Idea For Graphic Novel

[Malc]

 I don't want to post concept ideas on a public forum, and I've already tried messaging Rod McKie on this, but I'd be interested in your views. I'm developing an idea for a graphic novel, and before I go too far down the track I need to know whether it's already been done, so to speak. I thought that if it was pretty derivative, someone here would know.

The concept I have involves a human hybrid called Nox who has been created in a lab, his birth having been genetically engineered as a result of Alien technology. He is among the first of his kind, and part of the USA's secret program to develop (for want of a better phrase) "super" soldiers for battle.
Being the oldest of these half-humans (his contemporaries all having been killed in lab accidents or attempts to break out), Nox is isolated as younger, "better" models are created.
Nox has had his DNA makeup interfered with during his development to give him a conscience by one of the aliens who works on the program. This alien does not approve of humans' desire to constantly conquer and kill, and is one of a few trapped on Earth after their craft crashed.

There's a whole cheesy Area 51/Roswell thing here I'm trying to avoid specifically, but it has a residual significance for the reader. Yes, there are elements of Frankenstein as well as Terminator here, but I'm sure I can make it original enough despite that.

OK, to be brief, Nox manages to escape and get into the outside world. He lives rough, steals and/or works menial tasks to get by, but his drive (being born and genetically programmed to kill) is to continue killing on the "outside" as it were. However, his implanted conscience requires him to have a justification, and he becomes a vigilante, seeking out murderers, child rapists, etc, who have escaped justice through legal technicalities or who are on the run. He is constantly pursued by the secret services who created him, as well as the agents of law enforcement in society generally.

Nox has "super" powers, in the sense he is incredibly strong, and athletic, but he is not invulnerable to bullets (he has a heart, lungs, etc).
He does, however, have the ability to heal incredibly quickly and live on virtually no food or drink.
I plan a love interest, but Nox lives among junkies and criminals, he is forced to dwell in and amongst the underclass, many of whom know he is a killer, but assume he must be some psycho or Mafia hit man. He is constantly on the move as the authorities continue to discover his hiding places.

My question is, has this scenario ( to your collective knowledge) already been done? In other words is Nox already out there? I'd be grateful if you could rack your brains for me on this one.
Thanks

[Malc]

Just checking my notes from a few months ago, a grim aspect of his creation is that in the field, as a super soldier, he exists without field rations by eating his enemies, something that he needs to do in the community when he is on the run. In a couple of the development drawings I had him with huge canines, but that is too close to the Dracula look.
 Therefore his conscience dictates that it's a win-win for him to kill and eat bad guys. He's not above eating bad girls too, if it comes down to it, but there I will avoid the double entendres.

[Vulture]

Just checking my notes from a few months ago, a grim aspect of his creation is that in the field, as a super soldier, he exists without field rations by eating his enemies, something that he needs to do in the community when he is on the run. In a couple of the development drawings I had him with huge canines, but that is too close to the Dracula look.
 Therefore his conscience dictates that it's a win-win for him to kill and eat bad guys. He's not above eating bad girls too, if it comes down to it, but there I will avoid the double entendres.

Thank you. You're so considerate! 

[Roger Kettle]

A half-alien vigilante? I love it!
As you well know, Malc, it doesn't matter if similar ideas have been done before---and I genuinely believe your outline is pretty original---because everything depends on the quality of the writing/artwork and you have proven talent in both areas. A monster with a conscience isn't new (King Kong etc.) but the alien twist makes it so. There is great scope for atmosphere in the dark underworld setting, as a stark contrast to the clinical, scientific world your creation escapes from. I think all this has great potential. Go for it, Malc!

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

I'm no expert in this genre (or any other, really), Malky, but as I read through your synopsis, a number of sci/fi/fantasy films (I don't read books) sprang to mind relating to many of the elements you described. However, that is inevitable, and as Roger says, it doesn't actually matter, unless these similarities linger throughout your story, mirroring another work's plot. As far as I'm aware (which I have to admit, isn't very far), this is new, and it all sounds well thought out and rather riveting so far. So this very small portion of the collective knowledge gives it a big thumbs up.

[The Peepmaster]

Maybe give him a girlfriend/side-kick with big bazookahs, just for a little love interest.

[Mince]

The idea about his need (or inherent disposition) to kill has been done before, such as vampires who live off the blood of animals, not humans. There is also Dean R. Koontz book ("Strangers") about animals genetically engineered for warfare, one (a vicious wolf-animal) who is engineered to kill but is ugly and hated, and another (an intelligent dog) whom he hates because the dog was more "liked". Both animals have a conscience, and the ugly one ultimately hates to kill (and even wants himself killed at the end, having never been loved as the dog was).

I agree with Roger and Tarquin - but I suggest you develop strongly on the need to kill but the desire not to angle so that it's complex enough to be endlessly original and not descend into sentimentailty.

[Mince]

If you want this topic moved into a private forum that only selected members can see, just ask.

[Malc]

No, that's ok Mince, I'm happy with it on here unless you know there are dozens if not hundreds of lurkers.
Thanks for gthose comments guys (and gal).
I'm on holiday on the gold coast in queensland at the moment attending a football tournament with my teams but I also packed my cartooning lightbox and guitar (as I'm on my own in the apartment). It's been the BEST holiday EVER!!

[Diane CBPFC]

I think that it is very cool that you are taking on a whole new project - your artwork is certainly up for it. I imagine unlike writing a book - the artwork really slows the story down and you sure wouldn't want to change your mind story-wise and scrap a series of drawings so it is good that you are plotting out your story so well from the begining.

THis is an exiting event for this winter - let us know when it is published and I will buy a couple for my boys.

[The Peepmaster]

The idea about his need (or inherent disposition) to kill has been done before, such as vampires who live off the blood of animals, not humans. There is also Dean R. Koontz book ("Strangers") about animals genetically engineered for warfare, one (a vicious wolf-animal) who is engineered to kill but is ugly and hated, and another (an intelligent dog) whom he hates because the dog was more "liked". Both animals have a conscience, and the ugly one ultimately hates to kill (and even wants himself killed at the end, having never been loved as the dog was).

I agree with Roger and Tarquin - but I suggest you develop strongly on the need to kill but the desire not to angle so that it's complex enough to be endlessly original and not descend into sentimentailty.

Like a half-moron/half pilchard cyber-freak.

[Malc]

This is Nox. I'm pretty happy with the look, just working now on the side view, back view, etc..

[Roger Kettle]

This is weird----I have the television on in the background and there has just been an advert for Joe Cocker's new album. The song played was called "Hard Knocks"! It must be a sign---Hard Nox is a hit!
I like it a lot, Malc.