The Great
Atrocities
of 2024

I want to express my deepest gratitude to a few key individuals who have supported me throughout my artistic journey. To my mother, thank you for not only financially supporting me but also for taking the time to truly appreciate the art I have created. I am especially grateful for your effort in preserving my best works, including those early childhood drawings tucked away in the back of my notebooks.

To my father, thank you for allowing me to use the house as my personal studio and for your unwavering support of the paintings in this book. Although it took you many years to recognize my passion for art, I am so glad you are here to witness the completion of this project. I know both Dr. Boxer and Carl Abrahams are smiling down on you from heaven.

Chantal Gardner, I cannot thank you enough for being the first person in our family to remind me of my true calling and for giving me this incredible opportunity. I will always cherish your invaluable support. Aunty T, your insightful words of encouragement were pivotal in bringing this book to life. Without your belief in me, this project would not have come to fruition. I'm sure Grandma would be ecstatic if she were here to see it. Thank you, thank you!

To my brother Jeremy and sister Giselle, thank you for your constant encouragement to never stop painting, regardless of how I felt in the moment. During some of the darkest times, Jeremy, you managed to illuminate a bright path forward. I will never stop until I have created my Magnum Opus. Diane Gardner, I am so thankful for your early support when you purchased one of my first pieces at my very first exhibition. Your encouragement truly means the world to me.

Philip Ho, you were there for me when I dropped out of art class in high school, taking me to the Warhammer 40K painting evenings. You set a high standard for me in terms of improving my painting skills and I'm deeply appreciative of the guidance you've offered. I also want to thank you for letting me use your Spotify to help keep me on track. Shiho Takamura, thank you for all the sleepless nights you endured as I came home late from showcasing my art. I'm deeply honored to have you in my life and I cherish the fact that we met in Canada.

To Andrew McKain, a deep thank you from the bottom of my heart. From the early beginnings of JamAsian Gamers to the birth of Aphthoria3D Fabrications, you've been the unwavering friend, the brother I could always count on. Throughout the creation of this graphic novel series, you've shared your time and insight, patiently walking through each page with me, helping to smooth out every flaw. Drew, your edits are more than corrections; they are a reflection of the dedication and support you've shown at every step. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

Tarek Williams, thank you for being the first person outside my family to commission me for an art piece. You reignited my passion for creating art and I will never forget that. Dave Flemming, I will always remember our first meeting when you asked me, “Stephen, do you know why you are pursuing your passion the way you are now?” Your insight, that I create because I love what I do, resonated deeply with me. Even though my work may not always reflect its true worth, I cherish the joy and excitement you showed when the first 3D print came to life. Thank you for your kind words and I apologize that none of the 3D pieces are included in this collection; I will ensure they are part of the next one.

Lastly, to my Grandma, Grand Uncle Mike and Uncle Geoff, though you are no longer with us, I know the lessons you shared and the stories you told have inspired me to pursue art. I have countless memories to draw upon and I know you would have been proud of what I've achieved. I miss all of you dearly.