Whatever this thing is, it’s big.
Douglas E. Graves
We brought deg in to work with us on “Blood And Chrome”, need I say more? Here he is now to talk his talk -
Yes, “Tomorrow Is Yesterday.” I love all TOS Trek, but that episode produced the single most compelling piece of Trek imagery ever to be impressed upon my young Trek-obsessed imagination. There was just something about seeing E up in the blue sky that somehow made Trek “real” for me, like I could actually reach out and touch that beloved universe. For years afterwards I can recall summers sitting on the front-porch with my brother and just imagining E up there in the blue sky (that and a T-Rex lumbering down our street were our two fav front-porch day-dreams).
Anywho, that TIY imagery stuck with me through all the years (and still does), so I had to see it fleshed out even more to the satisfaction of my mind’s eye. And thus was born this shot. An extra added bonus was the fact that Capt. Christopher flew an F-104, one of my all-time favorite silver-bird jets, so I didn’t have to twist me own arm to build that shiny pretty birdie (which was painstakingly researched to be accurate to Christopher’s sky-ride) .
It seems the original episode’s blue sky E imagery struck the same wonderment chord with many other Trek fans, as “Whatever this thing is, it’s big.” has easily been the piece that I have received the most emails expressing praise and delight. Doug was easily one of its biggest fans, so I was (and am) honored that he asked me to include it in SOTL: 2012. It is a big thrill to see it immortalized like this, and I hope that all my fellow fans will enjoy it as much as I do myself.
peace & bananas | deg
I am so in love with this image! Like deg, I’ve often imagined what it would be like to see the Big E hovering in the sky. Even more, though, think about what it would like to fly up next to her; pushing your bird to keep up as she accelerates higher and higher. Just awesome!
The best thing about this image: the “camera” is focused on the plane, so despite its impressive size in the shot the Enterprise is far enough away that it’s ever so slightly out of focus! A subtle but brilliantly effective touch.
A quick question, was there a change in the lineup? The next two artists, as originally scheduled, were Dan Uneyo and Mark Rademaker. With Douglas Grave contributing, I infer from this one of the two artists wasn’t able to contribute for whatever reason.
Absolutely love this image, even if Christopher never actually got quite that close.
Agreed, too, about the childhood thrill at seeing the reveal of the Enterprise against that blue sky backdrop, struggling to get back where she belonged. As so often happens in the arts, the impact of that scene easily transcends the means that were used to create it.
I remember this one. I’m glad it was picked for the calendar, it’s a great image.
The 2012 lineup sure has a ton of talented artists. I only wish I could be blessed with such a gift. Keep up the great work!
I do so like this. The attention to detail on the Enterprise and, especially, on the Starfighter. The Tactical Air Command markings. The air brakes deployed so he can get a real good look and some good pictures. That’s a “missile with a man in it” lovingly rendered.
Deg, you are the man! That is a wonderous recreation of a classic Trek Kodak-moment!
P.S. Just saw Transformers 3 and Bay wrecked Chicago (in CG of course)! That’s your home city isn’t it?
Indeed it is, Barrie, good thing I’m not there.
No surprise here. I expect nothing but the best from deg.
I’ve told you this before, deg, but this is really one of my favorite pictures that you’ve done! There are just so many things to love about the picture – the details (check out the heat coming off the back of that F-104!), the realism, your TOS.5 Enterprise – what great things are made of!
Thanks, my friends! Gad you enjoy it so much!
Top drawer, deg, as always!
I love it!
Take a close look at the E. It seems the artist added in detail that was never present on the original – or CG model used in the original series or the ‘enhanced’ original series. Something that should have been done when making the “official” CG model.
I can see a few phaser banks on the underside of the saucer and engineering hulls, and truster quads on the saucer!
The only thing I don’t get is the airlock on the neck. If there is one thing I HATE about the Connie is the neck! It’s so slim that it looks like there shouldn’t be any habitable space in it whatsoever. Meaning those windows and that airlock are all out of place.
I would love to see more of this model though.
Is that Microgramma font I see on the saucer?
THanks, guys!
Nick, you can see more of her on my website (just click on “deg” next to my avatar for link).
Captain Robert April, yes it is.
peace & bananas | deg
Oh boy! I usually read this blog (but never commented) since it has such interesting stories about Star Trek, and outstanding pictures and images… but man, OMG, I need to comment on this one: it’s AWESOME. Now I now I will sound like whiner, but couldn’t you please upload this image with at least 1600px? I’m so looking forward to use this as my wallpaper. If it’s not possible, I can understand.
Anyway, awesome job, and greetings from a brazilian fan!
I know this is waaaaay late, but thanks much, LRFarias!
You can click on my name on the side and be taken to my website. There under the “desktops…” link you will find a catalog of my artwork suitable for hi-rez desktop use. You can find this shot among the catalog.
Thanks again!
peace & bananas | deg
Was watching Torrow Is Yesterday this morning and got curious about Capt. Christopher’s ride.
Found this: http://www.i-f-s.nl/cn/183-1243.html
Looks like, in our timeline, that this plane actually crashed in ’65 instead of meeting enterprise in ’69. (I suppose it could have been rebuilt, but that last picture doesn’t look too promising)
Fascinating! Thanks you sO much for that update, Mysterion! I guess that’s one widow that got away. But man, that’s a miracle the pilot was able to escape under his own power, albeit majorly injured. And the ejector seat failed to eject and fired off back through the fuse melting it! Yikes!
Thanks again!
peace & bananas | deg
You’re welcome. Yeah, he broke that one real good, didn’t he?
Besides the ultra-cool complete image, thanks for providing the screen shot of the Lightwave window. I’ve just about saved up enough pennies to get a new Mac, and spring for Lightwave software. Seeing your in-progress image is a big bonus. Thanks for providing it, and thanks to our host for making the editorial choice of posting it!
I’ll “toast” you with an extra banana with breakfast tomorrow!
Eric N.
* chimpy chortle *, Mysterion. Yup, real good. (SCTV good)
Thanks very much, Eric N. Glad you like the image so much, and glad you like the screen-cap, too. I wish you the best of rendering going forth on your new LightWave adventure!
peace & bananas | deg
Ps. Thanks as well for the extra banana!