ORACLE

5/21/2010

The Outer Dark is One Year Old

It was one year ago today that I created Swords Against the Outer Dark, and began posting on this blog. Another milestone was reached today, as this is my 100th post. Tomorrow I will take the time to put together a retrospective of the past year, and share what I feel are some of the strongest posts so far. As of right now I have 85 followers, and according to Google Analytics this blog has seen 10,372 visits, 5,000 absolute unique visitors (yes on the nose) and 17,514 page views. Not bad, not bad at all. I just want to say thank you to those who have stopped in from time to time and read some of my ramblings, and I look forward to the coming year and all the Sword & Sanity madness that will come along with it!

5/19/2010

[The Lovecraftian Collector] Dave Carson, Lovecraftian Illustrator

When I think of the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the artists that have attempted to illustrate them there is only one that comes to my mind who has truly captured the essence of the horror, the grotesque and the macabre that Lovecraft was such a master of, and that is Dave Carson.
"If you've ever wondered what H.P. Lovecraftian things really look like - I mean, really look like - you should go and inspect Dave's art." --Neil Gaiman
For many of you Dave Carson is synonymous with Lovecraftian illustration, but for those who are sadly unaware of his great work I urge you now to drop what you are doing and illuminate yourself immediately by checking out this artist's website. There you will find numerous prints, sculptures and t-shirts, some of which can be purchased directly from Mr. Carson, or through his eBay store. If you are like me and consider yourself a serious Mythos collector then you already own a Dave Carson print or t-shirt, and are always ready to obtain more. For those just getting started, this is a great place to start your collection.

5/16/2010

Advanced Labyrinth Lord Character Record Sheet

On the heels of my Dungeons & Dagons™ character record sheet comes my attempt at a one-page Labyrinth Lord sheet. Illustrations for the page border come once again courtesy of Dave Carson. I have plans to expand this sheet to include a second page that will offer additional room for various things, but that is for the days to come. Enjoy!