"Legacy Circle members of the Robert E. Howard Foundation have something to look forward to: The Challenge from Beyond Drafts.

In 1935, fan publisher and future DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz wanted to celebrate the third anniversary of his Fantasy Magazine. He asked five prominent science fiction authors and five prominent fantasy authors to collaborate on two stories, both to be titled ‘The Challenge from Beyond.’ The round-robin stories would appear in the September 1935 issue. The writers chosen for the fantasy tale were C. L. Moore, A. Merritt, H. P. Lovecraft, Frank Belknap Long, and Robert E. Howard."

Roehm goes on to talk about how seriously REH took this opportunity to work with the likes of Lovecraft and Merritt, writing several drafts for his chapter in the round-robin story.

At the very end of the blog entry, Roehm states "Coming soon–With cover art by Tim Truman!" However, Rob only posted a teaser of the cover art, providing just the upper left quarter of it (see above).

Enter Timbo himself, who posted this out in the post-apocalyptic wasteland that is social media along with the complete illustration:



"The Robert E. Howard Foundation asked if I'd contribute a cover drawing for their upcoming chapbook 'Challenge from Beyond', which will reprint the legendary cosmic horror story-jam between Robert E Howard, HP Lovecraft and other writers from the Weird Tales stable."

As you can see below, Mr. Truman has served up yet another stand-out piece to add to his forty-year gallery of Howardian art. In my opinion, some Conan artists have a hard time depicting monsters more outre than giant serpents or apes. Tim doesn't have that problem. Truman wisely chose to illustrate the moment when Tothe of Yekub--formerly George Campbell of Earth--decides to grab a weapon and "go Conan" on his fellow Yekubites.

As always, Tim, thanks for the great art! I definitely look forward to getting this chapbook from the REHF.