A Song of Ice and Fire 2009 Calendar featuring art by Michael Komarck
San Antonio cover artist extraordinaire John Picacio dropped a big announcement Friday while attending Denver’s MileHiCon. He has agreed to illustrate Bantam’s 2011 calendar for George R.R. Martin’s fantasy epic A Song of Ice and Fire. John joins a host of illustrious artists who have brought Martin’s highly-detailed world to life including Jeffrey Jones, Charles Vess, John Howe, Donato Giancola, Tom Mandrake, Michael Kaluta, Steve Stone, Justin Sweet, Ted Nasmith, Thomas Canty and Michael Komarck.
The series consists of four books so far: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords and A Feast for Crows. Fans (Mission Control included) are eagerly awaiting the release of the fifth and final (?) installment, A Dance with Dragons.
Clearly John is excited about this project:
“I’m completely stoked about the opportunity. I walked up to GRRM at Worldcon in Montreal and said, ‘Hey, man — I would love to illustrate one of your works someday, somewhere down the road.’ His eyes kinda lit up. I had no idea that he & Bantam were looking for a calendar artist. He said he liked my Elric work and I think that stuff had already caught his eyes. It’s an honor to be the artist for this gig.”
Catch another quote from John over at Geek Speak.
George R.R. Martin was not immediately available for comment as he is currently in the United Kingdom to observe filming of the upcoming HBO television series based on the novels. Saturday October 24th was the first day of filming for the pilot. It is unknown at this time when the series will premiere on HBO. You can read more about the progress of the series on Martin’s Not A Blog.
Related posts:
This is exciting news. First because John will do an astounding job. he doesn’t know any other way to do it. Secondly, I think this will push him higher into the public and SF community consciousness. Go, John! Of course, if you thought he was busy before, just push that up to Warp 7.
It is my understanding that the series will stretch to seven volumes. Congrats, John, on the gig. I look forward to seeing the results.
Congratulations John! Now I know that this calendar will be spectacular as spectacular is the only kind of art you create!
Warp 7? Ha! Try Warp 10. wife? What wife? You mean I have a wife?