Written by Florenza Lee
Illustrated by Abigail Watson
story by: Kyle Bottoms, Joshua Bran, Kole Dorazio, Edward Medina, Andrew Taglianetti, Luis Velez
to future exploreres, wherever IN THE UNIVERSE they may be...
it’s New Years Day and exactly one year since my parents’ disappearance. I think about changing the past a lot—
Downtown Neo-Chicago, Planet EartH. January 1, 2122.
but little did i know, the past was about to catch up with me... fast.
Lucky for you I came along, hum?
So you say!
Better for you, is that I didn’t think you were one of them!
that’s how you thank someone for saving your butt?
Here we go again … some dude trying to ease his way in. Every month is a new guy.
With the way my face feels… and yours looks…
When will they get the message? My circle comprises the trifecta: me, myself, and I.
I think we got off on the wrong… launching pad! Let’s start over. What’s your story?
Earth to… what’s your name, anyway?
Justin… and you are?
Whoa! Pump the breaks, PAL. we we aren’t that close.
you? There’s something different about this guy.
Not a brag… just facts… I have to show my friends how cute he is… HiS NAME MUST BE WiFi BECAUSE I’M FEELiNG A CONNECTiON! Does this mean we’re a kilonova? Not yet, that is!
Dusroli.
December 28, 2124.
I completely spaced on introducing myself.
Elkin, all donE.
how about you?
Same here. Heel up in five.
I’m Justin, the raddest space explorer and researcher ever to traverse the universe. LET’S START OVER.
Three long months…
I can’t wait to be back in my bed!
Say hello to my bestie, Elkin.
If you see one of us, you’ve spotted both of us. ‘Cause, that’s how we roll.
ABOARD THE STARBirth
As soon as we land, I’m ordering Thai!
ROGER THAT...
I caught the exploration bug when I was six years old.
Even though my parents vanished four years ago, I kept pushing forward.
Me too, but so far, I’ve got nodda.
Oh, I’ve been working on translating that message you FOUND during tHe mission.
We had a memorial service for them, but I believe they’re still alive, somewhere out there, keeping an eye on me.
all i got was something about... forgiveness.
While you’re translating Swahili, you should sign up for remedial driver’s ed.
Earth to Elkin... ...
Exploring is my thing, but I was psyched ABOUT SLEEPING in my own bed again.
We received a distress call... i know, but CHECK THIS OUT.
Besides being a terrible pilot, you’ve got a poor sense of direction. Earth’s that way!
If by important, you mean life or death…
Follow that signal.
This must be important.
as usual, it'll have to wait.
There's nothing quite like zipping through space at warp speed.
You’d be correct.
It’s like being on the fastest roller coaster IN THE UNIVERSE, multiplied by a million!
Team Kilonova to the rescue!Let me hear the recording…
Play it again, but scramble it this time.
Wait! Go back!
there! That’s the … Chakra Chant.
I snuck out to hang with friends…
AFTER I LEFT, they received a distress call and took off —
Don’t say I didn’t warn you …
What?
Dude, who stole your face?
A few moments ago, you were all “Let’s go save the universe—”
The what chant?
What did you hear?
my mom wrote it when I was a baby—
I thought your parents were dead. WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM?
Yeah. Some say Oogley Moogley, the Conqueror, is responsible. WHO’S... Who’s that?
is … Is that when?
ABANDONED PLANET.
Oogley Moogley is the nastiest, evilest slimster ever to breathe!
If I had, he’d be fumbling around in a black hole!
and why is elkin ACTING strange all OF A sudden? does he know something I don’t?
HAVE–Have you ever seen him?
this turn of events is just too weird. why would my mom’s chakra chant lead us to this dead planet?
ACK! WHAT WAS THAT?!
We gotta get outta here. FAST!
Not often are we under attack, but when we are it’s a Mag Force Zen! This feels like zen times ten!
Why is an entire army After us?
THIS PLANET IS SUPPOSED TO BE ABANDONED–I… I… you do know something about this1
I haven’t been— totally honest with you—
I think I lost them...
el, who are they?
Justin… Hear me out—
Geez! Do you owe them something? Is that it? NOT EXACTLY... MORE LIKE–there!
C’mon, Man. Spit it out, What’s really going on? I promised someone that I’d —
Level with me, El!Protect me from who?
I thought I could protect you—
PLEASE VERIFY ACCESS CODE!
My parents spoke pre-neo-Swahili. When it comes to secret codes, it’s my go-to!
Kwa heshima ya baba yangu! Literally means, “on my father’s honor.”
ya
Isn’t Dusroli a sanctuary planet?
YOU KNOW WHAT, FORGET IT!
That means it’s unlawful to engage in warfare on their land, right?
WELL, this ARMY is... different. I’m notifying the COUNCIL that we’re coming in hot.
This isn’t over— You hear me?
WE’RE OUTTA HERE. Activate Ghost Shield!
SET our COURSE TO
Yes. Immunity was granted to them by the Galaxy Council.
Kwa heshima baba yangu!Safe from who?
Phew… We’re safe.
Until I can sort out this situation, we’re at least safe on Dusroli.
We’re not exiting this ship until I know... THE TRUTH! You weren’t wrong … About keeping your circle
Others were dispatched before me… TO GET CLOSE TO YOU.
Others? What others?
I know that I’m special, but what do I have that anyone wants?
It’s a combination of what you know…
Impossible! I’m only a celebrity in my DREAMS! and who you are.
But… I… I made sure they failed.
Failed?
My home planet is dying… AND I’M RESPONSible how?
You have data...
THAT we need to rebuild.
El, you could’ve just asked! Instead, you sent an entire army to attack us!
I had nothing to do with that! I swear!
Your family is legendary… it’s why I sought you out.
Then who did?
I don’t know.
My orders were to seek you out and then report back … but I changed them! Changed them to what?
To keeping your whereabouts hidden.
ELkin! what does my mom’s song have to do with this?
I swear, Justin. I don’t know.
I don’t know your why, but I know your what! You placed every planet, including Earth, in danger!
We gotta get moving ASAP! Someone breached our borders.
Who’s reckless enough to do that?
I… I didn’t mean to! I swear, Man!
Only one creature is that bold — Oogley Moogley, the Conqueror!
Not now, El!
I’VE HEARD ENOUGH OUT OF YOU... FOR NOW.
Oogley Moogley is bad business...
He forces citizens to mine their own planet, ONLY TO give all their resources to him.
How does he do that!?
I’m confused. Isn’t this a sanctuary planet?
Word is, they’re shape shifters!
So, he could be… literally anyone?
He has a son!?!
What does he look like?
What’s going on between you two? I thought you were friends?
Mind control Magic!
Rumor is his son’s more vicious!
I thought we were too!
Justin—I …That is until I learned HE’s a… stinking spy!
Oogley Moogley, the Conqueror, for all I know!
He’s gonna ramble on about his planet dying… ...and blah blah blah! It’s
For whom!?
Did you tell him about us? I… I, You did! IS
Asking
Sounds like your friends have arrived!
You can’t be that naïve!
My mind is racing, retracing my steps. What did I miss? How did I not see this coming?
The next what!?
What more could i have done?
Who... or should I say,
“what” are you?
You’ve failed your mission!
How?
I reported back all my findings.
What happened to you since you met him?
You’re gonna have to toughen up if you’re going to be the next Conqueror!
I’ve been monitoring your every step since you left home!
I don’t have time for this childish nonsense! He’s the enemy! He’s just a researcher, who, me?
And my friend!
FRIEND!?
I CAN’T budge. The only thing I can do is blink my eyes. Wait, WHY CAN’T I MOVE!?
yes, Just like your father! ELKIN, Quit stalling…
Take care of him, NOW!
All kinds of thoughts are swirling in my mind.
From all our thrilling journeys through the universe... to this!
There's no way I could have been duped like that.
They had their chance to help us! Finish him!
What if the Elkin I know is the real Elkin? And this one is the imposter?
Elkin, I don’t know what’s going on, but this isn’t you!
You’re not like him!
really? Is that all I am to you? An asset?
Justin could be … an asset!
BUT Dad! DAD!? Do we really have to kill ‘em—
Get outta my way! I’ll handle this myself!
Ndugu yangu kutoka kwa mama mwingine! That should buy me some time until I can figure things out.
Don’t!
I’ll take care of him!
Enough! All this noise is giving me a migraine!
Yo! I’m right here! Don’t I get a vote?
Dude, are you for real right now? finally! You understand the assignment.
What did you say to him?
What language is thaT?
Shake it off! You did what you had to do...
What have I done!?
They refused to help us, so now everyone will pay! it means... You’re my Brother from another mother. Destroy everything breathing!!
Is this because I posted thAT photo online?
That loser’s not my friend!
Hey, ARE you okay?
Where’s your friend?
How can that be? He seemed so nice!
… and dreamy!
That jerk tried to kill me!
Run for cover! We’re under attack!
I … I only posted one pic—
What did you do?
THIS IS ALL MY FAULT.
i should never have let anyone into mY circle.
December 29, 2125
Don’t lose your cooL. Remember, this isn’t the time to freak out.
Kaa kwenye njia … Stay the course!
Sikupaswa kukuamini kamwe … I never should have trusted you!
It’s been three days! Thank goodness you’re safe ... I have to tell you— No thanks to you! What!? I saved your—
This isn’t a social call!
Un-sic your goons! wait! I deciphered the–HELLO? ARE YOU THERE?
Who... were you JUST talking to?
You dared to defy my orders?
BUT The Earthlings trust him–
Have
you not been listening to anything I’ve said!?
They left us to … die!
We can trust him.
NOW THIS PUNY planet, AND THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE, WILL pay!
You’re choosing him over me, your people, and the crown?
this isn’t like you … please stop!–
Since no one helped us, we’ll annihilate everything and everyone!
BUT DAD, he’s shown me how we could preserve our planet!
Preserve it? They’re the reason we’re dying!
LET’S FINISH THIS. NOW!
OOGLEY’S SHIP! it’s like father like son, after all!
I don’t know why my son considers you his friend.
He’s no friend of mine. He laid out his cosmic quilt and can lie in it!
I can’t believe what I’m seeing ... It’s the final moments of my parents’ life. And Oogley was behind it! My dad would never turn hiS back on anyone who needed hELP!
ELKIN, See how he thanks you for choosing him over our planet?
I told you, he’s as weak and useless as his father!
That’s exactly what he thought... until I schooled him!
You think you’re old enough to handle the truth ? Class is now in session!
Keep my dad’s name out of your SLIMY mouth! He was more powerful than you’ll ever BE!
Supposedly, he had all the answers, but…
Instead of helping, he left us to rot on a dying planet.
He and his son!? Someone is going to pay for this–I promise. stand for your people before you sit with others!
So you say! In the end, he proved to be all yip and no yap!
Dad, what did you do?
The very thing I hope you’ll one day have the courage to do…
WEE!!
i don’t know, guys. i have a bad FEELING ABOUT THIS.
GO BABY, GO!!!
NOW THIS BUTTON –
LET’S CALL HIM ... JUSTIN.
YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT BIRDS OF A FEATHER? THEY FLOCK TOGETHER!
Nah, i usually fly solo.
let’s go on a mission together.
i should have been there!
DUDE, don’t be a chicken. let’s FLY!
WAIT–what’s wrong, j?
SHH! YOU’ll wake up his ‘rents.
what do i do now?
my parents... went on a mission last night and... they didn’t make it back.
IT’S TIME to finish what I started!
To think I actually once feared you–OR YOUR FATHER!!
el... Did you know about this?
dude, no way!
Don’t just stand there! Do something!
ONE DAY, SON... THIS WILL ALL BE YOURS.
dad, are you okay?
OUR PLANET’s resources began to dry up. BUT WHEN NO ONE ANSWERED OUR CALLS FOR HELP, MY DAD... CHANGED.
THE UNIVERSE HAS LEFT US FOR DEAD! IF NO ONE WILL help US, I’LL just HAVE TO HELP MYSELF.
I... I’m not strong enough!
Yes, you are!
I’ve seen you in action. You’re NOT like HIM!
does that work on... ANYTHING?
exploring the universe with justin MADE ME REALIZE THAT, I CAN PROTECT BOTH MY PEOPLE and the peace!
HE’S... he’S...
Heads up, my man!
HOW Is this even real? I’m growing stronger, taller, more powerful! MAYBE I CAN defeat that slimester AFTER ALL...
WHOA! what’s happening!? huh?
What have you done?!
I gotta go Ghost Mode to buy some more time...
DAD, NO!! Kwa heshima ya baba yangu!Olly olly oxen free,
Come out... or else!
Dad! What’re you doing?
look at that, Elkin. You found yourself a genuine friend, after all!
LET HIM GO AND FIGHT ME FAIR AND SQUARE... YOU COWARD! IF YOU INSIST. CHEW ON THIS! behind you, kiddo.
Here, you can have him. He’s useless to me now!
Thank you for being my
what are you yapping about now?
He’s my brother from another mother! LOOKS LIKE... YOU... STILL OWE
Ndugu yangu kutoka kwa mama mwingine.Kwa heshima ya baba yangu!
NO–Please, Justin! Don’t!
This is DIFFERENT— Come on man, pick a side!
How’s this ANY different? If you do THIS, prepare to become just like him.
All this time, I thought you were different!
DUDE, He killed my family!
Are you for real!?
listen, If we destroy everything that’s dangerous… we become the danger!
He tried to kill both of us, TOO!
i knoW His actions are inexcusable.
JUSTIN! i know You’re better than this!
Sorry, Bro! I’m not willing to take THE risk!
wHEN NO ONE CAME TO HELP US, HE... BECAME A TYRANT.
I left home to learn a different way to lead, with collaboration and COMPASSION.
NOW I’M ready to assume my rightful position...
He says he wants to conquer EVERYONE who won’t surrender... but i know my dad is still in there.
... as THE ruler of I-ba 12, my home!
You’re a… king!?
All this time I thought you were the Prince and me the king!
From this moment forward, we do things MY WAY.
We’ll work to replenish our resources rather than pilfer from others.
KING JUSTIN, YOU’RE SO COOL...
Thank you for sparing my dad’s life and our friendship. I owe you.
As long as you owe me, I’ll never go broke.
Oh, I almost forgot. I finally deciphered THAT MESSAGE…
... something about forgiveness breaking a curse!
... Forgiveness breaks the curse!
Mom!? dad!DECEMBER 1, 2144
WE’d NEVER miss your first space adventure, LEANDRA. the first of many, right bro?
let’s jet! I’m not getting any younger. time to save the universe!!
HEY!! THAT’S OUR LINE!
Dad, COME ON! Grandpa Trefus and I are ready! Uncle Elkin, Auntie Reighn, and cousin Guion... leandra! CUZ! YOU MADE IT!
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Text Copyright © 2024 Florenza Lee
Illustration Copyright © 2024 Abigail Watson Special thanks to Bixie Mathieu
Justin Saves the Universe
Published by Jesse Byrd Creative Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Jesse Byrd Creative Inc.
ISBN: 979-8-9895736-2-2
Overwhelmed by guilt, Justin wrestles with the haunting idea that he could be to blame for his parents’ cryptic death. Elkin, his best friend, is caught in a dilemma, balancing his family’s secrets and his authentic connection with Justin. Can the duo conquer their personal obstacles and join forces to thwart the wicked schemes of Oogley Moogley, the Conqueror? Find out during this galactic graphic novel for young readers.
