Transformers: Mosaic

This project has flourished over at the IDW Publishing forums. Many transformers fans are budding artists and authors, and we’ve come together on this project in a way I’ve not seen before.

The goal is to create tight, interesting scripts of ONE comic page. These begin as not limited in size, as per the digital arena, but recently, Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall has stated that these will be able to printed in their actual comics. So the criteria for traditional comic sizing now applies.

I have written three pieces that fit into the current continuity being developed by IDW and author Simon Furman in their regular “Transformers” ongoing (Infiltration, Escalation, and coming soon Devastation).

The first, “Feeling Yellow” or Escalation #0, appeared in Week 5 of the project and I can also reveal it here. The stunning artwork was crafted by professional artist Robby Musso, who is continuing to land gigs with IDW – which is only fitting, he is a great artist!

feelingyellow_final1.jpg

You can check out all the current Mosaics here = http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=2139

Harry, Hallows and Horcruxes

Harry Potter. It’s been over 3 weeks since the (official) release of the final novel of the Harry Potter series. After Mel and I worked out a plan to actually read one copy at the same time (which kinda didn’t work anyhow) we set about reading this final novel. Every man, woman, child and their dogs have had a say on this novel, and, after some reflection, so will I.

“The Deathly Hallows” presents some of the most religiously symbolic themes and magical objects into the mix, but continues the development of Harry, Hermione and Ron without being bouyed down by these themes and the impending “end”. The quest has been presented and our heroic trio have entered this adult world with equal parts eagerness and determination. Even tragic events early on in the novel only steel their resolve.

Rowling has deftly completed an epic story that weaves in and out and in again, and never ceases to stay safe. Expectations were high, and for me the “Hallows” did not disappoint. Marriage, new life, death, tragedy, resurrection – big themes that are all amazingly incorporated into the lives of three young people – and especially the young man that finally grows out of the complaining and impatient teenager into a man learning to live with responsibility and not just rights.

An interesting thought that, the “pure bloods” representing those believing in their rights, are constantly foiled by those recognising the responsibility that comes with power, the “order of the phoenix”.

Whilst some may have not enjoyed Rowling’s future glimpse into the main characters, I loved it. The ending quite simply brought a tear to my eye and satisfied my every literary bone and sinew.