Turnaround Success (Solo)

((In response to Farfalla Vendetta ))

To most people, this would have been a travesty. Returning to work from lunch break and finding that your store had been attacked by some paint monster with a bad head cold (at least that is what it looked like), would have immediately sent some people into a complete, downward spiral. Weaker comic store owners would have freaked out, would have called the cops, or maybe even forced them to close shop while they cleaned up. Even Akshay had to admit that he was completely caught off guard by the paint attack that had occurred to his store.

But…Akshay was not like most people. While yes, he did file a police report, Akshay did not fall to pieces and did not panic into some dark, dank hole from which he could never recover. Akshay was beyond such things. The thing was that he had no idea who would do this.

He eyed the crown, he looked at the name “Celeste” elegantly written underneath it, but absolutely none if rang a bell. Obviously whoever this person was, was of no importance to him otherwise he would remember, right? They probably were not important to anyone and that was why Akshay began to feel so bad for whoever did this. Did they really haven to go to such lengths to make themselves known to the world? Were they really so pathetic to the point that they would have to explode into a cacophony of loud colors in order to feel adequate enough to justify their place in the universe?

If so…then Akshay’s heart wanted to embrace them. Maybe, one day, whoever this unknown person was, would eventually learn to love themselves without shouting for attention. Maybe…there was hope for them.

That was why Akshay decided to honor whoever this person was. He would use this tremendous work of art in his favor. Taking only a couple week or so, Akshay took the time to produce a quick, one sheet comic. A teaser to unveil a new character that would join his favorite creation Slaggathor in the fight against evil!

The day came and Akshay had sent word out amongst all his fans and their fan circles about the unveiling. Before he knew it, droves of people showed up. There was a line outside of the door to his shop, everyone admiring the art work on the windows and congratulated Akshay on a brilliant marketing tactic. But, of course, everyone wanted to see the character! Who was going to help Slaggathor?

That was easy. While everyone was lined up outside, talking excitedly and eager, Akshay stepped out of his comic store carrying a rather large cardboard cutout of a figure. Setting it down just outside his door he beamed and…pulled the sheet off.

There, standing before everyone was a green, female ogre wearing a crown, just like the crown that had been put on his window. Everyone…was stunned and applauded the magnificent looking art piece that stood before them. To them, it was brilliant, it was magical, and it was just the foil that Slaggathor needed.

Akshay grinned wide and proud.

“Everyone! Meet…Princess Celeste! Royal Highness of the Underdwellers!” he chuckled as people applauded in awe. “Come on in to get your free, one sheet issue. And then keep an eye out for the next issue of Slaggathor for Princess Celeste’s debut!!”

With a wave, Akshay invited people to step into his store. It would turn out to be the best sales day he had ever had yet…