That’s what Walter M. Miller Jr’s classic A CANTICLE FOR LEIBOWITZ looks like in Czechoslovakia, courtesy of Laser Books. I’m not sure when this edition was released, but it was sometime within the last several months. Pleased to see my cover artwork (which first appeared on the USA/Eos trade paperback edition) also make it into the Czech Republic. In addition, Laser bought the one-time right to re-use another of my cover illos for a short story collection by Dan Simmons, which, according to their website, has also been published. I’d love to see what both of these look like in real life, but I haven’t received any comp copies yet from the good folks at Laser. I’m sure they’re on their way (ahem).

Here’s the just-completed rough sketch (8.5″ x 11″, pencil on bond) for the wraparound cover for Pyr‘s forthcoming edition of Robert Silverberg’s classic SON OF MAN. It seems a little strange to publicly display in-progress work while I’m still working out that job for a client. I doubt I’ll make a habit of this in future, but I’ve been having fun chats with Pyr’s editorial director Lou Anders about this cover, and we thought it might be fun to share this and see where the final art ends up. So with his consent, voila.

Liner note: I have no idea why, but I’ve been listening to Led Zeppelin’s first album while working on this. “How Many More Times” has been playing a lot while I’m drawing.

Pyr will release the brand-new trade paperback edition of SON OF MAN in 2008.

Rave reviews coming in for Michael Moorcock’s THE METATEMPORAL DETECTIVE from Pyr (forthcoming, late October). Lou Anders has posted some over at Pyr’s blog, as well as a brand-new interview with Mike, courtesy of The Fantasy Review.

Reminder: If you’ve been meaning to check out MonkeyBrain Books’ 2-for-1 September Sale, only a few days remain before October comes calling. If I didn’t already own almost everything they publish, I’d be breaking out the checkbook myself. For instance, if you don’t already own Jess Nevins’ THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FANTASTIC VICTORIANA, no time like the present…

Here’s a triptych I recently completed for Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books. I submitted it to the publisher earlier this month, and thanks to some enterprising Trekkies, it’s already generating cyber-buzz. So I’ll share it here. Forthcoming in 2008, Pocket will release an eagerly-anticipated Terok Nor trilogy chronicling the Cardassian occupation of Bajor and the pre-DS9 origins of the legendary station. My triptych art will be divided across the covers of the three paperbacks. The three novels are:

STAR TREK TEROK NOR: DAY OF THE VIPERS by James Swallow
STAR TREK TEROK NOR: NIGHT OF THE WOLVES by S.D. Perry and Britta Dennison
STAR TREK TEROK NOR: DAWN OF THE EAGLES by S.D. Perry and Britta Dennison

Thanks to James Swallow as well as the folks at TrekWeb for all of the kind words.

Two reviews for Sheri S. Tepper’s THE MARGARETS (Eos), available in stores now in hardcover: A rave, courtesy of BookLoons (reviewed by Hilary Williamson), and a mixed review over at Bookslut (reviewed by Adrienne Martini). The Bookslut review kindly mentions the cover as “lovely”. Unfortunately, because of the publisher’s mixup with the cover credit, Bookslut credits the wrong illustrator, which can only be expected when the wrong credit is printed on the back end flap of the hardcover. Just to once again set the record straight — the cover illustration is by me, but I’m very pleased that the cover is doing its job and attracting readers to the book.

Cover illustration by me for both of these. Deja vu — I previously posted the wraparound art for these, but I’m posting this reminder that the books themselves are now available from Golden Gryphon Press. Shoutouts to publisher Gary Turner and editor Marty Halpern, for two more jobs well done.

A THOUSAND DEATHS by George Alec Effinger…this one boasts an introduction by multi-Hugo Award winner Mike Resnick, and an afterword by Andrew Fox, author of the cult classic FAT WHITE VAMPIRE BLUES. It’s an elegant, poignant collection of Effinger stories revolving around George’s semi-autobiographical character Sandor Courane, and it contains some of the finest writing he ever did.

THE GIRL WHO LOVED ANIMALS by Bruce McAllister…one of 2007’s best single-author collections; it’s that good. Bruce was a Hugo Award finalist this year for his short story “Kin” which is included in this book. I loved his story notes that accompany each piece. Afterword by Barry N. Malzberg, and an introduction by the great Harry Harrison who says, “Among top short story talents in the field, McAllister is a leader. Polished, moving, thought-provoking — this collection is without parallel.” Hard to find higher praise than that.

Been sitting on the fence waiting to buy a copy of COVER STORY: THE ART OF JOHN PICACIO, or Jess Nevins’ THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FANTASTIC VICTORIANA? Well, wait no longer. COVER STORY has been graced with not only 2007 Locus and Hugo Award nominations, but it’s also in large part why I’ve been nominated for The 2007 British Fantasy Award and the 2007 International Horror Guild Award. And it just got a lot easier to own it or give one as a gift. The folks at MonkeyBrain Books have an insane sale going on right now. Pull out your checkbook and thank me later — you’ll kick yourself if you miss this. Here’s why, courtesy of Chris Roberson:

“For the month of September, MonkeyBrain Books is offering a special 2-for-1 sale. Buy any book direct from us through www.monkeybrainbooks.com at the regular price, and receive another book of equal or lesser value free of charge.

To pay online with PayPal, just select the book you which to purchase at regular price from our website, and when you reach the “Review Your Payment” step of the PayPal order process, select “Add special instructions to seller” and type in the title of the book you’d like as your free gift. If you’d like two copies of the same book, purchasing one at full price and getting the second for free, that’s fine with us, too.

If either book you’d like isn’t yet shipping, we’ll ship the portion of your order that is currently available, and send the remainder in a separate order when the books are printed.

As if a free MonkeyBrain title weren’t enough, we’re also tossing in free Shipping & Handling for the second title, as well. You’re losing money if you *don’t* take this offer. Supplies on some titles are running low, so don’t delay.” What’s not to love? Take advantage of these crazy people before they come to their senses. 🙂

Also known as our madcap, surgical strike trip to Worldcon 2007 in Yokohama, Japan…I’m back home now and dead-tired, but before I crash, here are a few sights and thoughts from the journey. The whole experience was worth every bit of time and money, and I’m so glad I went. Met my buddy Lou Anders (AKA 2007 Hugo finalist Lou Anders of Pyr) over in Houston and we flew out together.

We were on the ground for 72 hours in Japan, and we did a heckuva lot in a very short time. Shoutouts to all of my new friends in Nippon, including Takahiro Hirata (left), Hayato Kato, Hiroyuki Ohashi, and the wonderful Yasko, who were so kind to me throughout the weekend. Taka even presented me with a beautiful gift (left), which was completely unexpected and amazing. Thanks not only to them, but all of the kind folks who showed up to my panels and signing events. Nice to know my work is connecting with its audience, even on the other side of the Pacific. Look forward to visiting with you again, at Worldcon in Denver next year.

The hotel and con facilities in Yokohama were first-rate — the convenient, futuristic bridges connecting the con complex; the super-elegant bathrooms in the Pan Pacific Hotel; this stellar view from our hotel balcony; all of it. This year is Ultraman’s 40th anniversary, and this brother was hard to miss, no matter where you looked. I had a friend in 3rd grade who turned me on to Ultraman, and I have fond memories of all of my playground pals back then striking this pose all day long.

Bought this fabulous little book celebrating the art of Naoyuki Katoh. I didn’t know his work before this trip, but I sure do now. His stuff’s phenomenal. Awards-wise, I was honored to be a finalist for two Hugos and two Chesleys at this year’s Worldcon. Had more bling on my badge than I’ve ever had anywhere before. Didn’t bring home any large hardware this time around, but with a Locus Award win earlier this year, and artist nominations for the forthcoming British Fantasy Award, International Horror Guild Award, and World Fantasy Award, it’s hard not to be grateful. Thanks to all who voted for me in this year’s Chesleys and Hugos, and I appreciate your kind consideration. I’m honored to be working in this field and I’ll just keep plugging away and trying to get better. Big shoutout and sincere congrats to all Chesley winners and especially to Donato Giancola, who won this year’s Best Professional Artist Hugo for the second consecutive year. Well-earned!!

In the end, these trips are all about the people, and Paul Cornell and his lovely wife Caroline Symcox are two of my favorites. (L to R: Caroline, Paul, Lou Anders, me, and Jessica Langer, at the Hugo Pre-Awards Reception). Spent quality time with Bob Eggleton and Marianne Plumridge. Zillabob had a terrific Art Show display. He’s been doing a painting-a-day display on his blog for much of ’07 and he’s been on fire lately. (L to R: Bob Eggleton, Marianne Plumridge, me, and Lou)

Great to visit with Betsy Mitchell, editor-in-chief of Del Rey, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with on the forthcoming ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS (coming Feb ’08). Betsy debuted a few of my interior illustrations from the book, during her Del Rey slide presentation. (L to R: Betsy, Naomi Novik (congrats on the Campbell win), Scott Edelman, Charles Ardai (spiffy threads, fellas!), and Scott’s wife, Irene. Frank Wu won the Hugo for Best Fan Artist (go, Wu), and although not physically present, his zany aura was still felt at the festivities, courtesy of Kelly Buehler.

Lou and I had the pleasure of spending the mighty bulk of Hugo Night with the aforementioned Paul and Caroline as well as Steven Moffat and wife Sue Vertue (pictured here). Steven won the Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form for his Dr. Who episode, “The Girl in the Fireplace” and his big Ultraman Hugo trophy sat in the middle of our rambling conversation circles all night long. As per Worldcon tradition, Hugo nominees received a gift from the upcoming year’s Worldcon, which this year came in the form of a Japanese fan, embellished with artwork by Rick Sternbach. Jessica Langer models the one I received here, and does it much better than I ever could.

Beyond that, more great times with brilliant folks, including the mighty Karen Jones, Ted Chiang, Jannie Shea, Jennie Faries, Michael Whelan and family, Ellen Datlow, Greg Ketter, Lisa Freitag, Mike Willmoth, Jean Goddin, Kelly Link, Gavin Grant, Kurt Baty, Kevin Standlee, Gay Haldeman, Eileen Gunn, John Berry, Barry and Judy Newton, Sandra Childress, James Briggs, Marc Zicree, Maura McHugh, Geoffrey Landis, Mary Turzillo, Jay Lake, David Silver, Julie Rigby, Pat McMurray (congrats on the nuptials, Julie & Pat), Ben Yalow, Robert Charles Wilson, Tom Galloway, Karen Haber, Robert Silverberg, and many more. Lori Ono — thanks for saving the day on Friday. Congrats to Rene Walling and the whole Montreal bid team for claiming the ’09 Worldcon. Countdown begins for Denvention in ’08. Right now — I’m glad to be home with Traci. Off to bed. Whew. When I wake up, I’ll be 38…

I’m off to Japan and Worldcon in less than 24 hours. Apparently, Random House and Amazon have both posted solicitations for Del Rey’s forthcoming trade paperback release of ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS by the legendary Michael Moorcock. If you click their cover, it doesn’t yet show a larger version of the new cover. I’m already seeing some cyber-buzz about the impending release of this book, so I thought I’d finally give everyone a look at the final art, sans final typography. When I receive a jpeg of the final cover layout from Del Rey, I’ll post it here as well. ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS will be volume 1 of a series and will contain lots of b/w illustrations by me. Forthcoming February 2008. Enjoy! More when I return….

The folks at Nippon 2007 have just posted the complete program grid. Lots of great panels and events. You can find me at the following on Friday and Saturday at this year’s Worldcon…

FRIDAY AUGUST 31

Fri 1400
THE ART OF JOHN PICACIO
A slide presentation of John Picacio’s artwork.
(One and all are invited, whether you pop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole show….images move briskly; lots of new work will be presented; and folks are welcome to interject with questions at any time about process, techniques, or anything they can think of. Totally casual.)

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 1

Sat 1000
WHAT EDITORS WANT FROM ARTISTS
Participants: Bob EGGLETON, Jennie FARIES, John PICACIO,
Karen Haber SILVERBERG, Lou ANDERS
Is it realism? A particular color? Many editors return to
the same artists again and again. What sets these
paragons apart? Style? Originality? A distinctive look
or varied approach? Reliable telepathy? (Oh, and must
the artist read the story, or what?)

Sat 1200
AUTOGRAPHING
John PICACIO / Eileen GUNN / Geoffrey A. LANDIS

Sat 1300
DEL REY UPCOMING TITLES
(Betsy Mitchell will run the show and I’ll make a brief cameo appearance to talk about ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS by Michael Moorcock, for which I’m doing the cover and interior art. Betsy will present some of my interior art for the book.)

Beyond those events, I’ll be at the Chesley Awards (Fri 1600), the Art Show Reception (Fri 1800), and the Hugo Awards festivities (which kick off Sat 1600), and of course in the hotel bar with pals Lou Anders, Paul Cornell, and anyone who wishes to join us. If you’re attending, say hi (or “konnichiwa”/”kombanwa”) and I look forward to seeing you there!