MAP of the MICROVERSE (Micronauts)

This one has been a LONG time coming.

I commissioned a local amateur cartographer to produce a lighthearted 'Map of the Microverse' based on the planets and vehicles designed by Golden and Guice.

That was in 2009. Yes, as in 8 years ago. I paid a downpayment of $300.

I have seen little since then, and, since the artist and I are good enough friends, I wasn't inclined to put inordinate pressure on him to finish. But, after this much time, my patience was wearing a bit thin.

This past year, I was reminded that I had drafting skills of my own, and challenged my slowpoke friend to a year-end showdown. I was going to create my own version of the Map, to be completed by year-end; should he not finish his version in the same amount of time, the commission would be dismissed and he would refund my deposit.

I have used all the tools at my disposal to create this piece, including Photoshop and printing to blueline. I don't feel too badly about that, as, in theory, my mapmaking friend should have a 7-year head start on me.

Here is the result. It remains to be seen if I will actually recoup my deposit; but, in my mind, a person owing me $300 is a less irritating situation than an artist owing me a commission.