with a large smile on his
face, while Lea curls her hair with her fingers.
LEA
How much money do you think a
publisher makes?
INT. GABE’S BEDROOM - MORNING.
The Spider Man Alarm Clocks wakes Gabe at 9h00 am.
INT. GABE’S KITCHEN - LATER.
Gabe is preparing his cereal. The door bell rings. He opens
the door.

59. 58.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT HALLWAY - CONTINUES.
Ouside the apartment, Jessa is holding an envelope with
large smile on her face.
GABE
Hey! What’s that?
JESSA
We’re in!
GABE
What?
Gabe sees the Comic Con logo on the envelope.
GABE
No way.
JESSA
Way.
GABE
No way!
JESSA
Way, Gabe, way!
Gabe hugs Jessa and lift her up in the air.
GABE
We did it!
Gabe starts spinning her in the hallway. Jessa laughs
loudly.
GABE
I can’t believe it!
JESSA
Put me down, Gabe!
They stop spinning. Gabe puts her down. He looks into her
eyes.
JESSA
Thanks for this oportunity, Gabe.
GABE
No... thank you.
Gabe leans forward and kisses Jessa, holding her hips. Jessa
gets scared. She pushes him.
(CONTINUED)

60. CONTINUED: 59.
JESSA
Gabe! What the fuck!?
GABE
I’m sorry, I thought that we--
JESSA
--Fuck! Fuck!
GABE
-- that we had a connection.
JESSA
We do, you idiot! We’re creative
partners. That’s it!
GABE
I’m so sorry. I misread the
signals.
JESSA
You’re an asshole, Gabe!
Jessa marchs out of the hallway through the stairs. Leaving
Gabe completely confused.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
Gabe and Jay are seated in the couch, drinking beer and
watching TV.
JAY
So she just called you an asshole
and disappeared?
GABE
Pretty much, ye.
JAY
Without any further explanation?
Terminal cancer? Time traveling?
Seven evil ex boyfriends?
GABE
Nada. I’ve spend the day trying to
understand why, but... it just
doesn’t make any sense.
JAY
You should call Lea and get some
feminine perspective on it.
(CONTINUED)

61. CONTINUED: 60.
GABE
I did. She said she have no idea.
But she told me that her and Jessa
are going out to drink and talk
tonight
JAY
I think Jessa probably feels she
needs to be around her girlfriends
now.
GABE
Ye. I’ll just drop by her house
tomorrow and ask what is going on.
JAY
You do that, boy! Just be straight
to her. I can’t see how that can go
wrong.
GABE
Cheers.
JAY
Cheers.
They drink their beer.
INT. JESSA’S APARTMENT HALLWAY - MORNING.
Gabe knocks at Jessa’s door. He’s well dressed and a bit
nervous. He hears a feminine voice on the other side of the
door.
FEMININE VOICE
Shut up! Let me pay, I have a job!
A girl opens the door. Completely confused, Gabe recognizes
the girl. It’s Lea. She is Jessa’s Felix The Cat t-shirt and
her panties. Lea is petrified by seeing Gabe at the door.
They stare at each other, without saying a word.
JESSA (OS)
Just pay the guy and come to bed,
I’m starving!
GABE
Lea?
JESSA (OS)
Lea, come on! Hurry up!
(CONTINUED)

62. CONTINUED: 61.
LEA
I’m sorry.
JESSA (OS)
What is talking you so long?
Gabe hears footsteps getting closer. Jessa apears behind
Lea.
JESSA
Oh, fuck.
Gabe walks away.
EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - RAINY DAY.
Under their umbrellas, people walk fast through the streets
of New York. A big line of cars are stuck in traffic,
honking with impatience. Gabe ignores the rain, the people
and the cars. He’s completely wet, walking slowly carrying a
miserable expression.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATER
Seated on the couch, a soaked Gabe zaps the TV without
interest in any particular channel. The phone rings.
RING!
Gabe picks up the phone but stays mute.
LEA
(trough phone)
Gabe? Gabe?!
EXT. STREETS OF NEW YORK - CONTINUES.
Lea walks fast in the streets. Still rains massively. She
carries an umbrella and talks on the cellphone.
LEA
(Into phone)
Gabe, I know you’re there, I can
here you breathing! Listen! Don’t
freak out! It’s not what you’re
thinking! I’m coming home now and
we can talk--

63. 62.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - CONTINUES.
Gabe hangs up the phone. He promptly turns off the TV, grabs
his bag and exits the apartment.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - LATER.
Jay is alone in the store, reading a hentai magazine. (adult
content Japanese comics). The door bell rings.
DING.
Scared, Jay throws the magazine on the floor, behind the
counter. Gabe walks in, even more wet then before.
JAY
Gabe, it’s your day off. What the
hell are you doing here?
GABE
I can’t stay home, Jay. Do you want
me to step in and cover your shift
today?
Jay looks to the ground and sees the magazine laying there.
He steps on it, trying to hide it.
JAY
No! You stay right there! It’s your
day off, for Christ sake! Tell me
what’s going on.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - LATER.
Jay looks astonished with his mouth open. Gabe is seated on
the counter, gazing at Jay.
GABE
So, you’re not gonna say anything?
(BEAT)
GABE
Jay? Jay?!
JAY
Dude, wait! This is too much to
process!
(CONTINUED)

64. CONTINUED: 63.
GABE
I know.
JAY
It’s not easy to image the scene,
you know? I’m struggling here to
make it more realistic as possible.
GABE
Oh, fuck you!
JAY
Sorry, Gabe! But come on!
Jay stares deeply into Gabe’s eyes.
JAY
(Whispering)
Two girls!
GABE
One is my sister. The other one is
the girl I love.
JAY
Ye, it’s probably a little bit more
tricky for you, but still.
The door bell rings.
DING.
Lea comes in. She throws her umbrella in the ground and
walks towards her brother. Jay looks at Lea with wonderment.
She is holding her cellphone. She tries to hands it to Gabe,
but he doesn’t grab the phone from her hands.
GABE
I don’t wanna talk to you nor her
right now.
LEA
It’s not Jessa.
Confused, Gabe takes hold of the phone with hesitation.
GABE
(Into the phone)
Uh.. hello?

65. 64.
INT. NATHANIEL’S OFFICE - CONTINUES.
A fancy office with a big window displaying the south bay
area of New York city. On the walls, framed posters of
Material Man and other titles. Behind a wooden large desk,
sits NATHANIEL SHARP, an mid-thirties spiked hair executive.
NATHANIEL
(Into the phone)
Gabe! The man of the moment! I was
so looking forward to talk to you.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - CONTINUES.
Gabe chokes the phone with both hands.
GABE
(Whispering)
Who is this?!
Lea gestures for Gabe to keep talking. Gabe obeys.
INTERCUT AS NEEDED.
GABE
(Into the phone)
Uh... hi. Who’s is it?
NATHANIEL
Oh, I’m so sorry! My name is
Nathaniel, but you can call me
Nate. Look at that! Gabe and Nate!
What a team, hun?
GABE
Uh--
NATHANIEL
-- I’m a friend of your sister,
Lea? She gave to me a sample of
your book--
Nathaniel shuffles the papers on his desk, among dozens of
magazines he finds "The Last Man in The Universe" sample.
NATHANIEL
--"The Last Man in The Universe"!
Wow! Genius, really really good!
ESPECIALLY the art. You’re gifted!
(CONTINUED)

66. CONTINUED: 65.
GABE
Thanks.
NATHANIEL
Anywho, I work on this "little"
publishing company, I don’t know if
you ever heard of us, "Dark Horse"?
GABE
Yes! Off course!
NATHANIEL
So, I’m gonna straight. We would
LOVE to meet with you anytime to
talk business, what you think?
GABE
Uh.. sure! Ye! Absolutely, that
would be--
NATHANIEL
--Wonderful. Listen, I have to go.
My assistant will call you in a bit
to schedule a meeting, ok? Awesome,
great chat, bye bye.
END OF INTERCUT.
Gabe needs a moment to hang up the phone. With his mouth
open, he looks at Jay.
JAY
What was that?
Gabe can’t talk. Then he looks at Lea. She smiles.
GABE
You...are so fucking lucky.
INT. DARK HORSE CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY.
A large meeting table is centered in a bright room. In one
side, three chairs are occupied by Nathaniel, FRANK HUMBLES,
a 30 years old eccentric comic book writer and an KIM LIN
HU, a young female Chinese executive. Behind them, framed
posters of "Hellboy", "Sin City" and "Buffy" on the walls.
On the other side, Gabe is seated alone. Behind him, a huge
poster of "Conan".
NATHANIEL
Gabe, we are so happy to have you
here! We were mind blown by the
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

67. CONTINUED: 66.
NATHANIEL (cont’d)
style, the angles, the details you
put on paper. Right Kim?
KIM
Brains on the ceiling.
GABE
Thanks.
NATHANIEL
And we would love to publish your
book here at Dark Horse. Right Kim?
KIM
Absolutely.
NATHANIEL
BUT, with this whole burst of
comics movies adaptations and the
Comic Cons coming up, we have so
many projects already in
development, that we can’t just
push yours first. Kim?
KIM
So so many projects.
NATHANIEL
But we don’t want to waist a talent
like yours. So we have something
right now for you. Do you know
Frank Humbles?
Gabe realizes he is facing Frank Humbles.
GABE
Hum, just by name. Nice to meet
you.
Frank nods.
NATHANIEL
Frank is our newest and most
promise writer here at Dark Horse.
His first and only graphic novel so
far sold more then six hundred
thousand copies in less then six
months. Material Man has made more
then 2 million dolars in
merchandising last year and we just
signed with Universal Studios to
shoot the movie adaptation.
(CONTINUED)

68. CONTINUED: 67.
KIM
Samuel L. Jackson is on board.
NATHANIEL
You see Gabe, with all the buzz, we
think it’s the right time to
release a sequel.
GABE
Hum... cool. But, I though Material
Man exploded himself and the whole
Zargun planet to save humankind at
the end of the--
NATHANIEL
--That is just a minor detail. I’m
sure Frank already have a solution
for this, right Frank?
FRANK
(Starring seriously at Gabe)
I do.
Gabe, Nathaniel and Kim look at Frank, waiting for the
explanation. But Frank stays mute.
NATHANIEL
Ok. Here’s the deal, Gabe. We need
a new talent. We want you to
illustrate "Material Man 2".
Gabe is surprised by the offer. The three on the other side
stare at him waiting for an answer.
GABE
Ahn... what about James Bonnet, the
original illustrator, what happened
to him?
Frank rolls his eyes.
NATHANIEL
Frank and Mr. Bonnet had some
creative divergences, so we decided
to tave some fresh talent this
time. You see Gabe, this kind of
exposition could put you on the
first time of American
illustrators. Right Kim?
KIM
Easily.
(CONTINUED)

69. CONTINUED: 68.
NATHANIEL
So, what do you say?
Gabe feels pressured by the tension in the room.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - NIGHT.
Jay is behind the register machine, full of rage.
JAY
YOU WHAT!?
GABE
I, I took the job at Dark Horse! I
though you would be happy for me!
JAY
You’re gonna work at Dark Horse?!
GABE
Yes!
JAY
And you’re gonna draw "Material Man
2"?!
GABE
Yes!
JAY
Are you out of your fucking mind!?
GABE
Jay! It’s a real job! I’ll be
drawing a real graphic novel! It’s
gonna be selling worldwide!
JAY
The Last Man is a real graphic
novel! "Material Man" is just...
the worst thing I have ever read in
my life!
GABE
C’mon Jay, everything that sells
here is the worst thing you ever
read in your life.
JAY
Ye, but this time I mean it!
(CONTINUED)

70. CONTINUED: 69.
GABE
Besides, it’s the chance to publish
The Last Man! If I do "Material
Man", they’ll consider publishing
my book next year!
(BEAT)
JAY
(Sighs)
Fuck, Gabe. I had great plans for
you.
GABE
What are you talking about?
JAY
I was gonna make you Supernova
co-assistant manager. But now, now
you’ll probably have to work only
part time here because of your new
"job".
GABE
Well, about that. That’s actually
why I came here to talk to you. It
will be a full time job at Dark
Horse, so--
JAY
--Don’t even think about saying
that.
GABE
--I’ll have to stop working here.
Gabe waits for Jay’s reaction, but he keeps looking to the
floor, shaking his head.
GABE
Jay? Are you not gonna say
anything?
Jay stares at Gabe.
JAY
You’re fired, Gabe.

71. 70.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATER.
No one is seated on the couch or on the desks. The TV is
turned off. An unoccupied living room. The sound of a door
being opened. Gabe appears. He tosses his bag in the couch.
Besides the couch, the answering machine marks one new
message. Gabe clicks "play".
LEA
(Through answering machine.)
Hey Gabe, I’m already at work. Hope
you had a successful meeting with
Nate. I know you’re trying to avoid
me, but we need to talk.
Gabe goes to his room.
LEA
(Through answering machine.)
You misunderstood the whole
situation the other day. Me and
Jessa got drunk and I end up
sleeping at her place. That was it.
The door bell rings.
RING.
Gabe comes back from his room and towards the door.
LEA
(Through answering machine.)
I mean, I’m not saying that we
didn’t do anything. Cause yes, we
made out. But that was it. I
doesn’t mean anything! It wasn’t
me! It was the tequila!
Gabe opens the door, Jessa is on the other side. They both
can hear Lea’s voice coming from the answering machine.
LEA
(Through answering machine.)
So yes, I slept with Jessa. But it
was a one night thing! I’m not
gonna do it again! I promise you,
she is not my type. I know what
you’re thinking, but I’m not a
lesbian!
JESSA
Ouch.
(CONTINUED)

72. CONTINUED: 71.
LEA
(Through answering machine.)
Anyway. We can talk later when I
come back. Me and Jessa are hitting
to the movies later, maybe she
could stop by and talk to you. Miss
you bro.
BEEP.
JESSA
Can we talk?
GABE
I have to work in the morning.
Gabe closes the door on Jessa’s face.
JESSA (OS)
Congratulations on your new job,
Gabe! You asshole!
EXT. DARK HORSE HEADQUARTERS - DAY.
A sizable building with big windows and the Dark Horse logo
placed right above an ostentatious door entrance. Staying a
couple of feet in front of it, Gabe contemplates the view.
He takes a deep breath and enters in the building.
INT. DARK HORSE LOBBY - CONTINUES.
A busy and well decorated lobby. Executives in suits come
and go from the elevators. Three receptionists using blue
tooth devices talk on the phone unstoppably, putting all
their calls on hold. Gabe, felling highly under dressed for
the situation, ambles towards one of the receptionists.
RECEPTIONIST
Good Morning, Dark Horse Comics,
how can I help you?
GABE
Hi, It’s my first--
The receptionist makes a sign for Gabe to wait a moment
because she is on the phone.
RECEPTIONIST
I’ll transfer you, have a good day.
Hello, welcome to Dark Horse
Comics, how can I help you?
(CONTINUED)

73. CONTINUED: 72.
GABE
Hey, my name is Gabe, it’s my first
day here at Dark Horse.
RECEPTIONIST
Oh, welcome! Is anyone expecting
you?
GABE
I think Mr. Frank Humbles is
expecting me.
RECEPTIONIST
I’m sorry sir, he is not in the
country, right now.
GABE
Excuse me?
The receptionist signs again, pointing that she is on the
phone with someone else.
RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Lee will be coming back from
his vacations next Monday. I’m
Sorry, who did you say it’s
expecting you, again?
GABE
Frank Humbles.
RECEPTIONIST
Ok.
She uses her computer keyboard to make the call.
RECEPTIONIST
Mr. Humbles? Hi, Mr. --
GABE
Robert. Gabriel Roberts.
RECEPTIONIST.
-- Mr. Gabriel Roberts is already
here sir. Yes, sir. You have to go
to the HR department and print your
ID card, sir.
Gabe keeps starring at the receptionist.
RECEPTIONIST.
Sir!
(CONTINUED)

74. CONTINUED: 73.
GABE
Yes?
RECEPTIONIST
You have to go to the Human
Resources department to print your
ID card. Third floor. After that
Mr. Humbles will be expecting you
at the tenth floor.
INT. DARK HORSE HALLWAY - LATER.
Already carrying his ID card around his neck, Gabe searches
for the right door. He reads the door signs: "MARK SHEPPERD
AND DAVID ORTIZ", "JOHN MORITZ AND ROBERT DUPRE", "EDWARD
FRANTI AND FOREST BEHRINGER". He finally finds the right
door: "FRANK HUMBLES AND ILLUSTRATOR". He knocks.
INT. FRANK HUMBLES’ OFFICE - CONTINUES.
A spacious and bright room divided in two work offices. In
one side, a large extravagant desk, surrounded by "Material
Man" merchandise products. Posters, toys, wall clocks. On
the side, a bookshelf with classics of literature, like
Maquiavel, Cervantes, Bukowski and Kafka. Seated on a tall
and comfortable chair is Frank Humbles, writing frenetically
on a wireless keyboard, while looking to a huge MAC monitor.
On the other side of the room there’s a simple chair and a
simple illustrator desk with and a pile of white paper over
it. Gabe opens the door and enters the room.
GABE
Hey, Frank. How you doing, man?
Gabe makes a move to greet Frank by shaking his hand, but
Frank interrupts him, without taking his eyes off the
monitor.
FRANK
That’s your table. You may sit.
I’ll be with you in a minute.
Gabe sits on his chair, trying to get comfortable, but the
seat is to too near to the ground. Gabe looks around,
analyzing the place. He attempts to spin the chair, but it
makes an awful loud squeaking sound. Frank stops writing.
FRANK
Please, don’t do that.
Frank goes back to his writing. Gabe tries to find something
in the room to start small talk.
(CONTINUED)

75. CONTINUED: 74.
GABE
So... a lot of books you have
there.
Frank keeps writing. Gabe notices something.
GABE
Hum... no comics?
Frank keeps writing.
FRANK
I don’t read comics.
GABE
You don’t read comics?
FRANK
I don’t really care about the
sequential art language. I’m a
storyteller. Unfortunately, my
stories are too big, visual and
expensive for other medias, so I’m
adapting my art to the comics
aesthetics while I wait for the
movies adaptations.
Gabe looks at Frank with incredulousness. Frank ends his
writing and stares at Gabe.
FRANK
Gabriel, right?
GABE
Yes, but you can call me--
FRANK
--So, a few ground rules. Material
Man is my masterpiece. I treat it
with all my respect and dedication.
And I expect that you do the same.
GABE
Off course, Frank. I totally
understand--
FRANK
--Not done. I also have a very
specific creation method. I’m not
interrupted when I’m describing
panels, scenarios and dialogues.
I’m meticulous in my descriptions,
so I demand perfection on every
single drawing.--
(CONTINUED)

76. CONTINUED: 75.
Frank’s voice starts fading while Gabe’s gets distracted.
FRANK
-- This is a collaboration project.
My responsibility is to conceive
all the elements that will bring
the story to life. Your
responsibility is to reproduce all
these elements into paper. Is that
clear?
Gabe is lost in his thoughts.
FRANK
Gabriel? Is that clear?!
GABE
Oh... Yes! Bright clear!
FRANK
Superb. Let’s begin.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
An exhausted Gabe arrives at his apartment from his first
day at Dark Horse. He throws his bag and himself in the
couch and turns the TV on.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATER.
It’s late night. Gabe is sleeping in the couch with the TV
on in loud volume. Lea is in the room, shaking Gabe, trying
to wake him up.
LEA
Gabe! Gabe! Wake up! Go to bed!
Gabe rouses. He looks at her scared, struggling to situate
himself.
GABE
What time is it?!
LEA
A quarter past four. I just got
home from work. How was the first
day?
GABE
Hum... very... corporate.
(CONTINUED)

77. CONTINUED: 76.
LEA
Do you want to talk now?
GABE
Not really, no. I have to go wake
up in couple of hours.
LEA
Ok. We can have brunch this
weekend, what about that?
GABE
Sure. We’ll do that. Going to bed?
LEA
Ye, Good Night.
Lea goes to her room. Gabe rubs his eyes, stands up and
grabs his bag. He makes an attempt to go to his room but
stops when stares at his working desk. He shuffles through
the papers lying there. There’s unfinished panels, papers
fully written and drafts. He finds Jessa’s notebook. He
holds it for a second.
He seats in the chair and flips Jessa’s book. He has a small
smile of sentimentality on his face. Gabe holds an
unfinished panel, grabs a pencil and begins drawing on it.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - MORNING.
Gabe is still drawing on his desk, very concentrated. The
Spider Man Alarm Clock sound starts beeping from his room.
He jumps out of his chair and looks for Watchman clock in
the wall. It marks 07h30.
GABE
Shit!
Gabe runs to his room.
INT. DARK HORSE LOBBY - MORNING.
Gabe comes into the lobby in a hurry. He shows his ID card
to the receptionist.
RECEPTIONIST
Good morning, Mr. Robert.
Gabe nods at her with a smile. He sees the elevator door
closing.
(CONTINUED)

78. CONTINUED: 77.
GABE
Hold it, please!
He enters in the elevator breathless.
INT. FRANK HUMBLES’ OFFICE - LATER.
Gabe is already seated in his chair, drafting unstoppably
over a blank piece of paper. Frank is strolling in circles
around the room, looking through the window. He is dictating
at Gabe in a very theatrical way.
FRANK
A post-apocalyptic New York City!
Times Square is devastated. There’s
some Broadway shows’ panels like
The Phantom and Rent--
GABE
I think Rent is not on Broadway
anymore.
FRANK
-- still hanging by the cords. Cars
are abandoned throughout the 7th
Avenue and Broadway. The store
windows are all broken and the
walls are spray painted. There’s a
helicopter crashed on the Coca-Cola
sign.
GABE
A what?
Frank sights. He uses his hands to explain to Gabe.
FRANK
A-helicopter-crashed-on-the-Coca-Cola-sign.
Got it?
Gabe looks at the paper a bit confused.
GABE
Hum... ye. Keep going.
FRANK
On the center of the panel, a
silver ring lies on the ground, on
the bottom of the TKTS stairs.
(CONTINUED)

79. CONTINUED: 78.
GABE
Wait. You want all of this in one
panel?
FRANK
Absolutely.
GABE
I was doing a whole page on this.
Showing every detail in small
panels and them a big horizontal
one in the bottom with a panoramic
view. See?
Gabe grabs the paper and tries to show it to Frank. Frank is
looking to the other way.
FRANK
I don’t need to see your doodles,
Gabriel, because I already imagined
it in my mind. I know exactly what
I want to say in this panel and how
I want to show it. So, please,
again. A post-apocalyptic New York
City! Times Square is devastated.
There’s some Broadway shows’ panels
like the Phantom, Rent and Mamma
Mia--
Gabe crumbles the piece of paper and starts again.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
A couple of weeks have passed. Seated in his desk, Gabe is
drawing "The Last Man in The Universe". He is using the long
beard style again. The watchman clock marks 09h12 p.m. Lea
walks in from the streets carrying shopping bags. She talks
on the phone.
LEA
(Into the phone)
Yes! 50% off! Can you believe it?!
I had to buy it, you know? This
kind of opportunity comes one in a
life time!
Lea notices Gabe’s presence in the room. She changes the
tone of voice, almost whispering in the phone.
LEA
(Into the phone)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

80. CONTINUED: 79.
LEA (cont’d)
Look, I’ll call you later. Yes,
he’s here. Hum... ye, I think you
should. Ok, talk to you later. Bye.
GABE
Who was it?
LEA
(Lying)
Uh... mom! She said hi.
GABE
Are you sure it was not Jessa?
Lea goes to her room.
LEA (OS)
Why? Do you wanna talk to her?
GABE
Not really.
LEA (OS)
Too late, she’s on her way.
GABE
What?
Lea closes the door.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATER.
The door bell rings.
RING.
Gabe opens the door. He is wearing a nicer t-shirt, his
beard is shaved and his hair is still wet. Jessa is in the
other side of the door, holding a sad smile.
JESSA
Hey Gabe. Please don’t shut the
door on my face again.
GABE
I’m sorry for--
JESSA
It’s ok. I came here to get my
notebook.
(CONTINUED)

81. CONTINUED: 80.
GABE
Sure, come in.
Jessa comes in. Gabe walks to his desk. Jessa follows him.
JESSA
How’s been with the new job?
GABE
Hum... alright. It’s kind of weird
to adapt with a new partner but
it’s ok.
He grabs her notebook and hands to her. Their hands touch
each other. Awkwardness. Jessa notices the new pages Gabe
has been drawing.
JESSA
Wow! What is this?
Gabe tries to hide his drawings, but Jessa grabs some
papers.
JESSA
Gabe, these are great!
GABE
Uh, thanks.
JESSA
Seriously. Really good... wait. I
don’t remember writing this.
GABE
Ye, that’s some new stuff.
JESSA
Who’s writing for you?
GABE
No one, I’ve been writing by
myself--
JESSA
--You’ve been writing this?
Jessa starts reading it but Gabe keeps trying to take the
papers out of her hands.
JESSA
Gabe, stop! Let me read this!
(CONTINUED)

82. CONTINUED: 81.
GABE
It’s just bullshit!
JESSA
It’s not! Let me read it!
She steps back and Gabe gives up. He seats on the couch, a
bit ashamed. Jessa reads it attentively.
JESSA
This is going pretty well. You’re
almost ending it.
GABE
I’m kind of stuck in the last
chapter though. But there’s no
rush. Dark Horse will probably
publish it next year after I finish
"Material Man 2".
JESSA
What about Comic Con? You already
got accepted.
GABE
Why bother with that now? It’s too
much time, effort and money
spenthtt on possibilities, no
guarantees of a contract.
JESSA
Ye, but... did you sign anything
with Dark Horse to actually publish
The Last Man?
GABE
No, but...
JESSA
So why are you so confident?
GABE
Well, they told me I’ll be the
first on the list.
JESSA
I think you should have some
assurance before wasting the Comic
Con opportunity, I’m just saying.

83. 82.
INT. DARK HORSE CANTEEN - DAY.
Nathaniel is serving himself with mashed potatoes in the
lunch line at the Dark Horse canteen. Gabe, holding his
tray, comes cutting the line to try to get behind Nathaniel.
GABE
Mr. Sharp! Mr. Sharp, excuse me!
NATHANIEL
Gabe, how you doing?
GABE
I’m good, Mr. Sharp. Can I have a
word with you?
NATHANIEL
Of course. And call me Nate,
please! We are friends! Do you want
some mashed potatoes?
GABE
Uh, Sure. Thanks Mr...Nate.
Nathaniel serves him a spoon of mashed potatoes.
NATHANIEL
So, how’s our new future best
seller going on?
GABE
Hum... it’s going pretty good, I
guess.
NATHANIEL
You’re probably amazed by Frank’s
imagination. He is unbelievable,
right?
GABE
He is truly... beyond belief. But
an, I actually I was willing to
talk to you about my other project,
"The Last Man in The Universe"--
NATHANIEL
Oh! Genius! A master piece! I was
totally mind blown when I read it!
GABE
About that. I was wondering when
during the next season do you
intend to publish it, because I can
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

84. CONTINUED: 83.
GABE (cont’d)
finish it by the end of this summer
and if you are interested, I can
bring all the pages by this fall.
NATHANIEL
Well Gabe, you see. The comics
industry is a very complex
business. We can’t just put your
project first in a line--
GABE
--Ye, but you said that--
NATHANIEL
--There’s has to be market planning
and research. Lots of research. We
have to do audience testing before
any new releasing. And there’s
always our prime comics titles like
Buffy, Conan, Star Wars, Aliens Vs.
Predators--
GABE
--I understand it, sir. I’m saying
that--
NATHANIEL
-- Besides, you have a lot of work
ahead of you, with Frank. Why don’t
worry about "Material Man 2" now
and we can talk about that next
year, hun?
GABE
Well, I--
NATHANIEL
Hey Jonas! Come here you son a
bitch! Where have you been? Excuse
me, Gabe.
Nathaniel, gets out of line with his tray and starts walking
with another executive. Gabe stays blocking the line,
starring to the figure of Nathaniel, vanishing in the middle
of a crowd of the suit men. People behind him shout out to
Gabe keep walking.
PERSON IN LINE #1
Move!
(CONTINUED)

85. CONTINUED: 84.
PERSON IN LINE #2
Come on, we don’t have all day!
JEREMY, A 31 years old short black guy using a stripped
shirt and a Yankees cap right behind him holds Gabe’s
shoulder and pushes him forward.
JEREMY
Yo, The suit is gone. Keep walking,
like Johnny Walker.
GABE
I’m sorry.
Gabe goes back serving himself at the buffet, frustrated on
his brief conversation with Nathaniel.
JEREMY
The suit promised you to publish
your book and now you’re stuck with
the worst piece of shit ever
written?
Gabe gets surprised by Jeremy’s question.
GABE
Yes! How do you know?!
JEREMY
The story of my life. Take a look
at all the losers behind me, homie.
We are all in the same line. The
line to get our ass--
PERSON IN LINE #2
MOVE!
GABE AND JEREMY
Sorry!
JEREMY
Who are you drawing for?
GABE
Frank Humbles.
JEREMY
Shiiit! You really are stuck with
the worst piece of shit ever
written, aren’t you?! For real,
they tried to pass me this gig a
couple of months ago, but I
preferred to keep on "Little Lulu"
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

86. CONTINUED: 85.
JEREMY (cont’d)
rather than have to face that
douche from 9 to 5.
GABE
They offered you my job?
JEREMY
They offered it to almost every
illustrator in this building. But
no one was disposed to work with
Humbles after what happened to
James.
GABE
James Bonnet? What happened to him?
Jeremy stops and so does Gabe.
JEREMY
James tried to kill himself.
GABE
He what?!
PERSON IN LINE #2
Come on! We’re hungry here!
Gabe and Jeremy leave the line and seat on one of the large
canteen tables. Jeremy is already devouring his food. Gabe
is in shock.
GABE
He tried to kill himself?
JEREMY
(With his mouth full)
That’s the rumor. They say that in
the final two weeks working on
"Material Man" it was so unbearable
for James to work with Humbles that
he attempted to kill himself by
jumping out of his rooftop.
GABE
Wow!
JEREMY
Ye, but the building was just a
three stories so the guy just broke
his legs.
(CONTINUED)

87. CONTINUED: 86.
GABE
And that’s why they hired me?
Jeremy moves his shoulders expressing "I don’t know".
GABE
But what about my story? They told
me they loved it.
JEREMY
You clearly never talked to agent
before, have you?
GABE
No, why?
Jeremy puts another big spoon of food into his mouth.
JEREMY
(With his mouth full)
Ten years ago I sent them a sample
of a fantasy graphic novel. It took
me two years to finish it. I signed
with them with the promise that my
book would be published as soon as
the priority books were released.
GABE
And then what happened?
JEREMY
Nive eleven, Bush administration,
Superbowl, recession, everything is
a reason to postponed your project
until you understand that every
book in here is a priority but
yours. When you realize that, is
already too late, because you
signed a long term contract with
exclusivity and you are stuck
drawing the stories of frigid eight
years fat girl who doesn’t know she
will probably end up becoming an
lesbian activist.
INT. JESSA’S APARTMENT HALLWAY - NIGHT.
Gabe knocks on Jessa’s door. He knocks again. She opens it
surprised.
(CONTINUED)

88. CONTINUED: 87.
JESSA.
Hey.
GABE
Hey, I need your help.
MONTAGE, BY THE SOUND OF "MY BEST FRIEND BY WEEZER.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
Jessa and Gabe are back in the "The Last Man in The
Universe" project. They both look excited. Gabe is drawing a
panel, Jessa is behind him, nodding with approval.
INT. FRANK HUMBLE’S OFFICE - DAY.
Frank strolls in his room, looking trough the window and
being theatrical. Gabe looks tired, but still struggling to
keep on Frank’s pace. Gabe interrupts Frank with an idea.
Frank shakes his hand and head in disapproval.
INT. GABE’S KITCHEN - NIGHT.
Gabe is seated over the counter in the kitchen, Jessa is
seated in a stool. They are eating Chinese food on the box
and laughing. The door bell rings.
RING.
Gabe opens the the door and sees Jay with a puppy face,
holding a six pack of beer. Gabe smiles at him.
INT. FRANK HUMBLE’S OFFICE - DAY.
Gabe looks even more tired then before. He finishes a panel
and shows it to Frank. Frank doesn’t like it. Gabe takes a
deep breath, crumbles the paper and starts again.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
The whole gang is reunited in Gabe’s living room. Gabe is
drawing on his table. Jessa writing on Matt’s desk, Lea and
Jay are drinking beer and watching TV.
INT. FRANK HUMLE’S OFFICE - DAY.
Gabe is drawing a panel of the "Material Man while Frank
observes nodding behind him.
Frank steps away, seats on his chair and starts writing on
his computer. Gabe discretely changes the "Material Man"
panel for a "The Last Man in The Universe" page and keeps
working on it.
(CONTINUED)

89. CONTINUED: 88.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
Gabe, Jessa and Jay are behind their notebooks, coloring the
last "The Last Man in The Universe" pages. Lea is printing
the pages and pinning them in a large board they placed in
the wall with all the book pages.
INT. FRANK HUMBLE’S OFFICE - DAY.
A pile of crumble paper in the corner of the room. Gabe is
holding his head with left hand, while drawing with his
right hand. Frank is even more expressive and theatrical.
Gabe is drawing himself pointing a gun to his head. The gun
fires a flag written "Just kill me now".
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
Holding beers a grim smiles, Gabe, Lea, Jessa and Jay stare
a the complete board with all the book pages. They celebrate
by cheering and drinking.
Lea and Jay are seated on the couch, holding beers and
watching TV. Jessa is behind Gabe, who’s saving the final
file with "The Last Man in The Universe".
JESSA
That’s it.
Gabe turns his back to the computer and looks at Jessa.
GABE
(Smirking)
Ye, I guess so.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. DARK HORSE CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY.
Gabe and Frank are seated next to each other in the
conference room. On the other side, behind all the framed
posters, are Nathaniel, Kim and an older executive.
NATHANIEL
So, my boys! How is our next big
hit going?!
FRANK
Absolutely fantastic, Nate. You
guys are gonna have your brains
exploded after Material Man 2 hits
you! I’m not obeying any rule or
law, this time. We’re doing
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

90. CONTINUED: 89.
FRANK (cont’d)
everything! Time travelings,
parallel universes, super powers,
alien invasions, death and
resurrection. Everything is
MASSIVE! I’m not kidding, this
story will change the history of
comics! Hell! It’s gonna change the
history of storytelling!
The executives get really impressed with Nate’s speech. They
look each other and at Gabe, giggling and applauding.
NATE
Uau! That’s biiig news! I love it!
Don’t we love it, Kim?
KIM
We adored it!
NATE
Yes, we do! And Gabe! GabO! My
friend! It’s been two months
already! Right? Time fly when
you’re having fun! How are you
adapting to this crazy industrial
corporate machine of comics
business?
Gabe opens his mouth, attempting the answer Nathaniel
question, but Frank interjects.
FRANK
He is doing just great! Amazingly
great! This one is a really hard
worker!
Frank messes with Gabe’s hair. Gabe gets annoyed by it.
NATHANIEL
Well, since it’s all good news, let
me bring another one! We were
scheduling "Material Man 2" to
release in Christmas but something
came up, a couple of titles got
canceled and now we have space
available to print and distribute
"Material Man 2" in the fall! Isn’t
it good news?!
KIM
Splendid.
(CONTINUED)

91. CONTINUED: 90.
FRANK
Well, it’s kind of a tight schedule
but... I’m pretty sure we can pull
it out. Right, Gabriel?
Gabe opens his mouth, but Frank doesn’t wait for reply.
FRANK
Ye, we can do it. Even if it take
us some of our weekends.
NATHANIEL
Actually, It will probably take all
of your weekends for the next two
months. We are just having this
meeting to check with you, boys. Do
you think you can give us full
commitment for the next weeks and
help us to advance the release
date? I know is something hard to
ask, but we’re talking about a
couple more millions depending on
the release date.
GABE
Since you’re asking, "Nate", I
already--
Frank strongly holds Gabe’s arm.
FRANK
-- You don’t worry, Nate. We’ll do
it! We’ll bring it!
INT. DARK HORSE HALLWAY - LATER.
Walking back to their office, Gabe and Frank walk side,
pretending to have a good relationship in front of the
executives. But when they get to the elevator, Gabe’s
expression changes from a fake happiness to rage.
INT. DARK HORSE ELEVATOR - CONTINUES.
Gabe and Frank walk in the elevator. There’s no one else.
Frank, without expressing any emotion and completely
ignoring Gabe’s presence, hits the button the the tenth
floor.
GABE
What the hell was that, Frank?! I
told you weeks ago I couldn’t do
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

92. CONTINUED: 91.
GABE (cont’d)
extra hours because of my other
project! You totally stabbed me in
the back in there!
FRANK
Don’t be dramatic Gabe. Save it for
comics.
GABE
I’m not being dramatic, Frank! I’m
just... pissed! I was supposed to
beat San Diego’s Comic Con next
weekend!
The elevator bell rings when they reach the tenth floor.
DING.
The elevator door opens.
FRANK
Comic Con? Come on. It’s time to
stop playing with toys and get
real. You’re an adult now.
Frank exits the elevator, leaving a speechless Gabe behind.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
The living room is fully loaded with copies of "The Last Man
in The Universe", posters, promotional folders and open
paperboard boxes. Gabe, Lea, Jessa and Jay are packing the
books into the boxes to Comic Con. Next to the door, two
small suitcases.
JESSA
Can’t believe that after all the
trouble, you’re not going, Gabe.
GABE
No worries. Jay knows everything
about Comic Con. You won’t even
miss me.
JAY
Can’t believe I’m actually helping
you to sell out. I fell like a
bitch.
(CONTINUED)

93. CONTINUED: 92.
GABE
But it’s MY bitch. And I’m a very
thankful pimp.
LEA
Guys, hurry up. You’re gonna miss
the flight!
GABE
Ok, you two. Listen up. This is it.
You’re by yourselves now, but it’s
gonna be alright. Talk to as many
publishers you can, distribute all
the copies if it’s possible. You
need to come back with a contract,
or at least a couple of offers.
It’s a crucial moment in our lives,
depending all on you.
JAY
It sounds like a pleasure cruise.
JESSA
Oh my god, don’t be so dramatic.
It’s like your sending us to hell.
It’s just California!
INT. DARK HORSE LOBBY - MORNING.
It’s Saturday. The usual crowed lobby at Dark Horse is now
practically empty. Just one receptionist behind the counter,
reading a magazine.
INT. FRANK HUMBLES’ OFFICE - LATER.
In the office, it seems like a work day. Frank is still
circling the room and Gabe tries to concentrate in the
moment, although he is clearly wanting to be somewhere else.
FRANK
Captain Voronezh is threatening
Material Man to release five atomic
bombs simultaneously if our hero
doesn’t give him the Material
Silver Ring. You can draw a lot of
panels in this page to increase the
tension.
GABE
How many?
(CONTINUED)

94. CONTINUED: 93.
FRANK
A lot.
Gabe sights.
FRANK
So Material Man struggles with his
conscious, but he can’t find a
better solution. He takes out the
the ring and throws it to Captain
Voronezh. But before the villain
grabs it, the ring stops in the
air. Time stands still.
GABE
Wait, you’re freezing time, now?
FRANK
Yes.
GABE
How the hell am I supposed to draw
time freezing?
FRANK
Be creative, Gabriel. For once.
Gabriel sights again, this time more heavily.
FRANK
From behind Captain Voronezh,
appears another Material Man, a
Material Man from the future. He
blinks at the original Material
Man.
GABE
Now wait a second. That’s how
you’re going to resolve the
conflict? Bringing another Material
Man for the future? You can’t do
that! You can’t bring new elements
in the final act and make them the
answer to the main confrontation of
the story. It’s cheating!
FRANK
Gabriel, what have we talked about
you using your mouth and not your
hands inside this office, uh?
(CONTINUED)

95. CONTINUED: 94.
Gabe holds his hands over his face, rubs his eyes and tries
to control himself. He breaths deeply. Frank keeps talking,
but Gabe is not paying any attention. He looks to his opened
bag on the floor and sees a copy of "The Last Man in The
Universe". He smiles at it.
FRANK
Gabriel? Gabriel?! Are you with me,
here?
Gabe gazes Frank, then turns his eyes back to the book in
the bag.
GABE
No, I’m not.
Gabe drops the pencil on the table, stands up and grabs his
bag on the floor.
FRANK
What are you doing?
GABE
I have a plane to catch.
FRANK
You can’t leave now! We have to
finish my story!
GABE
Not today, we don’t.
Frank moves quickly and stands between Gabe and the exit
door.
FRANK
Listen to me, you prick! You’re not
leaving this office until you
finish drawing what I want you to
draw!
Gabe punches Frank in the face. Frank goes down.
GABE
Sorry man, but I think I just broke
my hand.
Gabe leaves the office.

96. 95.
EXT. DARK HORSE HEADQUARTERS - LATER.
In a fast pace, Gabe walks away from Dark Horse. He closes
and opens repetitively his injured hand while he talk on the
phone.
GABE
(Into the phone)
Lea, it’s me. Can you buy me ticket
to San Diego? Yes, I’m going. Now.
I’m on my way to the airport.
INT. TAXI PASSENGER’S SEAT - DAY.
Gabe is apprehensive in the cab, ticking his mobile phone
display, waiting for a call. The phone RINGS the Superman
Theme song. The display shows a picture of Lea. Gabe picks
up the phone.
GABE
(Into phone)
So?
LEA
(Through phone)
Buying... right now.
INT. LEA’S BAR - CONTINUES.
Lea is seated in her bar’s counter. Holding the phone
between her head and shoulder, she uses a Mac Book to book
Gabe’s ticket. The place is empty. In the back, two hot
waitresses set up the tables.
LEA
(Into phone)
Ok, look. There’s a flight to San
Diego leaving from La Guardia in
one hour, can you make it?
INT. TAXI PASSENGER’S SEAT - CONTINUES.
Gabe looks to his watch. It’s marking 01:02h p.m.
GABE
(Into phone)
Hum... ye! I think so, buy it!

97. 96.
EXT. LA GUARDIA AIRPORT - DAY.
Gabe steps off the cab, pays the taxi driver and runs into
the La Guardia Airport lobby. A couple of feet away from the
door, he stumbles over an old lady. An electronic board
hanging on the ceiling informs the time. 01:24h p.m. He
helps her to stir up and gets back on his track.
INT. LA GUARDIA AIRPORT - LATER.
Gabe waits impatiently in a long line to be attended to his
check-in. He looks at his watch. 01:40h p.m. The airport is
packed with tourists from all over the world. The loudness
disturbs him.
Gabe sees an OLD JAPANESE MAN, in a slow pace, carrying his
bag towards the CHECK-IN ATTENDANT. It takes forever just
for the old Japanese man makes his way from the line to the
counter. Gabe gets irritated.
INT. LA GUARDIA AIRPORT - LATER.
Gabe is handing his ID to the check-in attendant. She types
on the computer. Behind her, a clock on the wall marks
01:52p.m. Gabe is tipping on the balcony with anxiety. The
attendant gives him the ticked.
INT. LA GUARDIA AIRPORT - LATER.
Gabe runs towards the boarding gate. He presents his ticket
to an airline worker and enter on the plane.
INT. AIRPLANE - LATER.
Gabe is squeezed seated between an fat old man and an old
mid-age woman with glasses. He tries, without success, to
get comfortable in the tiny seat. The FLIGHT COMMANDER’S
voice manifests loudly.
FLIGHT COMMANDER (OS)
Good Afternoon, ladies and
gentleman, this is Captain O’Harris
speaking. We’re in the direct
flight New York to San Diego--

98. 97.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Jay and Jessa are seated in a humble and amateur stand of
"The Last Man in The Universe". The stand’s simplicity
contrasts with the magnitude and the visual impact of the
other stands around them. There’s one with a 15 feet giant
"The Hulk" model smashing a wall. On the other side, seven
models in golden bikinis distribute "Star Wars" water
bottles. Jay and Jessa look intimidated.
INT. AIRPLANE - LATER.
Gabe’s flight arrives at San Diego. No one seems as busy as
Gabe. He struggles to makes his way out of the plane.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Jessa is reading a Curve Magazine at the stand. Jay is
annoying one of the bikini girls on the "Star Wars" stand.
A MAN ON A SUIT stops in front of Jessa and grabs one of
"The Last Man in The Universe" copies. He flips the pages
and shows some interest.
MAN ON A SUIT
This is not bad. You drew this?
JESSA
No. I, I wrote. Part of it, at
least.
MAN ON A SUIT
Hum, too bad.
The man on a suit trows the book back on the desk and
leaves. Jessa sights.
EXT. SAN DIEGO AIRPORT - LATER.
Gabe is standing at the San Diego airport entrance, trying
to drive some taxi driver’s attention. He pulls over a cab,
but the old mid-age woman with glasses who was sitting
besides him on the airplane opens the door and gets into the
car first.

99. 98.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
While Jay is behind the desk, Jessa is standing in front of
the stand, distributing promotional folders. Using the same
strategy of the bikini girls, Jessa tries to flirt with all
the executive that pass through her. No one gives her
attention.
EXT. SAN DIEGO AIRPORT - LATER.
Gabe finally stops a cab in moment it’s starts to rain.
INT. TAXI - CONTINUES
Gabe is soaked, but inside the taxi. He opens his bag and
gets an old black Dark Vader t-shirt written "Who’s your
daddy?" on it. The Indian TAXI DRIVER notices the t-shirt.
TAXI DRIVER
Are you to be going to nerd thingy?
GABE
Yes, can you take me there as fast
as you can?
TAXI DRIVER
Ya.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Jessa rests her head over the desk. Jay is reading the Comic
Con Guide.
JAY
There’s a Kevin Smith panel at 5.
Do you mind if--
JESSA
YES! Yes, I do!
Jay drops the guide and sights.
INT. TAXI - LATER.
The taxi driver drives happily singing along with an Indian
song playing on the radio. Gabe tries to see trough the
window, but it’s pouring outside.
(CONTINUED)

100. CONTINUED: 99.
A loud screechy sound scared the both of them. The car loses
his balance and starts sliding between lanes. Gabe holds on
the driver’s seat.
TAXI DRIVER
BENCHOD! MATHERCHOD!
The taxi driver manages to maneuver and pulls the car over
by the side of the curb. They both stay mute, trying to
catch their breath.
INT. TAXI - LATER.
Gabe is dry again, using his Dark Vader t-shirt. The taxi
driver enters in the car, completely soaked.
TAXI DRIVER
The tire! Exploded!
GABE
The tire what?
The Taxi Driver does some mimic to explain the burst tire.
TAXI DRIVER
Boom!
GABE
You got a flat tire?
TAXI DRIVER
Ya!
GABE
(to himself)
Great.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
A couple of young teenagers, using Deadpool t-shirts are
talking to Jay, asking him questions about "The Last Man in
The Universe".
YOUNG TEENAGER #1
So what is his super powers?
JAY
He doesn’t have any super power.
(CONTINUED)

101. CONTINUED: 100.
YOUNG TEENAGER #2
Is he like Batman?
JAY!
No, he is NOT like Batman. He’s a
tortured soul fighting not only for
his life, but for the whole human
existence.
The two young teenagers look each other, without actually
understanding Jay’s speech.
YOUNG TEENAGER #1
So... he’s like.. Material Man,
then?
Jay stands up.
JAY
ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!
EXT. SAN DIEGO HIGHWAY - RAIN.
Gabe tries to get a ride on the highway. Gabe protects
himself from the rain by using his jacket over his head.
A vintage black van stops for Gabe. The front passengers
seat door opens for him. MANIS BRANNON, a 54 years old man
with gray hair and wearing a Dracula costume is seated on
the drivers seat.
MANIS
Nice t-shirt, boy. Heading to
Comic-Con?
GABE
Thanks. Yes! Are you going there?
Manis point to his vampire outfit.
MANIS
What do you think?
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Jessa and Jay are alone in their stand, defeated.
JESSA
How long ’till it closes?
(CONTINUED)

102. CONTINUED: 101.
JAY
Two hours.
JESSA
Shit.
INT. MANIS’ VAN - LATER
Gabe dries himself in a black towel. He looks behind and
sees a large group of teenagers dressed as Twilight
characters. Only them he realizes he’s using a "Team Edward"
towel. All the teenagers looked depressed.
GABE
(to Manis)
What happen to them?
MANIS
What do you mean?
GABE
Why do they look so miserable?
MANIS
Oh! No no, they are just IN the
characters... I think.
(BEAT)
MANIS
I don’t really get this new vampire
thing.
A milestone on the road reads "Comic Con Pavilion - 1
mile.".
MANIS
So, what are your business at Comic
Con?
GABE
I’m an illustrator. I just finish
this book--
Gabe takes out a copy of his book and gives it to Manis.
GABE
-- And now I’ll try to sell it
there to some publishers,
investors, the suit guys, you know?
(CONTINUED)

103. CONTINUED: 102.
MANIS
Ye, I have an idea. Hum... "The
Last Man in The Universe". Seems
good!
GABE
Keep it. As a gift.
The Van enters in a parking lot with a big sign reading
"WELCOME TO SAN DIEGO’S COMIC CON".
EXT. COMIC CON PARKING LOT - LATER.
The van is parked between thousands of cars in a huge
parking lot. Gabe steps out of the car.
GABE
Thanks Mr...
MANIS
Dracula, Cont Dracula.
Gabe laughs.
GABE
Thanks Mr. Count Dracula.
MANIS
You’re welcome, boy. And good luck
with your book, I’m sure it’s gonna
be a hit.
Gabe runs in the rain towards the Comic Con Pavilion.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Gabe enters at Comic Con. He gets amazed by it’s enormity.
Huge boards, panels, signs and models inside and outside the
colorful stands from the biggest brands in the nerd
business. The comics industry is there with Marvel Comics,
DC Universe, Image Studios and Black Horse. Movies studios
like Universal, Warner and Fox also have their stand. The
video-game industry is also present with Nintendo, Capcom,
Sony and so many others. Thousands of people dressed in
costumes walk by, carrying gift bags and merchandising. It
takes some time for Gabe to get focused again and start
running towards "The Last Man in The Universe" stand.

104. 103.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Jay sleeps over the desk while Jessa tries to defeat boredom
by throwing balls of paper at him. Jessa notices something.
JESSA
Jay. Jay, wake up!
JAY
(sleeping)
Huum...
JESSA
Jay! Wake up! I think that’s Gabe
coming there!
Gabe appears from the middle of crowd, running in slow
motion. Jay and Jessa stand up, both really excited. Gabe
struggles to make his way to the stand, pushing some Star
Trek fans away.
He finally makes it. Jessa and Jay hug Gabe and jump in
hapiness!
GABE
Wow! I never seen you guys so happy
to see me before!
JESSA
I can’t believe you’re here!
JAY
This is it! With Gabe here, nothing
can hold us down! This is it! This
is it!
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Jay rest his head over the desk while Jessa throws balls of
paper at him. Gabe is seated next to her, looking defeated.
JAY
This is it.
The announcer’s voice pops out loudly from the pavilion
speakers.
ANNOUCER
Attention nerds of the world. We’re
closing the doors in two minutes.
Please make your way to the nearest
exit and have yourself a super day.
(CONTINUED)

105. CONTINUED: 104.
JESSA
That’s it, let’s pack it up.
Gabe shakes his head in disbelief.
GABE
All the trouble... for nothing.
MONTAGE, BY THE SOUND OF "IT ENDS TONIGHT" FROM THE
ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS.
INT. COMIC CON - LATER.
Jessa, Jay and Gabe break the stand down and pack the books
and the posters in the boxes.
INT. TAXI - LATER.
The trio is carrying the boxes in their laps, completely
defeated. Gabe looks through the window and reads the sign.
"Thanks for coming to COMIC-CON. Have yourself a SUPER day".
Gabe sights.
INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT.
Gabe is seated between Jessa and Jay. Jessa is already
sleeping. Gabe is looking forward, drawning in sadness. Jay
is drawing in his notebook. He shows his latest creation to
Gabe.
JAY
Loser Hero"! The super hero that
never saves the day.
Gabe ignores him.
INT. AIRPLANE - LATE NIGHT.
While Jessa and Jay sleep on Gabe’s shoulder, Gabe sees the
lights of New York through the airplane windown. He is
holding a copy of "The Last Man in Universe". He puts the
book back on his bag.
END OF MONTAGE

106. 105.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATE NIGHT.
Gabe enters his apartment carrying one of the boxes. Jessa
and Jay follow him, also holding a lot of stuff.
Lea is stading before them, with a grim on her face and the
ansering machine on her hands. The trio looked each other,
trying to understand the situation.
GABE
Lea?
JAY
Are you... high?
Lea clicks the "PLAY" buttom on the anwsering machine.
MANIS
(Through the anwsering
machine)
Hi Gabe, this is Manis, well, Count
Dracula for you.
Jessa and Jay look at Gabe with curiosity.
INT. MANIS BRANNON OFFICE - CONTINUES.
Manis Brannon is seated in his office. Manis is taking out
the Dracula make up. His fake fangs are over the table. On
the wall, posters of famous graphic novels like "100
Bullets", "Fables" and "Sandman".
MANIS
(Into phone)
I think I never got the chance to
tell you, but besides being the
Twilight gang driver, I’m also the
VP of Creator & Content Development
here at VERTIGO, a part of the DC
Enterteinment Group.
Manis is holding the "The Last Man in The Universe" copy
that Gabe gave to him.
MANIS
(Into phone)
And I just finish reading your "The
Last Man in The Universe. Boy, I
got to tell you, I think we have
something here.

107. 106.
INT. GABE’S APARTMENT - LATER.
Gabe, Jessa, Jay and Lea are jumping, hugging and
celebrating. Jay is dancing weird without any music, Lea is
bringing some beers to celebrate. Jessa comes near Gabe, put
her arms around his neck and kisses him.
GABE
What.. what was that about?
JESSA
I think you deserved this one.
EXT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - NIGHT.
A big line of young people in front of Supernova. A sign
hangs over the entrance reading "The Last Man in The
Universe Autograph Night".
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - NIGHT.
The Supernova is packed with The Last Man fans. Most of them
are carrying their copy of the book, now published. Some of
them even wear The Last Man t-shirt. The place is decorated
with the book theme. There’s a big The Last Man poster
placed over an old Material Man one. Jay is surrounded by
nerd girls, who are very interested in Jay’s speech. Jay is
showing a drawing in a bigger and fancier notebook.
JAY
And this is The Animal Savage. He
has the ability to talk to animals.
But here’s the trick. The animals
don’t have the ability to talk
back.
The girls giggle and clap in amusement.
Dave from the Deli and Jeremy are having an enthusiastic
chat.
JEREMY
So this character is a rapper by
day and a vigilante by night. My
agent is trying to sell the rights
for an adaptation in the screen.
It’s gonna be the first brother
with a cape in the movies!
(CONTINUED)

108. CONTINUED: 107.
DAVE
I have one word for you...
(BEAT)
DAVE
Denzel.
In a corner, Lea, dressed as an executive, is giving an
interview for a local broadcast chanel.
LEA
Yes, we are already talking to
Warner Brothers about the movie
adaptation, but right now my client
is concentrated in another project.
Behind her, Margaret and Bob are proudly hugging each other,
starring at Lea. Margaret has tears on her eyes.
A long line, that comes from outside the store, ends at a
large desk, where Gabe and Jessa are seated behind. An empty
chair is placed beside Gabe. Gabe and Jessa are autographing
"The Last Man in The Universe".
Gabe autographs one of the covers. Under the book titles is
written "By Gabe Roberts, Jessa Spalding and Matthew
Vandersee".
A beautiful brunete girl wearing a "Preacher" t-shirt is
next in line. Her name is ALICIA, 24 years old. She gives
her copy of The Last Man to Gabe, waiting for his autograph.
ALICIA
Hey! Big fan!
Gabe grabs the book without looking at her.
GABE
Thanks! Do you want me to put your
name here?
ALICIA
Sure! It’s Alicia.
Her voice draws Gabe attention. He gazes her and gets
impressed by her looks. Gabe smiles at Alicia.
GABE
(Writing)
"A kiss to my most attractive fan,
Alicia. Love, Gabe."
Alicia giggles.
(CONTINUED)

109. CONTINUED: 108.
ALICIA
When are you gonna release the
sequel?
GABE
No sequels. They always suck.
Behind her, dozens of copies of "Material Man 2" are placed
at the SALE section. They both smile at each other again.
ALICIA
So what are you guys doing now,
then?
GABE
Well, we--
JESSA
(Interfeering)
--We are not doing anything. Gabe
is flying solo this time. He is
drawing AND writing the story of
this lesbian greek muse who combats
evil and prejudice in the sixth
century. And it’s based in someone
very special.
JESSA
(Sibling)
Like me.
Both girls giggles this time.
ALICIA
Wow! That sounds great! What about
you?
Alicia moves to her left to stay right in front of Jessa.
JESSA
I don’t have anything in
development yet. I think I’m still
waiting for my muse to come up.
Jessa touches Alicia’s hands on purpose when she goes to
grab Alicia’s copy of the book. They both stare each other
intensevely. Gabe stands in awe looking at then while he
moves his lips soundlessly.
GABE
What the F--
FADE OUT

110. 109.
AN EXTRA SCENE, TO BY PRESENTED DURING THE CREDITS.
INT. SUPERNOVA COMIC BOOK STORE - LATER.
Frank Humbles is talking to an OLD MAN with glasses and a
vintage hat. Both are drinking champagne in plastic glasses.
FRANK
So after making my first million, I
decided that comics are too small
for me. That’s why from now on I’m
only writing screenplays. I
realized that comics are for
idiotic small minded kids. Look at
these superheros. Spider-man, Hulk,
X-Men! They are all so
bidimensional and so superficial.
No charisma whatsoever. There’s no
inner struggle. It’s all rubish. So
I’m gonna take my characters and
bring them to a whole new level of
reality and deepness. Totally
inovating the industry of
storytelling.
The old man takes a sip of his champagne.
FRANK
But let’s stop talking about this
big things. I don’t know if your
generation can actually understand
the magnitute that I’m talking
about here. What about you, what do
you do for living.
The old man takes out his hat.
OLD MAN.
I’m Stan Lee, you brat!