Febrero 14.
Billy was refining the drawing that bordered on perfection. Every detail of realism he poured into his comics was undoubtedly a hit among his fans. Starting tomorrow, a premiere of Fullmetal Alchemist would be released—its first official version, meaning the original timeline, had 59 episodes; this edition would bring it to 60, focusing on an initial arc of the series.
Meanwhile, the second version began to diverge around episode 35, spanning only 20 episodes, largely because the manga was no longer being faithfully drawn.
It's common knowledge that Fullmetal Alchemist has two versions, and both are highly acclaimed. For some time now, Billy had considered creating both versions as they were portrayed in his life, adding a new one for himself, starting at the series' final stretch, adding a more visceral and slightly more mature ending to the otherwise light-hearted version. This version contained more rawness and a bittersweet ending, leaving a lingering aftertaste. For now, and in the same spirit, he would continue illustrating the series until mid-year.
What series is he currently working on?
He was only focused on the two versions of Fullmetal Alchemist, Van Hellsing, and Naruto, the latter still in a slow development phase. He always focused on strong emotional points—the impactful, moving moments of a series that could deeply connect with audiences through emotional resonance. When Billy combined this with his vast comic knowledge and the insights of many mentors who, over the years, had explored creative theory, held philosophical debates with him about political ideas, and emphasized the importance of coherence in storytelling, the result was a first chapter with immense growth potential.
What's the first chapter about?
It's one full of questions. A stunning fight opens it, and on the final page, a simple scene unfolds that leads into a profound lesson about a boy who is rejected and constantly striving to move forward.
–Unfortunately, we can't take this to the extreme you're aiming for, but I see several valuable elements in your story. First, there's the nihilistic thought, the will to power, the blurry line between good and evil, all while embedding Naruto's existence with a strong branch of existentialism. Hell is other people—but so are motivations. And once we understand that motivations must align with the idea of freedom, rules, and the moral order of Heidegger, who knows and chooses freely, then we're getting somewhere, -- said Robbie Thopson, a professor at Stanford University. He had two books to his name and was currently focused on dissecting Billy's ideas and refining the dialogues from chapters 1 to 30, adding layer upon layer to the black-and-white drafts of Naruto.
–I like those ideas. I'll send the script so you can keep refining and reshaping it, - said Billy, who intended to use the following chapters to reach a perfect point with his brilliant development index, aiming to shape every aspect of the series into a constant battle between perfection, ideas, and illustration.
–You also need to grasp John Dewey's pragmatism, -- Robbie Thopson replied. –The actions of ninjas and how they need to internalize the concept of learning through experience—they're used as tools to claim what they believe is theirs, but that must be questioned. The fight can't just be seen as a vehicle for revenge. It's a motivation. In the ninja style, these superpowered individuals all seem driven by a desire for closure, to live with a common purpose. It's a kind of nationalist trait they all share. --
With Billy's polished writing, he added incredible battles and gave each film an identity that arose from the harmony between entertainment and depth, much like what happens in series like One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, Fullmetal Alchemist, and soon Death Note, which seem to aim for broader, longer-term projects.
–Stoic existentialism. --
–The daring world of comics, commented Robbie Thopson.
…
Billy tried to take a moment for things done with care, like buying flowers, no matter how overpriced they were. What do you give someone who seems to have everything? A beautiful jewel—a ruby, deep red, set on a silver and white gold necklace—was a perfect way to start the day. When Monica's eyes opened and she saw the jewel resting on her neck, it was just in time for the afternoon, when she'd return from her regular meetings and review her scripts with advisors who constantly offered her insight on things she didn't yet understand—like how people used to live—and helped her manage a major series.
–So, this is my gift for today? - Monica asked, in disbelief at yet another present.
–You've been asking me for days now --Billy replied. --But thinking about what you might want, I couldn't sit still. The mansion is yours, and I could only think of adding all the beauty a woman of your stature deserves, my love. -- He added, -- The basement was empty, and what better way to use it than to store our wine bottles? --
A cellar with at least 90 aligned bottles now had its designated place, lending a refined touch to the home, something that would impress anyone. It's always in the details. Now, with splendor, the mansion was starting to take magnificent shape, full of moments of reconciliation. On another note, Billy, anticipating future needs, had decided to use upscale apartments for himself, though the mansion would be ideal in the coming months, filled with different luxuries. He preferred cool environments to the unbearable heat of Los Angeles.
–Wow, you bought only Italian and French brands, -- said Monica.
–Always, my love, -- Billy replied. -- What else are people supposed to do if not spoil their women? When I can spoil you and give you a real kiss of love—and when that love is filled with kind thoughtfulness—what more could a man ask for? --
As he kissed her lips, Monica melted from tenderness. The details swept her off her feet when she least expected it. How delicate human relationships can be.
…
Two cities away, in San Jose, California, Anne lived in a large house completed about five months ago. Not even twenty minutes ago, people had arrived to deliver her a beautiful Land Rover. Inside were all kinds of luxurious gifts from top brands—everything a woman might need for the coming years: lingerie, dresses, work clothes, shoes, athletic wear, and chocolates for both her and the kids. Billy went even further—he sent pearls to the grandmother.
–Oh my God. You must be truly special, -- the grandmother whispered.
–What are you talking about? -- Anne asked, caught off guard.
–I'm amazed. The gifts just keep getting more exquisite, -- said the grandmother as she admired the birthday pearls. Billy's gift was worth half of Anne's yearly salary. But what really stood out was that Anne continued to use the same old car for work, even though Billy had paid for this new one personally, not through her company.
–I have to read through some documents, - Anne said.
...