Classic sci-fi art truly is art. It had a character I find missing in a lot of the newer art seen on book covers and such.

That's not to say the new stuff is bad per se, it isn't. There's some incredibly talented illustrators out there. But that's what it is: slick illustration.

Many of the classic artists had a different vision. They weren't just trying to create a great painting illustrating the subject of the book, but art that could stand on its own.

Compare this one with actual history. That's what I'm getting at. The same message captured by the Tianamen shot also apears (somewhat more defiantly) in John Schoenherr's painting.

Great stuff. Sometimes I buy old sci-fi pulps just because I like the cover art and hold onto them, regardless of whether the book is worth a re-read.

That's a great web site you put together, btw.

Compare this one with actual history. That's what I'm getting at. The same message captured by the Tianamen shot also apears (somewhat more defiantly) in John Schoenherr's painting.

That's a great comparison...a cool connection between the futurist's vision and the actual event.

James Lileks is building a profitable little career on the often under-appreciated "pulp art" of the past.

Glad you like the Analog site. I had fun doing it...something just for myself, but it's also fun to share it with others.

Okay. I'm not a cover art geek. Oh, I'm a geek alright but in a more generalized sense.

Anyway, the coverpop is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It made my head spin, in a good way.

My favorite bit was the "read how it was made" link. Sounds like someone had too much time on his hands. Thank the Maker.

Am I the only one who wanted to do a statistical analysis on the distribution of hues over time and what that says about sci-fi nuts?

Told ya I was a geek.

Am I the only one who wanted to do a statistical analysis on the distribution of hues over time and what that says about sci-fi nuts?

I simultaneously bow in humility and stand in awe of your overweening geekitude! (I think I pulled something.)

The coolest stuff gets done when people set out to do something for no discernible purpose other than to see if they can do it.