The Emperor Protects

*whew*

2011 did start in an uproar for me. Lots of projects, lots of deadlines and commissions, but so far I've been making good time, so my faithful (and patient!) clients won't have to put up with much more waiting...

This is my first upload of the New Year and I thought I'd start with a proper BANG! and a tribute to the universe I'm most known for illustrating: The 41st Millenium of Warhammer 40,000.

Everyone knows I'm a big Imperial Guard fan and I had this image in my head for a long time. To me, the IG represents how truly gothic and futile is life in the Dark Millenium.
The loneliness and shock of being taken away from your home to roam the stars, fighting one horror after another, with no hope of a quiet future or merciful death, speaks highly of the bravery that imperial troopers in the service of The Emperor have.

Such committment and devotion; such strength and relentlessness is what I tried to convey with this piece. And I'm happy to say that this is my most metaphorical illustration in a long time. The title becomes a reality, with The Emperor indeed serving as protection for this valiant Cadian making a last stand against the Tyranids. A futile act, but a heroic one. Such is the nature of The Imperium. Such is the core of the Warhammer 40,000 premise.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I have making it and may you it generously, so 2011 does indeed start as awesomely as possible!

The Emperor Protects!

Nic.-

© Games Workshop Ltd. 2011