CounterConspiracy Comics: Holy Driver

Issue #2

“Take My Hand Part 2”

PANEL 1

LARGE PANEL. FREDDIE stands in front of OLE’ HAND. He has one hand on his head clutching a handful of hair. The other is on his hip. He looks stunned. The car is surrounded by an aura of white light. 

FREDDIE:

How did I forget about their car?!

TITLE:

HOLY DRIVER: TAKE MY HAND PART 2

PANEL 2

COYOTE stands next to the open trunk of OLE’ HAND holding a wooden crate full of mason jars containing a clear liquid.

COYOTE:

After we lost your parents, you were in a bad way for a long time.

You spent all your time at school… in the computer lab. Then once you got your laptop,  you wouldn’t come out of your room.

PANEL 3

FREEDIE standing inside the open driver side door peering in at OLE’ HANDS interior. He has one hand on the inside door handle. The other is on the roof. He looks like he is having flashbacks of repressed childhood memories.

FREDDIE:

Me and Dad… Working on Ole’ Hand was our thing. I couldn’t bare to look at it after I lost him. It hurt too much.

PANEL 4

COYOTE looking through the open OLE’ HAND passenger door window at FREDDIE who now sits behind the wheel still looking like he is awash in a torrent of memories.

COYOTE:

How does it feel now?

FREDDIE:

Surreal.

PANEL 5

FREDDIE sitting in the driver’s seat of OLE’ HAND holding the steering wheel and staring at the speedometer looking emotional. COYOTE sits casually in the passenger seat, right arm hanging out the window. His left hand is presenting a CRUCIFIX KEYCHAIN holding a single key to FREDDIE.

COYOTE:

Let’s go for a ride. It’ll clear your head.

PANEL 6

Closeup of FREDDIE staring at the CRUCIFIX KEYCHAIN in his hand. It has an aura of holy light around it.

FREDDIE:

Yeah.. Sure.

PANEL 7

FREDDIE sits with both hands on the wheel looking down at the round 4 speed gear shifter knob looking anxious. COYOTE smiles as he points at it.

FREDDIE:

Uh.. I’ve never…

COYOTE:

Clutch is on the left. Gas is on the right. Brake is in the middle. That’s the gear shifter.

The motor and tranny are tuned to haul ass, so keep the RPMs high and don’t be stingy with the gas.

PANEL 8

OLE’ HAND pulling out of the barn. The sky behind it is filled with the pink, orange, and purple hues of a beautiful sunset. FREDDIE and COYOTE sit inside smiling. LUCKY watches them go from the steps of the back porch.

PANEL 9

 Above and behind shot of OLE’ HAND driving under a banner that says ‘County Fair’. The sky is growing darker as the sun goes down in the distance. There is an old backlit arrow marquee sign next to the road with the following ‘Tonight: Battle of the Bands!  Tomorrow: Demolition Derby & Monster Truck Show!’

FREDDIE:

Where to?

COYOTE:

Livestock corral.

PANEL 10

Backside of the LIVESTOCK CORRAL at the FAIRGROUNDS. View of the back of OLE’ HAND parked next to UNCLE BUD’S TRUCK. OLE’ HAND’s trunk is open and 3 crates of jars are visible. COYOTE and UNCLE BUD stand beside the car talking. FREDDIE is pushing a crate into the bed of UNCLE BUD’s TRUCK.

UNCLE BUD:
I’m telling you something ain’t right!

Lorene  was squared away! She would never do any stupid shit like that!

COYOTE:

I agree. There is fuckery afoot.

We must council with The Elders. Meet me at the outpost at dawn.

UNCLE BUD:
Roger that.

PANEL 11

COYOTE and UNCLE BUD stand talking with FREDDIE between the vehicles. UNCLE BUD’S truck now has 3 crates in the back. 

COYOTE:

I’ll take the last crate to the Chief.

UNCLE BUD:

Hey Freddie. It’s been awhile. How’ve you been?

FREDDIE:

Hey Uncle Bud. I’ve been good.

Sorry I didn’t call you back last Christmas. I’ve just been really busy with school…

PANEL 12

Closeup of UNCLE BUD talking to FREDDIE.

UNCLE BUD:

Don’t sweat it kid. I was young once too. Good old Uncle Bud will be there when you need him.

 I’ve gotta’ go meet a friend over yonder by the church tent. I’ll see you boys later.

PANEL 13

Trunk shot. FREDDIE standing next to COYOTE both looking down into OLE’ HAND’S trunk at the last crate. COYOTE has one hand on the trunk like he is about to close it and one hand on FREDDIE’S shoulder.

FREDDIE:

You don’t think she was murdered do you?

COYOTE:

She didn’t start that fire.

PANEL 14

UNCLE BUD sits on the tailgate of his truck in a grass field holding an open jar to his lips. There is a large white tent illuminated with string lights in the background (REVIVAL TENT).

UNCLE BUD:

In the interest of brand reputation..

Time for some quality control.

PANEL 15 – Large Panel

UNCLE BUD still sitting on his tailgate and still holding the jar, but now he is surrounded by fifty people with crazed and menacing faces (MAD PREACHER & CORRUPT CONGREGATION).

MAD PREACHER:

SINNER!

Drunkenness flies in the face of God!

CORRUPT CONGREGATION (SOUNDS ):

SINNER!

PUNISH HIM!

BURN HIM!

UNCLE BUD:

What the FU…?!

PANEL 16

Inside of the REVIVAL TENT. Hay on the floor, string lights hang over a large group (CONGREGATION) clapping and cheering as they stand in front of folding chairs watching a well dressed man (PREACHER) on a stage. He stands in front of a large wooden cross illuminated by small spot lights and his arms are raised with his hands open as he looks up; embracing the air above him. There is a dark figure in the shadows next to the stairs leading up to the stage.

NARRATOR BLOCK:

Earlier that night…

PREACHER:

Hallelujah! Brothers and Sisters! Hallelujah!

God is good!!!

Thank you all for joining me here tonight as we kick off the Holly Springs Baptist Church Savathon!

I truly believe that there is no more beautiful group of people in all of creation than you all here tonight!

I mean that! I do.

God is good!!!

PANEL 17

Closeup of the PREACHER standing in front of the cross. His eyes and smile are wide, showing off his large white eyes and teeth, and his arms are outstretched.

PREACHER:

God bless!! I feel the Spirit in me tonight!  Can you feel it?

The Holy Spirit is coursing through my veins!!

It wants me to get out there this weekend and save souls! And it wants you to do it too!

PANEL 18

Shot from behind the crowd showing the shadows of their figures watching the PREACHER standing on the stage pointing at the cross. His expression is serious now. His face is flush, his eyes bulge, and small beads of sweat dot his forehead.

PREACHER:

Hear me now flock. Listen up and heed these words.

Anyone that hasn’t accepted Jesus Christ as their lord and savior and been baptized in holy water is doomed! Doomed to burn in the fires of Hell!

That applies to everyone!! It don’t matter if its a new born baby, all sweet and innocent.  Or a full grown Aboriginal, that don’t know Christ from Crisco!

If they’re not saved they’ll be cast down! Sentenced to burn in Satan’s lake of fire for all eternity!!

PANEL 19

Closeup of the PREACHER standing in front of the shining cross. He is pointing at the crowd now. His eyes are wide, face flush. Sweat dripping. Veins bulging in his face and neck.

PREACHER:

The lost must be saved! We must save them!

We must help them shed their sinful skin and be reborn in the holy light of the Lord!!

Can I get Hallelujah?!

Praise Jesus!

PANEL 20

DARK JESUS stands on the stage, one of his massive hands grasping the back of the PREACHER’S head. The PREACHER’S eyes are wide, his pupils white and shaped like crosses. His hair is standing on end as if he is being shocked. DARK JESUS’S other arm is extended with his palm out and fingers extended towards the congregation.

DARK JESUS:

LIVE BY YOUR WORD!

PANEL 21

UNCLE BUD has his back up against the side of his truck near the back. He is surrounded by the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION. Some clutch wooden crosses in their hands, others Bibles. MAD PREACHER stands at the back of the truck looking into the truck bed.

SOUND (CORRUPTED CONGREGATION):

Repent!

Repent or Burn!

Sinner!

UNCLE BUD

Whoah now! That must have been some sermon tonight preacher.

The flock is really fired up. Feeling the spirit are we?

PANEL 22

Two members of the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION are holding UNCLE BUD’S arms. The others surround him. MAD PREACHER stands holding one of the mason jars in front of his face.

MAD PREACHER:

Ephesians 5:18

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit!

Repent or burn!

PANEL 23

Close up of UNCLE BUD looking scared. The dark forms of the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION closing in around him.

UNCLE BUD:

Repent?! I don’t think the Lord minds a man giving his friends a few jars of handcrafted small batch spirits…

SOUND (CORRUPTED CONGREGATION):

BURN HIM!

PANEL 24

The MAD PREACHER smiles maniacally as he pours the contents of the jar over UNCLE BUD’s head who is still being held by members of the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION. The shape of the cross can be seen clearly in the MAD PREACHER’S eyes. UNCLE BUD struggles to free himself as he is doused.

PANEL 25

Closeup of the MAD PREACHER holding a lighter. 

MAD PREACHER:

Let your soul be cleansed in purifying flame!

PANEL 26

OLE’ HAND’S headlights shine on the MAD PREACHER, the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION, and UNCLE BUD. The crazed evangelists stare into the lights. UNCLE BUD has a look of terror on his face.

SOUND (OLE’ HAND):

HONKKKK!!!

PANEL 26

FREDDIE sits behind the wheel of OLE’ HAND looking at the the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION through the rolled down driver’s side window as they move towards him. Behind them the MAD PREACHER has lit the lighter. UNCLE BUD struggles against his captors and COYOTE is running up to aid him.

FREDDIE:

Get away from my uncle you psychos!!

PANEL 27

COYOTE power slapping the MAD PREACHER extinguishing the lighter as his hand passes over it.

PANEL 28

UNCLE BUD grabbing the shoulder of one of his captor’s and slamming his knee into his groin.

PANEL 29

COYOTE delivering a high side kick that lands just under UNCLE BUD’s other captor’s chin.

PANEL 30

COYOTE and UNCLE BUD face each other.

UNCLE BUD:

What the heck got into the Baptists!

COYOTE:

More fuckery.

PANEL 31

Members of the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION help the MAD PREACHER up off the ground. The other members surround them.

MAD PREACHER:

He dare lay his hands on a man of God?!

Get him!

PANEL 32

FREDDIE sits in OLE’ HAND watching the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION pick up the MAD PREACHER. UNCLE BUDs truck drives away in the background.

PANEL 33

FREDDIE sits in OLE’ HAND watching COYOTE walk past the lowered passenger window. 

FREDDIE:

Let’s go man! They’re coming!

COYOTE:

Pop the trunk.

PANEL 34

A jar of moonshine with a flaming rag hanging out of the top flies through the air.

PANEL 35

FREDDIE and COYOTE sit inside OLE’ HAND looking at the MAD PREACHER and the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION recoil from the wall of flame that now separates them.

COYOTE:

That won’t hold them long.

FREDDIE:

What the hell is going on?

Were they really going to burn him?

COYOTE:

Drive!

PANEL 36 – SPLASH PAGE

The MAD PREACHER leading the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION towards a young women sitting on a stool talking to a young deputy who has his back turned to them. The young women has a flirtatious look on her pretty face and her hand is holding the deputy’s. His body language shows that he is enamored with the women and not paying attention to his surroundings. The couple is in front of a gate that leads into the ARENA. There is a banner above them that says “Battle of the Bands” There is a rock band playing on a stage in the background and a bunch of young people dancing in front of it. The CORRUPT CONGREGATION looks more menacing now. They are sweaty and singed. One man is carrying a pitchfork. Another has an ax handle. 

CONGREGATION (SOUND):

sinnnerrrss…

PANEL 37

OLE’ HAND interior view from the backseat. FREDDIE is driving through the fairground. COYOTE sits in the passenger seat. UNCLE BUD’s voice is coming out of speakers in the front dashboard.

UNCLE BUD:

Breaker, breaker! Coyote! You got your ears on brother?

FREDDIE:

This thing still has a CB?

COYOTE:

Of course it still has a CB.

PANEL 38

COYOTE holding a CB mic sitting in the passenger seat of OLE’ HAND.

COYOTE

10-4.

UNCLE BUD

I’ve seen some heavy handed Bible-thumping in my day, but that takes the cake!

COYOTE:

Roger that. They seemed possessed.

UNCLE BUD

I called the Sheriff. He’s 10 minutes out.

That crazy congregation is headed into the arena.

PANEL 39

Close up of FREDDIE turning the wheel hard. COYOTE is bracing himself by putting one hand behind FREDDIE’S seat and grabbing the door handle of the passenger door with the other.

FREDDIE:

The Battle of the Bands! Oh man. Do they think dancing’s a sin? This could be bad.

COYOTE:

A lot can happen in 10 minutes. Step on it!

PANEL 40

Inside the ARENA. Members of the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION chase terrified teenagers in every direction. 

PANEL 41

The MAD PREACHER stands in front of a group of frightened teens that are huddled up against the base of the now empty stage. Members of the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION stand on either side.

MAD PREACHER:

Exodus 32:6 he saw the calf and the dancing and Moses’ anger waxed hot!

SOUND (CORRUPTED CONGREGATION):

Sinners! Burn them!

PANEL 42

Aerial view. OLE’ HAND driving into the ARENA towards the stage.

SOUND (OLE’ HAND):

HONK! HONK!

PANEL 43

OLE HAND is stopped; Headlights shining on the terrible scene. The MAD PREACHER stands in front of the terrified group of concert goers holding a gas can.

FREDDIE:

That’s enough! They’ll never dance again! Happy!?

PANEL 44

MAD PREACHER stands in front of the group of cowering teenagers with the gas can raised above his head.

MAD PREACHER:

Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire… On account of these, the wrath of God is coming!

PANEL 45

FREDDIE and COYOTE talk inside OLE’ HAND. COYOTE has the passenger door open and is on his way out.

COYOTE:

He’s out for blood. We’ve got to save those kids.

FREDDIE:

How are we supposed to do that?

COYOTE:

You distract the psychos. I’ll get the kids.

PANEL 46

Closeup of FREDDIE behind the steering wheel of OLE’ HAND.

FREDDIE:

Distraction? C’mon, think!

??? (FROM THE BACK SEAT):

Make ’em eat dust.

PANEL 47

Shot of OLE’ HAND’s back tires spinning in the dirt of the ARENA.

PANEL 48

Aerial shot of OLE’ HAND kicking a hard 180 creating a dust cloud that engulfs the MAD PREACHER, the CORRUPTED CONGREGATION, and the teens.

PANEL 49

COYOTE ushering the group of teens up the stairs of the stage away from the distracted CORRUPTED CONGREGATION.

COYOTE:

Go!

PANEL 50

Aerial view of the ARENA. OLE” HAND sits in front of the stage on one side. On the other, three demolition derby cars crash through three different parts of the tire wall that surrounds the arena.

SOUND (DEMOLITION DERBY CARS):

CRASH!!

PANEL 51

Aerial shot through the windshield of OLE’ HAND showing FREDDIE sitting behind the wheel.

FREDDIE:

Shit! Shit! Holy shit!

How am I supposed to stop these guys?!

PANEL 52

OLE’ HAND driving towards the reader. There is a demolition derby car on each side with a raving CORRUPTED CONGREGATION member in the driver’s seat and another hanging out of the window on the passenger side. One of the passengers is holding a lit Molotov cocktail. The other has just thrown one and it is sailing towards OLE’ HAND. FREDDIE is watching it fly towards him in the side mirror.

UNCLE BUD (COMING FROM CB):

Firebomb inbound!

FREDDIE:

Not good, not good!

PANEL 53

Inside shot from the dashboard of OLE’ HAND. FREDDIE leans to the driver’s side as he turns the wheel hard.

SOUND (OLE’ HAND TIRES SQUEALING):

EEERRRRR!!

PANEL 54

Aerial view. OLE’ HAND speeds along side the tire wall barrier that surrounds the ARENA. The two demolition derby cars have crashed into each other and the barrier because they failed to make the last second hairpin turn. The cars and a section of the wall are on fire where the Molotov cocktails have landed.

UNCLE BUD (COMING FROM CB):

Nice move kid!

PANEL 55

Interior shot of an at rest OLE’ HAND showing FREDDIE sitting behind the wheel. He is sweaty and scared.

UNCLE BUD (COMING FROM CB):

Heads up! You got big trouble on your six!

PANEL 56 – Large Panel

A MONSTER TRUCK soars over the tire wall barrier. The MAD PREACHER is behind the wheel.

SOUND (MONSTER TRUCK):

RRRROOOOMMM!

PANEL 57

Side shot of FREDDIE through the rolled down driver’s side window. His frantic eyes scan the scene ahead of him, searching for a way out of the ARENA; the head lights of the MONSTER TRUCK starting to illuminate the interior of OLE’ HAND.

FREDDIE:

OH SHIT!

PANEL 58

Closeup of FREDDIE. He is scared. The head lights of the MONSTER TRUCK shine bright in the car now.

FREDDIE:

Please God. Don’t let me die here. Please!

Please help me!

PANEL 59

Interior shot of OLE’ HAND through the windshield. FREDDIE is looking into the rear view mirror wearing an expression of shock. In the backseat sits the spectral form of LORENE GOODFAITH. The MONSTER TRUCK is close, it lights and tires filling the rear window behind her.

LORENE:

Oh!

So now you believe!

Written by Will Kilpatrick

Holy Driver created by Will Kilpatrick

Copyright 2023 Holy Driver. Owned by CounterConspiracy Comics. All rights reserved. No portion or elements of this project may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or means, 
without the express written permission of CounterConspiracy Comics LLC.