It's been awhile since my last blog but a certain bronchial alien in a tin can has been preoccupying my time...

I *just* sent the final artwork in (the digital paint was probably still wet) to my editor at Star Wars Insider for Abel Pena's "Unknown Soldier: The Story of General Grievous" feature. The article establishes lots of great backstory for the character delving into territory of his early history prior to Warren Fu's Visionaries story, it also ties into the Grievous mini-series from Dark Horse Comics, AotC, Clone Wars and of course RotS. I'm really proud of some of this artwork and Abel wrote an amazing feature so I hope you guys enjoy it.

Along with Grievous I also illustrated Dooku, Sidious, IG MagnaGuards and Geonosians (I've always been wanting to draw those particular aliens since AotC debuted and this article gave me an excuse to work them in. I've also been wanting to draw droidekas too for awhile, I'm sure that will happen sooner or later.) The artwork also features a couple of very familiar looking Padawans (hmmm....) and my personal favorite Jedi character... no, not Kai Justiss, it's the other one SW Insider #86 ships in early February I believe so grab your electrobinoculars and be on the lookout!

And for more info on the upcoming Insider feature, check out Star Wars author Abel Pena's blog right here.

Vampires in the Buffy-verse have been keeping me company too, I think that's why I've been keeping these insane late night work hours and why sunlights burns my eyes and skin. Then again that goes hand and hand with being an artist anyway. I'm currently wrapping up work on the first issue of Spike Vs. Dracula for IDW Publishing, I'm penciling *and* inking the first issue as well as providing covers for the series. I'll have some inking help on the second issue though which will make my editor happy so I can try to get the book back on schedule as I roll right into pencils for that one next week. The first issue ships in February or March and you can view the cover art (along with my new cover for Angel: Old Friends #3) in my Comic Books Misc. gallery here.

Also this month, I'm drawing Lord of the Rings sketch cards (along with everyone and their uncle, you're drawing some too right?) which is actually a fun change of pace from lightsabers, aliens and vampires.

For a fun read, be sure to check out this new roundtable interview at Pop Thought.com with me and Star Wars artists Jan Duursema, Tim Bradstreet, Chris Trevas, Grant Gould and Cynthia Cummens.

I hope everyone has been good little Padawans this year and Santa Yoda brings you lots of Star Wars goodies. Or if you've been a naughty Sith then you might get bantha poodoo in your stocking from dirty little Jawas.

Getting back to work now. I think I'll take a day off for Christmas... maybe...

Oh yeah, Merry Christmas!