KETCHUP! by Francesco Francavilla

(click on the above images for a larger view)

Here I was thinking I could take a week off, and then the awesomely talented Mike Hawthorne reminded me (with his fabolous inking on Ramon Perez's Thing headsketch) that I said I was going to put some inks on the sketch, so I guess I had some catch-up to do as everyone else ;)

Hope Ramon and y'all dig it :)

Synopsis:
Now I wish I could work on this story: I have already a bit of setup: Ben and Reed part ways (not in a good way). After a few years Ben is a PI and (femme fatale) Sue steps in his office. She wants Ben investigating on the murder of Mr Fantastic.
How does that sounds for a NOIR take on the FF? :) Any Marvel editor/writer out there who wants to do this with me? Uh? :)

UPDATE! I decided to take a quick stab at the opening splash page for the book. Couldn't help it :) Still waiting for that Marvel phone call ;)

UPDATE II! A bit of narrative to go with the above images, courtesy of talented Mr Eric Johnson (Thank you, Eric :))

…She walked in like she walked out five years ago. Tall, cool, blonde, but with a hint of trouble that made you think she was the wildcat twin sister Grace Kelly was trying hide from the Prince of Monaco’s family.

I took a slug of rye from the barrel I kept under my desk then I spoke.

“Hello, Sue. Long time. You might even say it’s been quite a stretch.”

You gotta admit, the kid never gave anything away. Her eyes flashed, and she gripped her pocket book a little tighter, but that was it.

“I’d hoped this was going to be a pleasant reunion, Ben. Now, I’m not sure why I came here in the first place.”
I took another shot.

“Sure you do, baby. Everybody wants a piece of the rock.”
Her look softened and there was a catch in her voice.

“Am I that transparent?”
…


Cheers,
Francesco