Re: Fred
There definitely is a story behind this girl, I just don't know if I'm allowed to tell it. J/K
Actually, one of the cool things about working with Hero has been that there have been characters that have been flowing in my head for the last 15 years or so, (whether I had intended them to be in a novel, a comic book, who knows) that just never went anywhere. Occasionally I'll get an assignment where I think one of those characters could fit nicely, and just being able to let them see the light of day is rewarding enough.
This girl in question was an alien called 'Jazbea' in a book I wrote a long time ago that never went anywhere. I fell in love with the character so much that I've been trying to fit her into anything I could. I think the art order for this pic called for "Seductive Alien coming on to you and not letting you out the door."
So I thought "Boioioiong, Jazbea."
Funny enough though, in my story she had a scaredycat robot friend named "F.e.e.b" that I just happened to fit into the illustration on page 147. (F.e.e.b. appears in one of the Champions books too, or part of him anyway.)
It's just a huge liberating freedom to have preconceived ideas getting published, it lets you get them out and move on to new and better ideas.
There are hidden things and stories in just about every single one of my pictures. I can't speak for all the artists but I know I've talked to Steve about hiding relatives names, personalities or likenesses into the books. It's always nice to hand your brother in law one of the books to look at the artwork and to see his face when he realizes that he's now a Star Commander of a Space Ship.
I've had the privilege of working with and being really close friends with Brad Nault for five years now at my day job, and before he started illustrating for Hero, I drew him as Phoenix in CKC, so if any of you wonder what artist Brad Nault looks like, check out CKC. (Maybe not as muscled, but yes he ACTUALLY SHOOTS FIRE FROM HIS EYES I'VE SEEN IT!)
*Sigh*
Anyways, short story long, Jazbea. *cat calls*
- Andrew Cremeans