First Second Books - Doodles and Dailies

George O'Connor on the Lenny Lopate Show -- Reprise

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Preparations for the Imminent Zombie Apocalypse

From the drawing board of George O'Connor

So, recently my spot on the rotating creators blog at First Second got bumped up a little and I was caught completely unprepared.I had been planning to illustrate an epic account of a day in the life of a stay-at-home illustrator guy, but somehow, I just hadn't gotten around to it. Luckily, I remembered this strange little comic I had made a while back. Some backstory: at the time I created this, I was living temporarily in Rome, Italy; meanwhile, stateside, my book Journey into Mohawk Country was due to come out while I was still living la vida roma. The fine folks at First Second wanted me to create a little something for the blog, to introduce me and my work to the First Second audience, and to basically set the stage for Journey into Mohawk Country. Inspired by my new surroundings and a lifelong obsession with the living dead I fired off this little four page comic. After the appropriate pause, First Second Head Honcho sent me an e-mail saying, very politely, that while the comic I had sent was very nice, wouldn't it maybe be a better idea to create something that was at least tangentially related to Mohawk Country. I had to concede him this point, and instead I created a series of sketchbook excerpts (still viewable on the site) that have served my book infinitely better than the old zombie comic ever would. It seemed my zombies would return to their grave, havoc un-wreaked, with nary a soul to mark their passing.

Still, if I've learned one thing from all those zombie films, is that the living dead don't go down easily. Sometimes, when  you least expect it, they come back. I hope people dig this little 4 page view into my world. I've since returned to Brooklyn, but to a new address, and I'm happy to report that this one would withstand a siege of the living dead very well, thank you very much.

[UP NEXT WEEK FOR REAL THIS TIME: TANYA MCKINNON]

George O'Connor interview

Check out George O'Connor's recent interview for a radio program in Perth, Australia: FASTER THAN LIGHT: Popular Culture Analysis & Review

George O'Connor, Journey into Mohawk Country

What would a Dutchman wear? Some typical costumes an adventurous young Dutchmen might wear in 1634. Included are prototypes of the outfits worn by Journey into Mohawk Country’s three leads. Finding time appropriate outfits for the Europeans was unexpectedly difficult. Ultimately, paintings by Dutch masters ended up being an invaluable resource.

George O'Connor, Journey into Mohawk Country

More pages from my sketchbooks. This time, some wicked-looking clubs from pre-gunpowder times. Also a pretty neat spoon, made from some tree bark.

George O'Connor, Journey into Mohawk Country

Some pretty cool wolves from my sketchbooks. What’s that you say? There’s no wolves in Journey into Mohawk Country? You’re right. I had really wanted to put some in, but couldn’t find a place. I practiced drawing them a lot, though, just in case.

George O'Connor, Journey into Mohawk Country

While going through my sketchbooks I came across this older Mohawk, possibly a chieftain or a guide, and his pipe. I like his look. I wish that I had remembered this design while I was doing the finishes.

George O'Connor, Journey into Mohawk Country

From my sketchbooks. Cool shot of a sitting Mohawk or Oneida.

George O'Connor, Journey into Mohawk Country

I like this sketch of a rowing Mohawk. Another design that I’m sorry didn’t make it into the final book.

George O'Connor, Journey into Mohawk Country

Kinda nifty sketch of a Mohawk trader, his goods rolled up in duffel cloth and tied with a strap to his head and hands.