Saturday, January 9, 1993
Zaboru and Mark t again in the sa place as the day before. Though it was the weekend, business waited for no one. Zaboru brought his lawyer, Kudou, to ensure the stock transfer was handled properly. After so ti, the eting concluded. Zaboru handed over nine million dollars, and in return, Mark transferred all 64% of his Marvel shares. With that, Zaboru officially beca the majority owner of Marvel and gained full rights to its characters.
For now, Zaboru chose not to make any imdiate changes. Once ZAGE’s U.S. branch was fully operational, he would begin restructuring Marvel to fit his long-term vision.
The acquisition had moved swiftly, largely because Mark wanted it done quickly. As a result, it went unnoticed by the dia.
Later, Zaboru, Kudou, and Jas found themselves at a small roadside restaurant Jas had recomnded for its good food. Zaboru preferred these kinds of places—simple, authentic, and satisfying.
"I still can’t believe you just bought Marvel like it was nothing," Jas said, biting into a piece of tender chicken.
Kudou nodded while chewing his hamburger. "Yeah, boss. Why Marvel, of all things? I looked into their finances. They’re in terrible shape. If it weren’t for Mr. Ackerman’s managent, they’d be bankrupt by now."
Zaboru, enjoying a thick cut of at, replied confidently, "Don’t worry about it. Marvel has massive potential. You’ll understand when the ti cos."
Kudou chuckled. "ZAGE just keeps getting stronger, huh? But Marvel’s not part of ZAGE, right? It’s yours personally?"
Zaboru shrugged. "It’s all the sa, Kudou. I’m not planning on taking ZAGE public, anyway."
Jas chuckled. "Way to go, Zaboru. When a company goes public, it usually heads straight for the gutter—that’s why Erald Wings never did. I seriously can’t stand investor types. But if all investors were like you? I wouldn’t have minded selling Erald Wings at all. Hell, Ryan and I already did, didn’t we?"
Zaboru nodded. "For , ZAGE is more than just a way to make money. I treat it like my magnum opus—my life’s work."
Kudou chuckled. "No doubt about that, boss. And man, you sure can eat! That’s your sixth plate already!"
Jas shook his head and laughed. "Maybe next ti you visit Erald Wings, I should skip the snacks and just serve you a full-course al instead!"
Zaboru chuckled. "Gotta refuel sohow, man!" he said between bites, tearing into the chicken leg with exaggerated gusto.
The n burst into laughter, their earlier tension lting away in the warmth of good food and easy camaraderie. Soon, the lively conversation gave way to a comfortable silence, the kind that only ca when friends were full and satisfied.
After eating Zaboru and Kudou went back to the hotel and at the hotel suite, Zaboru opened his suitcase, revealing stacks of papers and art supplies. Even while traveling for business, he couldn’t help but work. Today, he wanted to brainstorm Marvel’s future and sharpen his drawing skills.
"Marvel is a ss right now... Even icons like Captain Arica, Iron Man, and The Punisher are barely selling. Only Spider-Man is doing okay, but it’s just okay—not great," Zaboru thought.
He tapped his pen thoughtfully. "In this world, it’s 1993. But entertainnt feels like it’s ten years behind. In my past life, 1983 was the golden age of comics. So why is Marvel struggling now?" Zaboru couldn’t help but dwell on it. "Maybe it’s due to a lack of key issues or classic story arcs from Marvel? Then again, my knowledge of comics from my previous life is pretty surface-level. I can’t say for certain, but sothing definitely feels off anyway lets start for the solution"
He scribbled a note: Revive Marvel.
"To do that, first, I should publicly announce that Marvel is now owned by ZAGE. Then, develop gas featuring Marvel characters—that’ll draw attention. Next, reboot the storylines. But for reboot , I need to talk with the current Marvel writers when I’m back in the U.S. Also, Marvel’s rchandise strategy is weak. If I want to produce toys, I’ll need a manufacturer or partner in Arica. But for any of this to succeed, Marvel has to beco popular again first or it could all fall apart and waste money"
Zaboru looked at the paper "Revive Marvel." It showed:
Announce that Marvel is owned by ZAGE.
Create good gas with Marvel characters.
Reboot the comic storylines (need to discuss with writers at Marvel).
Create good rchandise if Marvel becos popular again.
"After all of this is achieved, we can move on to the next thing—animation and movie stuff.""
Zaboru set his pen down and leaned back.
"Enough Marvel for today."
A grin crept across his face as he pulled a fresh sheet of paper. He began sketching Spider-Man trading blows with Kan Rider Black—a tribute to both Arican and Japanese heroes.
"Heh, they really have no idea how massive Spider-Man is in the modern era. He’s the only one who can stand toe-to-toe with Batman and Superman when it cos to sheer popularity," Zaboru thought, his pencil dancing across the page. "But in this world? Spidey’s way behind. He doesn’t even co close to Batman or Superman here. Weird. I wonder what held him back."
Ti passed.
It was now Tuesday, January 12, 1993. Kudou had finalized the permits for ZAGE’s U.S. branch. Once the offices were built, Zaboru would return. But for now, it was ti to head back to Japan.
On the flight, Kudou sighed. "Man, I really miss Japanese food."
Zaboru chuckled. "Yeah, sa. But I’ll probably be flying back here a lot in the coming months. The U.S. branch should be ready in a month or two. Still a lot to do."
Kudou nodded. "Just say the word, boss. I’ve got your back."
Zaboru smirked. "You just want another fat bonus, don’t you?"
Kudou burst out laughing. "Hahaha, guilty as charged." Then he smirked. "Bet you miss your girlfriend’s touch, don’t you, boss?"
Zaboru chuckled. "Ha! Who wouldn’t?" He paused, then glanced at Kudou with a teasing grin. "Hey, by the way, there are all sorts of rumors going around that you’re a bit of a playboy. Any truth to that?"
Kudou shrugged with mock arrogance. "Can’t help it—I’m just that good-looking."
Kudou grinned. "But you’re way ahead of , boss. Rumor has it the Sujin sisters are lining up to be your personal harem!"
Zaboru laughed. "Nah, no harem for . Ayumi’s more than enough. I’d go crazy trying to handle that much chaos!"
They both laughed, the cabin echoing with the sound of lighthearted banter.
With that, Zaboru and Kudou left the United States and headed ho to Japan, ready for the next Chapter ahead.
To be continue
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