I’ve been creating the illustrations for The Epic Graphic Novel, ‘Monster Hunter Cartigan’. Written by the creative genius of Dan (I know where I put it, don’t worry ) Willett, it will hopefully be finished in 2009.
I must say- it’s taken longer than expected due to family responsibilities and my regular gig. Anyway… enough of my poor excuses. forward… march!
Monster Hunter Cartigan continues the lineage of the classic quest concept prevalent in many tales of heroic fantasy. Whilst adhering to tried and tested formulae, MHC builds on its fantasy foundation and approaches the genre from a fresh perspective.
All stereotypical characteristics and story arcs are thrown to the wind, characters of all ethnicities and backgrounds are represented within the core line up including Cartigan himself who appears to be of Peruvian* descent.
Cartigan, the main character and namesake of the publication will not actually be featured in any great quantity during the story.
Instead, the reader follows the tale of the Monster Hunter’s son & his attempt to hopefully become his father’s salvation.
MHC’s story is split between two separate time lines.
The present, chronicling the time of young Cartigan, and the past; detailing the background stories told through flashbacks by core character’s in MHC.
Synopsis:
The last remnants of mankind are forced to unite in an effort to defeat a living portal linked to another world likened to purgatory.
Santigo is the product of genocide.
Born from the bloody remains of a shamanic tribe, he reaps a campaign of revenge upon humanity.
Blessed with the ability to hold human form, Santigo walks unnoticed among his prey.
The merest interaction with him results in an all consuming plague; its effects resulting in the victim succumbing to unquestioning obedience to Santigo’s every demand.
During the last great war Santigo is defeated by Monster Hunter Cartigan, but not without forfeit.
With his dying breath Santigo vows revenge on his opponent.
Twenty years later the curse manifests itself primarily as mental illness & concluding in the full possession of Cartigan.
The monster hunter finds himself manifesting into a gateway for the forces of darkness to cross over into the world of man.
Set over a period of twenty days, MHC follows the adventures of Cartigan’s son.
The story will concentrate on his attempts at seeking out & recruiting old comrades from Cartigan senior’s war days and his attempt to (hopefully!) become his father’s salvation.