2012 Song of Ice and Fire Calendar Is Out!

Boys and girls of Westeros, this is the only calendar that you need for 2012 – the year of the dragon. The 2012 A Song of Ice and Fire calendar has been released, and if you are anything like me, your heart will be palpitating in anticipation. No exaggeration here.

As one can expect, there are 12 drawings for each month of the year. Drawn by renowned artist John Picacio, ((John Picacio’s Profile)) the images may be different from what you might expect – thanks to HBO’s Game of Thrones. However, the differences do not really take away from the breathtaking effect of the drawings.

SPOILER ALERT: I tried hard to make sure not to give any spoilers based on the book, but there might be some, especially since the 2012 Song of Ice and Fire Calendar does show some characters not yet revealed in the HBO TV series. Consider yourself warned. Or just read the books!

January: Brandon Stark

Game of Thrones Calendar January Brandon Stark

In the TV series, Bran is the cutest little thing, and I love that fact. However, I think Picacio did a great job with this image, which can be taken as a sign of Bran’s powerful role towards the end of the story (which has yet to unfold).

February: Jon Snow and Ghost

Game of Thrones Calendar February Jon Snow and Ghost

Perhaps one of the best – if not the best – images in the calendar. Looking at the drawing, I just can’t help but feel the energy or tension, or whatever you want to call it.

March: Daenerys Targaryen

Game of Thrones Calendar March Daenerys Targaryen

I love the coincidence of my favorite character (aside from Ned, of course) is featured on my birth month. However, I find her facial features a little disappointing. It might be because I really like Daenerys on HBO. What do you think?

April: Rob Stark

Game of Thrones Calendar April Rob Stark

Another really striking drawing. In spite of the relative lack of colors, the details are just lovely. It still breaks my heart thinking about what happens to Rob.

May: Arya Stark

Game of Thrones Calendar May Arya Stark

Arya Stark has always been one of the most admirable characters in the story, and her character becomes even more interesting as the plot progresses. As for how she is portrayed above – I am not sure whether I prefer this version over the HBO one. What’s your take?

June: Tyrion Lannister

Game of Thrones Calendar June Tyrion Lannister

Naughty little imp he may be at times, but no one can deny his wit and good heart. I don’t know if it’s just me, but doesn’t this drawing remind you of a dwarf (as in LoTR dwarves)?

July: Lady Melisandre

Game of Thrones Calendar July Melisandre

She’s not been shown in the first season of the TV series, but her character has been casted. And I think it is going to be an awesome. The Red Priestess is someone you do not take lightly. Love her or hate her. There is no in-between. Hats off to Picacio for this rendition!

August: Jaime Lannister

Game of Thrones Calendar August Jaime Lannister

One thing I am almost sure of: I won’t ever find a satisfactory portrayal of Jaime Lannister. I blame George R.R. Martin for describing him so perfectly in the books.

September: The Mountain and The Red Viper

Game of Thrones Calendar September The Mountain and The Red Viper

We saw Ser Gregor Clegane aka The Mountain in the first season of Game of Thrones, but The Red Viper has yet to make an appearance. I won’t say anything else about him, except that the scene depicted above is one heck of a fight (at least in my mind).

October: The Hound and Sansa Stark

Game of Thrones Calendar October The Hound and Sansa Stark

I prefer this drawing of The Hound. It makes him look more terrifying, which in turns makes his actions later in the story more admirable. You?

November: The Others

Game of Thrones Calendar November The Others

Winter is coming, and these creatures are why we should be afraid. Also known as White Walkers. I think Picacio’s rendition gives me the chills more than HBO’s take.

December: Lord Eddard Stark

Game of Thrones Calendar December Eddard Stark

Is this a case of saving the best for last? Perhaps. He looks more like Benjen Stark in the HBO series, but it still is a great drawing, especially with the Godswood in the background.

I am beside myself with excitement and can’t wait to get my hands on the 2012 Song of Ice and Fire Calendar. Amazon, here I come!