And there you have it. The conclusion to Soaked Shells.
I’ve thought about returning to the setting, just to explore how Ryland reacts to John’s suicide. Maybe someday.
↓ Transcript
Page 10
Panel 1
Ford is standing before a mirror. He is in a bath robe. Ford has pulled down the collar of his night shirt to reveal a pair of gills on his neck.
Caption: It was not long before I witnessed the physical change coming over me.
Caption: My physician had been unable to identify or cure my ailment. I am sorry for not consulting you Ryland but there was nothing to be done.
Panel 2
The scene shifts to a comfortable den. Ford is seated in a chair. A fire is burning in the fireplace beside him. There is a side table atop which is a glass of brandy, an ivory pipe and an ash tray. Behind them is a giant stuffed lion’s head on the wall and a book shelf beneath it. Ford’s physical transformation has grown worse. He has lost most of his hair, his skin looks like it has become dry and scaly, his forehead has grown larger and his hands are webbed. Ford is writing a letter. Leaning against the chair is Ford’s shotgun.
Caption 1: I no longer recognize myself. I know this is against your nature but try to understand. The thrills I sought in the deepest jungle and harshest mountain have been taken from me.
Caption 2: Before my disfigurement renders me incapable I shall end my suffering.
Panel 3
Ford has reached over and is lifting up the shotgun.
Caption: Do not mourn for me, my friend.
Panel 4
The butt of the shotgun is between Ford’s legs. His webbed hands are around the trigger. The gun’s gone off. Ford’s body jolts as his head is blown off, off panel.
Caption: Sincerely, John Ford.
SFX: BOOM
Panel 5
A small panel providing a close up of Ford’s webbed hand hanging down beside the chair.
Panel 1
Ford is standing before a mirror. He is in a bath robe. Ford has pulled down the collar of his night shirt to reveal a pair of gills on his neck.
Caption: It was not long before I witnessed the physical change coming over me.
Caption: My physician had been unable to identify or cure my ailment. I am sorry for not consulting you Ryland but there was nothing to be done.
Panel 2
The scene shifts to a comfortable den. Ford is seated in a chair. A fire is burning in the fireplace beside him. There is a side table atop which is a glass of brandy, an ivory pipe and an ash tray. Behind them is a giant stuffed lion’s head on the wall and a book shelf beneath it. Ford’s physical transformation has grown worse. He has lost most of his hair, his skin looks like it has become dry and scaly, his forehead has grown larger and his hands are webbed. Ford is writing a letter. Leaning against the chair is Ford’s shotgun.
Caption 1: I no longer recognize myself. I know this is against your nature but try to understand. The thrills I sought in the deepest jungle and harshest mountain have been taken from me.
Caption 2: Before my disfigurement renders me incapable I shall end my suffering.
Panel 3
Ford has reached over and is lifting up the shotgun.
Caption: Do not mourn for me, my friend.
Panel 4
The butt of the shotgun is between Ford’s legs. His webbed hands are around the trigger. The gun’s gone off. Ford’s body jolts as his head is blown off, off panel.
Caption: Sincerely, John Ford.
SFX: BOOM
Panel 5
A small panel providing a close up of Ford’s webbed hand hanging down beside the chair.
