However.
However, I say.
However, while I have refrained, downright refrained, from getting involved, I can no longer do so. I will not stand by and listen to individuals of Ian Mond's quality take cheap and easy shots at Andrew Macrae for defeating the Oscar Award Winning Shaun Tan for best art work because said art work is of me. That he claims it to be 'ironic' that a portrait of me won over Shaun Tan is, and I am sure we call all agree here, down right offensive. Irony! Does my ears here properly? Irony?! Criticise it because it has nothing to do with science fiction, criticise it because it does not contribute to the body of work that is science and fantasy fiction artwork (every know knows horror art doesn't count), criticise it because it was made on a typewriter, way before anything remotely steampunk had become cool and Andy was ahead of his time.
But do not call it irony.
How terrible, how offensive, how you must, I repeat, must, find a copy of this book so you can see the award winning cover. How, if you haven't read it, you are really missing out on something, which of course has nothing to do with the fact that I wrote it.
Truthfully, the only way to respond to this controversy given out by Ian Mond is to respond with your wallet. It's time to open it. Time to let him know what you think.
Link.