Heavy Metal Magazine Cover Contest

Clockwork Canary - Charms

clockwork canary charms (7), a photo by broken toys on Flickr.

Another batch of props for cover photographer Gene Mollica and an upcoming steampunk novel entitled "Clockwork Canary".

This was an additional piece, described as "a chain of charms, smaller timepieces and keys", all to add to the look of experience (and funky sexiness) of the time traveling heroine

Clockwork Canary - London Oval

clockwork canary london oval (1), a photo by broken toys on Flickr.

Another batch of props for cover photographer Gene Mollica and an upcoming steampunk novel entitled "Clockwork Canary".

Here is a piece of material that will sew to the front of her corset.(A nice printed arial view of steamy old London to remind us, no matter where we go, there is no place like home).

Clockwork Canary - Wrist Telecommunicator

clockwork canary telecommunicator wrist (11), a photo by broken toys on Flickr.

Another batch of props for cover photographer Gene Mollica and an upcoming steampunk novel entitled "Clockwork Canary".

Here is the "telecommunicator" from the story. It is to be worn on the wrist so it is about 3"x5". I wanted plenty of brass gears showing as function is beauty in steampunk. The big lens (with octagonal frame) is for receiving images. The smaller lens (inset at bottom of large lens) would record and project the image of the viewer to the other participant. Striped button for 'send', red button for 'end'. Outer rings for tuning transmission clarity and gauge for indicating long distance bill (Just kidding).

Clockwork Canary - Pocket Watch

clockwork canary pocket watch (13), a photo by broken toys on Flickr.

Another batch of props for cover photographer Gene Mollica and an upcoming steampunk novel entitled "Clockwork Canary".

This is the open pocket watch to show the detail and face. It was to be "a watch for a time traveller - a watch that was more than a watch ... the charms are maybe keys to specific places or merely souvenirs ..."

Clockwork Canary - Canary

clockwork canary canary (15), a photo by broken toys on Flickr.

Another batch of props for cover photographer Gene Mollica and an upcoming steampunk novel entitled "Clockwork Canary".

And here is the canary itself ... complete with brass clockworks, gears and turn key.

Bone Masters

bone weapon 035, a photo by broken toys on Flickr.

This is a prop for cover artist Gene Mollica. It is a 'bone weapon' used by characters from Thomas E. Sniegoski's 'Remy Chandler' Series. Used by the race called the 'Bone Masters", here is a quote from the book ...

"The weapon was unlike anything he'd ever seen before. It appeared to be made out of yellowed bone, and looked almost like the intact skeleton of something that had once been alive, petrified into the shape of a gun."

And . . .

"From what we've been able to piece together, the Masters have somehow genetically engineered an animal, that once dead, becomes their professions chosen weapon of choice. They bond with these mysterious animals on a psychic and physical level from childhood, and when coming of age, ceremoniously slay the animal, and peel away the flesh to reveal the weapon specifically bred for them."

Will post the final image when cover is finished. Go get 'em Gene.