Here was a fun ship from the Suliban race, and it was seen in Enterprise episode #26 entitled “Shock Wave”. The Suliban were a strange race and they were to be so prominent in the new series, but by season 2 they had pretty much faded away. Amongst all the ships that had to be drawn for the series, the Suliban were the hardest to get concepts signed off…it still brings back a lot of dizziness just thinking about all the billions of drawings it took to get just a handful of ships through those narrow approval doors. This one was one of the last ships to be drawn and the heat and tension had let up, so it went through on a single pass!!!! WOOO HOOO! And it was one of my favs as far as their ships went.
In addition, there had to be a hidden base and, looking at Monument Valley in Northern Arizona for inspiration, the base became a high offensive location atop a spire of rock overlooking the vast landscape. Eden VFX work shined brightly on this episode, and as always the work Rob and the gang put out was beyond awesome. So with that, have a great weekend everyone, and thanks for all the comments and for putting up with the loads of pin up pictures!!!
Suliban Stealth ship
stealth ship docked at the secret base
Ah Shockwave, probably the best story arc from Enterprise’s first two seasons. Good to hear that this one got through without any problems – it fits with the rest of the vessels really well but is unique on its own. Is there any chance for us to see the other designs that you had for this scene ? Oh and I gotta admit that the CGI in the episode was brilliant too – the scene was exactly the same as on your design, just a bit more green-ish.
I’ll see what I have,, I think all the rest I have is of the props so I’ll definitely put those up later.
Putting up with? Na. Enjoying, eh.
As with this too. Way-cool, dude. Another fine feather in your design cap, eh. What “tensions letting up” are you referring to? The B’s I would guess…
Anywho, thanks, and have a great weekend yourself. Still warmer here than there eh, so stay warm. Sunny and 65º here. Off to the dog-park, then back to the bench/ship-yard!
LLP,
deg
I went to work with out a coat today and wore shorts down to the park afterwards with my kids. Never thought I’d wear shorts outside in Novemember… ;D
Every time I see Shockwave, I think of The Transformers.
I was never a fan of the Suliban cell ships, the bigger cruisers were a little better. I know, you guys designed what they wanted you to. This, however, was an awesome ship. It had a much more menacing look to it than the other Suliban ships. Plus, you kept to that basic Suliban “sided” design but you gave it some real character and made it more interesting with the things you did like the “arms” in the front. You did a masterful job on this beauty.
And, I agree with Adam, Shockwave is one of the best stories from the first couple seasons of Enterprise. (maybe even one of the best overall)
it was a darned fine episode,
Monument Valley – In – Spaaaace! Great idea! It’s always a pleasure to hear of your inspirations.
I, differing from some others’ opinions, liked the cell ships and the way they really made the Suliban feel like very alien aliens. The stealth ship was a great blend of their design elements in a larger and more menacing look. It’s hard to find new ways to say ya done a good job, John, because you always do a good job!!
I always like episodes where our crew uses their heads and win out over the apparently superior foe and their technology…yea!
your always a sweetie!!! thanks D
I agree with Deanne, the Suliban truly felt “alien”. I really like the way their ships combined to form larger constructs – they almost looked like strands of molecules or DNA. Your base designs are always great. Would love to see what you would do designing one of those old school James Bond bad guy organization hidden bases!
Thanks for posting John and have a great weekend.
“…and thanks for all the comments and for putting up with the loads of pin up pictures!!!”
John, normally I would never presume to speak for you, but I’m sure what you meant to say was, “…and thanks for all the comments and for really, really enjoying a lot the loads of pin up pictures!!!”
I used to be a profesional copywriter so I can usually tell when an author hasn’t clearly stated what he meant to say. This fix was a freebie, but the next one is gonna cost you. Luckily, I work cheap!
And being a one-time copywriter I noticed that I spelled “professional” incorrectly in my previous post. See? I’m that good!
Thanks for the free-bee and all the writing tips!!! You should change your call sign to “Buckaroohawk wicked text genius”
Love the Suliban ships. Really unique geometric forms. Too bad we didn’t see much of them after season 1.
I’ll try and put up more Sulibon today!
There’s only one thing cooler than having a stealth cruiser, and that’s having a secret base at which to dock it.
The only thing that would make it better would be to have a big pic of nose art on your ship!! HAA!
Some wag ought to whip up some Suliban girl nose art. If I run into any suitably scaly girls, I’ll snap a pic
Always glad that you find time out of your busy life and schedule to share things with us, be it pin-ups or Star Trek, there’s never want for something interesting here! Thanks so much for sharing it with us, John!
Love the aerial base in the rock face as well as the ship! Dude, I know I’ve said it before, but your marker work leaves me drooling with envy!
:: stops to wipe up a recent drool puddle :: Sorry about that!
Thanks Matt!!!!! I love marker and actually just broke them out the other day!!! I love putting this stuff up but it seems I was more regular and not so rushed when I did it in the morning before work,,, being at home for the last few months has made for a rather unregular schedule!!! HAAA!
Man , I am envious of your talent and skill with design and landscapes , your work continues to blow me away with each post! Keep up the good work!
WOW Thanks commodore!!!! Lots more to come too!
“Lots more to come too!”
Its been a crazy day at work – that statement just made a rough day a better!
John
The faceted design of this ship is interesting. As far as markers for comps and layouts, I like em too. I still use em quite a bit too even in this day of digital art, I will still do roughs with makers and colored pencils.
I liked about the Suliban ships:
- their simplicity
- the consistent use of hexagonal cells as basic shapes
- as already mentioned, their being “very alien”.
Was fun seeing a larger Sulliban ship other than those tiny cell ships. Always took them as being technology from the future, given how capable they were. Which we got to reveal who that future guy was.
Anyhow, I like the Stealth ship design. And it sort of reminds me of the Liberator Cruiser from Star Wars: Rebellion.
That’s a beautiful shot you dreamed up there. Glad to see the VFX turned out so close to your vision!
Still not a big fan of all those warp-capable Suliban cellships, but that cruiser’s awesome. It’s like an evil stealthy Egyptian scarab.
This was my Fav Suliban ship. never really like the pods, as you could not see the engine, or how they fitted into the ship.
Surprising to hear that getting the Suliban ships passed was so much work considering they have fairly simple general shapes. No surprise that this one went through on the first pass, though. Got a nice, sleek, stealthy feel.