Created in 1981 by writer Mike Baron and artist Steve Rude, "Nexus" first appeared in the pages of his own magazine for the now defunct First Comics.

I have been a fan of the character and of Rude's artwork ever since I first laid eyes on it in the early 80's. The intergalactic exploits of "Nexus" the Executioner and of his alter ego Horatio Hellpop his lover Sundra and his best friend Judah were some of the most interesting to ever come out of the independent comics medium and was one of First Comic's biggest successes.

This was yet another entry into the Wizard magazine design a cover contest which, to my disappointment, went unnoticed. The big "no-no on this particular piece is that the main character is covering his face. Unfortunately I was obsessed with achieving such a dynamic pose for the cover that I wasn't paying attention.

The girl behind "Nexus" is his woman Sundra Peale, and in the background you'll notice Judah Macabee kneeling ,ready for action.

"Nexus" is firing at a seemingly invisible target, but in reality would have been the Wizard magazine title art. This was done to add depth and interaction to the piece.

If you look closely in the sky behind "Nexus" you may spot some familiar spacecraft including; Star Destroyers(Star Wars), a Galaxy Class "Enterprise", and of course....the "Death Star".

If you haven't discovered "Nexus" do yourself a favor and check it out. Back issues can still be found in comics outlets throughout the known universe....it's top notch Sci-Fi and high quality art.