John Zeleznik was one of the guys. We were discussing various nuances and approaches to the layout of Rifts® and the Megaverse® – The Art of John Zeleznik. Man oh man, this book is looking gorgeous and is gonna be awesome. Beautiful reproduction, a great many sketches and preliminary drawings and color concept art that will give the reader insight to what goes on behind the scenes at Palladium. This art book is going to be something special, especially for Palladium fans.
And the Masterwork Limited Edition (under 200 copies), where you get an original piece of pencil art used to create one of the very paintings in the book . . . wow, I still can’t get over that. As an art collector (and artist myself) that is an incredible and unprecedented offer. But that’s the kind of great guy John Zeleznik is. Then again, that reflects how much everyone at Palladium cares about its fans and our dedication to push the envelope and go where no one has gone before. I still can’t get over that John is willing to do this.
I’m also deliriously happy that Johnny Z is hoping to come to the 2007 Palladium Open House! Things are looking really good for this to happen (thanks Jill!) and I’m geeked for it. This would be John’s first appearance ever in Michigan. Heck, John hasn’t been to the Midwest since a Gen Con way back in 1995 or 1996. Cool.
Chatted with big Mark Dudley about some exciting ideas he has. Mark is doing well and has some cool ideas for a wild project.
I also spoke to Mark Evans, the artist behind Rifts® Madhaven and other covers for Palladium. I’m delighted to report that Mark is also hoping to come to the 2007 Open House as well as join me and Wayne at Ubercon VIII, a convention in New Jersey, this October. Check out the August 18 Press Release for more info on Ubercon. Brandon Aten, Taylor White, Carl Gleba, and other Palladium creators out East are also hoping to drop by and join the fun! Those of you in the New Jersey area should try to come to Ubercon VIII and meet the guys.
Hey, I know I’ve been talking a great deal about the 2007 Palladium Open House lately, but a) I’m excited about it, and b)I want people to have ample time to plan and save for it. Since the last Open House, I’ve met a number of gamers who said they didn’t have enough time to plan or save money to come down. I don’t want that to happen again. Yep, we’re already making big plans for the 2007 Palladium Open House. More guests, more games, more hours, better food, more fun!!!!!!!
Come on down! Er up! Um, over? Well, come to the 2007 Palladium Open House, and not only meet 30-40 Palladium artists, writers and creators, but also game with them! Game with me, and Carmen, and Carl, and Todd, and Jason, and Brandon, and Julius and Josh, and . . . well the list just goes on and on.
Sorry, I think going to all these Summer and Fall conventions and trade shows just has me geeked about the 2007 Palladium Open House. This year's event was so much fun, I can’t wait till next May and host an even better three days of gaming.
Last chance for an X-Mas in July Super-Collector Grag Bag
A reminder, you have only until Tuesday, August 22, 2006 to get your orders in for the last of these super-grab bags. You can ask for all books or get books and art (the art worth $50 or more). I just sent one lucky fella overseas a spectacular full page illustration from Mutant Underground, and another a nice piece by Wilson from Rifts. I still have a couple of my Robotech pieces available and some other art, as well as a small handful of art from Ramon Perez, Mike Wilson, Kent Burles, Mark Dudley and Scott Johnson. (The Long art was limited and went fast).
Other stuff
Hank is uncomfortable with his arm in a cast, but he’s doing okay.
Powers Unlimited 3 is on track to ship August 28.
I’m way behind deadline on everything, but we’re all plugging away.
I’m partying this afternoon! Hey, I’m knocking off after only five hours of work today (Saturday, August 19, 2006) to go to a block party our wonderful neighbors, Rick and Alice are hosting. These two are so cool, that they rescheduled the party from last weekend (when we were at Gen Con) to this weekend so Kathy and I could attend. Of course, that may have had something to do with Alice being addicted to Kathy’s awesome cole slaw.
Hey, I just spoke with long time fan Andrew Michael Terrill who just helped make my weekend. Thanks man, it was great talking with you.
Hmmm, looking over this posting I sound a little punchy. Probably am, so I better call it a day and get to the party.
Those are my murmurs for today. Have a nice weekend.
Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Working hard and thinking good thoughts