The Art Gallery
To market my books, I get local Midwestern artists to draw for me. I usually find them around comic and anime cons and hire them for a modest price. Check them out!
Chikara, Renka and Gen
A few character drawings from Richard Kohlrus. These are our young heroes, Gen, Renka and Chikara, posing in their Sunday best.
Chikara "Onryo" Kaminari
Chikara Kaminari in full Onryo mode.
Chikara and Chillingworth
The Onryo (original cover)
Here's the original cover to The Onryo, back when it was still called I Am Become Death. The photo was taken by my old friend and professional photographer, Aaron Miller. The woman in the photo is my half-Japanese cousin, but she has an identical twin, and I can't remember which twin she was.
The Onryo (second cover)
This is the second cover to The Onryo, drawn by Shadow Ivy, showing a pivotal moment when Chikara discovers her mother's strange ring in the attic. I decided it wasn't action-packed enough, so I had Ivy draw the next and final cover. Still sets a mysterious mood, though.
Swords
I drew these swords, Chikara's Electrosaber and Chillingworth's black diamond sword, the Unspeakable Word. The handle is Atlas, the pommel is the world, and the crossguards resemble Don't Tread On Me snakes, a visual representation of his far-right ideology.
Clover O'Shaughnessey
Clover O'Shaunessey, courtesy of Tyler Owens. He drew it for free because I won one of his contests.
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Gideon and Samson Kichumbu
Here's an action-packed picture of Gideon and Samson, the main villains of the Genocide Gene, courtesy of local artist, Renon Defensor. Renon did a fantastic job making these evildoers look menacing while also creating an African-inspired background. Great work, man!
Gideon and Samson
Gideon and Samson Kichumbu
A character design sheet for the Kichumbu brothers, also drawn by Renon Defensor.
Zachariah Neuhaus and the Kharijite
Here's another masterpiece by Renon Defensor, this time of The Tree of Zaqqum's villains, Zachariah Neuhaus and the Kharijite. I love the wartorn background he created. Notice the key around Kharijite's neck, a popular symbol of hope for Palestinians hoping to return to their old homes lost in the Nakba.
Renon has a tendency to draw big appendages, so I had to tell him to make Neuhaus's feet smaller. Hey, everybody has a style.
Chikara and Judith
Here's a romantic picture of Chikara and The Tree of Zaqqum's love interest, Judith Friedlander, drawn by local artist and Facebook friend, Bethany Alexander. I like the soft lines and smooth color palate. Looks like something Fabio would've posed for.
