MOON BASE HUMANITY
A 16-Page Graphic Novel for Young Adults
Style Guide & Complete Story Framework
π¨ ARTISTIC STYLE GUIDE
Core Aesthetic
- Primary Influence: 1930s Flash Gordon/Buck Rogers serial illustration
- Secondary Influence: Art Nouveau (Alphonse Mucha, curved lines, organic patterns)
- Color Palette: Monochrome with dramatic contrast for print/coloring book format
- Line Work: Elegant, flowing curves with confident ink work
Visual Elements
Line Quality:
- Main character outlines: Bold, flowing (2-3pt weight)
- Interior details: Delicate hairline (0.5-1pt)
- Background patterns: Medium weight with Art Nouveau spirals
- Panel borders: Double-line ornamental frames with curved corners
Space Elements:
- Stars rendered as Art Nouveau sparkle motifs
- Planets with swirling surface patterns
- Spacecraft with streamlined 1930s sci-fi curves
- Technology with decorative panel details
Character Design Principles:
- Proportions: 6-6.5 heads tall (stylized realism)
- Retro-futuristic spacesuits with ornamental details
- Glass bubble helmets with decorative rivets
- Each character has distinct visual personality
π₯ CHARACTER PROFILES
LUNA ARMSTRONG (Age 14, Girl)
Visual Design:
- Long dark hair in practical braid
- Intense, focused eyes
- Athletic build
- Spacesuit: Dark with swirling constellation patterns
- Carries tool belt with ornamental buckles
Character Virtues:
- Leadership: Natural commander, makes tough decisions
- Responsibility: Takes mission success personally
- Courage: Faces danger to protect others
Personality: Serious, driven, learns to delegate and trust
STELLA NOVA (Age 13, Girl)
Visual Design:
- Short curly hair with star-clip accessories
- Bright, curious eyes
- Petite frame with quick movements
- Spacesuit: Light with flowing Art Nouveau vine patterns
- Wears communication headset with decorative elements
Character Virtues:
- Compassion: Always considers others' feelings
- Communication: Mediates conflicts, listens actively
- Optimism: Maintains hope in dark moments
Personality: Warm, empathetic, peacemaker of the group
ATLAS COOPER (Age 15, Boy)
Visual Design:
- Stocky, strong build
- Determined expression with gentle eyes
- Short practical hair
- Spacesuit: Heavy-duty with geometric Art Nouveau patterns
- Mechanical gauntlets with ornate detailing
Character Virtues:
- Self-Sacrifice: Puts himself at risk for others
- Humility: Strong but never boastful
- Perseverance: Never gives up despite obstacles
Personality: Quiet strength, protective, learns to accept help
ORION "ORI" CHEN (Age 13, Boy)
Visual Design:
- Lean, energetic build
- Expressive, mischievous eyes
- Tousled hair that escapes his helmet
- Spacesuit: Sleek with star-chart patterns
- Navigation tablet with Art Nouveau frame
Character Virtues:
- Ingenuity: Creative problem-solver
- Grace under pressure: Stays calm in emergencies
- Growth: Learns from mistakes, becomes more careful
Personality: Quick-witted, impulsive, matures through responsibility
π 16-PAGE STORY BREAKDOWN
PAGE 1: "THE CALL TO ADVENTURE"
Layout: Full splash page with ornamental border
Scene: Command Center on Earth Station Alpha, elegant Art Nouveau architecture
Panels:
- Large establishing shot: Four young cadets stand before a holographic display showing damaged Moon Base Humanity
- Decorative border features swirling space motifs
Dialogue:
- COMMANDER HAYES: "Cadets, Moon Base Humanity has been struck by a meteorite. Life support is failing. You're the closest team who can reach them in time."
- LUNA: "We won't let you down, Commander."
Virtue Focus: Duty and responsibility
Art Notes:
- Characters in formal cadet uniforms
- Hologram rendered with flowing light patterns
- Background shows Earth through large Art Nouveau windows
PAGE 2: "PREPARATION"
Layout: 6 panels in Art Nouveau frames
Panels:
- Luna reviewing mission specs (top, horizontal)
- Stella checking communication equipment
- Atlas loading repair equipment
- Ori calculating navigation routes
- Team gathering at ship entrance (bottom, horizontal)
- Final equipment check together
Dialogue:
- STELLA: "Everyone on twenty different moon bases is counting on us."
- ATLAS: "Then we'd better not mess up."
- ORI: "We've trained for this. We've got this."
- LUNA: "Remember—we work as a team. No heroes, just teamwork."
Virtue Focus: Preparation and teamwork
Art Notes:
- Show individual skills and preparation
- Each panel has unique Art Nouveau border detail
- Build anticipation through careful pacing
PAGE 3: "LAUNCH"
Layout: 4 panels with dynamic angles
Panels:
- Ship on launch pad (vertical, left third)
- Countdown sequence in cockpit
- Massive vertical panel: Ship launching with Art Nouveau flame patterns
- Earth receding behind them
Dialogue:
- ORI: "All systems green! Trajectory locked!"
- ATLAS: "Engine output optimal."
- STELLA: "Earth Control, this is Rescue Team Phoenix. We are away."
- LUNA: "Next stop: Moon Base Humanity. ETA: four hours."
Virtue Focus: Confidence and capability
Art Notes:
- Ship design: Streamlined 1930s rocket with Art Nouveau details
- Dramatic launch composition
- Stars as decorative elements
PAGE 4: "JOURNEY AND BONDING"
Layout: 5 panels showing passage of time
Panels:
- Wide shot of ship traveling through decorated space
- Interior: Team eating rations together
- Stella sharing family photo
- Atlas quietly checking equipment
- Ori at window, looking at moon ahead
Dialogue:
- STELLA: "My little sister made me promise to bring her back a moon rock."
- ORI: "My first real mission. I keep thinking... what if I calculate something wrong?"
- LUNA: "We all feel that. But we trust each other. That's what makes us strong."
- ATLAS: (quiet) "We'll make it. For them. For everyone."
Virtue Focus: Vulnerability and trust
Art Notes:
- Intimate character moments
- Show humanity behind the heroes
- Softer expressions, personal details
PAGE 5: "ARRIVAL AT CRISIS"
Layout: 3 large panels
Panels:
- Moon Base Humanity visible—elegant domed city with visible breach, Art Nouveau architecture damaged
- Inside cockpit: Team seeing the damage
- Close-up on Luna's determined face
Dialogue:
- ORI: "Oh no... the damage is worse than they reported."
- STELLA: "The main dome... those cracks are spreading."
- ATLAS: "Life support is at 30% and falling."
- LUNA: "Then we work fast. Atlas, Stella—external repairs. Ori, you're with me inside. Lives depend on us."
Virtue Focus: Rising to the challenge
Art Notes:
- Show scale of beautiful but damaged base
- Moon surface with swirling dust patterns
- Tension in body language
PAGE 6: "THE PLAN"
Layout: 6-panel grid with ornamental dividers
Panels:
- Team suiting up in elaborate spacesuits
- Luna assigning tasks with confidence
- Atlas and Stella exiting toward exterior damage
- Luna and Ori entering base airlock
- Split view: both teams beginning work
- Clock showing time pressure
Dialogue:
- LUNA: "Atlas, you'll seal the hull breach. Stella, restore the communications array so they can call for supplies."
- STELLA: "What about you two?"
- LUNA: "We'll restart the life support from inside. We have two hours before oxygen runs out."
- ORI: "No pressure, right?"
- ATLAS: "We've got this. See you on the other side."
Virtue Focus: Clear communication and strategic thinking
Art Notes:
- Show teamwork through parallel action
- Spacesuits with individual decorative patterns
- Ticking clock as Art Nouveau hourglass motif
PAGE 7: "EXTERNAL REPAIRS - ATLAS & STELLA"
Layout: 5 panels focusing on spacewalk
Panels:
- Atlas and Stella on moon surface approaching breach
- Atlas applying sealant to large crack
- Debris field showing danger
- Stella climbing communications tower
- Atlas helping steady the tower from below
Dialogue:
- STELLA: "The array's been completely knocked offline. I need to climb up to reconnect it."
- ATLAS: "Too dangerous. I'll go."
- STELLA: "You're needed at the breach, and I'm lighter. Trust me, Atlas."
- ATLAS: (pause) "...Be careful. I'll spot you from here."
- STELLA: "Thanks for believing in me."
Virtue Focus: Trust and knowing your strengths
Art Notes:
- Dramatic low-gravity poses
- Earth visible in background as reminder of home
- Flowing safety tethers as decorative elements
PAGE 8: "INTERNAL CRISIS - LUNA & ORI"
Layout: 5 panels with increasing tension
Panels:
- Luna and Ori in darkened corridors, emergency lights
- Reaching life support control room—door jammed
- Ori trying to hack door controls
- Sparks flying—danger!
- Luna physically forcing door open with strength
Dialogue:
- ORI: "The door won't respond... the system's completely crashed."
- LUNA: "Can you bypass it?"
- ORI: "I'm trying but—" (sparks fly) "—the override's fried!"
- LUNA: "Then we do this the old-fashioned way. Stand back."
- ORI: "Luna, you could hurt yourself—"
- LUNA: "And everyone here could die. Help me!"
Virtue Focus: Courage and action
Art Notes:
- Dark atmospheric corridor with Art Nouveau emergency lights
- Show physical effort and determination
- Dramatic angles emphasizing danger
PAGE 9: "ORI'S MISTAKE"
Layout: 4 large panels with emotional weight
Panels:
- Inside life support room—complex controls with Art Nouveau design
- Ori rapidly working at console, confident
- ERROR message—system shutting down worse than before
- Ori's face—realization of serious error
Dialogue:
- ORI: "Okay, I've got this. Just need to reboot the oxygen recyclers and—"
- LUNA: "Ori, wait! Check the coolant levels first—"
- ORI: "I know what I'm doing!" (hits button)
- (SYSTEM: CRITICAL ERROR - LIFE SUPPORT OFFLINE)
- ORI: (horrified) "No... no no no... I shut it down. Luna, I shut down everything. What have I done?"
Virtue Focus: Consequences of overconfidence
Art Notes:
- Show Ori's progression from confidence to horror
- Red emergency lighting
- Luna's expression: concerned, not angry
PAGE 10: "GRACE IN CRISIS"
Layout: 6 panels showing emotional turning point
Panels:
- Ori panicking, hands on head
- Luna placing hand on Ori's shoulder (close-up)
- Luna kneeling to Ori's eye level
- Ori looking up with tears
- Both working together at console
- System beginning to respond
Dialogue:
- ORI: "I'm so sorry... I thought I knew... Everyone's going to—"
- LUNA: "Ori. Look at me. Breathe."
- ORI: "But I—"
- LUNA: "You made a mistake. Now we fix it. Together. I need you clear-headed, okay? You're brilliant. Now show me."
- ORI: (steadying) "...Okay. Okay. If we reroute through the backup system..."
- LUNA: "There you go. Walk me through it."
Virtue Focus: Grace under pressure, forgiveness, learning from mistakes
Art Notes:
- Emotional intimacy in body language
- Show Luna's leadership through compassion
- Ori's character growth visible in expressions
PAGE 11: "ATLAS'S SACRIFICE"
Layout: 5 panels with mounting tension
Panels:
- External view: Atlas finishing hull seal
- Stella at top of tower, reconnecting array
- Suddenly—secondary meteorite shower incoming!
- Atlas seeing danger, Stella unaware
- Atlas launching himself toward Stella
Dialogue:
- ATLAS: "Seal complete. Stella, how's it going up there?"
- STELLA: "Almost done... just one more connection..."
- ATLAS: (noticing sky) "No... STELLA! INCOMING!"
- STELLA: "What—?"
- ATLAS: "HANG ON!" (pushes off toward her)
Virtue Focus: Self-sacrifice and protection
Art Notes:
- Dramatic space action with Art Nouveau meteor patterns
- Show Atlas's determined flight through low gravity
- Stella's vulnerable position emphasized
PAGE 12: "THE SAVE"
Layout: 4 large dramatic panels
Panels:
- Atlas reaching Stella, grabbing her
- Both falling as meteorites strike tower
- Atlas twisting to take impact on his back
- Both landing hard on moon surface, Atlas's suit damaged
Dialogue:
- ATLAS: (grabbing Stella) "Got you!"
- STELLA: "Atlas, no!"
- (IMPACT SOUNDS)
- ATLAS: (on ground) "Ugh... you... okay?"
- STELLA: "Atlas! Your suit's breached! We need to get you inside NOW!"
Virtue Focus: Putting others before yourself
Art Notes:
- Dynamic action poses
- Show impact damage with dramatic effect
- Stella's fear and determination
PAGE 13: "TEAMWORK TRIUMPH"
Layout: 6 panels showing convergence
Panels:
- Stella calling for help while supporting Atlas
- Inside: Luna and Ori hearing the call
- Life support systems coming online (showing progress)
- Luna making quick decision
- Ori: "You go! I can finish this!"
- Luna running toward airlock
Dialogue:
- STELLA: (radio) "Emergency! Atlas is hurt! His suit's losing pressure!"
- LUNA: (inside) "We're almost done here, but—"
- ORI: "Luna, go! I've got this. I won't fail again."
- LUNA: (looking at Ori, trusting) "Finish it. I believe in you."
- ORI: (determined) "I will. I promise."
Virtue Focus: Trust and redemption
Art Notes:
- Show split-screen action
- Ori's determination and growth
- Luna's trust visible in expression
PAGE 14: "SAVING ATLAS"
Layout: 5 panels with urgency
Panels:
- Luna reaching Atlas and Stella outside
- Three of them rushing to emergency airlock
- Getting Atlas inside, sealing door
- Emergency oxygen masks deployed
- Atlas breathing, safe but weak
Dialogue:
- LUNA: "I've got him! Let's move!"
- STELLA: "The closest airlock is 50 meters—"
- LUNA: "We'll make it! Atlas, stay with us!"
- ATLAS: (weakly) "...Stella... safe?"
- STELLA: (crying) "I'm fine because of you, you big dummy!"
- LUNA: "You're both safe. And you're both heroes."
Virtue Focus: Mutual care and support
Art Notes:
- Show physical effort and emotion
- Relief and exhaustion in faces
- Intimate moment of vulnerability
PAGE 15: "SYSTEMS ONLINE"
Layout: 4 large panels of triumph
Panels:
- Ori's hands completing final sequence
- Life support systems lighting up green across displays
- Throughout Moon Base: lights returning, air flowing
- Ori collapsing back in chair, exhausted but successful
Dialogue:
- ORI: (to himself) "Reroute coolant... stabilize pressure... come on, come on..."
- (SYSTEM: LIFE SUPPORT RESTORED - ALL SYSTEMS NOMINAL)
- ORI: "YES! Luna! Stella! I did it! We did it!"
- LUNA: (radio) "We felt it! The base is saved, Ori. You saved them."
- ORI: (quietly, to himself) "I almost lost them. But I learned. Never again."
Virtue Focus: Redemption through action, growth
Art Notes:
- Green success lights reflecting on Ori's face
- Show relief and emotional weight
- Contrast with earlier mistake panels
PAGE 16: "HEROES' RETURN"
Layout: Large splash page with ornamental border
Scene: Back on Earth Station Alpha, ceremony
Composition:
- Top third: The four heroes in dress uniforms receiving commendations
- Commander Hayes presenting medals with Art Nouveau design
- Middle: Crowd of people they saved, including families, watching gratefully
- Bottom: Four heroes standing together, changed by their experience
- Decorative border: Stars, moons, and swirling space motifs celebrating heroism
Dialogue:
- COMMANDER HAYES: "You showed courage, sacrifice, wisdom, and grace. You are more than heroes. You are examples to us all."
- LUNA: (voiceover) "We learned that leadership means trust."
- STELLA: (voiceover) "That compassion connects us."
- ATLAS: (voiceover) "That sacrifice is love in action."
- ORI: (voiceover) "And that mistakes don't define us—how we grow from them does."
- ALL TOGETHER: "We are Moon Base Humanity's defenders. We are Team Phoenix. And we rise together."
Final Visual: The four holding hands, looking toward stars visible through window, ready for next adventure.
Virtue Focus: Unity, growth, and hope
Art Notes:
- Triumphant but humble poses
- Show character growth in their expressions
- Art Nouveau frame celebrating their virtues with symbolic imagery:
- Luna: Crown of stars (leadership)
- Stella: Dove and olive branch (compassion)
- Atlas: Shield protecting others (sacrifice)
- Ori: Phoenix rising (redemption)
π VIRTUE THEMES SUMMARY
- Leadership (Luna): True leaders trust their team and lead with compassion
- Responsibility (All): Duty to others drives us to excellence
- Courage (Luna, Atlas): Facing fear for others' benefit
- Compassion (Stella, Luna): Understanding and supporting others
- Self-Sacrifice (Atlas): Putting others' safety before our own
- Humility (Atlas, Ori): Recognizing our limitations and accepting help
- Grace Under Pressure (Luna, Ori): Maintaining composure in crisis
- Forgiveness (Luna to Ori): Allowing others to learn from mistakes
- Growth (Ori): Learning from failures makes us stronger
- Teamwork (All): Together we achieve what's impossible alone
π¨ PANEL-BY-PANEL ART DIRECTION
Recurring Visual Motifs
Art Nouveau Elements:
- Curved panel borders with organic flourishes
- Space backgrounds with swirling nebulae patterns
- Technology with decorative embellishments
- Character badges and emblems with flowing designs
- Sound effects integrated as Art Nouveau typography
Character Visual Consistency:
- Each character's spacesuit has unique pattern reflecting personality
- Body language shows emotional states
- Facial expressions balanced between realism and stylization
- Hair and clothing flow suggests movement and energy
Atmospheric Details:
- Stars rendered as both realistic and decorative elements
- Moon surface with careful attention to texture
- Interior spaces show retrofuturistic 1930s sci-fi aesthetic
- Lighting creates mood: harsh in danger, soft in emotional moments
Page Layout Principles:
- Page 1 & 16: Full splash pages with elaborate borders
- Action pages: Dynamic angles, diagonal compositions
- Emotional pages: Intimate framing, character focus
- Technical pages: Clear sequential storytelling
- Every panel border has Art Nouveau detailing appropriate to mood
π EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS
Discussion Questions for Young Adults:
- Leadership: How did Luna balance taking charge with trusting her team?
- Mistakes: How did Ori's mistake make him a better team member?
- Sacrifice: Was Atlas right to risk himself? When is sacrifice appropriate?
- Communication: How did Stella's kindness help the team succeed?
- Growth: What did each character learn about themselves?
Key Lessons:
- Teamwork: Individual skills matter, but cooperation makes us stronger
- Accountability: Own your mistakes and work to fix them
- Grace: Treat others with kindness, especially when they fail
- Courage: Doing what's right despite fear
- Humility: Asking for help is a strength, not weakness
πΌ️ ILLUSTRATION SPECIFICATIONS
Technical Details:
- Format: Print-ready graphic novel, 8.5" × 11" or 7" × 10"
- Resolution: 300-600 DPI for professional printing
- Color: Black and white line art (can be colored later)
- Line weights: Consistent hierarchy across all pages
- Text: Clear lettering with Art Nouveau-styled speech bubbles
- Bleeds: Include appropriate margins for printing
Recommended Tools:
- Clip Studio Paint (manga/comic tools)
- Adobe Illustrator (clean line work)
- Procreate (natural drawing feel)
- Traditional ink on bristol board (authentic vintage feel)
π« CONCLUSION
This graphic novel combines the adventure and optimism of classic space serials with timeless Art Nouveau beauty, creating an engaging story that teaches young adults about character, virtue, and the power of working together. Each page balances exciting action with meaningful character development, making it both entertaining and educational.
The story shows that heroes aren't perfect—they make mistakes, feel fear, and need help—but they rise above challenges through teamwork, compassion, and dedication to something greater than themselves.
Moon Base Humanity is saved not by individual heroics, but by four young people who learned that together, they are stronger than they ever could be alone.
"We rise together." - Team Phoenix
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