The chapters of Evangelion that played out like a comic series began with the story of a desolate and lost young man who knows little beyond the questions before him. Weakness, humanity, effort, the end, beginning, and rebirth. The series gradually begins to give hints that there is a darker, colder, more desolate reality than initially proposed. Even though there is no classical music and it is not filled with phrases spoken by an elegant voice, it remains deafening for those who delve into the thoughts of the protagonist.
-This is simply unbelievable, - said Raimon, reading from the game room sofa. Beside him was Jim Lee, silently taking notes on all the details of the manga. Everything was perfect in his eyes. The drawings were, as always, masterful, and the story was heart-wrenching and clean.
-Darn it, Billy, I can't believe he created something ! - said Raimon.
The small game room was accompanied by a few others, including Todd McFarlane, Paul German, and others. They were all reading the Evangelion series. It all began with an initial idea, a dark and profound concept about the human condition.
Raimon finished reading, eager to read more, but Billy mentioned that he still had drafts, and his office was the forbidden room. Only two people could enter: Anne and Thomas. Although the service staff could enter at any time when Billy was working in the studio, Raimon referred to it as the "Golden Vault," a prohibited space monitored even with cameras.
-It's amazing, - said Todd McFarlane, with a few things on his mind. Inspiration strikes his mind every time he reads the Evangelion series. So much depth in so few words. So many things that can be said but remain unspoken.
-I think I'll go back to my work, - Paul German said carelessly, realizing he had missed his lunchtime while reading the great boss's comic.
Raimon started reading the comic again and began reformulating his theories in his head, jotting them down in a little notebook. The way it was written, and the way the story unfolded had interesting points. Random conversations in the story featured butterfly shadows, and sometimes the color tones were deeper and more opaque.
-Raimon, you have work to do! - Rachel scolded.
Raimon just waved his hand, ignoring Rachel's reprimands.
-You're an impossible person, and you drive me crazy. I'll leave everything on your desk, but don't expect Anne to be very pleased, - Rachel said.
-Yeah, yeah... do whatever you want, - Raimon replied, completely focused on reading the story.
He noted in his agenda that he needed the opinion of an expert, someone with whom he could share his theories.
-But first, we have to work, - he thought.
Accounts upon accounts. With the franchise's growth, each part plays a crucial role. Raimon is responsible for reviewing reports, assignments, and, of course, monitoring actions. Rachel reviews that all companies are following and complying with guidelines and streamlined processes. Anne organizes everything, reviews, supervises, directs, and enforces what Billy commands.
Someone who didn't miss out on a deep conversation about Evangelion is Todd McFarlane. Skipping the formalities, he continued to Billy's office.
-Good afternoon, Mr. McFarlane, - Anne greeted.
-Afternoon. I'll just stop by for a moment. I think I have some things to discuss with Billy, - Todd said.
Anne nodded and pointed to Billy's office.
Billy Carson was working diligently on the series to be published. Creating a series notebook in two days saves time and allows him to continue his daily animation tasks, such as the Gargoyles series.
-Todd, I wasn't expecting to see you, - Billy said.
-Well, I wasn't expecting to drop in either. But I have a question. Why create a series inspired by human psychology? Also, where did the idea come from? It's quite different from all your other works. No timeline connects all your works with a series of such...? - Todd inquired.
-Pessimistic, - Billy added.
-That's what it is. A pessimistic view of society, mixed with religious undertones. There's no particular reason. It's just an idea that popped into my head. It's like Philip K. Dick's divine invasion, dead thoughts of a radical repair of the world, contrasted with children who don't know what human warmth is, living in misery and despair, - Billy explained.
-Wow, that's quite clever of you. I have an idea. Would you be interested in creating a spin-off of the series? I have a clear idea about the father's life, - Todd proposed.
-Well, it would be better if I finished the series first. There are at most 30 chapters left. The upcoming chapters will satisfy the others' curiosity and conclude the series. If you still see a story there, you're welcome to work with me, - Billy responded.
-Although I came here to discuss art, I have an idea in mind. I want to create my toy store, especially featuring action figures from my series and great bands, - Todd McFarlane said.
-Then, I need your contacts in Thailand. I heard that toy stores there are particularly cost-effective for my future interests, - Todd McFarlane said.
-Join my label. Currently, I distribute toys all over North America, doing business with some specific companies, but the industry is booming, - Billy explained.
-Really? - Todd asked.
-It is. You can start a small company with whatever capital you have available, - Billy suggested.
-$630,000 to start with, but I have an investor who might be interested in investing in my toys, - Todd shared.
It wasn't a lie. With the Spawn series, of which he is a co-creator, he was considering the technical development of a series of action figures of Image Comics creations, of which he's a part, and some others that haven't been fully explored yet.
-An extra $500,000 wouldn't be a problem. The first exhibitor and distributor is 'Toys and Comics.' You can start in my store. There's also 'Sunrise Comics,' which distributes several comics here, and it's common for these retail companies to have toy sections, - Billy said.
-That eases my mind. I have a contact who will help me license images of characters. I believe Todd & Billy Toys is officially founded, - Todd said.
A toy store specializing in action figures. Billy broke the deal not to spend money on expanding other businesses but investing here and there was almost a calling. Not many people come up with ideas , despite having a group of companies under their control.
-You know how things work. Get the details in order, and when you're all set, I'll be there to invest in the series. Anne will approve the whole process; you have my green light, - Billy assured.