CHANUR'S HOMECOMING

Cover illustration for C.J. Cherryh

Dec 27, 2024

A tall alien in dark hooded robes points across a cavernous, futuristic space, giving directions to a group humanoids with cat-like heads. The Kif has gray skin, a long dragon-like snout, and red eyes. The Hani have muzzles like lions and ears pointed back. The hair draping from their cheeks forms modest manes, falling flat at shoulder length. The most prominent Hani stands with regal bearing while the rest of the group is poised for action on the ramp behind it. Exposed from the waist up, the lithe musculature of the Hani is covered in short golden fur. Its red pants are cuffed above the calf, and it holds a snubbed nosed laser pistol at its thigh. Accents of gold can be seen in a simple thin band around its upper arm and a thicker bracelet around its wrist. A dark furred ape-like humanoid stands above the pack with eyes lost in thought, closely following the directions of the Kif, while a bearded blonde human glances sideways toward the viewer. — CHANUR'S HOMECOMING (1986), Acrylic on Watercolor Board - 30" X 18"

This is one of my all-time favorite cover paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the experience of bringing to life the characters and themes of the beloved Chanur series by C.J. Cherryh (DAW)

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Additional images from CHANUR’S HOMECOMING

LEFT: Detail from CHANUR’S HOMECOMING featuring a tall alien in dark hooded robes pointing across a cavernous, futuristic space, giving directions to a group of furry humanoids with cat-like heads. CENTER: Character detail from CHANUR’S HOMECOMING featuring a group of Hani arrayed on the stairs with laser pistols drawn and muscles flexed. Each has a series of gold rings on their cat-like ears. One stares back a bearded blonde human who bears a resemblance to the artist. RIGHT: Background detail from CHANUR’S HOMECOMING featuring a group of tall, slender aliens with blue, bulbous eyes cowering as they stare over at the action in the foreground from a vast archway. They each wear a unique gown with subtle stripes and patterns. — Details from CHANUR'S HOMECOMING

Book cover for CHANUR'S HOMECOMING by C.J. Cherryh, published by DAW Books — **Chanur’s Homecoming** by C.J. Cherryh (DAW)

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Debra Sanders

Dec 28

Can't believe the blend of human/beast, the 2 beings looking right at me, the sense of motion/arrival. Another masterpiece. How ecstatic this author must be for you to have captured, in image, what they did in words. One of your super powers, indeed, Michael. Thank you.

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CHANUR'S HOMECOMING

Cover illustration for C.J. Cherryh

Additional images from CHANUR’S HOMECOMING

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