First art from the Wardenclyffe Horror!
Handsome devil, Mark Twain.
Well, here it is: the first piece of promotional art from the Wardenclyffe Horror.
And who else should have the distinction of being in the first piece of art from the Wardenclyffe Horror, but Mark Twain?
This piece was done by our most excellent collaborator Robert Rath, as a concept drawing of Twain, who features prominently in the Wardenclyffe story. Robert did an amazing job of capturing the aging Twain’s thoughtful demeanor. The set of his jaw reflects a sort of weary resolution. His slightly furrowed brow denotes focus on matters of vital importance. But his eyes have a spark in them that really speaks to the wry wit and sharp intellect that Twain is most renowned for.
In short, Robert nailed it. And fast too!
Which, by way of contrast, sorta highlights the challenges we had writing the damn thing.
It goes without saying that trying to put words into Mark Twain’s mouth is no mean feat. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that if we had to name the one, most critical challenge in writing the Wardenclyffe script, it was doing Twain even a modicum of justice. As the principle narrator (because who else could it be?), Twain gets a lot of time on the page (his prominent role is actually why I would go so far as to call this project ‘ambitious’). Consequently, David and I both spent quite a bit of time with our noses in Twain’s body of work, hoping (praying?) that some of his literary panache would rub off. That we’d be able to capture his personality, at least to some small degree…
Like Steinbeck, Twain’s writings are so quintessentially American, that it’s hard for me to imagine how their absence would alter the historical fabric of the country (or rather, the imagination thereof). I mean, who more than Steinbeck constructed the popular imagination of the dustbowl? And who more than Twain has informed our imaginings of the post-bellum South? [Answer: no one. Not really, anyway.]
That said, Twain was a world traveler, and I am a HUGE fan of his travel writing. In particular, I’ve enjoyed Twain’s own The Innocents Abroad, and the edited volume, Mark Twain on Travel (which includes excerpts of the aforementioned). I find the essay format and the subject matter (what with travel being such a personal experience) really let Twain’s own preferences and predilections shine through in a way that his other works don’t so readily. From pieces like these we got a sense not only of his great persona, but also of the man behind it.
In the end, I’d say we pulled it off—copping Twain, that is. Or at least, that we managed to curtail serious embarrassment. After all, we’re talking about Mark Fucking Twain…
I invite you to read and draw your own conclusions.
That said, our tale could be amply described as ‘irreverent.’ Supernatural horror-thrillers were not exactly Twain’s bailiwick. But we’d like to think that if they were, they’d have come out looking a bit like the Wardenclyffe Horror…
And stay tuned. More of Robert’s kick-ass art is soon to follow. And if you dig this piece—spoiler alert—it will appear again as limited edition print, when our Kickstarter goes live. This is going to look mighty fine in a frame. Perfect for your personal library, man cave, woman… place, medicine lodge, garage, office, shrine to the spirits, or wherever else you like to hang stuff up. Subscribe for updates!
Caffeineforge 
The art looks phenomenal. I am really excited to see it all come together!
Ol’ Sam is a huge hero of mine, and from everything else I’ve heard about WH I know it’s going to be a killer read.
Beautiful work. The artist is a truely talented individual- reminds me of the classic americana pictures of Twain. Though he seems perhaps a little wild, a touch more grit about him. Kudos to the artist, nicely done Sir.
Wait till you see Tesla – he is waiting in the wings.
Robert is very talented, we are lucky to be working with him; he exceeds our every expectation. Take a look at his portfolio and say nice things about him: http://robertrath.deviantart.com/
I think it’s good that he look a little wild. Twain strikes that perfect balance of being just civilized enough in a world that places too much emphasis on civilization. It’s a nice counterpoint to Tesla, who was trying to usher in a civilization that didn’t yet exist…
I saw the traffic from Peru, and knew you were nosing around, Myr. I hope that you are also having fun trying to usher in new civilizations that do not yet exist in a country largely thought to a bit behind the civilization power curve.
Really nice work, cant wait to see more!
More is on its way, as we move inexorably to the Kickstarter start date. Thank you for the enthusiasm and support!
I don’t know if I would call him handsome, but he’s certainly got a look about him, almost haunting, and you captured that nicely. Actually, if I had to choose someone to haunt me it would Mark Twain. Random thought there.
Jon, it’s so great to see you dropping by. Handsome applies to some extent, but I think you’re right – it isn’t the right word. Perhaps distinctive, or distinguished?
Might I suggest another alternative? Awesome.