ABOUT THE BOOK:

“Constellation Orion: The Immortal Hunter” is an illustrated book created by Warren Manser and written by Warren Manser with Erik Rakoczy. By weaving mythology with science fiction, the book is a contemporary retelling of the most ancient adventure story in recorded history-“The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh”.

Before there was Hercules, Achilles, or Jason and the Argonauts, there was Gilgamesh - The King of Uruk circa 2900 B.C. “The Immortal Hunter” chronicles the epic tale of the restless Sumerian King Gilgamesh and his stout companion Enkidu, who defied the Gods by undertaking a great journey to find their hidden temple on Mount Mashu in the legendary Land of Tilmun. Driven by his relentless will, it was there that Gilgamesh sought his long lost ancestor Ziusudra, who held the secret to eternal life. His journey exacted an unbearable toll for defying both the Gods and fate, but through wisdom gained our hero eventually found an immortality of a different kind.

“The Epic of Gilgamesh”, the creation epic “The Enuma Elish”, and other ancient stories are part of a rich tapestry of mythology from Mesopotamia that have been woven together from writings of the Akkadian and Sumerian cultures. The timeless nature of these stories can be evidenced in later Greek Myths and Biblical Tales. The story of the hero’s journey, a determined figure that takes his fate into his own hands, conveys a powerful message of man’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is his unwavering will that shapes his destiny, and allows him to create his own path. The Hero Gilgamesh is just such an Archetype, and perfectly defines a Man who is driven enough to battle the Gods themselves.

Constellation Orion captures the grandeur of Sumerian mythology by re-imagining it in a way as never before. Inspired by unorthodox theories of man’s creation, “The Immortal Hunter” embraces the fascination with our ancient past and our technological future. A full cast of relatable characters, shocking creatures, hidden treasures, and powerful deities further enriches our Gilgamesh’s epic journey. Stunningly illustrated and creatively written, “Constellation Orion: The Immortal Hunter” is a work that will capture the imagination of those already familiar with Sumerian and Akkadian mythology and will introduce those unfamiliar with it by drawing them into the splendor of these classic tales.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Warren Manser

Warren Manser is a concept artist from Detroit Michigan. An early interest in drawing has led Warren on a lifetime pursuit to explore artwork in various fields. Educated in Detroit, he attended the Center for Creative Studies and majored in automotive design. An internship at Ford Motor Company led to the opportunity to design the Ford Splash show car. His following internship at General Motors’ Advanced Concept Center in California, paved the way for his subsequent relocation to Los Angeles, where he continues to create concept art for the entertainment industry.

Working on a wide variety of projects has enabled Warren to expand his artistic repertoire and gain invaluable experience from a multitude of disciplines. His job experience spans industries from automotive design, film art, animation, video games, theme parks, toy design, and illustration for licensed properties.

The central focus of his career has been film concept art with experience in sets, props, vehicles, storyboards, visual FX concepts, as well as character and creature design. While integrating new technology into his creative process, Warren continues to address new challenges with a solid artistic foundation - from initial concept to finished product.

Drawing from many disciplines, Warren has utilized all his previous experience to create a complete storybook experience of his own. “Constellation Orion: The Immortal Hunter” is the result, and is the beginning of many endeavors to create entertainment properties based on his artistic inspirations.

Erik Rakoczy

Erik Rakoczy grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and now lives in Chicago. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BA in English and is currently attending Loyola University Chicago's School of Law. Focusing on international law, Erik hopes some day to use his law degree to work for an international law firm and for organizations that advocate human rights.

As a fan of science fiction and mythology, Erik brought his knowledge of literature and classical studies to the writing of “Constellation Orion: The Immortal Hunter”. He hopes the exploration of myths in this book will not only appeal to existing fans, but excite and entertain those new to the genre.

Erik would like to thank the following influential people:

His undergraduate mythology and ancient Greek professor Gregory Dobrov, Associate Professor at Loyola University Chicago for encouraging Erik’s interest in the field of classical studies and bringing his expertise and entertaining teachings to all of his classes.

Mark Bosco, S.J. and professor at Loyola University Chicago. Father Bosco currently serves as assistant professor in the departments of English and theology at Loyola University. Father Bosco provided Erik with many literary analytical skills that have been useful in all his studies.

James Blachowicz, Professor PhD in philosophy at Loyola University Chicago, who's insight into the philosophy of science and his own interest in science fiction made for years of great academic and philosophical discussions that have allowed Erik to see many connections between science, philosophy, and mythology.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Full Color Illustrated Book:

Trim Size: 8 1/2w x 11h

Page Count: 256

Cover: Soft

Binding: Perfect Binding

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

As much as it may be every creator’s dream to work in vacuum and invent every thought transposed to paper, I am compelled to acknowledge my numerous influences. The following list contains people who’s thinking has inspired my work by jump starting my creative process:

The Unknown author of the Original Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, Zecharia Sitchin - author “The Earth Chonicles”, Dawn Brown - Artist, James Clyne - Artist, Graham Hancock -author “Heavens Mirror”, Robert Bauval & Adrian Gilbert - authors “The Orion Mystery”, Chrichton E.M. Miller - author “The Golden Thread of Time”, Dr. Maureen Clemmons & The Pyramidiots Team, Antoine Bovis - Physicist, Ethel G. My Mom, whose capacity for abstract thought rivals even the great Dali. I hope I’ve inherited a little of that from her.

Influential Artists:

The history of artists that have influenced me is infinitely too vast to be contained in a single list, so I am listing a few contemporaries and a few masters; I’ll let you decide who is who.

The Artists of antiquity that preserved human history (and Other) in clay, papyrus, and stone, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Frazetta, Ralph McQuarrie, Matthew Codd, Syd Mead, Carlos Huante, Ed Natividad, Tim Flattery, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Alphonse Mucha, Edgar Degas, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, David Roberts.