David GaskellA Collection OfConcept Boards

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ConceptProduce a graphic novel representation of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and a set of four collectable figurines based on the characters in the show.

David GaskellA Collection OfConcept Boards

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ResearchI made some research into the show and it’s characters.

Garth Marenghis Darkplace‘This spoof TV series is an unearthed 80’s horror TV show, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.’

A 6-part television series, episodes titles are;Once Upon A BeginningHell Hath FurySkipper the EyechildThe Apes of WrathScotch MistThe Creeping Moss from the Shores of Shuggoth

Filmed in Romford, Essex, UK. Ran for 1 season on channel 4, this aired on January 29th 2004. Garth Marenghi is a comedy character devised by comedian Matthew Holness, who won a Perrier Award at the 2001Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the character.

Avalon Television and Channel 4 Television Corportation produced the show. The DVD of the series was released on 16th October 2006.

Dr. Rick Dagless M.DA maverick doctor haunted by the demons of his past. Dagless is an ex-warlock, having renounced theoccult in favour of the stability of the medical profession. A veteran of ‘Nam and the Falklands, he now specialises as a paedeatrician and dreams of one day completing the Darkplace Dagless Kiddy Wing. Following the tragic deaths of his three wives, six brothers, four children, and various pets/best buddies, Dagless wages a one man war against scum, freeloaders and the forces of darkness, whilst dealing with the burden of day-to-day admin. He is also a tireless campaigner for the re-introuction of the death penalty.

Thornton ReedDagless’ boss, professional ballbuster and former POW in Korea, forced by his injuries into pushing paper behind a desk. Reed longsto be back on the ward with the young bucks, but his hands are tied with constant pressure from theFifth Floor and Won Ton. A gifted marksmen, he is still haunted by the memories of his 832 confirmed kills. A pioneering expert in “sacksurgery”, Reed is also a tireless campaigner for the re-introduction of the death penalty.

Dr. Lucien SanchezHot-shot surgeon Sanchez served alongside best buddy Dagless in ‘Nam and the Falklands. A studentof martial arts and Eastern lore, he has pledged a sacred oath to upholdjustice, which he often keeps. When he isn’t flirting with nurses in theoperating theatre. Sanchez can usually be found administrating bed baths or local anaesthetics tofemale patients. An expertfencing instructor and masseuse, he is the only surgeon allowed to drive a motorbike on the ward.

Dr. Liz AsherLady doctor with psychic powers. Liz joins Dagless’s team after seeing Hell opening beneath DarkplaceHospital. Able to perform stunning feats of telekinesis, Liz is nevertheless afflicted with emotional instability, like most women. Despite having slept with Dagless on numerous occasions, Liz has yet to form any kind ofmeaningful relationship with her hero. Dagless refuses to acknowledge their intimacies in public, and Liz hopes in vain to one day arrange a meeting somewhere other than the rear seat of his buggy.

David GaskellA Collection OfConcept Boards

Scott PilgrimFull colour cover is followed by one colour interior pages. A thick line, flat illustration style is used throughout the book. Shading is added by adding different sized dots to areas.

PreacherA graphic novel with full colour illustrations and an intricateillustrations. I will not have the time, nor money to print fullcolour intricate illustraions in my novel.

Illustration StylesSeeking inspiration from illustrators was my next step. I am de-signing the novel in a restricted time period considering what I am aiming to achieve with the graphic novel and figurines.

I want the graphics of the novel and figurines to be bold and simplified. For this reason I researched this style of illustration. The main reasons for me choosing this approach to the illustrations for the novel is the limited time for design and production I have. The second reason is the boldness and block colour fit with the screen printing process I want to use to print the novel.

Using this style of illustration in the novel will allow make the figurine production more feasable. As the figurines are going to be 100mm tall I will be restricted with the amount of detailing I can include in my character illustrations and subsequent figurines.

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ResearchI researched graphic novels and illustration styles I can use in my Garth Marenghi graphic novel.

David GaskellA Collection OfConcept Boards

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ResearchResearch into figurines and figurine packaging.

POP! Edward ScissorhandsThe packaging can stay uniformed in appearence whilst making subtle changes to individualise the packaging for each figurine. This is the direction I will take with my packaging. The figurine is 100mm tall.

POP! FigurineAs part of my deliverables is a set of collectable figurines. I looked at a variety of models and toys and decided upon designing a set of figurines myself. There are a wide variety of toys and figurines on the market. These vary in size, materials, detailing and whether the model does or does not having moving parts.

There are certain restrictions I have facing me,. Materials, cost and time. However, the first two are the biggest factors in the project which have dictate the outcome.

Material and machinery are a huge factor. I do not have access to an injection moulding machine. Without one of these, creating a model with moving parts is very improbable when combined with the time restrictions I have.

The solution to this problem is to make a one piece figurine. Not having moveable parts will allow me to mold and cast the figurines without the use of expensive production processes.

Kidrobot DunnyA closed packaging. This make it hard to buy a product inconfidence. Also the packaging is very busy. The figurine is 75mm high put the scale of the product in perspective.

David GaskellA Collection OfConcept Boards

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Design DecisionsBinding, stock and format decisions were required for the graphic novel.

FormatThe format for the book was glaringly obvious to me after just moments of research. The format I am using is pulp fiction (112mm x 175mm), I chose to use this format as the tone of voice, and subjects covered in the show ring true to much pulp fiction literature. The size of the book is shown via the crop marks on the opposing page.

Image on the left is 75% scale of actual format.

BindingI will be using open binding, a binding method that allows for the graphic novel to lay completely flat when opened.

StockAs with The Democratic Lecture book, having a extra heavy stock gives the book a more hefty and luxury feel. The manufacturing process in creating greyboard links with the pulp fiction subject matter and format I am presenting the graphic novel in.

David GaskellA Collection OfConcept Boards

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Design DevelopmentIllustration style development for the graphic novel and where the novel and figurines could be purchased.

Initial Illustration StyleIllustration style development for the graphic novel. I have kept within the illustration styles I looked into. The thick line flat illsutration is here. This style of illustration is transferable to the figutine design. The use of block colour in the design is appropriate for screen print. A decision I need to make is full colour digital print, or 1 colour screen print. I will be able to make this decision after further development work.w

Possible OutletsThrough my research I came to the conclusion that Forbidden Planet, Travelling Man and OK Comics. They all sell comics, graphic novels and collectables.