TICK
You know, evil young man, today may seem
to be comfortable. But we must neverfear
the future.
TICK II
That’s right Tick, because tomorrow is
alwaysjust around the corner, bringing
bright, shiny promises of newgoodness.
TICK
Even though, technically it never gets
here—
Arthur is next to Father Time’s bed, reading from some
papers.
ARTHUR
Tick! I found Father Time’s living will.
It says we should pull the plug.
The Tick stands over the bed, his hand hesitating over the
plug.
TICK
But Arthur, I can’t. I mean, I’m one of
the good guys.
FATHER TIME
Oh, for heavens sake, do I have to do
everythingmyself?
Closer as Feeble Father Time pulls his own plug.
FATHER TIME
I mean, where’s Dr. Kevorkian when you
needhim?
Wide as the room and our heroes are fading to white, as in
an over-exposed photo. Father Time has floopped back on
the bed, obviously expired.
ARTHUR
Tick? What’s happeningto us?
Page 23
Panel 1
On The Noodge, in a star-filled void, speaking directly to
the reader.
NOODGE
Alas, Arthur would neverknow what
happened. For I am sworn to non-
interference.
Closer on Noodge.
NOODGE
Sworn neverto tell anyone that when
Father Time pulled his life-suppoert plug,
Baby New Year arrived and set things in
motion, once again. Yes, all is as it was
before.
New angle on Noodge.
NOODGE
Time is like a rubber band, stretched
almost to the breaking point by
Brainchild, yet elastic enough to snap
back into its original shape once the Tick
was victorious.
Noodge continues his monologue.
NOODGE
And, though I know these things, I can
tell no one. Such is my power. Such is my
curse. For I...am the Noodge.
Page 24
Panel 1
Noodge has one hand to the side of his mouth, as if he
were telling a secret.
NOODGE
Still, one may wonder, what of Arthur,
Carmelita and their New Year’s kiss? I
say. Still, between you, me and the
cosmic gatepost...
Noodge is hovering, unseen at the New Year’s Party
Arthur is about to kiss Carmelita, as before.
ARTHUR
Happy New Year, Carmelita.
CARMELITA
Happy New Year, Arthur.
New angle, the Tick has his back to the kissing couple,
and is purposely blocking the Noodge’s view of the scene.
TICK
Hey! No peeking, buttinsky!
CAPTION
Happy Holidays!!
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