Dandy

By Andreas Carlsson and Jazan Wild

DANDY Created by Andreas Carlsson and Jazan Wild

In a world of glitz and glamour, mansions and limousines, a boy is born into the lap of luxury. After a trip with his father to the FREAK SHOW where Esmeralda, the Fortune Teller foresees the lad has a great journey ahead of him - a Dandy one - he arrives home only to discover that in a mere tick of the clock, everything has been taken away.

Young Dandy finds himself cast out from the lavish world he’s known, and thrust into a harsh new reality as a resident of a rundown corrupt orphanage.

All alone, except for the rats that scurry amongst the shadows, Dandy sits at his bedroom window, when suddenly he is visited by a melody that sweeps him out into the cold night air. Racing down the alleyways, the young boy discovers a magical nightclub, which only he has a VIP ticket to.

That is until now. You are all invited into this wonder filled extravaganza! Welcome, One and All... to a crazy world, where... If You Can Dream It, You Can Be It!

"Dandy"TM
"If You Can Dream It, You Can Be It" TM

• Language: English
• Publisher: CARNIVAL COMICS
• Release date: Jul 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463154717

Andreas Carlsson

Swedish born, Andreas Carlsson is esteemed as one of the World’s finest and accomplished contemporary songwriters. Andreas belongs to a rare fraternity of songwriters who’s songs have sold over 150 million copies. Andreas’ songs have sold over 100 million albums and he has written 250+ songs. Together with Max Martin and the Cheiron team, he created the legendary “Swedish sound” that propelled Jive records into an empire.He’s been honored with four Diamond awards – the recognition of 10 million in sales in the same country; the Export Prize from the Swedish government; five US Grammy nominations and two Emmy awards.His hits are staggering and vast. Rolling stone magazine named his song “I Want It That Way” as one of the top 10 best songs of all time.

Book preview

Chapter01

CHAPTER ONE

The Perfect Life

"Welcome to the perfect life, my own dandy world, or so it seemed. This is the way I remember it all, before some idiot kicked the jukebox and changed the tune.

Let’s give it a second or two for the noise to fade and the smoke to clear. I want you to see through my eyes. Ahh… that’s better. Oh, I remember those; the old gates. Forgot how much they creaked as they inched open. And that, that was my home, The Drake Manor, still grand as ever. Not an eye in town ever gazed upon our Mansion with its meticulously manicured grounds, marble columns and well-shined Rolls Royce out front, and didn’t think… must be nice, to have the perfect life.

On this day as my father and I rounded the cobblestone driveway, watching the help suddenly come to attention after awaiting our arrival, I remember thinking the same damn thing. It was perfect.

And there, the tall handsome gentleman with salt and pepper hair, the one sporting a finely tailored suit; the one everyone is smiling at, love or hate him they all still smiled, that one is my father; Andrew Drake Senior… even though he was actually the second in our family line with the moniker. I was the third. That’s me, the little kid wearing tan slacks and a sweater vest with our family crest, following in my father’s footsteps. Talk about pressure.

Good to see you sir, said one of the many attractive maids all lined in a row. And the next one repeated the same phrase, and the next, and the next. Their greetings followed us as we walked towards the large wooden doors that welcomed all that entered the manor.

What a great day! That was the best show ever! I said smiling ear to ear. Father had just gotten back from a long business trip – over 2 weeks – which was longer than usual. But it went really well, or so he said. To celebrate the deal and make up for his long absence he decided to do something special for me… take me to the carnival, which had just arrived in town. 

Of course I thought this was a brilliant suggestion. When we arrived the bold words FREAK SHOW greeted us hanging high above on an old weather worn sign as we entered the grounds. That kind of said it all, really. It was a strange place - one of those old make-shift caravans, where the tents magically appear and then by week’s end they have faded into only memory. The characters that strolled around the grounds were so colorful; one might think they would burst. Still… they cast a shadow which drenched them in mystery. In fact danger seemed to dance throughout each and every inch of this place, pulling you into the recently raised tents to see one human oddity after another- each with special gifts – each with a bit of magic to share, for a coin. Such was the case when we entered Esmeralda’s Den.

The Fortune Teller grabbed my hands studying my face intently. It felt like she was going to climb inside my eyes and dance around. With a stern look and an I see, she loosed my fingers and returned her attention to the crystal orb upon her table. It had begun to illuminate, shining a brilliant blue glow that colored us all. Sharply the walls of her wagon den began to shake, as the lights flashed on and off struggling to steady themselves. The old soothsayer was uttering some words from another time and place – at least I’d never heard that language before – in this proclamation I did happen to make out… magic and melody, and also heartache and pain, and lastly hope. It felt like an earthquake, like the world was going to break and then… it was over and we were out the door. 

Once in the sun my eyes found the bearded lady as she sat upon a make-shift stage with mirror in hand.

What’s your name handsome? she asked.

My tongue swelled to the size of the Ferris Wheel and the words to reply seemed stuck under my shoes.

Ah, so cute this one, she continued with a smile, which made my face turn a shade of red not un-similar to the wacky clown’s nose that had pulled something out of my ear as we entered the park. Still feigning to talk to me, the hairy chinned beauty turned her attention to Father.

I’m no fortune teller, but I can see where you got those good looks, she said, her long fingernail running under my father’s chin.

The moment was broken by a black bird squawking as it returned to its master’s shoulder. Staff in hand, the one the banner billed as The Witch Doctor stabbed the ground; around him rose a ring of fire. He reached into a leather pouch that hung from his neck, extracting two handfuls of bones. 

Um Ah Ka Ee Wa!  Um Ah Ka Ee Wa! he chanted.

With a shake of the pile, he breathed onto the bones which instantly were set ablaze. Through the flames I could see the voodoo man’s face abruptly change; eyes now glowing white, the witchdoctor loosed the handfuls throwing them directly at the gathered patrons who all screamed in terror. Before the – what I assumed were gas soaked chicken bones – riddled the crowd, they somehow – magically I guess - changed into confetti.

Next down the midway was the strongman’s power pole. As if by powers greater than I, I grabbed the hammer as big as I was, and believe it or not, I rung the bell. As the golden bell chimed throughout the park, I heard the ringmaster in red tails and topper, who oversaw the carnival’s festivities, declare, We have a winner!

A mountain of a man, whom I hadn’t seen before, suddenly stepped towards me blocking out the sun, as he did so. For a moment, I thought I had done it wrong and made the giant mad. Then from behind his sizeable back he withdrew a trophy cup.

Here you go tough guy. Boris, zee Strongman has a prize for you.

I jumped for joy! I was also happy he didn’t crush me like a bug.

There were so many interesting souls there, I could have stayed forever. All of it was to spin a phrase… a madhouse!

After riding all the rides twice, playing every game, we were heading towards the exit with bellies full of sugary treats teetering on the point of aching. I turned for one last glance and noticed the clown as he stood with the strongman and the witchdoctor by the big top. The funny man noticed me too, and said, "Hold on to your ticket, kiddo. Cause it’s always good here at the Carnival of Souls!"

I waved as they all bid me a fond farewell. The drafts through the tents however, must have been stronger than anyone realized, because the words they spoke next carried right to my ear.

Is he joining the show, Boss? said the low voiced strongman.

"True… he’s gonna be quite the drawing card, big guy, replied the clown. But alas, Esmeralda, she sees a different fortune for the boy. It seems he’s destined for another magical world… a dandy one."

Puzzled, by what I heard I almost wanted to ask Father if we could go back. But then I figured, like the golden cup in my hand that wasn’t really made of gold, or the hammer that I used to win the prize with, which should have weighed ten times what it did… it, was all just part of the show.

As we stepped out from under the "Freak Show" sign which had so recently greeted us, I quickly learned that today’s performance was not yet at its end. No, in truth, it was just beginning.

Father noticed something looming just across the street, not far from the fair grounds. I think it was a sound, a musical melody actually, that caught his attention. Small at first, it grew bigger and brasher grabbing my eyes and ears as well. Then I too saw where this outlandish song was coming from… a club. Not just any club though. Not at all. 

Like the carnival, it too was strange, every bit as mysterious and electric - a kind of crazy place, decorated like a swing styled speak easy from years gone by. Through every crack in the wall seeped out that ole ragtag music, attracting souls like children to the pied piper. The entire world was cued up to get in. But the greeter called us right to the door, bypassing the line. It would appear this place had been awaiting our arrival, or at least that’s the way it felt.

Did Father know the club would be there? I thought to myself. You'd think so by the way everyone made such a fuss. Once inside everyone and I mean everyone, danced off the walls, even the ceiling I think. No one passed us by without a wink or a smile, or a fine "how do you do?" All the patrons were wearing costumes and masks; all as colorful and over-the-top as the clown that I’d just seen juggling down the midway. The hostess whose face was also shielded by a feathered Venetian mask ushered us straight to a table with the best view in the house. As we were seated I turned to Father…

This is the most incredible place I’ve ever seen, Father.

Yes, he said, looking dazed. Yes it is.

I knew my Father and his expressions. He looked surprised; even puzzled. Before I could utter a question, asking him what was wrong, the wail of a trumpet sounded and the stage curtains had begun to open, pulling our attention with it. The club and its smoky goodness had sucked us in.

In the corner of the stage covered by shadow, just out of the spotlight was a figure banging away on an old pine box piano. The thing actually looked more like a casket than an instrument. Nonetheless the cloaked man made it sing. Front and center were long legged ladies with feathered fans in each hand.

The entire place was spinning like a kaleidoscope. And I could have stayed there forever.

Father was known as a self-made business man, who possessed the Midas touch. Yet, he loved this kind of thing too, you know, that good time stuff. I think in another life, he must have visited places like this. I think now, they made him sad and happy all at the same time. Memories can do that, don’t you know?

All I know was that my stomach was full of popcorn and cotton candy. And my mind was a melody of color. Up to this point, it really had been the best day ever. Father saw my excitement as the entire day’s events replayed, over and over again, swirling and twirling behind my eyes. He just smiled.

Life is good, Son.

And it’s gonna get better, I finished. It was our thing. How much I did love that tune.

As we entered the main corridor, all the maids clamored to take father’s jacket.

Let me take that for you, sir, said the buxom blond that seemed to have won out. She leaned in closer and whispered in Father’s ear. I’ll be up later to help you take off the rest.

She didn’t think I could hear her. But I did. Father seeing my expression leaned in as well and told me a secret of my own.

Remember Son, let them take your jacket but not your heart. 

He made sure not to let anyone get too close. That’s when you can get hurt, as he liked to say. These grand walls that surrounded us were built for a reason.

They love the wealth, the power, and the fame. But this… Father continued with a grin, a bit louder now and arms spread wide, …this is all for you Andrew! It’s all yours!

Lucky me… Jerk, murmured Alfred, our butler; he never seemed quite as amused with Father’s antics as I was.

You’re the best Father, I laughed knowing he was hamming it up to entertain me. Father returned the playful grin, and then suddenly out of the blue, a look of terror fell over his face. From just behind us the front doors smashed open sending shards of oak flying through the air.

Freeze! yelled a shadowed figure leading the charge. You’re under arrest!

At first my father didn’t see the face of the large framed bald headed officer clearly. Enraged, he screamed at them all for invading our paradise, shattering our perfect world.

How dare you enter my house like this! Don’t you know who I am?!

In an instant, the officer slammed Father to the floor pinning his arm behind his back. I lunged onto the policeman pulling and tugging at him with everything I had. I did win that strongman’s cup earlier in the day, after all. I could have used him here now.

Yes, Andrew Madison Drake, I know who you are. You’re an embezzler and now you’re going to jail for a long time! he paused, Someone get this damn kid off of me!

Leave him alone! I still demanded to no avail. Then, as I continued to pull on the man’s coat I saw it. A name, I’d remember for the rest of my life. It laughed at my father’s and my perfect life, our perfectly dandy world. There above a gold badge read the words Chief King.

Father with his face pressed to the ground, saw it too. The two continued to talk as I was drug away kicking and screaming.

Being held so tight I thought I’d break, through teary eyes I saw my father led out of the grand hall. It wasn’t so grand anymore. Father turned and looked back at me, with an expression so sad that it haunts me to this day. I read his lips as he spoke.

What about my son?

Don’t worry; he’ll get the best our state has to offer. Now hurry you’re carriage awaits Drake.

My father, my hero, lied. Well, not exactly lied, it was all for me, after all; the wealth, the power, the fame, this wonderful mansion. Yes all for me, and it would be mine, for all of 15 minutes. That’s how long I had it all before the government seized everything.

As I stood alone at the foot of the staircase, the red and blue lights still spinning across my face, I watched as the cars carried my father down the driveway and out of my life.

The hall once so alive with happiness now echoed with silence. You could actually hear my tears hit the fine Italian marble below. I turned to the help, to the maids and the butlers. They were already heading for the exits, not literally, but soon. Soon they would be stuffing their suitcases with whatever valuables they could squeeze in. You could hear the silverware clang together as one by one they departed the grounds. 

Me? I soon learned just how successful my father had been at achieving the goal of not letting anyone get too close. He was so successful that no one came. No one at all. Instead I was watched over by a couple of officers, and told to pack my belongings. No more than one suitcase and only absolute necessities.

Just as Chief King had proclaimed to my father, I was now a ward of the state. From everything to nothing. And when I say nothing, the Chief was about to show me just how far down the ladder nothing truly was. 

Though it seemed like an eternity, it might have only been hours when the Chief finally returned.

Was he any trouble? he asked the two officers that were assigned the watch.

No sir. The boy has the personality of a shoe.

Well, that’s what happens when you’re pampered and sheltered in a mausoleum your entire life, replied the Chief.

His bald brown head had several veins throbbing. I seemed to infuriate him with my constant insistence on breathing and all. He opened the trunk of his car. I thought he was going to throw me in it.

Grab your stuff, and move! I tossed my suitcase in and then slid into the back seat doing my very best to not be so alive and living.

Not a word was said the whole ride. I