A Trusted Calling

A Trusted Calling was a scrapped graphic novel series. Unlike the lighthearted publications Thrift Shop Tales was producing at that time (Winter and Fall 2015), this series had more of a darker feel to it. The title was based on a pet name Sunil used on Vinnie in the LPS episode "War of the Weirds". While many of the characters have been scrapped, the overall plot remains in the 2017 cartoon series The Misfits of Publicity Stunt Isle.

Plot

Containing the Hasbro satire sometimes featured in The Misfits of Publicity Stunt Isle and Thrift Shop Tails, A Trusted Calling was an action/adventure/drama graphic novel. Scamper, a black-and-white ruddy mongoose, would lead his friends Wintermint, a blue spaniel, Oyako, a white-and-yellow cat, Lefty, an orange cat renamed Catnip Angel for Misfits, and Bernadette the rabbit to safety and away from greedy corporation Schmasbro. Later on, they would meet Yoko, a blue dog, Nola, a gray poodle, Donna, a border collie, Nurse Sulynne, a purple beagle, and some inkblot characters (Yakka, Wakka, Kah-Kah, and My Maniac). They would also raise the Hydra, a two-headed green pitbull. A character similar to Sugar Sprinkles was planned, but never materialized.

First Issue

The first issue had been partially produced. It is completely lost due to a computer breakdown, but some of the plot was reused for the December 21 special. In this issue, Scamper is hypnotized to become a brat whose happiness relies on his viewers for his TV show buying new toys. Wintermint is not happy to see this and attempts to reverse Judy MacHill's damage to Scamper. Similarly, the December 21 special involved Danny becoming captive to Schmasbro's wiles.

Remnants on Misfits

Schmasbro still exists on Misfits, as does Judy MacHill (albeit her morality was changed from evil to good). The original characters became the Misfits we know today: Sooney, Danny, Rusty, Winkie, Crazy Daisy, and all their friends. For instance, Guardian Angel was developed out of Oyako. Sooney is the modern version of Scamper; whereas Sunita was created from Bernadette.