Time Sure Flies When You’re In A Time Machine
Here’s a panel from the first installment of a graphic novel I’m working on. I decided to incorporate a time machine to maximize possible storylines.
There’s a line from a Steve Goodman song that goes, “From the cradle to the crypt is
a mighty short trip.” Here we see that this is especially true if you’re in a time machine.
Here’s a detail showing my illustrated version of time-lapse photography.
My time machine looks suspiciously like a turkey, doesn’t it? Yes, it really gobbles up the years… : )
My machine is a affectionate parody of the time machine in the 1960 movie version
of H.G. Wells’ celebrated novel. Here we see Rod Taylor as George the Time Traveler contemplating the machine in his 1900s-era laboratory.
MGM art director Bill Ferrari designed the machine. It has a great Victorian look. I’ve always admired its elegance. The film’s a bit cheesy, but it won an Oscar for its inventive time-lapse photography, as seen in the clip below.
Are you a time travel fan? Ever read Wells’ book or seen the movie?
Does time seem to pass more quickly when you’re eating a turkey sandwich??
Hope you’ll leave a comment.
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H.G. Wells is not just one of the fathers of science fiction– that Edwardian outlook is what inspires the steampunk culture.
I’m excited to read that you are writing some SF goodness. Me, I’m still working on an epic fantasy, the material that I’m still sitting on and stewing about after 5 years.
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Thanks, Jak. Steampunk is certainly a fascinating genre: modern hi-tech + Victorian culture = alternative universe! I run into steampunk-themed art now and then, and some of it is enormously appealing. You’re certainly right about Wells being a huge influence on same.
An epic fantasy, eh? Well, time for you to don some steampunk garb, pull that dusty manuscript out of the drawer, and get to work!! : )
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Steampunk garb? More like sword, shield, and armor. This is another literary genre, traditional high fantasy in long form, a more medieval setting, with half-dwarves, half-giants, half-demons… lots of halves with some modern social issues.
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Sounds good, sir! I was going to tell you to have at it, and pull out all the stops, but after reading that last bit, perhaps, uh, half-measures would be more appropriate… at least when it comes to character development! : )
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Mark, you are so darn clever! Love the play on the song and how you’ve illustrated it. And I just adored the Time Machine movie growing up. You hit the nail on the head when you described it as Victorian. I always thought it would make the coolest furniture piece in the world:-) Time machines will always fascinate us and you sure put a very cool spin on them as well! Can NOT wait to see this graphic novel you are working on!
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Blush, blush! Thanks, Tracey!! Yes, The Time Machine is quite a tale. The book made such an impression on me, I can remember exactly when I read it: I was in tenth grade, bored in an 8th period study hall. The girl behind me had a paperback copy, and I asked if I could borrow it. When the bell rang, I asked if I could take it home. Then I stayed up late, finished it, wiped my brow, and said: “Wowzer!!” Yes, I was moved to use strong language… : P
I love your idea: a time machine that doubles as a Victorian sofa!! Don’t like the visitors who have come to call? Just nudge forward in time to when they’re gone!! I think you’re on to something there!!
You’re anxious to see my graphic novel?? Well, in that case I’d better quit goofin’ off and get back to work! Thanks as always for your support!! : )
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Mark, thanks for a very wonderful post! I wish you and blog more success!
All the best,
Aina
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Thank you for that lovely comment, Aina. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and delighted you stopped by. I shall look forward to your next visit! : )
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The Victorian machine resembles the Claus sleigh quite a bit. Freudian?
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Ho-Ho-Holy cow! You’re absolutely right, Red– there’s an uncanny resemblance!! I can almost hear the Beach Boys singing Little Saint Nick!! I’m sure Dr. Freud would have something to say about it– and if I ever find that machine at a yard sale, I’m gonna go back and ask him!! : )
Many thanks for stopping by, and for that very provocative comment!
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Your illustrations, as always, are spot on, Mark. Time travel? Hmmm. It didn’t turn out so well for Vincent Price in “The Fly.” I think I’ll pass. (chuckle)
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The Fly… yes, yes, I remember that one– it was the only time I ever bought popcorn and insect repellant at the concession stand… : P
Thanks as always, Judy, for taking the, er, time to stop by!! : )
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I love everything about this post, Mark. Right down to the video clip from the movie. I don’t recall if I read the book, but I saw the movie numerous times.
Your time machine sofa with its turkey influences is very creative. I like that Clyde Crashcup is driving, and the fish from the fishbowl of The Cat in the Hat fame has come along for the ride. Of course, you may not see those things. 😉
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Aw, thanks Maddie! Just for that, I’m gonna take you for a ride in my time machine– just as soon as it gets back from the shop… : (
Hmm. I remember Dudley Do-Right because he was so much like me, and I remember Mister Peabody, but I guess I missed ol’ Clyde Crashcup— different show, I guess. Dang! If I’m gonna steal stuff, I prefer to do it deliberately!! : P
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, you animated cartoon maven, you!! : )
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LOL!! It was the moustache that reminded me of Clyde Crashcup, and surely you knew this mad scientist. He was part of The Alvin Show. Here he is with his time machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnheB_ETwfo
I know you approve all of your posts. No need to post this one with a video in it. I just had to show you my favorite cartoon scientist with his time machine. 🙂
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Ah ha! So you grew up watching The Alvin Show… yes, I think that explains a lot… : P
Thanks for the clip, I’m happy to share it. I could identify with Clyde completely. In fact, I’m going to invite him to join my Lovable Idiots Club. We need more members– I get tired of chairing all the meetings… : P
Thanks, Maddie! : )
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Awesome cartoon 🙂 I love the fading effect on the time lapse.. And the turkey machine 😀
Oh and I am a huge fan of time travel .. It is just too good to come true ! The book by Wells is also one of my favourite. The ending is bittersweet !
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Vandy!! How nice to see you, always a great pleasure. Somehow I knew you’d be a time travel fan, and I was absolutely sure you’d read The Time Machine. ‘Bittersweet’ is exactly the right word for the ending.
And as a huge t-travel fan myself, I have a recommendation for you: The End Of Eternity by Isaac Asimov– perhaps the best and most satisfying time travel novel I’ve ever read. No turkey machines, however, and that’s a pity… : P
Again, great to see you and thanks for your lovely comment! : )
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Graphic novel?? How exciting!! 🙂 TIme travel always leads to something utterly amazing so I can already tell how spectacular this will be 🙂
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It does sound exciting, doesn’t it?? I can’t wait to see it myself!! : P
Ha! Thanks, Lily. Your wonderful comment will certainly inspire me to do my best. It sounds like you’ve done some time traveling yourself– excellent! I may have to call on you for advice! : )
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Yeeee-hah!!! LOVE this! It’s from your novel? Gosh, you’re amazing!!! Will we hear more about it?
It’s big-screen wonderful, Mark, esp the time-lapse feel. Your ravens are spot-on and the turkey head/neck is perfectly grisly.
LOVED this movie!!! It scared and delighted me. Also, I had a crush on Rod Taylor…LOL
Yes, that time machine does look like a turkey (or a sleigh, as mentioned above). It WAS very elegant. The entire movie was, in its way.
I hope all of the Eloi and Morlocks buy your novel!!!
😉
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HAW!! Please step forward and accept the Oscar for Best Gung-Ho Yeeee-hah Comment On Illustration In The 4th Dimension!! Only instead of a silly statuette with a sword, it’s gonna be a gold-plated bathtub filled with Reeses Pieces– I hope that will suffice… : )
Thanks a heap, Robin! Graphic novel… hmm! Sounds a bit overblown to me! Let’s just say an extended continuity which is shaping up as Chapter 1. A lot depends on the illustrator’s brain holding up over the long term– a dubious proposition… : (
I’m a big fan of the movie, too. Ditto Rod Taylor. He was a very versatile actor who projected a lot of energy and charm. I always felt he should have had more success.
Your last line made me roar with laughter! I had this image of me signing copies in a bookstore, with all these filthy, ghastly Morlocks standing in line. “There you are, sir, thank you very much, and please stop looking at me like a pork chop!!” : P
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Time machine… wow!
And good luck to your graphic novel… You really are a genius! xoxo
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Genius?? Blush! Everything I learned, I learned from being your assistant… : )
My time machine will come in handy at the Lemons R Us Café: when I’m served, I’ll be able to go back to a time when the donuts were fresh, and the coffee was hot… : P
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