TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT THAT WE GOT THE TRUCK / WE'RE GOIN' DOWNTOWN GONNA BEAT UP DRUNKS

My childhood as a geeky basement dwelling gamer was defined by two kinds of games: Japanese role playing games, and American extreme sports games. Final Fantasy 7 and SSX. Breath of Fire 3 and Aggressive Inline. Persona 2 and Cool Boarders. Xenogears and Tony Hawk Pro Skater. I don't know why they resonated with me so much, but it was always skateboard games that got me the most. Maybe it was because it felt like a sport even I could do? It wasn't in a fantastical setting or in a big arena, it was in a real place. It could be just across the street. No fancy gear, no sponsors needed, no dumb rules, just a piece'a'wood with 4 wheels and the ridiculous urge to make it jump. As my gaming tastes expanded in my teenage and adult years, I always held a flame for skateboarding. When Tony Hawk imploded and Skate rose up, I was there for the ride. I miss Skate so much, but not enough really to buy an Xbox One to play 2 and 3 with backwards compatibility. Fuck, Skate 4 is not a goddamn meme. Anyway when they announced a remake of Tony Hawk 1&2, an honest to God real remake with all the trimmings? I'm there again, 12 years old, drinking Mt. Dew in my basement trying to sing along to Police Truck without my dad hearing it and getting mad. I'm there, Day 1.

When I read that news I decided to get some skateboarder art, so that's probably gonna be a kick you see in the near future from me. This here? This was drawn by  fenelek and they drew it the same day I commissioned it! Now THAT'S customer service! Go get you some!