A Forest of Stars - Kevin J. Anderson [270]
SPECIAL EBOOK FEATURE:
SKETCHBOOK
BY KEVIN J. ANDERSON
SKETCHES BY IGOR KORDEY
Writing “The Saga of Seven Suns” was more than just telling a story—it was creating an entire universe. Before starting HIDDEN EMPIRE, I had written detailed outlines to carry the epic through the first four volumes, and I developed a “bible” of all my background details that was more than a hundred pages long.
But I wanted all the details to be more vivid. I have done quite a lot of work in the comics industry, and as I was planning “The Saga of Seven Suns” I had just finished scripting a fully painted STAR TREK graphic novel, “The Gorn Crisis,” for Wildstorm. I got along very well with the artist on the project, Igor Kordey. Since I respected his work and admired his imagination, I thought perhaps I could use his talent in developing the characters, cultures, races, settings, and worlds for the new universe.
I hired Igor to design aliens, ships, buildings. He worked overtime to do several spectacular paintings and numerous sketches of key elements of the story. Every time Igor got another idea, he would fax me his plans, along with a full explanation of how everything worked. I incorporated many of his ideas into the storylines of HIDDEN EMPIRE and A FOREST OF STARS, and as a result of his work, the epic is much more vivid and sharp in my own mind.
I used Igor’s sample art to convince Wildstorm and DC Comics to let me write a 96-page graphic novel prequel, VEILED ALLIANCES (due to be released December 2003). Due to scheduling conflicts, Igor wasn’t able to be the artist for the graphic novel, but turned the job over to the highly talented Rob Teranishi. For a full gallery of art from the graphic novel, see the “Seven Suns” page on www.wordfire.com.
The following images are some of Igor’s initial sketches for “The Saga of Seven Suns.” The reader’s imagination is the best tool for visualizing the novel, of course, but this art should open a window on some of the best parts.
—Kevin J. Anderson
Klikiss Robot
Igor’s initial design for a Klikiss robot. He invented the sets of strange fingerlike legs and the solar-panel wings, both used to good effect in the novel. I was not entirely satisfied with the “unicorn” head, and so the design was modified for a flatter, geometric shape (as can be seen in the graphic novel pages).
Hydrogue Warglobes
The hydrogue warglobes. I asked Igor for something very unusual, sinister, and completely alien. He developed this very simple and effective design.
The WhisperPalace
Igor's design for the Whisper Palace, with plenty of towers, cupolas, and domes. It was Igor's idea to have a torch lit atop every peak to symbolize each planet in the Hansa. He also developed this illustration in a watercolor painting, which will likely be the basis for Stephen Youll's cover painting on Book 3, HORIZON STORMS.
Worldforest on Theroc
The Worldforest of Theroc. The worldtrees have an unusual fern or palm-tree appearance. I wanted a different feel than the giant redwoods. This sort of tree gives the worldforest on Theroc a more tropical air.
The Fungus-ReefCity
The fungus-reef city. Based on my verbal concept of a growing “reef” built by layer upon layer of growing fungus spores, Igor developed this blueprint. Stephen Youll used a similar setup for his cover painting on A FOREST OF STARS.
Ildiran Features and Outfits
Ildiran features and outfits. Igor designed clothing and appearances for numerous Ildiran kiths. These are the higher-level (and most humanlike) kiths, the basis for Adar Kori'nh (left) and a bureaucrat (right).
An Ildiran Female
An Ildiran female .I wanted the aliens to look strange, but still attractive to humans. If this were a fantasy series, the Ildirans would be the equivalent of high elves.
Table of Contents
Command Structure Of The Earth Defense Forces
Selected Noble-Born Children Of Prime Designate Jora’h (Designates-In-Waiting)
The Ruling Family Of Theroc
Clan Tamblyn
Glossary Of Characters And Terminology