ARMAGEDDON

Cover illustration for Harry Harrison

May 01, 2026

Looming low in a rusty sky, a craggy moon straddles the horizon. With engines burning green, ships shaped like manta rays sweep over a devastated battlefield. A robot, as seen from behind, stands tall over the husks of futuristic tanks. The fin on its head defines its line of sight right as it follows the airships. Its muzzle, reminiscent of a llama, is set on a long broad neck with square serrations projecting from the sides and back. Its broad shoulders and long torso rests on a tripod of squat legs, each set on an independent motorized tread. The sinuous fingers of one hand grip a blaster pistol, while an additional pairs of arms project from its waist with similar tendril-like digits. — ARMAGEDDON (1978), Acrylic on Illustration Board - 20” x 30”

Even after all humankind has been wiped out, mechanized engines of destruction continue to eradicate the last traces of civilization.

This was originally painted for a gallery show on the theme “Machines on Wheels.” Later it was used for the cover of Planet of No Return by Harry Harrison.

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Additional images from ARMAGEDDON

LEFT: Figure detail from ARMAGEDDON featuring a tall robot surveying the battle field. The fin on its head defines its line of sight right as it follows the airships. Its muzzle, reminiscent of a llama, is set on a long broad neck with square serrations projecting from the sides and back. Its broad shoulders and long torso rests on a tripod of squat legs, each set on an independent motorized tread. The sinuous fingers of one hand grip a blaster pistol, while an additional pairs of arms project from its waist with similar tendril-like digits. RIGHT: Background detail from ARMAGEDDON featuring a ruined tank as a trio of ships fly overhead. The corner of the tread is smashed in immobilizing it with its turret angled upward. The barrel is broken off neutralizing it. — Details from AMAGEDDON

*Planet of No Return* by Harry Harrison (Simon & Schuster)

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