Author: Neal Asher

Glister2 – Vaude

Posted on by Neal Asher

Vaudeviewgalor Randisraisins asked me if glisters possessed antennae, my tardiness in replying resulted in the previous picture, but now, after

And I was just about to reply to you with this from The Skinner:

The second male glister flicked clumps of hairlike organs on its head, registering the tail-end of a low-pitched squeal in what served it as ears, but so stupified was it by its current pleasure in gustation that it could not identify the sound. Perhaps this was understandable, since never having heard a brother’s death-squeal before. Waving its antennae, it detected only an overwhelming taste of whelk, but that was perfectly understandable – so many of them having recently been torn apart in the vicinity. It gave a lobsterish shrug, and went to take another bite of the wonderful bounty of flesh strewn before it. The wall of flesh that rolled over it and its meal, as well as uninvited leeches and prill, was as yeilding as old oak – the the great mouth behind just hoovered them all up.

we have antennae!

Art Competition Decision

Posted on by Neal Asher

Caroline, being quite impressed by the entries I’m receiving for this art competition, said she might have a go at drawing an entry. First we discussed Sniper, then she decided against it when I asked which drone shell she would go for. Next we talked about Mr Crane, but she admitted to not being very good at faces. But no problem, since she sees him standing with his face shaded by his hat. Yes, I enthused, he could have his hat casting a shadow across half his face, whilst he stands there in his long coat and lace-up boots, maybe some intestines he’d ripped out dangling from one brass hand, or he could even be holding a human head he’d just ripped off, blood dripping on the floor. Caroline decided she’d draw a bunny rabbit.

SF Taboo.

Posted on by Neal Asher

Asked the question on Mind Meld:

Once upon a time, sf/f was full of taboos: no swearing, no sex, etc. We’re thankfully past those days, but are there any taboos still remaining or new ones that have sprung up? Have you ever had trouble with publishing something, or caught yourself self-censoring?

I found myself at a bit of a loss but, came up with this answer:

Well, every writer has had trouble getting stuff published, but probably because they breached the publishing world taboo of writing crap. For me, beyond 2000 when I was taken on by Macmillan, I’ve been censored all the time in that respect – it’s called editing. But no, I don’t really have much trouble getting stuff published and I don’t self censor … except all the time in regard to that first publishing taboo. Doubtless, in years to come some minority group lobby will run out of larger targets and focus its attention on SF books, and then violence, drinking, smoking and excessive consumption of beefburgers will be a no no. I just hope I’m in a position to give them the finger by then.

Other writers and those commenting have produced other answers over here. Some people might even find all this interesting. I have to add that I do self censor here — in fact I did it in the last sentence.

Shadow of the Scorpion Competition.

Posted on by Neal Asher

There’s a competition over at Geekplanet to win a copy of Shadow of the Scorpion. Note that the competition ends on April 3rd (interestingly the publication date of the British edition – I’m just saying, that’s all).

This is going to be one of our simplest competitions. All you need to do is sign up, email your username, name and address to n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ?subject=Doctor Who Series 4″> n [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with ‘SCORPION COMPETITION’ in the topic title. We’ll pick five winners by the 3rd April and contact the winners then.

Geekplanet Review

Posted on by Neal Asher

Nice review here at Geekplanet of Shadow of the Scorpion…

Beginning with Gridlinked, and continuing most recently with Line War, Neal Asher’s stories of Agent Ian Cormac have garnered some good reviews. Despite this, and despite my weakness for space opera, they’ve nevertheless remained under my radar. Shadow of the Scorpion is a prequel, outlining the origin story of the series’ protagonist. This being my first foray into the world of the Polity, I can’t tell you how it compares to the other books, but from the perspective of a new reader I can assure you I’m hooked.

Glister – Vaude

Posted on by Neal Asher

Vaudeviewgalor Randisraisins‘ glister:


heres the final. no input so the antennae stay off. i cant get them to look menacing enough to be a spatterjay type threat. also wouldnt they just get hacked off every few days. eyes on stalks also which can be a hazard there too. eh. rough call without it being like a pal/doll. it’s of no ultimate consequence as my talents pale to the super comic rpg type lad, Mr. Mendez, an obvious pro. that last gabbleduck was amazing too. was hopin to tackle that one next. jabberwock/Pnume plume competition.

Earth Central Trooper – Peter Nugent

Posted on by Neal Asher

Earth Central Foot Trooper:


Dear Neal Asher

Please find attached my entry for your art competition. I’m a complete amateur when it comes to drawing, very rarely going further than covering my log books in doodles, but I had a go at drawing what I imagine an Earth Central foot trooper might look like in some all purpose armour. I never realise how hard it would really be to design such a piece of kit, having to think how the plates fit together and not to hinder movement too much but I think I came out with something good! Also included is an APW, which was also a bitch to do, so much blank space to fill with details!

Keep up the good work with your books!

Gabbleduck – Robert McGregor

Posted on by Neal Asher

Here’s another one:


Please accept this as a submission for your drawing contest. My father and I are great fans of your books and between us we own just about all of them with the exception of The Gabble, Orbus and Shadow of the Scorpion. I have a hunch that your depiction of AI will influence some young reader, somewhere, to actually set about making such things possible some day! Hurray!

Consider yourself held responsible for our collective fates.

HA HA HA………(only partially joking…….)

KEEP WRITING!

Mr Crane – Carlos Mendez

Posted on by Neal Asher

Here’s another one from Carlos Mendez. Comments please! Incidentally, I’ll put the picture title and artist’s name in the titles of these posts from now on.

Artist’s Comments
This is another piece inspired on Neal Asher’s books. It’s a mad Golem Android called Mr. Crane…

The words “Golem Android” evoke to me something technologically very advanced (an android with an AI) but at the same time something classic-old fashioned (something with a medieval air…a Golem…). That’s why I tried to give it a “mechanic look”…with those clockwork-like wheels and all…

I have to admit it…Jack Kirby was one of my greatest influences…and Jim Steranko (who was clearly inspired by Kirby…) and Mike Mignola (who is also influenced by Kirby) …and Paul Gulacy (who was very influenced by Steranko…ok, ok, ….Steranko was influenced by…Kirby…!)