Rene Robles... The artist who brought Eiko to life

Nearly 17 years ago I made an important decision. One that would follow me to this day. I decided to ask a complete stranger for a favor. At the time I was only a teen with big dreams and big ambitions but I know I want capable of doing it alone.

The Internet was not like it is now. There was no Deviant Art, or any sites like it. At the time all I had was Yahoo and a love for Anime.

I wanted to create a fighting game like Street Fighter 2, but there were few resources on how to do that. I was under the innocent wide eyed impression that if I got at least a picture or two somehow it would all work out. So I searched.

Yahoo brought me to the page of a college student named Rene Robles who was not only an anime fan like me but an amazing artist. Surely this outstanding artist wouldn't have the time to listen to my request, and most certainly would laugh at me when I told them what I needed, but I realized that not asking would be a failure on my part. The risk is worth the reward.

I contacted Rene and we struck up a casual friendship . I asked if Rene would honor my request and draw a picture of  one of the games main characters. I'm not sure what I was so expecting.

I was astounded when the answer was yes. This would always go down in memory as the start of something big.

Rene would listen to my descriptions and quickly deliver something. I didn't know what to expect but I knew it would be great. What I received was greater than that. I was in the library at Dusable when I got an email with an attachment. This was before you could preview them so I had to download it and then open it.

What I saw was amazing. A single picture of Eiko Musashi against a white background. Perfectly shaded. It was a thing of beauty but most of all was that it was the realization of my words.

Then something clicked. The game idea vanished. My neurons flared. In that instant Eiko's first story appeared in my head. That single piece of art told me everything about who she was, her attitude, her place in the world of Ito-En. I knew her connection to everything. I even knew her love and her rival. Her entire existence was starting to unfold before my very eyes; all thanks to a single picture.

I started creating her stories and a few years later I would call upon Rene again and again. Never once was I disappointed with the results. Rene had ended up drawing several pictures of not only Eiko but other characters that I had created. Never once asking for anything in return. I was and always will grateful for Renes contribution. I have never seen my friend, not even in this day of social networking and the always connected life we live. I couldn't identify Rene if I tried (and I have). I would like to meet my friend someday and thank them in person because they gave me a gift and they will never truly realize how much that gift has helped shape my life. To Rene Robles From the bottom of my and Eiko's heart. We thank you and love you.

#166 A short Review of Eric Elmoor and the Gauntlet of Godric

Welcome to Novogard – Where lands have been shattered from racial division. Where a powerful government has begun its encroachment onto unwilling societies. Where the magical and the technological collide.

Normally, I don't do reviews but when fellow Amazon Studio's semi-finalist posted on FB that he was writing a fantasy epic, I couldn't wait for the chance to sink my teeth in.  The author has done a fine job of moving from screenplays to novels and his first attempt is rather good.

Set in the world of Novogard the story is about the titular character Eric Elmoor, a young teen, who struggles to be somewhat normal, though that is's difficult task with purple eyes.  When enemies of the Novogard Assemblies attack Eric finds himself involved in a conflict, years in the making, involving the racial tensions between man and elves.  Along the way he learns of his true heritage, or at least that is what I am assuming will happen.  I've admittedly only read the sample chapters made available on Wattpad, but compared to *some* stories I've read both past and present; this is one that I enjoyed.

One of the things that I really enjoyed was that you really get a clear sense of the worlds history.  The author spared no time developing a rich world full of interesting places, past events and colorful characters that help the world feel; well more real.

Another thing that I really enjoy is that the author knows how to tell a story.  Never once did I feel lost, or a common mistake of most writers, disguising exposition as dialogue.  From a technical standpoint EEatGoG is pretty well put together.  There are a few weaknesses such as the young boy discovers his birthright yada,yada, but those are inherent in the genre itself, and while the story is a typical boy comes of age to discover his legacy, it does so in a fun and interesting manner.  There are other minor nitpicks, but that's just it.  They are minor, and won't distract you from a wonderful tale...I promise.

I look forward to completing the first book to what ever else Thomas has in store for Eric and Novogard.

I hope to review a full copy of the book once I can get my hands on one, so there will be more coming soon.

Buy it on Amazon