The Down Market: MANGA!

Creative Director's Introduction:

Creating the first episode of our comic has been a true labor of love, and I'm thrilled to share it with you all. This project isn't just about telling a story; we're crafting a vivid narrative that captures the essence of our city, San Antonio. With the incredible talent of Tony Wilson of BLyss Studios designing all the illustrations, we've brought our vision to life in a way that's both innovative and heartfelt.

Together, our characters delve into the complexities and wonders of San Antonio's tech scene, civic development, art, innovation, and the everyday challenges and celebrations that define our city. As a storyteller, I've always loved using video and photography to capture the spirit of San Antonio. However, creating a graphic novel that encapsulates the eight years of change I've witnessed is something I've long wanted to do. It's a challenge I'm excited to take on with the talented design and editorial teams at Symbio Hush and The Down Market, leading up to our nine-year anniversary.

Each article will feature the story with a dynamic cover page, allowing us to showcase San Antonio in fun and vibrant ways without relying on a full multi-panel comic board. Every month, we'll release illustrated art strips and stories that tell the fuller story of San Antonio—vibrant, colorful, endearing, and complex—just like this city.

But that's not all—come Fall 2024, we're taking it a step further! We're converting the comic's art design into an augmented reality scavenger hunt throughout downtown San Antonio. Using the Adobe Aero app, you can scan and discover hidden gems that The Down Market has explored, diving deeper into the richer and more authentic stories of San Antonio.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed love for this idea. Your support fuels our creativity and passion. This project represents a piece of me that, even as I've grown older, still loves to tell stories in new and fun ways. I'm excited about the journey ahead and can't wait to share more with you.

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EMERGENCE DAY: EPISODE 1

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The sun rose over New St. Ant City, casting a golden hue over the sleek, glass facades of the Rand Building. Inside, the excitement of Emergence Day filled the air. This was no ordinary day for the students of the Students and Next Gen program; it was the beginning of an extraordinary journey into the world of tech and civic innovation.

The day started with a welcome breakfast in the building's modern atrium. Tables were laden with futuristic foods, and holographic menus floated above the offerings. Li, Fahim, Serafina, and Landon, four new faces in the bustling crowd, were meeting for the first time. Li’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the array of high-tech gadgets and culinary delights. Serafina animatedly chatted with Landon and Fahim, while Fahim, ever the tech enthusiast, was engrossed in examining a gadget provided with his meal.

As the morning progressed, the students gathered for an ice breaker activity. In a spacious room with interactive digital displays, teams engaged in games designed to foster collaboration. Li and Landon were paired together for a puzzle challenge. Their teamwork was effortless, and their quick, clever glances revealed an immediate connection. Nearby, other teams were equally engaged, the room buzzing with energy and laughter.

With connections being made and excitement growing, the group moved to the main event hall for the program introduction. The room was grand, filled with futuristic design elements and ambient lighting. Kathy and Alexana, the headmasters, stood at the podium, laying out the day’s agenda and explaining the significance of the chaos wave technology that had transformed the city. This technology, discovered eight years ago, had propelled New St. Ant City into a hub of innovation, attracting talent and investment from around the globe.

The morning's events continued with a Strengths Finder workshop. In a high-tech workshop room, students used advanced tools to identify their personal strengths. Li and Fahim were deeply absorbed in their analysis, while Serafina and Landon shared a laugh over their results. The workshop provided valuable insights, helping each student understand their unique contributions to the program.

After a brief break, the students participated in a workshop on using improv for networking success. The room, equipped with a stage and audience seating, was alive with activity. Li and Serafina took the spotlight, showcasing their creativity and quick thinking. The audience responded with laughter and applause, their improvisational skills setting a high bar for the day.

The highlight of the day was the scavenger hunt. Students ventured into downtown New St. Ant City, navigating a series of clues and challenges using advanced tech tools. Li, Fahim, Serafina, and Landon formed a team, tackling each challenge with enthusiasm. Their excitement was palpable as they solved puzzles and interacted with the chaos wave technology that had become central to the city's innovation.

However, as the scavenger hunt continued, the atmosphere began to shift. The Los Hex gang, notorious for their ruthless control over the west side and their illegal activities fueled by chaos wave technology, had infiltrated the event. They launched a series of brazen attacks on the students, targeting their advanced tech tools. Amid the chaos, it became clear that some of the student teams were colluding with the gang, using their association to gain an unfair advantage.

Li and her friends, witnessing the theft and disruption, took immediate action. They used their own skills and the chaos wave energy to confront the gang members. Serafina’s fierce combat skills and Landon’s quick thinking were pivotal in defending themselves. Fahim leveraged his tech expertise to track the gang’s movements and reclaim some of the stolen items.

Their efforts extended beyond personal safety. The gang’s actions inflicted significant damage on a few of the small businesses in the downtown tech district. The team felt compelled to help. They used the recovered tech to assist local businesses in repairing the damage and returning stolen funds. Their work was instrumental in restoring some semblance of order, but it took time and effort, causing them to fall behind in the scavenger hunt.

Exhausted but undeterred, the team managed to complete the scavenger hunt, but their delay meant they ended in last place. They missed out on the coveted bonus prize: the opportunity to work on the Chaos Rocket and stay at a luxury hotel in Brownsville. Despite their setback, they found solace in the fact that they had made a real difference.

As the sun began to set, Li and her friends retreated to a hidden gem that Serafina had introduced them to—a rooftop at the top of the Frost Tower. The city lights twinkled below as they enjoyed Dubya Burgers and shared stories. Li demonstrated her extraordinary ability to manipulate the chaos wave, floating effortlessly in the air while her friends watched in awe. The rooftop became a sanctuary where they bonded over their shared experiences and newfound abilities.

As the day drew to a close, a shadowy figure observed from a distant vantage point. Mr. J Sundown, cloaked in his futuristic tech helmet and impenetrable black suit, used his visor to zoom in on Li. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze was intense. From the shadows, he murmured, “I found you.”

The city lights of New St. Ant City flickered below as the first chapter of Emergence Day came to an end. The students had begun their journey, unknowingly stepping into a world where technology and magic intertwined, and where their paths would soon cross with hidden forces and mysterious mentors.

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