Pacesetter 9

This issue is devoted to George’s extensive work in the 1970s, including his portfolio Accent on the First E. This issue’s front cover was penciled by George Pérez for that portfolio, and colored by Marcus Mébes. On the back cover we have a an extremely rare treat: an image in-progress. As Sultan George is entertained by Phoenicia Banu, we can see the artist at work. Phoenicia, as you may know, is Carol Flynn’s stage name when she performs as a bellydancer. She also designed Donna Troy’s wedding dress! “I had started painting the piece myself about ten years ago, but never got further than the face and flesh tones of the main figure and some of the blue areas, including the night sky. After a while I sent it Tom Smith who I hoped would finish the painting, but it eventually made its way back to me. The hope is that someday, who knows, I might be able to finish it myself, as originally planned. So the original is back in my drawer—waiting.” Image courtesy of Tom Smith.