PANEL ONE:
Erlak and Nizini walk past some statues in a verdant area on the Mountains of the Gods.
NIZINI: So you're going to buy a statuette from a mortal artist?
ERLAK: Yeah, but THIS time I'm taking steps to make sure that I can pass among mortals unrecognized.
PANEL TWO:
Wearing a domino mask and a cloth over his face, Erlak faces a craftsman in his workshop.
ERLAK: Hello!
CRAFTSMAN: Uh... is this a robbery?
PANEL THREE:
Erlak pours a bag of coins onto the counter.
ERLAK: I want to commission the best statuette you can make. I have the gold to pay whatever you ask.
PANEL FOUR:
The craftsman rushes away.
CRAFTSMAN: Yes, of course! For a god, I will do my greatest work!
ERLAK: Wait—how did you know I was a god?
PANEL FIVE:
The craftsman turns back toward Erlak, who looks a bit ashamed.
CRAFTSMAN: Well, you appeared in a flash of light, you're floating off the ground, and you made that bag of gold out of thin air.
ERLAK: Oh, yeah. I guess—I guess mortals don't do those things.
PANEL SIX:
Overhead view of the craftsman talking to Erlak.
CRAFTSMAN: Plus there was a choir of celestial voices singing “Ah–AH!” when the gold appeared. That was kind of a tip–off too.
ERLAK: Yeah, sometimes I get too carried away with theatrics.
PANEL SEVEN:
Erlak takes the cloth off his face.
ERLAK: Okay, look, yes, I'm a god. But don't tell anyone I came here.
CRAFTSMAN: My lips are sealed, Great One.
PANEL EIGHT:
Erlak takes off the mask.
ERLAK: Now, like I said, I want the best statuette you can make.
CRAFTSMAN: I shall do my finest work. What do you wish the statuette to depict?
PANEL NINE:
Erlak and the craftsman continue to talk.
ERLAK: Uh... I don't know. Something a lady would like.
CRAFTSMAN: I will use my utmost discretion. The work should be finished within four weeks. Unless it's needed sooner.
PANEL TEN:
Erlak starts to disappear.
ERLAK: No, that's fine. I'll be back then. Remember, don't tell anyone I was here.
CRAFTSMAN: Not a soul shall know, my master.
PANEL ELEVEN:
The craftsman's shop. An arrow-shaped sign points toward it reading "Arts of the Gods". A banner above the door says "Patronized by the Gods", and a sign next to it says "Art Good Enough for the Gods". Another sign in front of the shop reads, "The Gods Shop Here—Shouldn't You?"
January 21 2024