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8-bit Cosmos

5/11/2023

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Zoom into 8-bit Cosmos!

Sci-Fi tales of computer technology by Joe Lacey
The book,
Picture
Get ready for an adventure beyond your wildest imagination!
You have questions. Outer space has the answers! Modern-day social media and AI technology are brought to life in the Sci-Fi tales of 8-bit Cosmos. For we all know, without fiction, there would be no science.

Transport yourself to a mind-blowing universe of cosmic computers and amazing aliens!
Illustrated in classic 8-bit pixel art!


• Cheer for Captain J. Peg as he defends the 8-bit Cosmos with his Galactic Interstellar Fleet!
•  Cringe in terror as the evil robotic zombie Botnet seeks to destroy the 8-bit Cosmos!
•  Relax at the Space Bar, groove to the wild wavy sounds of the Funkisites, and party with a dancing banana!
•  Journey to alien worlds to see the future of social media, crypto banking, AI art, and chatbots!

With 90 pages of amazing B&W pixel illustrations and imaginative stories, 8-bit Cosmos is a must-read for anyone who loves science fiction and the unbelievable history of computers.

Written and illustrated by
Joe Lacey
Forward by
Demetrius P. Idle, PNG/UFO
 (Planetary Nebula Guide / United Future Oddballs)
Photo of author and illustrator Joe Lacey with his book
Joe Lacey reviews his book "8-bit Cosmos."
A two page story with pixel art illustrations of the Search Engine and a dancing banana used for space and time travel. From the book
Six 8-bit pixel illustrations of science fiction antagonists and villains from the book
Captain J. Peg, Ensign Joyce T'ck, Dr. Eplica, Mr. Chips, The GIF Renderer, and Harald Bluetooth.
A two page story with pixel art illustrations of the Followers who are weird aliens with clear empty dome heads. From the book
Six 8-bit pixel illustrations of science fiction antagonists and villains from the book
The evil robot zombie - Botnet and his army of Spambots, the Queen of 8-bit Space, Cryptobot, Kitkot, and Modem.

A MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Photo of author and illustrator Joe Lacey with his book
"You don't want this book. You NEED this book!"
Simple pixel illustration of a CD disc with the number
I made my first book, 8-bit Kingdom: Medieval tales of computer technology  because of my love of classic arcade games of the 80s and my interest in mythology and folklore. When I completed the book, I knew I wanted to do another that would take place in outer space. Two years later, 8-bit Cosmos: Sci-Fi tales of computer technology was completed!  This book explores more deeply our modern-day social media and technological advancements (or setbacks depending on how you look at them.) It's also quite sarcastic and funny. If you've spent any time on social media, or interacted with an AI chatbot,  I think you'll enjoy this book. Believe it or not, I drew all the art by hand using a computer, but without the use any AI technology. Amazing, I know.

Simple pixel illustration of a man running away and a man with a spear.
There's something joyful in those little jagged edges and square circles moving around the screen. They have an innocence and are loaded with personality and often humor. When writing and illustrating 8-bit Cosmos, I strove to bring this personality and humor to each page.

I made the art board 160 x 160 pixels in order to preserve that classic arcade feel. It’s impressive just how much character and emotion can be expressed in even the smallest pixel art image. A great amount of information can be delivered just a few pixels. Thirty pixels can depict a heroic fighter or cowardly person. It all depends upon the exact placement of the pixels. A pixel placed high - the character is happy, a pixel placed low - the character is angry. The idea of simple pixel art is actually an oxymoron. It can can be quite a challenge placing the correct pixel in the correct location to achieve the correct effect.

So, zoom into the 8-bit Cosmos! A collection of tales that blend retro gaming, personal computing, and social media all illustrated in classic 8-bit b&w pixel art!


The book 8-bit Cosmos: Sci-Fi tales of computer technology
Click HERE to purchase 8-bit Cosmos: Sci-Fi tales of computer technology. Or at your choice of bookseller worldwide or special order at you local bookstore!
The book 8-bit kingdom: Medieval tales of computer technology
And while your there don't forget to, BUY 8-bit Kingdom: Medieval tales of computer technology! You can read more about 8-bit Kingdom HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pixel illustration of artist and illustrator Joe Lacey dressed in a sci-fi space suit.
Joe Lacey is an illustrator and graphic designer for toys and books. He's created 8-bit pixel art and animations for video game cartridges, toys, apps, and casino games. Despite his appreciation for computers, he does not want to talk to one.

Prior publications include 8-bit Kingdom: Medieval tales of computer technology, Famous Illustrators of the Golden Age Coloring Portfolio (Diner Mighty) and Lyrics by Lennon & McCartney Coloring Songbook (Crayola). He co-authored the award-nominated The Musical Touch of Leonard Nimoy with his wife Darlene. His work on the books Necco: An Epic Candy Tale and Necco:The Archive Collection received special recognition from the Cambridge Historical Commission for their historical and cultural importance.
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    Joe Lacey illustrator

    Joe Lacey

    I produce illustrations and creative idea solutions for toys, packaging, publishing and advertising.


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