Regarding the Book of Cain

If there are any Diablo fans out there that haven't realized it yet, the Book of Cain has finally released, to massively great reviews and a hugely positive fan reaction. It's an incredible book, worth buying not just for fans of Diablo, but fantasy and art fans in general. I don't think Blizzard has ever made a cooler book, especially one that feels so much like the "artifact" it's meant to be, and for like $22 on amazon, it might be the best deal ever for what you get.

Being involved in the project from its early stages, I can say honestly that there are a few people that I work with that deserve so much credit for its coolness, it's jus' reediculuuss!!!! Call outs to Jeremy Cranford, Glenn Rane, and Doug Alexander Gregory, as well as the writing and lore teams, hell all of Cdev and the Diablo team for some serious badassedness in the execution of the greatest companion book ever. Jeremy in particular, in case many people didn't know, is directly responsible for recruiting the incredible talent that filled the book's pages with amazingly beautiful artwork.

For my part, which consisted of creating most of the conceptual work needed for the characters portrayed in the book, as well as the map trim on the printed map included with the book, I count myself so unbelievably lucky to have been a part of it. The project brought out the best in me and my art, and I mourn the fact that the concepts I created over the period of like 2 months this year will probably never be viewable to anyone outside of Blizzard for the foreseeable future. And to be totally honest, I believe it's my best work ever.

Oh well. ;) Enjoy the book, everyone!!! You won't be disappointed.


-JP-