Welcome to my new blog, same as the old blog...

For anyone keeping track I decided to retire my previous Grievous inspired blog title in favor of something new. After my last blog entry I mentioned I felt like my relationship with illustrating General Grievous, who is one of my favorite Star Wars characters ever, had come full circle or at least reached a crossroads of sorts since I certainly hope I can continue to draw him for future projects.

So does my new blog title have inspiration or really mean anything? I suppose you could take it at face value since I was very fortunate to draw for a few issues of Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: Empire series. Maybe it just simply refers to my favorite era of the saga that I'm particularly fond of working in or just making a living as an artist drawing for Star Wars in general. Or perhaps it's a political statement about the current state of affairs we as a nation find ourselves in under it's current regime being led into another year of pointless war?

Well, maybe it's a little of all of the above, but don't worry... I'm here to talk about Star Wars and not politics (well, maybe Star Wars politics).

Anyway, Spring is in the air and it just feels like a time for a reboot of sorts, professionally, personally and just in keeping with the theme of change with Star Wars in general. Everything old is new again as we move from the Clone Wars into the era of the Empire. The film saga may have ended but it's the beginning of new Star Wars story media, some of which is upon us now and with even more on the horizon. It's actually an exciting time to be a Star Wars fan as we also venture into the unknown. Even with all of the amazing surprises the Prequels bestowed on us it's safe to say we (especially those spoiler hounds) had a good idea of the outcome for the overall story and the destination of certain character's journeys. But now, the saga is expanding in all kinds of directions and heading into new territory and frontiers where anything can happen. I just hope I can continue to hang on and keep contributing in my small way as Star Wars propels forward into the future.

Speaking of which, my next assignment for Star Wars Insider will find me illustrating my *favorite* Star Wars character, Darth Vader. It will be for an article spotlighting "Vader's Legacy" as written by Abel Peņa currently scheduled for an upcoming issue. I read Abel's latest draft recently and I think everyone is really going to enjoy this one as much or even more than "The Story of General Grievous" from #86 (and here on Hyperspace). Some classic EU characters will be appearing (which I do plan on illustrating) and there's the usual juicy continuity nuggets fan have come to expect from the all-knowing Master Peņa. I'm hearing there are plans for a supplemental feature for this article too, but don't quote me on that just yet. I do know Abel had to edit some of his material for length so let's hope it eventually makes it into Hyperspace.

Coming up June 3rd and 4th, I'll be appearing with my Star Wars art and signing autographs opening weekend for the premiere of Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination at COSI here in Columbus, Ohio.

Here's the press release from the website: The first exhibition of its kind, Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, combines costumes and props from all six Star Wars films with real-world technologies, video interviews with filmmakers, scientists and engineers, and two large Engineering Design Labs, where visitors can build and test speeders and robots. Visitors will explore prototypes, learn about the engineers and designers who are creating new technologies, and discover intriguing similarities between how scientists and filmmakers think.

Along with the fantastic exhibit itself there will be appearances by Anthony Daniels, Jeremy Bulloch and members of the 501st Legion. If you're in Ohio and you're a Star Wars fan, you can't miss this! I'll also be appearing at the event other times throughout it's run and will be conducting a drawing workshop for kids as well. Keep your browser pointed a my official site for dates and more info soon.

In the meantime I was recently given the greenlight to illustrate new Star Wars artwork as a signed and numbered limited edition print to celebrate the premiere of the exhibit at COSI in Columbus. Right now, I believe the plan is to have the artwork only be available to their special Star Wars guests, VIP's, VIP media, sponsors, charity acution, etc. If you're wanting to get your hands on one of these prints it seems like eBay might be your best bet later on. I'll have more news on the artwork and the upcoming exhibit event itself as the premiere date draws near.

Are there any Buffy and Angel fans out there?

I hope so because the first two issues of Spike Vs. Dracula from IDW Publishing are currently on sale and you can view some of my interior artwork from #1 and all five of my covers for the series at my official site in this new gallery. If you like what you see feel free to pick up these comics if you see them or you can order autographed copies from my site soon.

Also, you can view my art process for the first issue cover at my weekly Comics 101 column for World Famous Comics.com right here.

I'll also be signing for this series (and my Star Wars artwork too) on May 6th for Free Comic Book Day at Midgard Comics in Westerville, Ohio. So if you're in the neighborhood stop on by. My buddy Darryl Banks, artist for DC's Green Lantern, will be there signing as well.

Later that month on May 19th-21st I'll be appearing at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, Michigan with Star Wars sketch card artist and Jedi Knight extraordinaire Justin of WorldFamousComics.com. Other Star Wars guests at the con will include Dave Dorman and General Grievous himself, Matthew Wood. Fellow Star Wars illustrator and good friend Chris Trevas might be stopping by too.

Thanks for the support everyone and I hope to see you at some of these events coming up!