Ben Mauro is one of the industry's most respected concept artists, known for defining the look of blockbusters like Halo Infinite, but his latest venture is a masterclass in how artists can successfully build and own their own intellectual property. Ben returns to the podcast to break down the journey of expanding his independent sci-fi universe, Huxley, from a passion project into a high-end graphic novel series published by Thames & Hudson. He shares the creative and business roadmap for launching his new prequel, The Oracle, and explains why maintaining full creative control is essential for building a lasting legacy in a committee-driven industry.

Beyond the logistics of publishing, the discussion dives deep into the philosophical necessity of physical media in an age of fleeting digital licenses. Ben, Chris, and Daniel explore the "pride of ownership" that comes with tangible art, whether it's a collector's edition Blu-ray or a deluxe graphic novel, and how this tactile connection anchors the audience to the story. They also touch on the "Roman Empire" of machines within Huxley's lore and the vital lesson of creating art for oneself, proving that the most personal work is often what resonates most with the world.

Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" >

Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" deluxe edition >

Ben Mauro's "HUXLEY: The Oracle" - on Amazon >

Ben Mauro Design >

Ben Mauro on Instagram >

Ben Mauro on IMDB >

This episode is sponsored by:

Center Grid Virtual Studio

Kitbash 3D (Use promocode "cggarage" for 10% off)