Welcome to TRAUMA TALK (the Substack formerly known as CHARACTER + OBSTACLE = STORY)

Hey Everyone —

This is Brian Hawkins. I’m a freelance writer of comic books, graphic novels, and novels. Additionally, I am an the former editor for indie publisher, Mad Cave Studios, and presently an editor for Battle Quest Comics. So far, I’ve been fortunate to write for BlackBox Comics, Zenescope Entertainment, and a plethora of small publishers. Also, I am the co-creator/co-writer of BLACK COTTON with Scout Comics and the creator/writer of my self-published horror comic book series, THE LUNATIC, THE LOVER, & THE POET, and my self-published web comic SEPARATE BUT EQUAL.

Needless to say, none of the above would happen without the incredible and amazing talent of artist friends and collaborators that I’ve been fortunate to work with. That list includes Marco Perugini (BLACK COTTON/SEPARATE BUT EQUAL), Marcio Loerzer (THE LUNATIC, THE LOVER, & THE POET), and a host of others that through the curation of publishers I’ve been paired with, truly magical artists who literally bring words that I write to life! Truly, there’s nothing like comic book creation!

Okay, so now that we’ve briefly discussed who I am and some of the things I’ve done, let’s talk about what this space and platform is all about. CHARACTER + OBSTACLE = STORY is all storytelling. The name comes from a “formula” that I created as part of my instruction when I was an English teacher. I wanted my students to understand what makes a story: To my understanding, it takes a character and an obstacle to create the motion or movement of storytelling, ultimately, what we see and experience as readers. This “formula” also informs me and is a reminder to me always of what it is that I am trying to do when I write and what I am looking for when I edit.

So, the CHARACTER + OBSTACLE = STORY Substack will be about storytelling. How that will take place will vary. One of the ways that I’d like to interact with all of you who subscribe and join this community is to talk briefly about storytelling elements. Again, coming from my years of teaching but also with an infusion of my journey as a creator and writer and editor. Another way, I’d like to share my experiences as a writer and editor in real time, as I’m going through it — what am working on, some of the “behind the scenes” things that happen while pitching, outlining, scripting, going into the art phase with my collaborators and friends, etc. And last, I ‘d like for this platform to also have content that is specific to it and the community that’s journeying with me — and that is where my web comic SEPARATE BUT EQUAL comes into play.

SEPARATE BUT EQUAL is a web comic that I would describe as a soap opera/dramedy. It is about a husband and wife who divorce and are forced to continue living together because they cannot afford to sell their condo. Originally, the first Season of SEPARATE BUT EQUAL (10 episodes) was available only on Webtoons. While it is still available there, I wanted to bring my soap opera/dramedy to a more intimate setting, a place where I am and where those who are with me on this journey can also access it.

SEPARATE BUT EQUAL Season One will debut on this CHARACTER + OBSTACLE = STORY Substack platform beginning this Friday December 31st, 2021. And subsequent episodes will follow each week/each Friday. Season Two will premiere on this platform exclusively later in the year to all subscribers with extra incentives and collectibles for paid subscribers and “founding members” of the community (all of this will be discussed in more detail later). However, just rest assure and know that there will always be content that will be available on CHARACTER + OBSTACLE = STORY for free subscribers in addition to what will exist for paid and founding members.

Here’s a look at SEPARATE BUT EQUAL:

Coming 2022…

Okay, so there we have it. This is what CHARACTER + OBSTACLE = STORY is all about. I hope that you will choose to join our community either as a paid subscriber or free subscriber. Regardless, please feel free to share this platform with family, friends, and others:

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I look forward to chatting with you all again soon!

Thanks,

Brian Hawkins

Last Edited: 02/17/22

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All about comics, other media, and all the goings-on of BlaX Trauma Productions, a horror comics productions studios and entertainment company.