"Kari Athens and the Cradle of Life" ("Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life")
As much as I enjoy this section of the website, there's always one thing that makes it official every year in my mind: other talent. Sure, it gives Tony and myself a chance to post weekly pictures for a few months, but really, this blockbuster gallery wouldn't be the same if there wasn't other people involved with it. To me, that's part of the fun of this yearly tradition. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when Alex did this picture, which as things turned out, became the last 2003 entry.
I can't say enough good things about Alex. I've said it many times, and it's still the truth: when it comes to art, he kicks my ass. I made peace long ago that no matter how hard I'll try, I'm going to be forever behind him choking on his dust. *lol*
Although this illustration is based on a layout I sent him, Alex took the brunt of the idea and made it something far more better. Some of the things I liked the most was how Kari's expression added to the joke. Likewise the coloring and shading that really set up the scene. And to give him credit, he did this picture in a very short amount of time (my fault, as usual.)
Like I said: choking on his dust! *lol* - Jake