From the year 1998 to 2000 or so, I became completely immersed into the world of the "The Phantom of the Opera." I was first introduced to it in the summer of 1998 in Japan, of all places, by my host mother during a short summer exchange student program. When I returned home again, I all but devoured everything that I could get my hands on in regards to it, including the various novels, the movies (the good AND bad ones....) and of course the many musical recordings (any verison I could find!) ; which of course included the original cast recording and most importantly the voice of the great Michael Crawford!

The following summer, me and an old friend of mine shared this interest together! It was such great fun! For a time, I was so compelled by it all that I couldn't even THINK about anime! Yep! I was THAT far gone!

I actually did this piece as a gift for one of my old friends.... She too loved Michael Crawford's portrayal of Erik, the tragic "Opera Ghost" himself, in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical rendition; so with the help of some of the more recognizable references of him in the title role, I drew this collage of sorts.

I still think, even after all this time, that it's one of my better pencil drawings overall. I added roses to it, given the symbolism and all, as well as a sort of decorative border; to balance the image.

Again the piece was done in pencil, though I scanned it a bit darker for clarity's sake.