WHAT?!!

My Latest

2011-12-18T19:40:00.000-05:00

Graymalkin from Marvel Comic's Young X-Men.

A Wild Thing for a friend's "Where The Wild Things Are" theme sketchbook.

New Sketchbook Unveiled At Detroit FanFare

2011-09-23T15:21:00.001-04:00

Nathan Pride Collected Works: Twenty Eleven Edition is a collection of artwork both personal and professional from 2009-2011. Within the 24 pages are Cthulhu beasties, ancient Oracles, a monkey god, a dromedary toad, battling dinosaurs and much more. I will be making this new book available for the first time at the 2nd annual Detroit FanFare this weekend Sept. 24-25. It's also available NOW to order on my website in the Original Artwork section.

"Legends" 2011 Eisner Winner

2011-08-04T12:23:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Will Eisner Awards, considered the "Oscars®" of comics, were presented on July 22nd in San Diego as part of the San Diego Comic-Con International. "Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard", a collection of stories told as part of a contest at the fabled June Alley Inn, was winner for Best Anthology! I was extremely pleased to be a part of such a wonderful collection of stories and artists before the award, now I feel completely over the moon. I'd like to congratulate all the talented contributors to "Legends" with whom I humbly share this award and achievement: Archaia and their staff, David Petersen, Paul Morrisey, Jeremy Bastian, Ted Naifeh, Alex Sheikman, Scott Keating, Sean Rubin, Alex Kain, Terry Moore, Gene Ha, Lowell Francis, Katie Cook, Guy Davis, Jason Shawn Alexander, Craig Rousseau, Karl Kerschl, Mark Smylie and João Lemos.

My Latest

2011-07-06T14:11:00.016-04:00

Life, in all its multi-faceted plentitude, has directed me away from my posting for awhile -- my sincerest apologies. Let's get you caught up with some artwork, shall we? Below are a collection of some of my latest ink drawings. (1) is a commission of Cursed Pirate Girl mimicking an old X-Men cover. (2) is a birthday gift drawing. (3) and (4) are some recent personal creature art.

The Cricket On The Hearth

2010-11-09T17:16:00.009-05:00

"To find a cricket on the hearth is the luckiest thing of all."

Earlier this year I began cover designs for a planned holiday release of Charles Dickens' "The Cricket on The Hearth". The cover illustration I was contracted to create paid homage to an earlier publication of the same novella. A simple line drawing of a 19th century fireplace and hearth, a perking kettle jumping in the flames and a lone cricket sitting on the hearth. In the story the cricket is a sort of barometer of life at the home of John Peerybingle, his younger wife Dot and their new baby. When things go well, the cricket on the hearth chirps; it is silent when there is sorrow. Can this cricket help restore the family's faith in each other? Available now exclusively through Barnes & Noble stores and online. You may want to get a copy soon if you are interested as the last holiday book I worked on with Barnes & Noble, "A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Stories", sold out.

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Collection In Stores

2010-11-08T22:38:00.008-05:00

The hardcover collection of the first series of Legends of the Guard is in stores now. I was fortunate to be a contributor to the series with "The Ballad of Nettledown" which also turned out to be my return to the main stage of comics. Being able to be a part of this book was very humbling. With David Petersen, Mouse Guard creator, anchoring the story between the invited talents; Alex Sheikman, Scott Keating, Guy Davis, Jeremy Bastian, Ted Naifeh, Karl Kerschl, Gene Ha, Lowell Francis, Sean Rubin, Alex Cain, Katie Cook, Terry Moore, Jason Shawn Alexander, Craig Rousseau, Mark Smylie and João Lemos. Legends is the story of a night at the June Alley Inn when June, the Innskeep, begins a competition amongst the patrons to — "Tell no complete truths, no complete falsehoods and tell me a tale I never heard."— in return the winner would have their overdue bar tab stricken. Easily a great read for those already familiar with David Petersen's Mouse Guard series and for those who love the works of The Brothers Grimm and other richly, fantastical animal tales. Available now from Archaia in your local comic shop and bookstores.

Original Art For Sale

2010-10-05T21:17:00.008-04:00

My Legends of the Guard story was released in stores last month. I have posted on my website my original pages for sale from Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard #3. The 3-page story, "The Ballad of Nettledown", is a tale of a mouse that saves his town from a great flood by swallowing it up. I was really happy to be a part of this great series that featured some amazing writers and artists. This is the first comic story that I have had published in 16 years! Please help me celebrate by taking a look at the pages and seeing if they strike your collector's fancy. Cheers!

My Latest

2010-08-20T12:58:00.003-04:00

Happy 120th Birthday, Mr. Lovecraft.

Legends of the Guard Interview

2010-08-05T13:40:00.011-04:00

I was interviewed by David Petersen for his blogger site davidpetersen.blogspot.com about my story in the third issue of Legends of the Guard. Legends is a limited anthology-style series of four issues centered around a storytelling contest held in the June Alley Inn of David Petersen's Mouse Guard world. David provides the initial beginnings to the issue and connection pages, while various talents contribute the creative stories being told. This series is getting a lot of positive fan buzz and press. I really enjoyed being a part of this amazingly creative series. Enjoy the interview for now as I will post more news about the release date of the third issue and availability of the original page art from my story soon.

Work In Progress

2010-02-19T16:19:00.003-05:00

I was sketching last night with friends and this little beastie has sprung forth from my split skull. Penciled with Sanford B drawing lead on Strathmore 300 series smooth bristol 11" x 14". As soon as I get a chance to finish the pencils and ink this piece I'll post it. Enjoy.

My Latest

2010-02-12T14:34:00.009-05:00

Inspiration sometimes comes from the most commonplace moments.

At left is an inked detail sketch for a planned larger illustration.

Unheard Magazine 4 Cover

2009-12-07T17:18:00.009-05:00

I had the opportunity this past week to create a cover image for the fourth issue of Unheard Magazine, an independently produced and FREE downloadable creative magazine. You can find out more about the issue and the previous three at the magazines website: http://www.unheardmag.com/

A Christmas Carol in B&N Stores

2009-11-27T16:31:00.008-05:00

"Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Stories" is now available in Barnes & Noble stores. For this edition I illustrated the cover jacket and some ornamental borders for the interiors. It's a much smaller size then the tome that was "Jules Verne Extraordinary Voyages" my previous book with B&N. The 200-page hardcover, with embossed dust jacket, features 5 stories written by Dickens that center around the Christmas season. It's very affordable and would be a great read for children just in time for the holiday.

Vagormagrim

2009-11-20T14:30:00.006-05:00

Addicted

2009-11-14T15:24:00.004-05:00

I wish I could forget your stupid name
it's always staring right back at me
though everybody told me you were lame
I thought that you were meant to be
the reason why I dream at night
but now I'm losing sleep

You're addictive
and its driving me to drink
your name it bleeds so endlessly
you'll always be a part of me
yeah -- you're addictive

I wish that I could scratch you off my mind
but I'm still sleeping in your t-shirts
of all the little scars you left behind
there's only one that hurts
and that's the reason why I cry at night
and crave you every day

You're addictive
and its driving me to drink
I can't fix it
you were meant to be a fling
so addictive
and this needle filled with ink
your name it bleeds so endlessly
you'll always be a part of me

You're addictive

And I tried so hard to quit
I just can't get over it
Can't believe it's come to this

You're addictive
and it's driving me to drink
I can't fix it
You were meant to be a fling

You're addictive
Your name it bleeds so endlessly -- yeah

You're addictive
and its driving me to drink
I can't fix it
you were meant to be a fling
so addictive
and this needle filled with ink
your name it bleeds so endlessly
you'll always be a part of me

Addictive

(Morningwood, Diamonds & Studs 2009)

My Latest

2009-11-12T14:54:00.006-05:00

Late night, music thumping...
a muse whispers in my ear...
Vagormagrim.

Cthulhu Spawn

2009-09-29T21:10:00.002-04:00

I thought I would share with you the process of my latest personal work. This image of an aquatic beastie wriggling in an ectoplasmic afterbirth was conceived with my love for author H.P. Lovecraft's dark and horrific imagery in mind. Featured here are scans of the initial pencil drawing done on Strathmore 9" x 12" bristol and the final inks with Sakura Micron archival pens.

Library of Wonder: Jules Verne On Sale

2009-09-14T13:13:00.008-04:00

This is the wonderful news I was promising. I just found the listing for Library of Wonder: Jules Verne — Extraordinary Voyages (ISBN13: 9781435115552) online at Barnes & Noble's website. The book is available for order online and through their stores, unfortunately not stocked in-store at this time. I was told by a store sales rep that it takes 3-4 days for delivery to your local B&N store. The hardcover is 734 pages in total, with three classics by Verne—Around the World in Eighty Days, Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea—with 60 black & white, full-page and spot illustrations that I supplied for this edition. Thanks in advance for your support in ordering a copy and passing the word about this exclusive edition.

My Latest

2009-08-22T23:33:00.004-04:00

Jules Verne Book On Schedule

2009-07-06T23:12:00.004-04:00

The illustration project that I completed earlier this year with Barnes & Noble, Library of Wonder: Jules Verne, is scheduled to be in their stores, exclusively, on September 1, 2009. I was commissioned to do 60 black & white, full-page and spot illustrations for the book as well as endpapers and a colored cover piece. The three classic stories by Verne featured in this edition are Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World In Eighty Days.

Gip Noodlebottom

2009-05-24T12:33:00.003-04:00

Since I haven't shared a look at him online yet... may I introduce you all to Gip Noodlebottom!! Here is a colored version of the original ink drawing I created that became Gip from 2008. With all his chubby curves, twisty facial wrinkles and his only form of locomotion a wriggling good fortune noodle -- it will certainly be a fun time illustrating him and taking him on adventures.

The Oracle of Chock

2009-04-24T23:54:00.002-04:00

I sketched out this character, whom I am currently calling The Oracle of Chock, last night while I was thinking about fleshing out the little world of Gip Noodlebottom. Gip is a blue, horned and legless pig that gets around on a good fortune length of noodle. I am in the process of developing these characters into a online strip. The Oracle will be one of the many colorful characters that Gip will encounter in his travels. I'll certainly share more as I develop this idea.

Visual Storytelling

2009-04-11T14:55:00.008-04:00

This week, the Visual Storytelling exhibit opens at the Gallery Project in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Myself, as well as Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Katie Cook (Tricks of the Trade), Joshua Cotter, Guy Davis (B.P.R.D. and Zombies that Ate the World), David Dwonch, Matt Busch, Jay Fosgitt, Anthony Fontana (Second Life stories), Otis Frampton (Oddly Normal), Jamie Dee Galey, Jessica Hickman, Tom Hodges, Keeli McCarthy (Lot’s Daughters), Jake and Matt Minor, Jon Morris (Calamity Jon), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Nick Sousanis, Paul Taylor (Wapsi Square), Adam Winnie (a take on Little Red Riding Hood), among others, will be displaying works that showcase our visual and sequential images as narratives. The works I will be showing are selections from my latest illustration project, Books of Wonder: Jules Verne, an exclusive with Barnes & Noble. Among the selections will be pages from my sketchbook, examples to show my process in creation and some of the original, black and white illustrations. "Visual Storytelling" runs from April 15th-May 24th, with an opening reception (that I will be attending) from 6-9pm on Friday, April 17th. Visit the Gallery Project for more information on the show, directions and hours of operation.

Books of Wonder: Jules Verne

2009-04-04T01:32:00.024-04:00

I'm really excited about sharing the news of my latest art project. I have recently completed illustration work on a fiction book for Barnes & Noble. The book is a collection of three stories by Jules Verne; Around the World in Eighty Days, Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The publication, Books of Wonder: Jules Verne, will include 61 black and white illustrations, full and spot, for this exclusive edition from Barnes & Noble. I currently do not have a release date, but I will update this blog with any news as soon as I know. The pictures featured are full page samples from each of the stories.

Michigan Comics: Mirth, Mockery and Mayhem

2009-03-27T12:38:00.009-04:00

I have been invited to show some of my latest works as part of the Michigan Comics: Mirth, Mockery and Mayhem gallery show, from March 31st-June 5th, 2009. The comics art show is becoming a yearly tradition on the Eastern Michigan University's campus. This year, co-curated by Professor Richard Rubenfeld and cartoonist, Dave Coverly. This show features Michigan-based artists and cartoonists displaying their original works of graphic storytelling. I will be showing a handful of pieces from my latest illustration project based on the works of Jules Verne. The show will be located in EMU's Student Center University Art Gallery. The opening reception is March 31st from 5-7 pm with a comics panel discussion to follow in the Grand Ballroom (B) until 10 pm. Directions and a map. Michigan Comics: Mirth, Mockery and Mayhem will continue after its run at EMU as a travelling show throughout Michigan until the Fall of 2009.

Graveslinger in Stores

2009-03-18T12:26:00.004-04:00

I illustrated a color pin-up of the lead character, Frank Timmons, for the Graveslinger graphic novel a little while back (see my Nov '08 post for the art). The complete book is in stores now and can also be purchased through Amazon. For more info and preview art visit http://www.graveslinger.com/.

Get Cursed!

2009-02-11T12:36:00.006-05:00

I have been a fan of Jeremy Bastian's fantastically intricate artwork ever since I set eyes my on it. I wanted to make sure everyone knew about his first issue of CURSED PIRATE GIRL #1, from Olympian Publishing, that is available for pre-order (Diamond Previews on page 286. Order code is FEB09 4407) from your local comic book shop this month. Check out Jeremy's website to see what I am talking about... and then go ask your local comic shop to order it! It is going to be a really fun and beautifully illustrated series that you won't want to miss out on.

A Woman of Two Centuries

2009-01-31T13:40:00.009-05:00

This past January 11th, my Great Aunt Helen Wallace passed away at the age of 93. She was an amazing woman and I will miss her terribly. She and her husband, Russ (who she has been without for more than 30 years), were very creative and nature loving people. They have a unique home that reflected their love of art that I spent many years visiting, especially for the family's annual New Year's Day party. She was a nuturing force in my understanding of the comics medium by allowing me to borrow her hardcover book of Pogo strips when I was younger. I have one memory that sticks out in my head relating to my art and Helen. I was a young boy, maybe 8 or 9, and during a certain point in my artistic development I loved to draw people in my family. I remember making a pencil drawing portrait of my Great Aunt and showing it to her at an outdoor picnic at my Grandma Jeanne's home in Plymouth. "Oh, Nathan...!" Helen was mortified. I apparently, even in those early years, had an attention to detail by focusing on her youthful wrinkles that I loved. By making them very deeply etched I had crafted a caricature of her that was apparently less than flattering in her eyes. She asked me sweetly not to draw a picture of her again. I laugh inside sometimes thinking of this incident and I like to think she may have grown into my only drawing of her. Although I never drew another picture of her, I will always remember how art can have lasting effects on people.

Mouse Guard Pin-up In Stores Now

2008-11-26T14:19:00.007-05:00

I was fortunate to be a part of a growing list of talented artists that have provided pin-ups for David Petersen's MOUSE GUARD series. Today, the fourth issue of Winter 1152, which contains my full color pin-up, was shipped to stores. I have really been looking forward to seeing the final printed piece. At left, is a cropped sample of the final art. I know fans have already gone out and purchased a copy today. But, if you have not had the chance to read the series, there is a fantastic hardcover (and softcover) that is currently available of the first part to the series Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 that you should pick up. The hardcover compilation won a 2008 Eisner for "Best Graphic Album Reprint" in San Diego this past Summer. More information about Mouse Guard and David's art is available at MouseGuard.net.

Graveslinger Pin-up

2008-11-19T18:17:00.006-05:00

I just completed a color pin-up for Shannon Denton, writer of the upcoming IDW Publishing book "Graveslinger". It's a tale of an old west prison undertaker who accidentally releases 117 executed killers from Hell and what he must do to send them all back to where they belong. You can find more info about it on Amazon or at Graveslinger MySpace.

Orders can be placed through Diamond Previews:
GRAVESLINGER TPB (dec08 4121) on Page 283 of the December PREVIEWS!
ISBN: 978-1-60010-364-3
Ship date 2/25/09

Mid-Ohio Con Charity Auction

2008-10-21T20:41:00.009-04:00

I have an inked sketch of Swamp Thing up on eBay as part of the Mid-Ohio Con Charity Auction. There are a number of other artists' works as well as comic or media related items up for bid. The auction runs until the 28th of October. Please take a visit and see what's available. The proceeds go to the Hero Initiative which helps comic creators in need and the Make-A-Wish foundation. Thank you.

"Floater" Pencils

2008-08-08T15:19:00.010-04:00

I am going to start sharing my process images as I complete my various work, whether its for a job or for my personal creations. I've always loved seeing the way other artists work and create.

This image was started last night at a group art night I attend once a week. (Sanford B lead, Bienfang bristol board, smooth, 9" x 12")

The dead speak through me, I guess.

My Latest

2008-08-04T00:42:00.006-04:00

I just thought while I worked on various projects, I would post some images of my recent artwork. I previously posted an image of Grendel's Mother and finally got around to illustrating her son. I made both of them into full color images as prints that I was selling at conventions this year (I may post those later). Here's the lineart for Grendel though. I used a brush, entirely, to ink the piece (Dr. Marten's Bombay Black Ink on Strathmore series 300, 11"x 14" Bristol paper). I have been trying to develop my line work abilities with using a brush. It lends to a more organic feel that I enjoy in my work.

Chicago Aftermath

2008-07-16T13:09:00.007-04:00

The Wizard World Chicago show was a very positive return for me. I had not been to this comic show since it was the Chicago Comicon sometime in the mid-90's. The show was very busy with attendees and I think had a good turnout at my shared table with Transfuzion Publishing. I was able to do a number of commissions and sold some of my new sketchbooks and a couple of the prints. I also had a good time meeting new talented people in the artist alley and catching up with old friends in the business. If you want to see some really talented people in the comic biz come to this show next year and spend a day looking around in the artist alley. You will not be disappointed.

I have included here three of the commission pieces I did at the show. The first, obviously, being Godzilla, next the Hulk and finally a Probe Droid from Empire Strikes Back — enjoy...

Wizard World Chicago

2008-06-24T14:57:00.008-04:00

I am going to be in the Chicago area this weekend at the Wizard World comic convention, June 26-29th. If you are going to be attending the show, please stop by and say hi, take a look at my portfolio, see if what I am selling peaks your interest. I will have for sale a NEW sketchbook, Specimen: Exhibit A, consisting of recently finished non-commissioned artwork, color prints of my interpretations of "Grendel" and "Grendel's Mother" based on the classic poem, and a color print of Gip Noodlebottom™ a character I plan on developing further in 2009. If I have time during table watching, I may be able to sneak in a convention commission for you. I will be sitting with Transfuzion publishing and the super group listed in this flyer (above). Hope to see you there.

Convention Season

2008-05-06T14:17:00.003-04:00

I am attending at least two comic book conventions this spring/summer. The first being the Motor City Comic Book Convention in Novi, Michigan -- May 16-18th. I will have portfolios of my work to look over, some prints for sale, as well as a new sketchbook for 2008. I will also make myself available for con-sketches during the show. The second appearance will be in Chicago at Wizard World June 26-29th. I will be at the Transfuzion table with writer/publisher Gary Reed.

Grendel's Mother

2008-02-08T23:25:00.000-05:00

I just finished this ink drawing last night. My depiction of the mother that spawned, Grendel, the beast that cursed Hrothgar for 12 years. While there are many interpretations of what Grendel's mother might have looked like and where she dwelt. I favored the idea of Grendel's mother being a nearly camouflaged part of the landscape itself. A great thistled and briar-like mane encircles her body. Patches of moss and wetland debris cover her like a hide. Sinewed arms, bearing taloned claws, protrude from within its protection. If Grendel's mother was this frightening, I shudder to think of the visage of her offspring.

(8/0 Royal RG 250 brush, Bombay Black india ink, 300 series Strathmore Bristol, 9" x 12")

"Collection" Studies 1 and 2

2008-02-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

I have some work to do on my website to get it updated with new material and a different design. In the meantime, I wanted to share some of my other projects, commissions and personal work I have completed lately. This is a line drawing entitled "Collection" (8/0 Royal RG 250 brush, Bombay Black india ink, 300 series Strathmore Bristol, 11" x 14") that I recently finished. This line drawing is a nearly finalized study of the initial sketch (at left) that will eventually lead into a larger painting.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T02:08:00.001-05:00

Visit to the DSC -- part 2

2007-12-30T00:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I woke up early to call and find out if the Detroit Science Center was open since the power outage on Thursday. They said they had got their power back just this morning. I got dressed and headed out to see the rest of the exhibit around 10 am. Got downtown with no problems and parked on the same street, but a little closer than on Thursday. The second part of the "Our Body... "exhibit, Microworld, was small compared to the first. It contained more specimens and also had a number of stations that explained cells and cell disease in a microscopic level. I was sort of bored with reading all the text of the mini screens and moved on to continue looking at the preserved specimens.

One that was particularly different was a prostrate body that was sliced into many half-inch thick layers and spaced apart from each other, like an accordion, with just enough room between to view the cross sections of organs and bones in the body. This spacing caused the body to have the appearance of being something like 14-16 feet long in the case. The particular specimen must have had an artificial hand which they included in the display case. It was placed near the last slice of his right wrist with the robotic armature first then below that the padded inner glove and finally the human skin-like (although too pink) latex appliance that would have covered the hand and tucked up under a shirt sleeve. This somehow made me feel like this specimen was more "human" than the others maybe because there was a possession included that lead in my mind to creating a very small piece of a story of who this man was. That must be it.

Overall, I was extremely happy that I was fortunate enough to be able to witness this marvelous show. I'll never forget it.

I spent some time after the exhibit looking at the Center's permanent science displays. All very kid-friendly in size but I enjoyed the tactile experience and the fun of re-learning all those science theories that I'd forgotten and some I hadn't heard of. The tornado creator was a real fun piece, just make sure you call a group of people over to help block the wind around the display, it helps make the tornado appear faster and stronger. Make sure you take hand sanitizer so you won't get a cold after you get back home. Fun stuff!!

A visit to the Detroit Science Center -- part 1

2007-12-28T21:22:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many people have had a chance to go to the Detroit Science Center and see the "Our Body: The Universe Within" exhibit that closes on the 6th of January, but I would definitely recommend going, even though it's a little pricey for admission. The exhibit is described as a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the beautiful human body... and they were right.

This was my first time going to the DSC. I don't know why I never made it over before today. I suppose because I was always over at the Detroit Institute of Arts just across the street. A parking space was a very hard thing to come by today. Given that it was a Thursday made no difference. A Thursday that was situated between Christmas and the New year, a time off for students K-12 & college and an exhibit nearing its end-run. After driving around and seeing numerous signs exclaiming "LOT FULL" in shaky electronic letters or the standard signs of "Tenant parking only -- others will be towed" we managed to double back and find a spot on the street with no meters about a half-mile from the Center.

The DSC is 4 floors of buzzing activity, mostly from the energy of the young kids that were having fun there. After getting our tickets, we proceeded to the entrance of the exhibit, which just happened to be the door to a large steel freight elevator. Reading the program guide FAQs while I waited explained some of the background behind the making of the exhibit. The bodies used in the exhibit are from China to "promote educational and medical research of the human body". The process by which they use to create these pieces of art is called "plastination". By way of polymer impregnation, replacing the water and fat in the bodies with reactive plastics, they can preserve the bodies down to the microscopic level. The process takes 1,200 - 1,500 hours per specimen!

The doors opened without too much delay and we were corralled inside facing closed doors on the opposite end of the elevator, fully expecting that these would open and we would proceed forward. A voice calls out from behind us -- the elevator operator -- telling us about what we are about to witness "LIVE HUMAN BODIES". I guess giving us the chance to somehow bolt from the elevator as the doors were closing to spare us from the gruesome spectacle. He proceeded to joke with us being all packed in about "Where do think they get the new bodies for the exhibit." He chuckled. I groaned. I really didn't need humor to break the ice, I was perfectly fine with seeing these human specimens, I knew what I was getting into. The doors opened -- not where I, and everyone else was facing -- but behind us. Feeling slightly like the butt of a joke I turned and followed the rest of the group out of the elevator.

The exhibit room was very dark, black partitioned walls with spotlights above illuminating text displays and the objects of the exhibit, like a set design from Night Gallery. Gentle symphonic music drifts in the air. Most of the exhibit floor was lined on the outer edges of the snaking floor-plan with clear plexi-boxes on black pedestals displaying individual parts of the human anatomy. Most of the arms, legs, hands and feet were stripped down so that various levels could be examined. Exposing muscles, tendons, nerves and bone in separate displays. There were also organs artistically sliced open giving a window-like view into their inner designs. Throughout the central ailes were the complete specimens displayed in various poses. The most interesting of the lot was one (featured in the pic above, which I did not take) from the musculoskeletal section. The male specimen was in a running posture, with the muscles almost looking like they are about to fly free from the body. This to me was the most artistic of the displays. I also learned that there is a U-shaped bone, the hyoid bone, located just below the mandible of the skull that holds up the larynx. Which is apparently considered in one display as part of the bones of the skull. Weird!?

After looking at the upper exhibit we headed to the second floor to see a microscopic view of the human body. But in our haste passed it by and ended up on the first floor where the IMAX is located. So while we waited for my dad to come back from the bathroom the power went out in the building. About 5 seconds after it cut out the emergency lighting came on. My dad comes out of the bathroom telling us he was just about to hit the switch for the lights when the power went out. With the elevator in non-working condition we went back up a flight of stairs to the Microworld exhibit that we should have been in when the lights went out. Luckily we weren't though. Slowly people started wandering out of the exhibit entrance without the aid of any internal lights. Believe it or not the people designing the space figured that the lights would always be on. Whoops. I asked one of the security guards to get out a flashlight and go in a help guide the people out. The best item for illumination he had on his person was his cell phone?! So in he went like Indiana Jones carrying his cell phone held high with the brightest photo in his storage showing on the display. It was rather comical and somewhat ridiculous that they weren't prepared for an emergency like this. Well we stood around the once flashy and buzzing rooms filled with scientific experimentation, now felled silent by the lack of power for about 20 minutes. Then a worker asked us to go upstairs to leave the building. It was discovered that the entire block had lost power and DTE was called to the scene of an underground wire problem to fix it. Knowing the notorious lack of speed at which DTE can get power back on we decided to leave the premises and get something to eat. We were told we could come back with our receipt and or tickets to see the exhibit before it closes on the 6th.

We went to Mexicantown and had a delicious meal at Evie's Tamales on 3454 Bagley St. I would highly recommend the tamales dinner, the best I have had. Plus, they bring you this great platter of cookies to choose one from for dessert, made me feel like a kid again.

So, I will leave this adventure open until I can return either tomorrow or sometime this weekend. Wish me luck...