intervals

May 4.

Billy and Raimon were together as Mr. Tolkien walked towards the exit after a lengthy meeting—the final meeting to solidify the relationship with the Tolkien family in the process of creation and animation. The negotiation for the purchase of the film rights was still ongoing, with only The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings secured. However, strengthening ties was just the beginning of the negotiation.

-It was a long and tiring job, - said Raimon, trying to break the ice, as he too was surprised by Billy's arrival.

-How's everything going? - asked Raimon.

-As well as it could be. We wrapped up filming two days ago. I came to get up to speed on what has happened in the past few months. I've been told you've had a lot on your plate, from the building delivery to the Lucasfilm negotiation, the purchase of Tor Books, and the negotiations for franchises and animated series, - replied Billy, nodding.

Initially, the purchase of the film rights for The Lord of the Rings closed at 26 million dollars, but it's more of an investment that can be recovered with The English Patient, even if it fails, it will only add to the predicted trilogy's investment. The purchase of Tor Books closed at 8 million dollars, with a service contract payment to McMillan for distribution, advertising, and hiring services.

Investments in Pixar, five million dollars to improve the computing process, have occupied and dried up Lux Animation's coffers, which are still waiting for the 95 million dollars the bank will disburse. This will be used to cover the final expenses of The Lord of the Rings and the purchase of a distribution company. Specifically, a distribution company in the European, Asian, and Oceanian regions.

However, this is not what is needed since the children's sector tends to be quite light. The expansion of the distribution industry will now be reinforced in the American, Canadian, and European zones, starting in English-speaking countries.

-I saw that quite a few of Brandon Choi's friends arrived. Are they here for something? - asked Raimon.

-Not at all. I only hired seven assistants for two days to help me finalize the last chapters of Evangelion and Yu Yu Hakusho. They are transcribing my drafts and adding the necessary color and design while we talk. I plan to publish another series, which I hope will be a bestseller, - said Billy.

-I thought you had an audition for another movie, - said Raimon.

-I do, but I was chosen for the final two filters. Two producers from Sony Pictures liked my skills a lot, and they are expecting me on May 11th. Meanwhile, I'll use the time to advance the series with this group of editors, - said Billy.

-That sounds fantastic. The last chapter was a bit heavy. For a moment, I thought you were going to write something happy, but you dashed my hopes with the latest details, which are, among many things, terrifying, - said Raimon.

Walking with Billy towards his office, passing by Margot, Anne's secretary, and Anne, who is the director of Lux Animation and coordinates with most people to keep the company running smoothly.

They walked into Jim Lee's room, or what had previously been his room. He had taken a new direction with his own publishing company called Wildstorms Productions, using the money saved and earned during his months at Lux Comics. Eight people, including some editors, inkers, and writers, were working on books with great care, three at a time. The process was beautiful and pleasing to the eye. Concentration was evident on their faces, and Billy was more than sure that the 5-day deadline was more than enough with this large production group.

-Now, this is the team that will be responsible for creating the upcoming comics. I brought eleven almost-ready drafts for inking and correction. Now it's just a matter of them taking care of the work while I focus on creating new releases for the summer season, - said Billy.

-I see. Have you received the sales report? This year, we're making a comeback in comic sales, and our sales have doubled for series like Slam Dunk and Evangelion, - said Raimon.

-The results are pleasing. We're a bit short on money, - the young man approached to see a product that was almost finished, and it was as perfect as he could imagine. These individuals already had a lot of work in the production of these series. Raimon just did some mental calculations in his head.

-It's nice. Last month we surpassed 2 million in sales. We're among the most successful comic companies in the United States, and we'll likely surpass Marvel and DC if the sales peak remains stable, - said Raimon. The average always hovered around 1.2 million copies for all series, but this increase had reached 2 million, and the mark kept rising, with reprints and Jim Lee's departure, the production could even reach 3 million without repercussions.

-Come on, I have to keep drawing, and I have some extra questions I need to know. My new series is like a beacon of light; I think it will be one of the best series I'll create, - said Billy.

-I'm already excited, - said Raimon.

Leaving the inkers' office.

-Any news about Lucasfilm? - Billy asked, stroking his chin. He would have to do many activities during these days off, and George Lucas was one of them.

-Nothing new, but we believe that sometime between this month and the next, we'll get some answers from Mr. Lucas. Although I think Steve Parks is wrong, and George Lucas will come when he finds out about our great success, The Lion King, - said Raimon.

-No delays. It would hurt to lose that golden goose, but there are many other ways to make money, - said Billy calmly. Knowing that only haste would bring fatigue, they entered the room, and there were three notebooks—the three main notebooks. He improved the beginning and added Chapter 0, which tells the story of Shiki Lion, along with the appointment of some members of Shanks' crew, who looked more detailed this time.

-Wow, - said Raimon, seeing a mysterious story because of the many secrets it hid—many names and, as always, exquisite work.

-I think I'll wait until there are 20 chapters, but I'll give it a good review, - said Raimon.

-You'd be surprised if I told you I have 1,500 chapters planned, - said Billy.

Raimon's widened eyes were enough to make Billy laugh, who could only wait for what the future held.

...