I don’t collaborate often. But when I do, I prefer Stefan.
Stefan is no stranger to Dieselpunks. His work is often
paired with the very idea of dieselpunk, the artistic standard bearer for the
culture. I’ve had the honor of working with him on my Troubleshooter novels.
His iconic images have created a visual reality to the world of Mick Trubble
and New Haven, something for which I’m eternally grateful.
At long last I’m able to take a step to return the favor.
I’ve enjoyed all of Stefan’s work, but one series in
particular captured my interest. It’s entitled Silent Empire. His images
tickled the imagination, full of oppression and propaganda along with the
bizarre and surreal depictions of dog-faced men and indoctrinated slaves listlessly
performing their menial tasks under the dominion of a tyrannical government.
It was a story just begging to be told.
The result is a novella that will launch on July 1, 2013.
The description:
‘Silence
is essential. Question nothing. Obey everything. Those are the words that Franklin Gamble has heard all of his
life. But when an encounter with a stranger causes him to question his reality,
he is set on a road to discovering secrets that shake the very core of what
he's been taught to believe.
Franklin is a man haunted by vision of a family he can’t
remember and the growing awareness that his world is a fabrication by
oppressors who control every aspect of his existence. After being contacted by the mysterious Coalition, Franklin is
reluctantly persuaded to find the answers that elude him. His pursuit of truth puts him in a duel of
wills against the Sovereign, the oppressive empire that uses the machine of
propaganda combined with the brutal terror of their Dogmen to smother any spark
of rebellion.
The Coalition reveals the Sovereign’s technological prowess
that has trapped its inhabitants in a lethargic state that keeps its inner core
protected by sleepwalking drones.
Franklin is the only person on the inside whose mind is active enough to
resist and take action. With time
running out and his life at risk, Francis must choose between defiance or
submission; a decision that will either further imprison him… or shatter an
Empire forever.’
It’s a nod
to genre-bending films like Brazil and Dark City along with social commentary
on government and oppression, but explores and takes place in the setting of
Diesel City, the concept that he introduced in his tome of prose and images by
the same name. I thank Stefan for the honor of allowing me to put words
to his images and relate a story that he had already established through his
extraordinary work.
Silent Empire is coming. I invite you to accompany us on the
ride.
