Spectrum: The “M”, “N”, “O”, “P” List

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We are super close to the kickoff of Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3. If you are in the Kansas City area this weekend, I do hope you will consider coming to the show. You won’t be disappointed.

My alphabetical trip (by first name) continues with a look at the “M”, “N”, “O”, and “P” lists.

These artists are scheduled to be in attendance May 9-11 in Kansas City, MO at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3.

I offer the art without comment, as it can speak well enough for itself. Besides, I’d rather get your thoughts.

Under each piece is the name of the artist and a link to their respective website. Please consider giving them a visit to explore more of their work.

The image to open this post is by artist Peter Mohrbacher

And with no more delay….the art:

Continue reading Spectrum: The “M”, “N”, “O”, “P” List →

“The Churn”: An Expanse Novella ~James S.A. Corey

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Today on SF Signal I review “The Churn”, the latest novella in the Expanse series by the writing team who dub themselves James S.A. Corey.

“The Churn” was released this past Tuesday and before the day was midway through I had greedily devoured the story. I caution fans of the series: DO NOT read the story summary on sites like Amazon. I’m not sure if it was the publishers who wrote that advertising copy or who is to blame, but it spoils the end of the story within the first line.

My review is brief, and entirely spoiler-free, so you may check it out without fear. It also stays away from any spoilers of the previous short stories or novels. What can I say? I want readers to have their own adventure of discovery in reading these page-turning, character-focused space operas.

While you are over there be sure to check out some of the other great material that SF Signal has to offer.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Cover Story: May 2014

AEldredJohnHarris1942

It is May! MAY!!! How did that happen?!?! This is the month I’ve been anticipating for some time, what with Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3 in a little over a week followed by a week’s vacation with my lovely wife Mary to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. May 2014 is going to be one for the record books.

And it all starts with the May 2014 edition of Cover Story. Cover Story is the monthly feature showcasing genre cover art for works scheduled for publication within said month. I do judge books by their covers, at least on the first pass. It was the art on science fiction book covers that drew me in as a young reader, and I believe it is important to promote the artists and designers, and the book companies that employ them, for the efforts made to keep alive the grand tradition of eye-catching genre cover art.

(Monthly Disclaimer: I am not an art critic and have no formal artistic training. “Eye-catching” means exactly what it says, these images caught my eye and drew my attention to the works they grace, compelling me to search out more information about the book. Opinions contrary to mine, and suggestions for works that I missed that caught your eye, are always welcome.)

The opening image for this post is by John Harris.

With those formalities out of the way, let’s get to the cover art, shall we? May has some really tempting works coming down the publication line.

Continue reading Cover Story: May 2014 →

You Be the Judge (and win fabulous prizes!)

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(Art by Android Jones)

Each year when Spectrum: The Best of Contemporary Fantastic Art is published, there are Gold and Silver Award winners in each of the book’s categories. When Spectrum Fantastic Art Live began three years ago, the announcement of these awards was turned into an Oscar-style ceremony held and Kansas City’s historic Midland Theatre as part of the SFAL weekend. This year will be will mark the third occurrence of this dazzling event. The Spectrum 21 Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10th at 7:00 p.m. Those with three-day passes or who purchase single day Saturday tickets at the door for Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3 can attend the awards ceremony.

Trust me, this is a MUST ATTEND event.

Part of the fun of the announcement of these awards is making your own judgments on whether or not you agree with the picks of the official judges. Now that the Spectrum 21 nominees have been announced, I thought it would be fun to give you the opportunity to sit in the judgment seat.

John Fleskes, who is now in charge of publishing the annual art book and will be taking over hosting duties for his first awards ceremony this year, has agreed to offer up the prizes for this little contest.

All you need do is review the list of the nominees and the accompanying images, choose who you think will win in each category, and leave your guesses in the comments section.

You have until 7:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, May 10th to leave your guesses. One entry per person, please.

The one with the most correct guesses wins. If there are more than one with the same correct number, I will randomly draw three winners. The prizes are a set of the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live Commemorative Art Books:

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These gorgeous hard cover art books include art and interviews with Brom, Mike Mignola, Android Jones, Iain McCaig, Phil Hale, Tara McPherson, Michael Whelan, Peter de Seve, John Foster, Charles Vess, and Terryl Whitlach. They really are beautifully produced and are well worth your taking the time to see if you can get inside the mind of this year’s judges.

Additionally I will give away one $25 online bookstore of your choice gift card to one of the three winners.

Below you will find the category, a list of the nominees, followed by the nominated image and identification of the work.

Good luck!

Continue reading You Be the Judge (and win fabulous prizes!) →

Spectrum: The “J” and “K” Lists

Jeremy Aaron Moorewww.jeremyaaronmoore.comDigital Art16"x24"

As the sand in the hourglass ticks down to April 30th, marking the final day that three-day Spectrum Fantastic Art Live tickets will be available for purchase, allow me to tempt you with more visual delights that can be yours if you are in attendance.

My alphabetical trip (by first name) continues with a look at the “J” and “K” lists.

These artists are scheduled to be in attendance May 9-11 in Kansas City, MO at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 3.

I offer the art without comment, as it can speak well enough for itself. Besides, I’d rather get your thoughts.

Under each piece is the name of the artist and a link to their respective website. Please consider giving them a visit to explore more of their work.

Continue reading Spectrum: The “J” and “K” Lists →

Eclectic Musings of a Renaissance Geek