IM Mueller

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Fan
Name: IM Mueller (full name not used on Fanlore by request)
Alias(es): Marianne, I.M. Müeller, Shymoon
Type: fanartist
Fandoms: Star Trek TOS (K/S mostly), Sentinel, The Avengers, NCIS
Communities:
Other: I.M.Mueller's Illustrations Gallery
URL: immueller at LiveJournal (art)
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

IM Mueller is a prolific Swiss-Brazilian fanartist.

She has drawn in different techniques and styles,[1] over 400 Kirk/Spock drawings; the cover of Within the Mirror #16 was her 363th.

About

2007

Regarding her fanart start:

[IM Mueller's] first K/S drawing was done in 1994 as a result of reading Kirk’s so-called denial in the TMP novelisation. After that, [IM Mueller] got on the internet and the rest is history! [IM Mueller] is a professional illustrator and her sheer passion for art is evident in the fact that when she wants to relax she just switches subjects. But interestingly, as she explains, drawing K/S is different from her professional work: “I love to sketch and sketching K/S is a joy, and something I do for myself. In other illustrations, I have to be meticulously correct, and in K/S I can improvise any way I want to and if it is not perfect, I try to be in the next one, if I’ve got time.” I think when you look at [IM Mueller's] work that sense of freedom come across very strongly. Indeed editor extraordinaire and art connoisseur Robin Hood once told me that she considers [IM Mueller] one of only a few artists who can make Kirk and Spock really seem alive as if caught in a moment, rather than carefully staged, and I am sure it is the uninhibited nature of [IM Mueller's] working practice that makes her art so vibrant.[2]

– Interview for Liz Woledge

When asked "What kind of things do you try to express in your art? Beauty? Sexiness? A good likeness?," [IM Mueller] answered:

“...all of it, (beauty, sexiness and a good likeness)! Sometimes I get it, sometimes not, sometimes I totally screw up, sometimes it gets good, sometimes only so-so. Sometimes something bad happened, in the news or life and it shows in my drawings. I also try to show an emotion or whatever I am in the mood for. Sometimes, I am just telling a story in a drawing, or just sketching away without worrying too much about a real likeness, but just capturing an expression I want to get on paper.”[2]

2013

I was always fascinated by art since I was a toddler and my first conscious memory was when I was about 4, and about space as I was an avid Star Trek fan and loved to read Sci-Fi like Perry Rhodan, since I was able to read and also adventures, action and really all kind of Books, and Tarzan. Watched on TV as a child the First Moon expedition, live. Got up to watch boxing with Cassius Clay live then and after as Muhammad Ali, with my eight years older brother to the horror of my parents as they could not understand how a little girl could like boxing. Oh, but it had to be Cassius Clay, it was a show.

[...]

I paint and draw in diverse techniques as I love all and can't just decide to use only one. My Art branches to the Surrealism, Fantasy Art, any kind of Portraits and Figurative Drawings. But I also love to draw for Book Covers and Interior or Covers in general. In Graphic Design I create Logos and such even Motives for T-Shirts or Posters, or Comics. I never get bored as I do a lot of things at the same time.[1]

– at Mueller Art Majeur News

Interview

Awards

Favorite Mediums

My favorite medium? That is not so easy to answer, as I really like to use different techniques and media. Playing around with a new one and such. Pencil works I like a lot to do sketches and play around and some drawings just call for it and are the easiest for me. Inks are very versatile. Stipple is the most time consuming, as you use only points to make the drawing. When I want to work really hard on a drawing, I use the finest pointed pens you can get. The finer the most delicate, but as said very time consuming, and time is not what I have always. Aquarelles [water colors] also are one of my favorites. Sometimes when I have got time, I use only the three basic colors to make a coloring. I did not make an oil painting of K/S yet, because it is the most time consuming of all and takes a lot to dry. Pastel is also nice, but delicate in handling. Acrylics is a good choice when you want to get an effect like an oil painting but a quick drying, and as bonus you can use it on many bases from papers to canvas, I love also very much Color Pencils of the professional kind.[2]

Her Mind's Eye, Not Models

IM Mueller explained that she mostly draws from memory rather than models or photos:

... for their faces I usually look at the photos I have but if there is a need, I can draw them from my mind’s eye or try to watch the episodes as a base for their faces. Sure, it will not always get very accurate, as many people know, Kirk is very difficult to draw, but I am getting better at it, and it is a challenge so I draw him a lot more to try to get better at it. Spock is easier to draw from mind’s eye, and the more drawing them the easier it gets, and instead of being preoccupied with their facial expressions, I can really get to play with their bodies. Before you get to draw something you have got to learn about it and then it flows out of your pencil. In bodies and such I use my mind’s eye as I like to sketch a lot and I’ve analyzed the human body—its skeleton, muscles, and such. When there is a difficulty in a position, I ask someone, hey, put your leg or hand this way, and study it as a source material. I sketch a lot in a tiny drawing block for ideas for a new K/S drawing, so anywhere I go I got my drawing block and pencil with me, sure, when it is explicit I have to be more careful where I draw it. Grin. Sketching from the mind’s eye you are more free.[2]

Sample Fiction

Zine Contributions

Sentinel

Other

Star Trek Art Examples

Some General Fan Comments

[2000]: This artist has arrived on the scene fairly recently, and has rapidly grown to be a favorite of mine. She just continues to get better and better. She has four pieces in [First Time" #51] plus the cover, and I find it amazing that each one is done in a different style. Usually ifs relatively easy to identify each of our treasured artists by their style alone. Not so in IM Muellers case. [3]

[2000]: [IM Mueller] is an interesting artist, what I've been seeing of her so far, as she draws in many styles. This is not to diminish her work in any way by comparison, but this drawing reminds me of both Gayle F's and Marilyn/Elaine Cole's work. [4]

1999

  • from First Time #50, for the story Personal Endeavor -- "Very nice K/S piece of Kirk and Spock together in bed, faces and tops of chests. I wouldn't mind owning this." [5] "Another favorite is the drawing of Spock and Kirk embracing drawn for the story "Personal Endeavor" by Amanda Fox opposite page 126. The drawing is so elegant that it has an almost photographic quality to it and it is tender and sensual without being explicit. I could look at it forever. Why, oh why can't one put such images up and display in one's home? No, unfortunately, I'm not that brave, (rueful sigh)." [6] "It’s at the very end of “Personal Endeavor” and it’s a beauty. This piece is absolutely gorgeous. Ms. Mueller is such a good artist and this knocks my proverbial socks off. It’s a close up of Kirk and Spock in bed and Kirk is leaning over Spock and gently kissing his forehead and softly stroking his hair. Wow. The Spock face is beautifully done and the Kirk face is melting. The light and shade are so strong which this artist excels at. The hands, also, are wonderful." [7] "The likenesses are good and the details are great: I love the way that stray lock of hair has slipped down over Kirk’s forehead, just as we all know it must when he’s making love to our favorite Vulcan. The expression on Kirk’s face is soft and loving and he looks as if he’s just about to lean down and kiss Spock. Spock’s head is resting against Kirk’s chest and shoulder. The Vulcan’s mouth is turned down just a bit at the corner (he’s in profile so we don’t see his entire mouth), his shoulder is lifted off the bed just a little, and his hand is resting on Kirk’s chest, staying just clear of the nipple. This really feels like a first-time encounter: Kirk looks a little awestruck, as if he can’t quite believe what’s happening, and Spock seems a little tense and maybe a bit uncertain about letting his fingers stray to that nipple. But we all know that when Kirk leans down for that kiss, Spock is going to forget all about those Vulcan inhibitions." [8]

    from First Time #50, for the story Personal Endeavor -- "Very nice K/S piece of Kirk and Spock together in bed, faces and tops of chests. I wouldn't mind owning this." [5]

    "Another favorite is the drawing of Spock and Kirk embracing drawn for the story "Personal Endeavor" by Amanda Fox opposite page 126. The drawing is so elegant that it has an almost photographic quality to it and it is tender and sensual without being explicit. I could look at it forever. Why, oh why can't one put such images up and display in one's home? No, unfortunately, I'm not that brave, (rueful sigh)." [6]

    "It’s at the very end of “Personal Endeavor” and it’s a beauty. This piece is absolutely gorgeous. Ms. Mueller is such a good artist and this knocks my proverbial socks off. It’s a close up of Kirk and Spock in bed and Kirk is leaning over Spock and gently kissing his forehead and softly stroking his hair. Wow. The Spock face is beautifully done and the Kirk face is melting. The light and shade are so strong which this artist excels at. The hands, also, are wonderful." [7]

    "The likenesses are good and the details are great: I love the way that stray lock of hair has slipped down over Kirk’s forehead, just as we all know it must when he’s making love to our favorite Vulcan. The expression on Kirk’s face is soft and loving and he looks as if he’s just about to lean down and kiss Spock. Spock’s head is resting against Kirk’s chest and shoulder. The Vulcan’s mouth is turned down just a bit at the corner (he’s in profile so we don’t see his entire mouth), his shoulder is lifted off the bed just a little, and his hand is resting on Kirk’s chest, staying just clear of the nipple. This really feels like a first-time encounter: Kirk looks a little awestruck, as if he can’t quite believe what’s happening, and Spock seems a little tense and maybe a bit uncertain about letting his fingers stray to that nipple. But we all know that when Kirk leans down for that kiss, Spock is going to forget all about those Vulcan inhibitions." [8]

  • from First Time #50, for the story Atlantis Stars -- "A clothed but very sexy Kirk and Spock. WONDERFUL Kirk. I wouldn't mind a print of this. Makes me want to read the story by Deanna Gray that it illos. (Pardon me, I'm panting and it's hard to type.)" [9] "I don’t really understand this picture, although technically it is impressive. Are Kirk and Spock standing in water? I think so. Kirk is unclothed, Spock has on his blue uniform and black pants, but he looks really muscular, almost forbidding. Kirk has a vacant sort of look on his face, as if he were mesmerized. So what is going I don’t know. Good to look at, but I can’t quite figure out what emotion the picture is trying to evoke."[10] "My favorite of Marianne's contributions to the zine was the drawing for "Atlantis Stars" by Deanna Gray opposite page 227—it is absolutely beautiful. I love the strength of Spock's hand, holding Kirk back on that picture. Marianne also has a special way of drawing Kirk that makes him look rather young and vulnerable, that's kind of appealing to me. This piece is gorgeous and goes so well with a very, very powerful moment in the story it is drawn for." [11]

    from First Time #50, for the story Atlantis Stars -- "A clothed but very sexy Kirk and Spock. WONDERFUL Kirk. I wouldn't mind a print of this. Makes me want to read the story by Deanna Gray that it illos. (Pardon me, I'm panting and it's hard to type.)" [9]

    "I don’t really understand this picture, although technically it is impressive. Are Kirk and Spock standing in water? I think so. Kirk is unclothed, Spock has on his blue uniform and black pants, but he looks really muscular, almost forbidding. Kirk has a vacant sort of look on his face, as if he were mesmerized. So what is going I don’t know. Good to look at, but I can’t quite figure out what emotion the picture is trying to evoke."[10]

    "My favorite of Marianne's contributions to the zine was the drawing for "Atlantis Stars" by Deanna Gray opposite page 227—it is absolutely beautiful. I love the strength of Spock's hand, holding Kirk back on that picture. Marianne also has a special way of drawing Kirk that makes him look rather young and vulnerable, that's kind of appealing to me. This piece is gorgeous and goes so well with a very, very powerful moment in the story it is drawn for." [11]

  • from First Time #50, for the story Atlantis Stars -- "This is a full length nude Spock and Kirk in bed that does nothing for me. I only mention this because the former two pieces of hers I really really liked. The faces are good. It's just that the piece seems rather static to me. The bodies just take up space and add nothing to the piece IMHSO (in my highly subjective opinion)." [12] "What a lovely picture! Kirk and Spock are in bed together (where they belong!) with Spock resting against the pillow. Kirk’s over/next to him, one hand entangled in the dark hair. Their faces are very close, and there’s a wonderful look of almost anguished worship/love on Kirk’s face. Lots of emotion in this picture, and my guess it is reproduced well." [13] "... a full- length picture of Kirk and Spock embracing, naked, with Kirk on top. This portrait, in my opinion, is not quite as good as the other two, but it’s still fun to look at. I especially like the way Spock’s bent knee frames the curve of Kirk’s buttocks.[14]

    from First Time #50, for the story Atlantis Stars -- "This is a full length nude Spock and Kirk in bed that does nothing for me. I only mention this because the former two pieces of hers I really really liked. The faces are good. It's just that the piece seems rather static to me. The bodies just take up space and add nothing to the piece IMHSO (in my highly subjective opinion)." [12]

    "What a lovely picture! Kirk and Spock are in bed together (where they belong!) with Spock resting against the pillow. Kirk’s over/next to him, one hand entangled in the dark hair. Their faces are very close, and there’s a wonderful look of almost anguished worship/love on Kirk’s face. Lots of emotion in this picture, and my guess it is reproduced well." [13]

    "... a full- length picture of Kirk and Spock embracing, naked, with Kirk on top. This portrait, in my opinion, is not quite as good as the other two, but it’s still fun to look at. I especially like the way Spock’s bent knee frames the curve of Kirk’s buttocks.[14]

  • the cover of Morpheus Rising showing the front cover overlay

    the cover of Morpheus Rising showing the front cover overlay

  • the cover of Morpheus Rising, with the overlay pulled back -- "One of the most inventive designs of a zine cover that I’ve seen. And all that shows at first is a beatific Kirk, being touched by unseen fingers. Open the flap, and you see what Spock is really doing to him! This new artist is so terrific—everything I’ve seen of hers has been excellent." [15]

    the cover of Morpheus Rising, with the overlay pulled back -- "One of the most inventive designs of a zine cover that I’ve seen. And all that shows at first is a beatific Kirk, being touched by unseen fingers. Open the flap, and you see what Spock is really doing to him! This new artist is so terrific—everything I’ve seen of hers has been excellent." [15]

  • from Scattered Stars #12. It is the artist's 19th K/S drawing. -- "The front cover by Marianne Mueller is good. It's a young nude Kirk held by a nude long-haired Spock. The picture stops before the elbows. It's a chaste nude scene. Darn." [16]

    from Scattered Stars #12. It is the artist's 19th K/S drawing. -- "The front cover by Marianne Mueller is good. It's a young nude Kirk held by a nude long-haired Spock. The picture stops before the elbows. It's a chaste nude scene. Darn." [16]

  • from Scattered Stars #13

    from Scattered Stars #13

  • from Scattered Stars #13

    from Scattered Stars #13

2000

  • "Enslaved Beyond Endurance", from Songs of the Dirhja -- "'Enslaved Beyond Endurance' depicts Spock held in a cage, treated for his injuries in a crude veterinary hospital as an animal. Ms. Mueller captures the dismal, cramped quarters and especially the despair and the unfocused look of hopelessness on Spock’s face. Without ever having read the words, you immediately feel his misery and the biting cold." [17]

    "Enslaved Beyond Endurance", from Songs of the Dirhja -- "'Enslaved Beyond Endurance' depicts Spock held in a cage, treated for his injuries in a crude veterinary hospital as an animal. Ms. Mueller captures the dismal, cramped quarters and especially the despair and the unfocused look of hopelessness on Spock’s face. Without ever having read the words, you immediately feel his misery and the biting cold." [17]

  • Tenderness, from Songs of the Dirhja -- "'Tenderness' is my favorite! Beautifully executed, Ms. Mueller captures an abundance of feeling. Kirk and Spock are drawn with exquisite care to remain true to the narrative explaining their appearance. Spock’s hair is long and tinged with white; Kirk’s hairline is receding and is hair longer. Spock bears obvious scars from his brutal beatings. The love shines through as they touch fingers in the traditional Vulcan way, their features soft and tender as they look into each other’s eyes. Beautiful." [18]

    Tenderness, from Songs of the Dirhja -- "'Tenderness' is my favorite! Beautifully executed, Ms. Mueller captures an abundance of feeling. Kirk and Spock are drawn with exquisite care to remain true to the narrative explaining their appearance. Spock’s hair is long and tinged with white; Kirk’s hairline is receding and is hair longer. Spock bears obvious scars from his brutal beatings. The love shines through as they touch fingers in the traditional Vulcan way, their features soft and tender as they look into each other’s eyes. Beautiful." [18]

  • "Holding You" for the story, Snowman, from Beyond Dreams #2, reprinted as the cover of the 2001 KiScon zine -- "IM Mueller is a superior new K/S artist and this is another of her beautiful pieces. Kirk in a plaid shirt (one of my favorite things) holds Spock against his chest. I loved the detail of the wood in the background and the hint of landscape. Beautiful Kirk face—and his expression is so filled with love." [19] "Ohhh. Strong cleanly drawn lines, delicate shading, meticulous attention to detail, exceptionally well drawn hands! I'm no art critic, but I know what I love and this is it. I keep turning back to this page because I simply can't get enough of looking at what to me is a small masterpiece. Its a good thing my eyes can't wear out the paper or I'd already be in need of a new copy of this zine. However this artist must know what I like because she has given us my favorite vision of these two men; rare moments off the ship, casually dressed. Two people who, whether they're going somewhere or just hanging out, are never afraid to let the world see how much they care for one another." [20] "Kirk is wearing a plaid shirt and looking out into the distance as he lovingly holds Spock, who is nestled into Kirk's embrace with his eyes closed. I liked the dreamy, soft expression on Kirk's face." [21]

    "Holding You" for the story, Snowman, from Beyond Dreams #2, reprinted as the cover of the 2001 KiScon zine -- "IM Mueller is a superior new K/S artist and this is another of her beautiful pieces. Kirk in a plaid shirt (one of my favorite things) holds Spock against his chest. I loved the detail of the wood in the background and the hint of landscape. Beautiful Kirk face—and his expression is so filled with love." [19]

    "Ohhh. Strong cleanly drawn lines, delicate shading, meticulous attention to detail, exceptionally well drawn hands! I'm no art critic, but I know what I love and this is it. I keep turning back to this page because I simply can't get enough of looking at what to me is a small masterpiece. Its a good thing my eyes can't wear out the paper or I'd already be in need of a new copy of this zine. However this artist must know what I like because she has given us my favorite vision of these two men; rare moments off the ship, casually dressed. Two people who, whether they're going somewhere or just hanging out, are never afraid to let the world see how much they care for one another." [20]

    "Kirk is wearing a plaid shirt and looking out into the distance as he lovingly holds Spock, who is nestled into Kirk's embrace with his eyes closed. I liked the dreamy, soft expression on Kirk's face." [21]

  • "Midnight Bath" for the story, And On the Sixth Day, from Beyond Dreams #2 -- "What a beautiful work. Here we see Kirk standing in a pool that’s bordered by stone (also very nicely rendered). I loved the beautiful play of light on Kirk’s body— very difficult to do and to do so well. And the fine detail of his profile. Of course, one of the most striking aspects of this piece is Kirk’s gorgeous nudity." [22] "This pencil (I assume) is a very nice three-quarters figure of Kirk, completely nude and definitely full frontal. If you just saw the face by itself apart from any Star Trek stuff, you'd never guess it was Kirk. But Kirk is hard to draw, and, in truth, the face is close enough to Kirk to be credible. Some of my very favorite artists, like Chris Soto, didn't always draw totally realistic faces for Kirk, anyway. The body is just to drool over, and I did." [23]

    "Midnight Bath" for the story, And On the Sixth Day, from Beyond Dreams #2 -- "What a beautiful work. Here we see Kirk standing in a pool that’s bordered by stone (also very nicely rendered). I loved the beautiful play of light on Kirk’s body— very difficult to do and to do so well. And the fine detail of his profile. Of course, one of the most striking aspects of this piece is Kirk’s gorgeous nudity." [22]

    "This pencil (I assume) is a very nice three-quarters figure of Kirk, completely nude and definitely full frontal. If you just saw the face by itself apart from any Star Trek stuff, you'd never guess it was Kirk. But Kirk is hard to draw, and, in truth, the face is close enough to Kirk to be credible. Some of my very favorite artists, like Chris Soto, didn't always draw totally realistic faces for Kirk, anyway. The body is just to drool over, and I did." [23]

  • from First Time #51 -- "Boldly striped robes, heavy Arabian nights looking background. Add to this the look of complete concentration on the face of warrior Kirk and you have the beginnings of mystery and the lure of the unusual. Something missing? Ah. Spock, with the same flowing robes and an even more exotic look, caresses Kirk’s face with long, sensitive fingers. Kirk responds by touching them with just the tip of his tongue, tasting their forbidden flavor. This is an excellent rendition of how Kirk and Spock might look in an alien land, or a shared fantasy." [24] "There's a sense of an alternate reality about it; another time and place. Wispy veils of material, bold stripes. Let your imagination go, and perhaps you're seeing Kirk and Spock dressed in robes emerging from a chieftain's tent in the Sas-i-shar Desert, or maybe that's a couch with soft pillows. I know that sounds very strange, but that's what kept me intrigued with this picture.Spock is perfect. Kirk less so, there's something wrong with the mouth and chin area, but I found myself returning to this piece over and over again." [25]

    from First Time #51 -- "Boldly striped robes, heavy Arabian nights looking background. Add to this the look of complete concentration on the face of warrior Kirk and you have the beginnings of mystery and the lure of the unusual. Something missing? Ah. Spock, with the same flowing robes and an even more exotic look, caresses Kirk’s face with long, sensitive fingers. Kirk responds by touching them with just the tip of his tongue, tasting their forbidden flavor. This is an excellent rendition of how Kirk and Spock might look in an alien land, or a shared fantasy." [24]

    "There's a sense of an alternate reality about it; another time and place. Wispy veils of material, bold stripes. Let your imagination go, and perhaps you're seeing Kirk and Spock dressed in robes emerging from a chieftain's tent in the Sas-i-shar Desert, or maybe that's a couch with soft pillows. I know that sounds very strange, but that's what kept me intrigued with this picture.Spock is perfect. Kirk less so, there's something wrong with the mouth and chin area, but I found myself returning to this piece over and over again." [25]

2001

  • from Beyond Dreams #3

    from Beyond Dreams #3

  • from Within the Mirror #14 -- "These covers are so cool looking. All those tiny dots! How is this done? I have no idea, but I love the way it looks. The poses are great, too. The front cover pose really reveals the dynamics of Kirk and Spock's relationship, I thought. Kirk is crouching in front of Spock, with his legs splayed open, looking straight ahead. He seems very guarded and wary, bracing himself for some sort of danger or threat. Spock is squatting behind and to Kirk's left, slightly turned away, with one hand on Kirk's shoulder and looking up. Looks like the faithful Vulcan is guarding his captain's back once again. Kirk's absolute trust in Spock is shown here, remarkable in the Mirror universe. Both Kirk and Spock are wearing vests on the front cover, and I liked the way the muscles in Kirk's chest were shown, and Spock's chest hair." [26]

    from Within the Mirror #14 -- "These covers are so cool looking. All those tiny dots! How is this done? I have no idea, but I love the way it looks. The poses are great, too. The front cover pose really reveals the dynamics of Kirk and Spock's relationship, I thought. Kirk is crouching in front of Spock, with his legs splayed open, looking straight ahead. He seems very guarded and wary, bracing himself for some sort of danger or threat. Spock is squatting behind and to Kirk's left, slightly turned away, with one hand on Kirk's shoulder and looking up. Looks like the faithful Vulcan is guarding his captain's back once again. Kirk's absolute trust in Spock is shown here, remarkable in the Mirror universe. Both Kirk and Spock are wearing vests on the front cover, and I liked the way the muscles in Kirk's chest were shown, and Spock's chest hair." [26]

  • from Within the Mirror #14 -- The back cover is an interesting pose as well. (Maybe a better term would be "suggestive" pose, or "erotic" pose, or "really hot" pose, or...well, you get the idea!) It shows Kirk and Spock naked with Kirk being held in Spock's arms, one leg on either side of Spock's body. I studied the picture trying to figure out if Spock was supposed to be penetrating Kirk. I think he is —- the pose would seem to indicate so, but I'm not exactly an expert on how this position would look! You can't really tell for sure, but I had fun analyzing the picture as I tried to figure it out! There was only one thing a little off for me, and that was Kirk's face. I am very reluctant to criticize art — I could no more draw than I could fly to the moon, so who am I to make any critical comments about artwork, especially about a wonderful artist like Marianne? However, Kirk's face just didn't look quite right, for some reason, and the neck looks a bit wrong — too thick or something. But this must be amazingly difficult to do, to create a picture with dots like this. And I really liked Spock's face in this back cover. Great job on these covers, Marianne!" [27]

    from Within the Mirror #14 -- The back cover is an interesting pose as well. (Maybe a better term would be "suggestive" pose, or "erotic" pose, or "really hot" pose, or...well, you get the idea!) It shows Kirk and Spock naked with Kirk being held in Spock's arms, one leg on either side of Spock's body. I studied the picture trying to figure out if Spock was supposed to be penetrating Kirk. I think he is —- the pose would seem to indicate so, but I'm not exactly an expert on how this position would look! You can't really tell for sure, but I had fun analyzing the picture as I tried to figure it out! There was only one thing a little off for me, and that was Kirk's face. I am very reluctant to criticize art — I could no more draw than I could fly to the moon, so who am I to make any critical comments about artwork, especially about a wonderful artist like Marianne? However, Kirk's face just didn't look quite right, for some reason, and the neck looks a bit wrong — too thick or something. But this must be amazingly difficult to do, to create a picture with dots like this. And I really liked Spock's face in this back cover. Great job on these covers, Marianne!" [27]

  • from First Time #52 -- "The back cover to FIRST TIME 52 is by IM Mueller and is a B&W companion piece to the front cover by Fiona Graves. It is more explicit than the front cover, but then that's mainly because men's fronts tend to have equipment. This is the lower part of Kirk's shirt and his genitals which are almost discreetly covered by his hands. Guess his hands aren't big enough to do the job. Obviously this is a fantasy Kirk since this person has a very slim waist and very nice thickly muscled thighs. No way is that the actual Kirk from the TV series.[28]

    from First Time #52 -- "The back cover to FIRST TIME 52 is by IM Mueller and is a B&W companion piece to the front cover by Fiona Graves. It is more explicit than the front cover, but then that's mainly because men's fronts tend to have equipment. This is the lower part of Kirk's shirt and his genitals which are almost discreetly covered by his hands. Guess his hands aren't big enough to do the job. Obviously this is a fantasy Kirk since this person has a very slim waist and very nice thickly muscled thighs. No way is that the actual Kirk from the TV series.[28]

2002

  • "Loving to Touch", from Beyond Dreams #5 - "This is another lovely piece by Marianne. The title is just perfect, because this picture shows the love between Kirk and Spock so clearly. Two strong men tenderly holding each other and touching one another. It’s a peek at a beautiful, quiet moment between them." [29] Another fan writes: ""Loving to Touch" is a great title that perfectly expresses the love and tenderness shown in this cover picture of Spock holding Kirk. It’s revealed in so many little touches. Spock has one hand entwined with Kirk’s, and the other lightly rests at Kirk’s neck. Kirk has raised his left arm, and with his hand is gently ruffling Spock’s hair. These small touches wonderfully express the love between the two men. And I like the way we can just see the edge of a rounded window, and the stars beyond. This is obviously set on the Enterprise, (at least I hope so!) and Kirk and Spock are together among the stars, where they belong.[30]

    "Loving to Touch", from Beyond Dreams #5 - "This is another lovely piece by Marianne. The title is just perfect, because this picture shows the love between Kirk and Spock so clearly. Two strong men tenderly holding each other and touching one another. It’s a peek at a beautiful, quiet moment between them." [29] Another fan writes: ""Loving to Touch" is a great title that perfectly expresses the love and tenderness shown in this cover picture of Spock holding Kirk. It’s revealed in so many little touches. Spock has one hand entwined with Kirk’s, and the other lightly rests at Kirk’s neck. Kirk has raised his left arm, and with his hand is gently ruffling Spock’s hair. These small touches wonderfully express the love between the two men. And I like the way we can just see the edge of a rounded window, and the stars beyond. This is obviously set on the Enterprise, (at least I hope so!) and Kirk and Spock are together among the stars, where they belong.[30]

  • from Beyond Dreams #5 , for the story, A House of Cedar -- "This is a Mueller work where both faces are done very nicely. The detail in the center background isn't as well done, but I'm not very concerned about background. Kirk and Spock are in profile, looking at each other very seriously. I like it that Spock's eyelids are slightly lowered, as if in thought, but that Kirk looks directly at Spock. I haven't read the story that goes with this at this time, so I have no clue what point the picture is supposed to illustrate. I am very particular about art, and frankly a lot of art these days in K/S simply doesn't appeal to me at all. I think this work is THE outstanding work in the entire zine of BEYOND DREAMS 5." [31]

    from Beyond Dreams #5 , for the story, A House of Cedar -- "This is a Mueller work where both faces are done very nicely. The detail in the center background isn't as well done, but I'm not very concerned about background. Kirk and Spock are in profile, looking at each other very seriously. I like it that Spock's eyelids are slightly lowered, as if in thought, but that Kirk looks directly at Spock. I haven't read the story that goes with this at this time, so I have no clue what point the picture is supposed to illustrate. I am very particular about art, and frankly a lot of art these days in K/S simply doesn't appeal to me at all. I think this work is THE outstanding work in the entire zine of BEYOND DREAMS 5." [31]

2003

  • from Starry Knights #1 -- "This is one of the best zine covers I have ever seen because it is designed specifically as a zine cover and imaginatively and beautifully composed. There is an AU Spock next to a Mirror Spock above an AU Kirk next to a Mirror Kirk below. The faces are near perfect and Kirk’s nude body is beautifully drawn. The four of them stand together in the foreground with the full moon as a backdrop. Everything is set against an alien landscape which might be Vulcan with a bright sun. I just love it—and I’ll bet the original is spectacular."[32]

    from Starry Knights #1 -- "This is one of the best zine covers I have ever seen because it is designed specifically as a zine cover and imaginatively and beautifully composed. There is an AU Spock next to a Mirror Spock above an AU Kirk next to a Mirror Kirk below. The faces are near perfect and Kirk’s nude body is beautifully drawn. The four of them stand together in the foreground with the full moon as a backdrop. Everything is set against an alien landscape which might be Vulcan with a bright sun. I just love it—and I’ll bet the original is spectacular."[32]

  • from Starry Knights #1 -- "Just beautiful, Marianne! While the front cover was nice, I prefer seeing Kirk and Spock together as they are in the images on the back cover. A small naked Mirror Kirk and Spock are embracing each other and kissing near the top of this cover. Then there’s a gorgeous picture of a long haired naked AU Kirk and Mirror Spock, their bodies entwined as they passionately kiss. We see mainly Kirk’s back and the side of his face, but no worries here—I love this view of Kirk! The pictures are floating against a starry background."[33]

    from Starry Knights #1 -- "Just beautiful, Marianne! While the front cover was nice, I prefer seeing Kirk and Spock together as they are in the images on the back cover. A small naked Mirror Kirk and Spock are embracing each other and kissing near the top of this cover. Then there’s a gorgeous picture of a long haired naked AU Kirk and Mirror Spock, their bodies entwined as they passionately kiss. We see mainly Kirk’s back and the side of his face, but no worries here—I love this view of Kirk! The pictures are floating against a starry background."[33]

  • from Starry Knights #1 -- "AU Kirk and Spock in sexy warrior regalia. A beautifully detailed and again, an imaginative piece. Where this woman gets her source material—I want it, too!" [34]

    from Starry Knights #1 -- "AU Kirk and Spock in sexy warrior regalia. A beautifully detailed and again, an imaginative piece. Where this woman gets her source material—I want it, too!" [34]

  • from Starry Knights #1 -- "A sexily outfitted Mirror Spock casually watches Kirk in the shower. What a terrific pose—I love the water effect coming down Kirk’s body. I also love the composition—Spock frames the foreground. Marianne is a master (mistress?) of this imaginative art." [35]

    from Starry Knights #1 -- "A sexily outfitted Mirror Spock casually watches Kirk in the shower. What a terrific pose—I love the water effect coming down Kirk’s body. I also love the composition—Spock frames the foreground. Marianne is a master (mistress?) of this imaginative art." [35]

  • from issue #1, "Comfort," from Starry Knights #1 "I believe I have said before I am partial to the way a long haired AU Spock looks, and that’s what we see in this wonderful picture by Marianne. I love the little braid in front of his ear, and the way Kirk is resting his face against Spock’s shoulder. This is a lovely Kirk face, too. Having read “Mate-Lock”, this picture perfectly illustrates a scene from the story in the page facing it. I wonder if this picture was specifically drawn to accompany the story, or if the author chose the picture and incorporated the scene into her story, or if it was all just a happy coincidence? In any case, it’s an excellent picture of Kirk and Spock. Bodies a tiny bit more buff than they were in TOS, but not much, and hey - maybe Kirk and Spock started working out more! Plus, I like these bodies and don’t really care if they are 100% true to life or not! Spock’s pose is particularly well done, with one leg up on the bed, and a glimpse of his penis visible between his legs. Since I’ve read the story, I know what is about to happen soon between them, and think the conflicting emotions of both men are apparent from this picture. The more I look at this picture, the more I like it." [36]

    from issue #1, "Comfort," from Starry Knights #1 "I believe I have said before I am partial to the way a long haired AU Spock looks, and that’s what we see in this wonderful picture by Marianne. I love the little braid in front of his ear, and the way Kirk is resting his face against Spock’s shoulder. This is a lovely Kirk face, too. Having read “Mate-Lock”, this picture perfectly illustrates a scene from the story in the page facing it. I wonder if this picture was specifically drawn to accompany the story, or if the author chose the picture and incorporated the scene into her story, or if it was all just a happy coincidence? In any case, it’s an excellent picture of Kirk and Spock. Bodies a tiny bit more buff than they were in TOS, but not much, and hey - maybe Kirk and Spock started working out more! Plus, I like these bodies and don’t really care if they are 100% true to life or not! Spock’s pose is particularly well done, with one leg up on the bed, and a glimpse of his penis visible between his legs. Since I’ve read the story, I know what is about to happen soon between them, and think the conflicting emotions of both men are apparent from this picture. The more I look at this picture, the more I like it." [36]

  • "My Best Friend, Jimmy" -- from First Time #57

    "My Best Friend, Jimmy" -- from First Time #57

  • "My Best Friend, Spock" -- from First Time #57 One of the most charming and delightful pieces I have ever seen in K/S—this matching set of Kirk and Spock as children—is one of the incredibly talented Ms. Mueller’s most inventive. The decision to present them facing each other on the pages is inspired. The effect is striking. The figures fill the pages and are in wonderful positions, as well as Jimmy’s face being perfectly done. I love that he has a toy figure of Spock! And does Spock have a bag of marbles? Cute! I have not yet read the accompanying story, but this artwork makes me want to! And it may have been done a couple of years ago, but it’s timeless." [37]

    "My Best Friend, Spock" -- from First Time #57 One of the most charming and delightful pieces I have ever seen in K/S—this matching set of Kirk and Spock as children—is one of the incredibly talented Ms. Mueller’s most inventive. The decision to present them facing each other on the pages is inspired. The effect is striking. The figures fill the pages and are in wonderful positions, as well as Jimmy’s face being perfectly done. I love that he has a toy figure of Spock! And does Spock have a bag of marbles? Cute! I have not yet read the accompanying story, but this artwork makes me want to! And it may have been done a couple of years ago, but it’s timeless." [37]

2004

  • from Kindle My Heart -- "In the center is a color picture of Kirk tenderly holding a very contented looking Spock. The faces are very nicely done, especially Spock’s, and I love how the whole pose is so tender and loving. The only quibble I have is the perspective. I couldn’t quite figure out, if Kirk is on his knees as he seems to be in the picture, why Spock’s body seemed to be on a lower level somehow, so that his head is resting under Kirk’s chin. But the background is dark and it’s hard to see the legs very well, so maybe something was lost in the printing. The cover also has really nice drawings of Kirk in the upper right corner and Spock in the lower left corner. These drawings seemed black and white at first, but upon closer inspection are a sort of dark purplish blue. (Can you tell I am not an artist?) There’s also a color picture of the Enterprise in the top left corner. Marianne always has interesting compositions for her drawings, and I like this cover a lot. [38]

    from Kindle My Heart -- "In the center is a color picture of Kirk tenderly holding a very contented looking Spock. The faces are very nicely done, especially Spock’s, and I love how the whole pose is so tender and loving. The only quibble I have is the perspective. I couldn’t quite figure out, if Kirk is on his knees as he seems to be in the picture, why Spock’s body seemed to be on a lower level somehow, so that his head is resting under Kirk’s chin. But the background is dark and it’s hard to see the legs very well, so maybe something was lost in the printing. The cover also has really nice drawings of Kirk in the upper right corner and Spock in the lower left corner. These drawings seemed black and white at first, but upon closer inspection are a sort of dark purplish blue. (Can you tell I am not an artist?) There’s also a color picture of the Enterprise in the top left corner. Marianne always has interesting compositions for her drawings, and I like this cover a lot. [38]

  • cover of the KiScon 2004

    cover of the KiScon 2004

2005

2006

  • from Within the Mirror #15 -- "How very rare it is to see a color cover on a zine, never mind two of them! And these are lovely. The front cover depicts Mirror Kirk and Spock in full Empire uniforms. They appear to be standing on a rocky promontory with the sun just preparing to rise on an Earth type world with the Enterprise soaring into view behind them. Where their fingers touch, light is pouring forth. Perhaps they have just met, just begun the relationship that will be legendary in two universes." [39]]]

    from Within the Mirror #15 -- "How very rare it is to see a color cover on a zine, never mind two of them! And these are lovely. The front cover depicts Mirror Kirk and Spock in full Empire uniforms. They appear to be standing on a rocky promontory with the sun just preparing to rise on an Earth type world with the Enterprise soaring into view behind them. Where their fingers touch, light is pouring forth. Perhaps they have just met, just begun the relationship that will be legendary in two universes." [39]]]

  • from T'hy'la #26 -- "The covers of this splendid zine warmly wrap its pages in beauty, imagination and love. Kissing is my favorite thing for Kirk and Spock to do and these large close-ups of the two men certainly satisfy that hunger. The one in front is terrific. It captures a moment that will be in my mind for a long time. Spock has a ring on! I love that! His fingertips are touching a place on the underside of Kirk's face, tenderly. Kirk's hand cradles his lover's face and neck. We can tell they are embracing each other gently in prelude to some special loving Excellently executed, sensitively composed, and all in black and white which I love. The back cover seems to be after their lovemaking. Spock's expression as he gazes up at his bondmate is full of adoration. Kirk is drawn so perfectly we know he is worthy of his Vulcan's devotion. Satisfaction delineates their features, again in black and white. Then in the right hand lower corner they are clothed and depicted in color in their uniforms. Spock's arms are around Kirk's waist, Kirk's hand covering Spock's. Sigh...I could look at these covers all night and nearly did." [40]

    from T'hy'la #26 -- "The covers of this splendid zine warmly wrap its pages in beauty, imagination and love. Kissing is my favorite thing for Kirk and Spock to do and these large close-ups of the two men certainly satisfy that hunger. The one in front is terrific. It captures a moment that will be in my mind for a long time. Spock has a ring on! I love that! His fingertips are touching a place on the underside of Kirk's face, tenderly. Kirk's hand cradles his lover's face and neck. We can tell they are embracing each other gently in prelude to some special loving Excellently executed, sensitively composed, and all in black and white which I love. The back cover seems to be after their lovemaking. Spock's expression as he gazes up at his bondmate is full of adoration. Kirk is drawn so perfectly we know he is worthy of his Vulcan's devotion. Satisfaction delineates their features, again in black and white. Then in the right hand lower corner they are clothed and depicted in color in their uniforms. Spock's arms are around Kirk's waist, Kirk's hand covering Spock's. Sigh...I could look at these covers all night and nearly did." [40]

  • from T'hy'la #26 -- "Now this is an unusual piece, a combination of black and white and color art. The center panel shows head shots of Kirk and Spock before a rectangular background of space and stars, and that’s all in black and white. Then, to the bottom right corner, there is a color image of the two of them in their series uniforms, with Spock behind Kirk, clasping him around the waist. The blue and gold of the uniform tunics reproduced beautifully and look great on the zine. But I am left wondering if this is the original composition or if this is something Kathy and/or the artist put together after the fact? I like it, really nice. The better drawing is the black and white one, but the vivid color of the smaller piece really adds to the overall effect. Great choices!" [41]

    from T'hy'la #26 -- "Now this is an unusual piece, a combination of black and white and color art. The center panel shows head shots of Kirk and Spock before a rectangular background of space and stars, and that’s all in black and white. Then, to the bottom right corner, there is a color image of the two of them in their series uniforms, with Spock behind Kirk, clasping him around the waist. The blue and gold of the uniform tunics reproduced beautifully and look great on the zine. But I am left wondering if this is the original composition or if this is something Kathy and/or the artist put together after the fact? I like it, really nice. The better drawing is the black and white one, but the vivid color of the smaller piece really adds to the overall effect. Great choices!" [41]

2007

  • from T'hy'la #27 -- -- "The heat is turned up in this scintillating addition to our galaxy of K/S artwork. A stunner that mines pure gold from an extraordinarily creative composition. I could feel a radiant sense of power flowing from this striking embodiment of our two mens' soulful connection. This is Spock listening in to his lover's thoughts, or he may be imparting some intimate piece of information vital for his Captain's command ability. Many interpretations come to mind. No pun. Spock's long, strong fingers are intimately touching the meld points on Kirk's golden temple. And Kirk is letting it happen, his own strong fingers curled around those of the only being he would ever allow to touch him like this. It is so thrilling! And Kirk's eyes! He seems to be listening, all senses on red alert. This artist has captured his consciousness in their expression, it is *that* beautiful. In the background is our beloved ship and a planet behind that; the coloring is sumptuous. But the glory is in the overall effect of our heroes, the flashing stars and colors of them that bring a flair to a familiar theme, one we all hold dear to our hearts. I simply fell in love with this composition and felt awe and gratitude that Ms. Mueller has given so freely of herself in the two zines I had the privilege of reading this year." [42]

    from T'hy'la #27 -- -- "The heat is turned up in this scintillating addition to our galaxy of K/S artwork. A stunner that mines pure gold from an extraordinarily creative composition. I could feel a radiant sense of power flowing from this striking embodiment of our two mens' soulful connection. This is Spock listening in to his lover's thoughts, or he may be imparting some intimate piece of information vital for his Captain's command ability. Many interpretations come to mind. No pun. Spock's long, strong fingers are intimately touching the meld points on Kirk's golden temple. And Kirk is letting it happen, his own strong fingers curled around those of the only being he would ever allow to touch him like this. It is so thrilling! And Kirk's eyes! He seems to be listening, all senses on red alert. This artist has captured his consciousness in their expression, it is *that* beautiful. In the background is our beloved ship and a planet behind that; the coloring is sumptuous. But the glory is in the overall effect of our heroes, the flashing stars and colors of them that bring a flair to a familiar theme, one we all hold dear to our hearts. I simply fell in love with this composition and felt awe and gratitude that Ms. Mueller has given so freely of herself in the two zines I had the privilege of reading this year." [42]

  • from First Time #61 -- "This is a ripping zine! The covers alone will take your breath away. Arresting, the front is; a great concept of oneness portrayed in a special and thought-provoking way. Merging faces of our two heroes, the lusciousness of a curly-haired Adm. Kirk and the sleek, serious, still- sensuous Vulcan. Both handsome faces merged against a background of dark space and dazzling stars. I love the expressions that radiate with inner conflicts and meaningful thoughts. Of olden times, perhaps? Below the unified faces the images seem to recall a time when Spock had borne his Human to safety on some dangerous mission. And I came to the conclusion both men were wrapped in such poignant memories at this moment. This breathtaking concept is all in black and white, a particular favorite of mine. Thanks for the gift, I. M. Muller! and for naming it, "One Mind." [43]

    from First Time #61 -- "This is a ripping zine! The covers alone will take your breath away. Arresting, the front is; a great concept of oneness portrayed in a special and thought-provoking way. Merging faces of our two heroes, the lusciousness of a curly-haired Adm. Kirk and the sleek, serious, still- sensuous Vulcan. Both handsome faces merged against a background of dark space and dazzling stars. I love the expressions that radiate with inner conflicts and meaningful thoughts. Of olden times, perhaps? Below the unified faces the images seem to recall a time when Spock had borne his Human to safety on some dangerous mission. And I came to the conclusion both men were wrapped in such poignant memories at this moment. This breathtaking concept is all in black and white, a particular favorite of mine. Thanks for the gift, I. M. Muller! and for naming it, "One Mind." [43]

2009

  • from First Time #63 -- "Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise are on this cover picture, along with something different. We‘ve seen Kirk and Spock together umpteen times as shown in this cover picture, but I‘ve never seen drawings that are close ups of each of their eyes. The four drawings are shown top to bottom as Kirk‘s right eye, Spock‘s left eye, Kirk‘s left eye and then finally Spock‘s right eye. Excellent drawings of the eyes, and a really unique idea!" [44]

    from First Time #63 -- "Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise are on this cover picture, along with something different. We‘ve seen Kirk and Spock together umpteen times as shown in this cover picture, but I‘ve never seen drawings that are close ups of each of their eyes. The four drawings are shown top to bottom as Kirk‘s right eye, Spock‘s left eye, Kirk‘s left eye and then finally Spock‘s right eye. Excellent drawings of the eyes, and a really unique idea!" [44]

2011

2012

2013

2016

Sentinel Art Examples

2004

2006

2007

  • from My Mongoose - Many Chapters of The Sentinel #5, the Moonridge Edition 2007

    from My Mongoose - Many Chapters of The Sentinel #5, the Moonridge Edition 2007

Other Fandom Art Examples

2003

References

  1. ^ a b "I. M. Mueller - Between Dream and Reality". 2013-10-01. Archived from the original on 2022-04-27.
  2. ^ a b c d from Scribbling Women: Artists Talk Back in 2007
  3. ^ from The K/S Press #48
  4. ^ from The K/S Press #49
  5. ^ from The K/S Press #42
  6. ^ from The K/S Press #50
  7. ^ from The K/S Press #47
  8. ^ from The K/S Press #44
  9. ^ from The K/S Press #42
  10. ^ from The K/S Press #43
  11. ^ from The K/S Press #50
  12. ^ from The K/S Press #42
  13. ^ from The K/S Press #43
  14. ^ from The K/S Press #44
  15. ^ from The K/S Press #40
  16. ^ from The K/S Press #44
  17. ^ from The K/S Press #198
  18. ^ from The K/S Press #198
  19. ^ from The K/S Press #46
  20. ^ from The K/S Press #44
  21. ^ from The K/S Press #63
  22. ^ from The K/S Press #46
  23. ^ from The K/S Press #47
  24. ^ from The K/S Press #70
  25. ^ from The K/S Press #48
  26. ^ from The K/S Press #62
  27. ^ from The K/S Press #65
  28. ^ from The K/S Press #65
  29. ^ from The K/S Press #75
  30. ^ from The K/S Press #73
  31. ^ from The K/S Press #72
  32. ^ from The K/S Press #92
  33. ^ from The K/S Press #84
  34. ^ from The K/S Press #92
  35. ^ from The K/S Press #92
  36. ^ from The K/S Press #84
  37. ^ from The K/S Press #97
  38. ^ from The K/S Press #96
  39. ^ from The K/S Press #120
  40. ^ from The K/S Press #121
  41. ^ from The K/S Press #128
  42. ^ from The K/S Press #141
  43. ^ The K/S Press #140
  44. ^ from The K/S Press #158
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