New Spring, the prequel to Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, will be available in ebook form on July 22nd. In celebration of Jordan’s work, we have commissioned fourteen artists to interpret one of the Wheel of Time books in their own style. (Previous editions can be seen here.)
I’ve been a fan of Jason Chan’s since he was still in school, although I didn’t know he was still in school at the time. I had been following his work online for a while and, yes, clearly he was a young artists but I was still shocked when he mentioned going to his graduation during our first project together. He is a quiet and thoughtful artist and over the past handful of years has worked to hone his craft, both as a freelance illustrator and video game concept artist. Jason combines a love of manga with a strong background in traditional narrative painting and I was excited to get the chance to work with him on New Spring.
When it came to scenes to depict, it seemed natural to revisit Moiriane and Lan. New Spring is their story before Rand’s begins. Jason chose to express a quiet and contemplative moment. The early spring blossoms suggest changes about to occur, yet it is still cold. It is a heavy moment. The weight of their mission is just starting to take over youthful abandon.
Working with Jason is a dream. The action pose was very tempting but I thought the solemn moment between these two characters was more fitting for the beginning of the their journey.
Through these process shots, you can see his love of drawing and comic book influences. And then see how he slowly build up color and rendering on top of that foundation.
To keep up with all of our Wheel of Time posts, including information on the ebook releases, check out our Wheel of Time Index.
To see more of Jason Chan’s illustrations visit his website and Tor.com gallery.
Dragonmount has a video feature on the New Spring ebook cover, including a larger cover image.
Another excellent job! I particularly like how Moiraine looks “younger” (as she should be for this cover).
July 22nd never seemed so far away till now…
That’s all of them… any plans for how these are going to get to us in higher resolutions :) I’m tired of having pictures of my stinkin kids on my computer desktop.
Wow, great job! This has to be one of my favorites of the new ebook cover art.
I love the second and third stages, the third especially seems to express everything, but in a much simpler style that would have been an great addition to the set.
Wolfbrother Out!
Nicely done! I know a lot of people were hoping for different scenes, but this one really epitomizes the culmination of the book, especially in its position as a prequel to the series. I love the “new spring” effect Irene mentions; it’s subtle, but it sets a tone. The combination of the new spring, new beginning and new relationship with the frightening expectations of what’s coming and why this relationship is so important for both of them… It’s an excellent mix of hope and solemnity, facing a battle they know is too big for them, but preparing to face it together instead of individually.
It looks good. You really are going to make me buy all the e-books, aren’t you?
by far my favorite so far, because it is so perfectly depicted. Gosh, I love that scene.
This brought tears to my eyes. Rightly so, this is one of my fav books in the series.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I’m crying!
Thank you!
HOLY HELL! Just when I was wondering what had become of the NS cover, here it is! And it’s… woaaaa.. this is the best damn cover ever made! Baby-Moir is soooo beautiful *sighes* I was so taken by her the first 10 minutes or so that I missed all the amazing details: the trees and the grass.. the embroidery.. the super thin flows.. Lan’s sword.. Lan himself.. everything is perfect! I’m printing it and putting it on my room’s wall!
It’s an excellent rendering of a scene I “voted” against. Oh, well.
Are the trees described in the text? They sort of look like blossoming dogwood or (pale) cherry trees to me.
Oh amazing!!! Simply beautiful depiction of the perfect scene. Very gorgeous artwork here. Thanks, Jason. And thanks Irene!! *again wishes I had a calendar of these*