Chapitre 214: time trial.
The fashion week might go unnoticed by any fool, and by some others not involved in the fashion world. But the cultural event is a flame that takes a short time, yet that short time entails months of work, for some years, thinking about a fashion line for some year, or several years due to the work of multiple brands, authors, known adventurers who venture into the world of fashion, celebrities, businessmen, and people from the circle.
To receive an invitation, pay for an invitation, or be part of those who were there. He received a big invitation with a white envelope, the cardboard decorated, black and detailed letters in a delicate and computerized cursive style. He could bring a companion, but that was already there, his companion was already titled, and accepted by Winona herself. Who was an enthusiastic woman of fashion, although before the closing with Deep, she had frequent encounters, she wasn't available for it.
Billy, from his hotel, had spent days in a makeshift office at one of the lobby tables, drawing from sunrise to sunset, sometimes going out with Mili, there was no rest. He wrote and drew as much as he could, staying busy.
He ate pizza under the building of the comics; there, he met sometimes at Joe Kubert's animated school of graphic arts, and sometimes he gave lectures at his alma mater, the Rochester Institute of Technology. To his surprise, Joe Kubert had a comic class that used his work as a reference, from different styles, depths, scenarios, details, and characters.
Having a cup of coffee, he awaited Joe Kubert's arrival, also expecting Raimon's call and a sign of life from what would be his date at the fashion week. His date didn't show up, and the clock read 3:10 PM; as Joe had said, if he didn't arrive by 3, it was due to work contingencies, and the meeting was canceled. He walked the streets of New York; in time, there were only two things to do when his mind, exhausted from work, needed relaxation.
And that was the Marvel studio, a better relationship, a much more available relationship for his liking, seeing the Marvel members was refreshing, although the atmosphere was depressing, and the work base wasn't as relaxing as one thought because they were people who made their dreams flesh, working for Marvel.
-Look who we have here, - said Brenda Stick, a novice editor and writer at Marvel.
-Well, I had an important meeting with Joe Kubert, but apparently, he's quite busy with his curriculum classes; being a teacher consumes a lot of his time, so I just came to say hello, - said Billy.
Billy had a strong impact within the Marvel lines, as a contracted entrepreneur, with several licenses on cinematographic rights for Spider-Man and X-Men for ten years, along with other requests, for more commercial IPs. But these, they had bet on audiovisual work and marketing that, after the 1993 comics bubble, and in the subsequent case, many sources that Marvel gathered began to collapse, and in less than two years, Ronald Perelman would announce his departure and leave the company in ruins, for now, Billy's proposal to be involved in the purchase of licenses and rights was preferential in certain ways. But such preference only comes thanks to the Marvel leaders, who know that Billy is part of the same guild.
-Well, the office you're looking for is over there. Todd McFarlane has also come to plot a new Spider-Man series, which I consider prudent. Given the dates we are and how we are, we need better comics; you've put us in a bind, - said Brenda Stick.
Brenda is a woman in her twenties, thin, very thin; she looks like a thirteen-year-old girl. The most remarkable thing is her green eyes like balls, big, they light up the environment, but Stan Lee says she's a very hardworking and polite girl. "Thanks, Brenda," leaving a business card. In the face of the hesitant gaze of the girl, with her big eyes.
-When you need work, if you keep up with your grades, a position as an editor in my company is available. For now, learn; by my side, you won't have many things to learn; I'm also a novice, - said Billy.
Walking towards the back offices, only there do some important people gather, the administrative parts have their offices on the upper floors, Marvel's infrastructure isn't large, but enough to occupy a considerable space of workers between 350 to 400 workers, all occupied and people who strive for their duties.
-Good morning, Mr. Carson, I wasn't expecting you back in the offices, - said Jose Quesada, an important member of the board.
-Well, I've come to fill myself with your continued talent. See your new works and talk with your famous editors, - said Billy.
-You don't take your time away, kid, - said Jose Quesada, entering his office, for a break.
He walked closely to the distant offices where the most experienced ones are located, who curiously worked in dark offices lit by a white light, and beyond, some small windows and ventilation ducts. Climbing another floor by the stairs, old and gray, somewhat confusing.
Principio del formulario
-Guys, it's great to see you, - said Billy, looking at a gang of artists; it would surprise many to see the number of people working for the company.
They were a group of artists who worked behind the scenes, and they usually hung out with some extra people, Jim Valentino, Thomas Thun, Armando Estrada, and John Wright.
-Well, if it isn't Billy, friend, royalty doesn't have much to do these days, - said Thomas Thun.
-He lacks a girlfriend; my grandfather used to say a man without a wife is a fool without a future, - said Armando Estrada.
-No one was there to give him his goodnight kiss, can't you see the character? - said Thomas.
-Repression, - they both said at the same time, laughing.
Both Thomas and Armando had the habit of teasing and embarrassing people in general, regardless of their status and social position. They were like two thieves who only knew how to bother people, which caused laughter, which was contrary to Billy's expectations because both guys were very funny.
-What do we have here? - said Billy, looking at a deep piece of work on the Avengers, a series whose expansion began to gain more momentum in 1990.
-We're the blacks; they make us do all the dirty work, - said Thomas Thun.
-Good designs. I like the finish of the cities; this post-apocalyptic aspect is simply charming, - said Billy, taking note of the large-scale city plan of New York, totally different with strange aspects, and micro-details that ranged from realistic to surrealistic.
They moved forward; both were good at artistic design, sharing their ideas and their work, adapting to all the new interesting forms, which, although Billy didn't know, their work was studied very closely, and they took all his techniques literally.
-I was notified of your arrival, - said Avi Arad, a true comic book fan, who owned a total of 2% of Marvel's shares; Ronald Perelman owned 83%, J.P Morgan Entertainment Group 10%, and the other 5% were owned by some shareholders who were fans or retired workers.
-Mr. Avi, - said Billy, giving a firm handshake.
-I'm sorry to interrupt, but we need to talk urgently. We'll meet in Issac Pelmuter's office; there are many things we need to discuss, and it's urgent, - said Avi Arad.
-Let's go immediately then! - said Billy.
Arad raised his eyebrows in surprise.
-Let's go, - said Arad.
Thomas and Armando said swear words in Spanish, teasing Billy as much as they could. Both faced the boss with smiles and applause. Avi just shook his head and adjusted his leather jacket, facing the dynamic duo; the company wanted to bother him with different script and coloring activities, but they just smiled and laughed like thieves every time they were asked to do activities, like big fans, they ended up winning over several people.
They entered Arad's office, after moving through the maze of Marvel offices, it took some time before they settled in Avid's office, it was simply empty, a small office for an executive who was in charge of license links, sales, and marketing for the company.
-The commercial activities of Wall Street have harmed our company, that's why I called you. As you well know, the company is slowly falling; you signed a commercial license to produce an animated series; and your accounts on animation expenses, reviews, and prices have reached us. I advocate for the practice, but the company is not recovering. And the clearest signs are the sales; in 1993, there was an agonizing drop, which we still feel, even your idea of serializing crossed our minds, but, before anything else, we want to make a deal, - said Avi.
-So, you want to sell your copyrights, - asked Billy.
-For now, although the dealmakers will arrive soon, I don't decide this alone; it's better if they agree with me and the company, - said Avi.
-Can you tell me about the deal? I'm curious to know the general terms, - commented Billy.
-It's not possible, - said Avi.
At that moment, Issac Perlmutter, Jose Quesada, and Bob Harras arrived.
The agreement was a tactless tactic to squeeze money, very rudely to extend; it charged for a paid license for 10 years, for the Spider-Man and X-Men series of 11.3 million dollars, with some percentages, only counting on cinematographic rights, without marketing, and the license was not exclusive.
Therefore, making the exclusive license would require another three million dollars, along with other extra agreements, which exceed the license costs. As well as extending the agreement and allowing more interference from the Marvel staff, in a rather unpleasant summary, an agreement that he would have accepted eight years ago. That is when he was a child, small.
-I'll think deeply about this negotiation; however, our industries are different, and it's complicated for me to start in that industry without enough money. We sell comics and make productions, but I can talk to my board of directors and see the feasibility of the business, - said Billy, closing the speech in an obvious business stance.
The faces didn't like it, but a sensible Jose Quesada just watched in silence.
...
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
rollo1019to
rollo1019to Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Chapitre 215: ambition
A brief meeting of less than thirty minutes. The meeting proceeded swiftly, as much as could be expected; in minutes, it was back to the two comic twins, one continuing his acts calmly, not paying much attention to what he did or didn't do.
Everyone left their offices as quickly as Billy gave his word, not caring more or questioning the steps to follow.
-What do you think of this? - Billy asked Stan Lee, who only made a gesture of silence and prudence, not bothering himself with what he should or shouldn't do.
-What happened to Joe? - Stan Lee inquired.
-He's busy with his time as a professor. - Billy said.
-I'll meet him; join me. He sells delicious desserts across the station; we'll grab a coffee and chat. I've seen that you've come here seeking inspiration. I usually immerse myself in new reading, but yours is different, - said Stan Lee, the glasses resting on the bridge of his nose, a few centimeters above. Lowering his head.
-we do things in a basic, simple way of doing our activities. - Stan Lee said.
-Did you see my latest comic? - Billy questioned; he was very curious to know what Stan Lee would say in the coming months or years about the long series that would begin to be sent one by one, changing the style.
-Which one, kid? I only follow the serialized ones, and only when I have time. - Stan Lee said, still laboring to observe the scenes and patterns.
Stan Lee's great talent lies in his skill to shape scenes; he can determine the important points of a story and highlight them with small tips or words. He is an expert at weaving stories and an excellent editor who knows when not to, and when to interfere in the creation of the story, he is proactive in the creative process of villains and superheroes.
-It's called "One Piece"; I've dedicated a lot of time to thinking about it. It was already perfect, but I've added more and more details, organized the script, and corrected plot errors; it will be a work of art. - said, Billy.
Coloring the drawings, they both worked at a wide table, facing each other, conversing as they worked.
-I haven't seen it, but I have read "Dark Riders"; it seems to have a lot of potential to be a great TV series, or well, a great Hollywood movie. I saw your performance in that science fiction movie last Sunday. It's not bad! I still believe it's a waste of time with your talent as a creator; you would have a keen eye for direction. - Stan Lee said.
-Thank you, sir, I'm very young. Many people have recommended the same to me; I desire to continue with what I have for now, and maybe later, I'll dedicate myself to other matters. - Billy said.
-Oh, youth. Glorious youth; can do whatever they want without paying attention to the things around them, you know, do it. If you make a mistake, start over again, although it may not seem like it, Marvel has been on the ropes many times, and it's been because of the ambition of a few that it has returned to its place. You don't have to compete with others, just keep on making, son. I'm telling you this as an old man, I've been rejected many times, it wasn't pretty. But if I had listened every time, they told me I was going the wrong way, I wouldn't be the man I am now, and I couldn't be considered a great comics pioneer. - Stan Lee said.
He liked to talk, and Billy liked to listen to the old dogs of the industry; they had a sharp vision with an unusual charitable gesture in helping; they helped without asking, and that's why they caught the interest, not much help without asking for something in return.
-I don't doubt it. Many try to advise you in some other way, without understanding the reasons why we do it. - Billy replied.
They continued drawing, almost until around six, when the lights began to dim, and the heat didn't hit as hard as it initially seemed. Both descended the stairs after a long day of work; Billy's accumulated work surprised Stan Lee, who saw the frank and absurd speed of the young man, ten pages in two hours, too much, it was too much considering the difficulty of creating comics, he used the eraser little, and he had a keen vision to capture what he wanted.
His talent must be among the greatest in America," Stan Lee thought, with clear grace about how much the kid was advancing in just a few minutes.
They exited, and the chill of the buildings seeped into their bones, more so in the old ones than in the young ones. The air amidst the large stone and steel constructions is chilly, unlike a meadow. They arrived at a spacious bar, with food, drinks, and 60s music, preferably some rock, jazz, and great classics. Joe Kubert was already there, with his hands on his forehead, solving a crossword puzzle.
-Joe. - said Stan Lee.
He returned from his reverie.
-Billy, Stan. It's you; good to see you. - said Joe Kubert.
-thanks, Joe, we had a long day at the office, I just want a great roast beef, with salad. - said Stan Lee, stretching.
-Well, for me, it was a long day too, but my students shine, I'm sorry to have missed our appointment! But there are kids, who are true enthusiasts, you know I like those kids. - said Joe Kubert.
-no problem, you can send them to San Jose, I'm thinking of giving the green light to independent artists to create comics, scripts, or help with editing. - said Billy, opening the door.
-Problems in paradise, Billy. - said Joe.
-Time problems, and I offer opportunities. - said Billy.
-It's good, but, we have agreements with DC and Marvel comics, it could only be for those who prefer a more independent deal on paper. - said Joe Kubert.
-I understand perfectly. Competition is healthy. - said Billy.
In an all-against-all. The main reason Joe Kubert met with Billy is because they want to publish the Dark Riders soon; the series only has five volumes summarizing the first chapter of the story.
The second chapter tells a deeper story.
In a state city, inherently artificial, created in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, between North America and Europe, the artificial city, created with the best technology, is a global compilation of many nomadic cultures, especially those cultures that feel comfortable with adventures, Chinese, Latinos, Indians, Europeans, Americans, Russians, Africans, and all kinds of people, who come together in a state city without a clear policy idea, it can be said that the gray point is that international laws are followed, but politics is politics, and some companies began to bet on the great island, which breaks the molds due to lower tax rates, fiscal exemptions, and less financial control, which leads to the great island being considerably beneficial for some classes.
The presidents of Russia and the United States created a certain struggle, which then intensified with the great Asian conglomerate, a mixture of the richest families in Asia, along with some families of European monarchies, generating a fever that can only be assimilated to 1500 when a new continent was discovered and the Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French sent their ships to conquer new territories.
The island is almost as large as the British Isles, the artificial creation of islands was only thanks to a scientist, who wanted to replicate a stable ecosystem in the oceans, copying the large naval ships, and oil rigs.
The story of a motorcycle gang involved in a police drama, abuse of power, abuse of authority, and bad luck ends in the death of many members, and the birth of a spiritual guide, the "Walker" is a man who wanders the cities and promotes anarchy, chaos, and revolution as impious forms of freedom, his speech is so strong that he has gained certain followers who contemplate anarchy, totally, in a small coastal settlement, which lives in anarchy.
The principles of anarchy are: 1. My freedom is not questioned. 2. My goals are personal. 3. The cause is necessary. 4. Laws pervert men. And 5. Man is his government.
They create something similar to a revolutionary guerrilla, which only proposes anarchy; the young and the crazy, criminals, are in favor of such good. And from large families, rich and bourgeois, they begin to join a hidden revolution.
-We have to talk about our new run. - said Joe.
-I'm on it, I have some writings, and well, the path is still blurry, however, it will be a great series. - said Billy, gathering a small notebook with white pages, with different styles, paragraphs, and mind maps.
-I'll take it, and we'll have a chat tomorrow. - said Joe, lifting the notebook.
They ate slowly without bothering about the time, and the hour, Joe, was the first to leave, while Billy and Stan Lee were rather solitary. Stan Lee sipped a glass of wine slowly, occasionally taking a sip while savoring and gesturing.
-The company is in a terrible moment; the members of the board of directors at one point wanted to reject Ronald Perelman's actions; at the beginning, a strike was thought to protest against Ronald's actions, but, he well-known played a trick, something that has already been done but, the board is too young to know, he distributed dividends in profits, and in a minute, the strike collapsed to the ground, without any fear Ronal mentioned that he would make each one earn a million dollars by the end of the year, he didn't lie! But in 1993, I realized that the blow was devastating, Marvel started to fall apart, the impact affected the entire industry, and the good friends of Image Comics received it, your impressions don't exceed millions per unit, Marvel did, in 1991, 1992, and early 1993, we printed millions of copies, sold, and speculated, my similarity as happened in the 80s. - said Stan Lee, who took another sip of wine, savoring
-That's when I noticed, well, that the company wasn't going to stop; Ronald Perelman has them all in his hands. He's bought and forged certain alliances, with Panini, Mattel, and Fleer. Avi Arad wants to buy Marvel and is looking for a sucker; don't negotiate with that old dog, he just wants to gouge your eyes out. On the other hand, he can buy shares; that's what Avi Arad is doing. He'll use your money to do more business; he wants to produce cartoons, movies, and toys. The shares are at their lowest, at $3.45. I've bought some, but Avi Arad wants the whole company for himself and has made several purchases. The thing is he just wants to monetize, invest, and invest, without spending his own money. Many people see it; the numbers will come out, and they'll see losses. The shares will likely drop a bit more, - said Stan Lee.
-Thanks for your words; I'll buy shares, although I'll wait for the January 1995 stock report to make a nice purchase, -said Billy.
-Good luck with that, kid. But the board's bad practices will drown people; be very careful, - said Stan Lee.
-Thanks again; your advice is wise, and I already have a clear idea of what I need to do, - said Billy.
They bid farewell; Stan Lee hailed a taxi, and Billy walked briskly to his hotel downtown. He had a feeling in his heart, shining brightly, with some interest that could be nothing but the acquisition of Marvel Comics. He grabbed the phone and called his best financial advisor, Raimon.
-Billy, - said Raimon, recognizing his voice.
-It's me, and I have a new venture in mind that undoubtedly can't be stopped. I have full faith in the operation of Marvel and what's happening. I'd like to make a public acquisition of Marvel Comics shares for now; they tell me the business isn't doing well, and the data will be reported as losses, - said Billy.
-So... -
-I want to buy Marvel Comics, but first, we need to dismantle the company. I want to make the following transaction: Marvel owns Panini Group; I know this company has a lot of potential. I want to buy it not before, acquiring a considerable sum of Marvel shares, from Panini Group, at least 15% of shares in Marvel. But before that, I need to have at least 30% of shares in Marvel Entertainment Inc., - said Billy.
-Wow. This needs research and some help from certain financial groups. We must review accounts, financial statements, and company projections, - comment Raimon.
-Go to the main source, Raimon. I want you to contact Ronald Perelman or, failing that, his business group; they only care about money. Money has already started pouring in again with the Lion King movie, the animation channel, and other businesses, which I know will make money. We'll take it all; I'll talk to Anne. You need to have everything ready before the end of the year, - comment Billy.
-Of course! But I need funds; there's an investment group that can help us, - said Raimon.
-Just do it, and do it well; we'll crush DC, - said Billy, completely confident.
-A very aggressive statement, Billy. I'll arrange this deal, but I also need your help. Besides, George Lucas has started to yield; all your baskets are starting to look and we don't have many eggs, - said Raimon.
-Do it; I'll take care of bringing the money to the table, -said Billy.
...
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS
rollo1019to
rollo1019to
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
200+ Classement
Power Stone 
30 Power
stone 
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