d*kirkland: May 2010

Fourteen*7

Trailer for a flash-based game which is an adaptation of Nathan Jurevicius graphic novel 'Scarygirl'!. Awesome novel and an enjoyable game, you can play it here.

Scarygirl Game Trailer from Touch My Pixel on Vimeo.

Some new images from the Force Unleashed II. The hanging city looks absolutely amazing! I have a suspicion about the story now - because the image of Starkiller fighting in the rain is very obviously on Kamino. So Starkiller could survive through cloning. It's not the most original idea in the world but within the Star Wars Universe it makes sense I suppose. It's not like Vader would have skipped out on taking genetic material from his apprentice. Speculation aside, we'll see.

It looks cool.

Fourteen*4

30 years ago today Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was released in cinema...

Fourteen*3

Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse received a letter from George Lucas recently, congratulating them on Lost's success;

"Congratulations on pulling off an amazing show. Don't tell anyone ... but when 'Star Wars' first came out, I didn't know where it was going either. The trick is to pretend you've planned the whole thing out in advance. Throw in some father issues and references to other stories -- let's call them homages -- and you've got a series.

In six seasons, you've managed to span both time and space, and I don't think I'm alone in saying that I never saw what was around the corner. Now that it's all coming to an end, it's impressive to see how much was planned out in advance and how neatly you've wrapped up everything. You've created something really special. I'm sad that the series is ending, but I look forward to seeing what you two are going to do next."

It's nice to see creatives acknowledging the success and ingenuity of others. Damon Lindelof commented - "I apologise for everything I said about the prequels". Funny stuff!

Fourteen*2

I've always enjoyed studio tours, especially those by Cliff Bleszinski! Check it out, Epic Games studio tour by the folks at GameInformer (cool magazine, should check it out too!). I've put links to the videos because the embed wouldn't play for some obscure reason...

http://gameinformer.com/games/features/m/mediagallery/332600.aspx
http://gameinformer.com/games/features/m/mediagallery/332609.aspx
http://gameinformer.com/games/features/m/mediagallery/332613.aspx
http://gameinformer.com/games/features/m/mediagallery/332617.aspx

Fourteen*1

"Lean Left" copyright DKirkland 2010.

This is my most recent illustration which I did for the Kinokuniya Digital Arts and Illustration Prize. I thought I'd do up a blog post because it has been shortlisted for the prize which is pretty rad! Particularly considering that Vince Frost is judging the competition!!! So that in itself is very exciting even if I don't win.

Quick summary of my concept;

I really wanted to do something different to what I've done in the past, something busy with alot going on. The character style is different to what I have done in the past as well which was something I always enjoy experimenting with. Basically the name 'Lean Left' refers to my intention of trying something different to what I have done previously.

Fourteen*0

Lost is coming to close rapidly, there are so many questions I am waiting to be answered. The latest episode "Across the Sea" went along way to answering some of these, but I really feel as though it raised a few more than it answered.

[Spoilers follow]

It established Jacob's character completely - his reason for being the Island's protector, why he appears to care very little for some lives or consequences and most importantly why he is adamant that it does not matter how willing his replacement is; it's meant to be and thus it will. So for Jacob's character - yes it worked. What the Man in Black is looking for and his reasons - yes. Once gain it painted the Man in Black in such a way for the audience to sympathise with him and this is where the episode fell down. This is the first episode this season that I didn't think was as balanced as it could have been. The previous episode painted the Man in Black as definitive evil, having killed 3 (possibly 4) of the main cast. But whose to say that Jacob wasn't equally as in the wrong for selecting these 'candidates'.

That leaves me wondering if the intention is to confuse the audience again? I trust that there is a purpose. The most confusing points of the episode lie in the birth of the smoke monster - is the smoke monster Jacob's brother? Or was the monster born of the sacrifice and took his form now that he is dead - as he did Locke? Based off the Man in Black's conversations in past episodes I would have to say that he is his brother - but this is assumed off the fact that he has related past memories. I seem to recall him commenting that he knew Locke's memories? I think I'll have to rewatch the season to confirm that. This aside, the use of footage from Season 1 to hammer through the fact that Jacob's mother and brother were the skeletons in the cave was heavy handed. I have been looking forward to the answer of this, I WAS a fan but thought it was a little tactless for Lost.

So the questions that remain to be answered to keep me happy;

- Who is Jacob's replacement?

Everything points to Jack, Sayid stated as much. But with Jacob's mother commenting that she thought his brother was meant to replace her - the Man in Black may be putting his eggs in the wrong basket. I cannot really think of who else would replace him though. The remaining options are Sawyer, Hurley and Jack. I'd like to see Sawyer thrust into the role - as unwilling as Jacob with the difference that Sawyer does not want to stay on the Island.

- What is Desmond's role?

I'd have to say something about immobilizing the smoke monster.. Something along those lines.

- What is Widmore's purpose?

I've got nothing here. Apart from the fact that he was kicked off the island and felt his purpose was there I couldn't say. It's selfish whatever it is.

- Who will die?

Ummm. Kate. Richard. Ben. I think Hurley would be a hard hitting death but I can't see it happening. If Kate dies I can't see Sawyer and Jack kicking it. I would love to see Jack die, or replace Jacob and finally have purpose. I'm on the fence there.

- Who will leave the Island?

Everyone? Noone? Can't pick it.

- What will happen to the Smoke Monster?

I wouldn't say die. But something bad.

- Lastly, what is the Flash Sideways universe?
Who the hell knows. It's damned intriguing, but so confusing.