Guff 5: The Hamsters of Habitat 9

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The Hamsters of Habitat 9

From the Editor

From the Macguffin character works comes a new character franchise idea based on the “Control Group” series of comics by Arthur Trope, a recurring series in his long-running strip The Inscrutables. Based on the early focus group feedback, the hamster idea seems to have legs. Tiny legs, but they’re moving fast. The focus group greenlit the concept, so a full synopsis is now in development. The tentative title for this hamster tale is “Habitat 9”, which sounds literary in a Slaughterhouse Five, Station 11, and Catch 22 kind of way.

So the immediate development plan is to head over to The Duchess for happy hour. Inky’s birthday was yesterday and Artie’s buying. Technically, we’re calling it a brainstorming session so Artie can expense it on the corporate Amex.

As of now, there are some creative differences over the main decision points on tone and style (Artie is in favor of Japanese manga- inspired imagery with a soundtrack by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Inky is pushing for something more in the direction of Secrets of NIHM) remain hotly debated between rounds of darts.

Further developments will be duly logged below. -Ed.

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Concept of the Week

In this franchise spin-off, two odd-couple hamsters, let’s call them Felix and Oscar, escape from a pharmaceutical testing facility in New Jersey. The twist here is that the experiments have turned the tidy on slothful and the slothful one manic, and their already-fraught relationship turns into a mirror image of itself, until they manage to escape through the HVAC into the woodland, where they’re taken in by a kindly shrew and detox in a biosphere preserve — only to get caught up in a turf war between naked mole rats and voles, and align themselves with opposite sides. Also, the biosphere is contaminated by run-off from the pharma lab and the wetland creatures are all out of sorts in various and dangerous ways. Felix and Oscar must overcome their bickering, and search for the antidote, for themselves and everyone else, before nature gets unnatural. -Ed.

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In the Offing

Offering Terms:

Minimum Investment: $10.00 /

Security Type: Revenue Share /

Raise: $20,000 - $50,000 /

Planned Launch: Oct 2024 /

Offering Terms: Minimum Investment: $10.00 / Security Type: Revenue Share / Raise: $20,000 - $50,000 / Planned Launch: Oct 2024 /

In Offering news, the votes are in, the focus groups have spoken, and we’ve moved CHICKEN, PICKLE, DUCK & BOB from concept to pilot stage. This means we’re now “Testing the Waters” for for an official Offering of revenue shares to investors. You can RSVP for the anticipated offering now on the franchise pilot page.

Testing the Waters: No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted.  No offer to buy securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until an offering statement is filed and only through an intermediary's platform. A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.

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Concepts in Development

More work to do on the hamster character design, backstories, motivations, etc. So stay tuned. It looks like we’re headed toward launching a concept page for Habitat 9. Meanwhile, you can cast your votes on the latest ideas under consideration for development over on the Concepts page. Not to sway the jury, but I’m particularly excited about Peanut Zapata, which, based on the current voting totals, may be the next offering in the offing. More highlights below:

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Feature: The Secrets of NIMH

Once upon a time, in the golden era of animated films… there was a little gem that captured the hearts of children and adults alike. This hidden treasure was none other than the classic film, "The Secrets of NIMH." Released in 1982, this enchanting tale was based on the beloved book by Robert C. O'Brien and brought to life by the talented animators at Don Bluth Productions. For those who were lucky enough to experience this cinematic masterpiece, "The Secrets of NIMH" was more than just a movie – it was a magical journey into a world of fantasy and wonder. The story follows the adventures of Mrs. Brisby, a brave and resourceful mouse who must save her family from the plow that threatens to destroy their home. Along the way, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, from the wise old owl to the enigmatic Mr. Ages, each adding their own charm and wit to the tale.

But what truly set "The Secrets of NIMH" apart was its stunning animation and attention to detail. The lush, hand-drawn backgrounds and expressive character designs brought the world of NIMH to life in a way that few other films could match. From the shimmering glow of the Great Owl's eyes to the eerie depths of the rosebush, every frame was a work of art that captivated audiences and sparked the imagination.

Of course, no discussion of "The Secrets of NIMH" would be complete without mentioning its hauntingly beautiful score. Composed by the legendary Jerry Goldsmith, the film's music added an extra layer of emotion and depth to the story, evoking both the wonder and danger of the world of NIMH. From the triumphant strains of the main theme to the melancholy notes of Mrs. Brisby's lullaby, the soundtrack remains a timeless classic that continues to enchant listeners to this day. But perhaps the true magic of "The Secrets of NIMH" lies in its timeless themes and messages.

At its core, the film is a story of courage, friendship, and the power of love to overcome even the greatest obstacles. It reminds us that anyone, no matter how small or insignificant, can make a difference in the world – a message that resonates as strongly today as it did over thirty years ago.

In a world of flashy CGI and cookie-cutter plots, "The Secrets of NIMH" stands as a testament to the power of traditional animation and storytelling. Its timeless charm and heartwarming tale continue to captivate audiences of all ages, proving that sometimes, the greatest secrets are hidden in the most unexpected of places. So, if you ever find yourself longing for a bit of nostalgia and magic, do yourself a favor and revisit the enchanting world of NIMH – you won't be disappointed.