The figurative and fantasy-like series called The World of the Unknown Z began in 2003. The project consists of characters who are cast into a world that was once magical, happy, and surreal. Now, the characters struggle to survive after a great war had shattered the fantasy world. These painting are the images and characters that are left and remain in The World of the unknown Z – also known as Zebulon.
“I wanted to create a world filled with happiness, sadness, chaos, mayhem, mischief, love, fantasy, horror, life, and death.”
Robert J. Grachus jr.
Title – The World of the Unkown Z – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2019 – #1
This is the title painting for the beginning series known as The World of the Unknown Z.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Birth of Z – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2019 – #2
King Alexandria and Queen Celeste celebrate their world called The Kingdom of Z. Kingdom of Z is full of fantasy, mystery, energy, and love.
CHARACTERS: King Alexandria, Queen Celeste, and Vernon (the guard boy)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Love Boat – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48 w” – 2025 – #3
King Alexandria and Queen Celeste’s castle stands high above the famous Jasmine River. Sebastian (left) and Suki (right) row their way into love as the afternoon settles down. There is happiness and joy in The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: Sebastian and Suki
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Matilda’s Garden – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2025 – #4
There is a unique region in Zebulon known as Jector – 7. Jector -7 is where you will find Matilda’s Garden. Matilda raises and takes care of the Baby Bungle Balls. Baby Bungle Balls grow up and become a source of energy and light in The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: Matilda and Baby Bungle Balls
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Rare Sighting – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2025 – #5
It is a time and era of magic and wonder. Many creatures roam around in The World of the Unknown Z. A rare animal known as Trinity the Monoceros lurks around the lush green grass and silver waterfalls. Some folks are lucky to catch a glimpse of this magnificent beast.
CHARACTERS: Trinity the Monoceros
______________________________________________________________________________________________
A Toast to the Carnival – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2025 – #6
There is music all around as the band plays their sound. A festive gathering has made its way. It is time for carnival days. The atmosphere is filled with glee in The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: (Left to Right) Harlin, Baby Snap Dog, Naomi, Stanley, Jasmine, and Baby Bungle Balls
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Fire Show – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2020 – #7
Forest and CHOM are fraternal twins. The brothers experiment and create “fire magic” providing entertainment to King Alexandria, Queen Celeste, and the people of the Kingdom of Z.
CHARACTERS: Forest (left), and CHOM (right)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Bungle Balls #1 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 37″ w – 2018 – #8
Bungle Balls are alternative living light sources that fly around throughout The World of the Unknown Z. Bungle Balls guide and assist each other from lurking dangers in their world. Bungle Balls reside in the Jector – 7 Region.
CHARACTERS: Bungle Balls
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Bungle Balls at the Lithium Pools #2 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 37″ w – 2018 – #9
Bungle Balls are attracted to bright green lithium pools. Lithium Pools give Bungle Balls extra energy to fly and light the skies.
CHARACTERS: Bungle Balls
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Bungle Balls/Energy Trees #3 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 37″ w – 2018 – #10
Energy Trees are natural sources that are extinct and rare to find. Energy Balls are made from the fruits on the Energy Trees. Bungle Balls are attracted to the Energy Trees but cannot eat the fruits because they are poisonous to the Bungle Balls.
CHARACTERS: Bungle Balls and Energy Trees
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Andomia’s EB Convertor Factory – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2020 – #11
Andomia runs and owns a machine called the Energy Ball Convertor. The machine converts energy fruit from Energy Trees and into Energy Balls. Energy Balls are then used as light sources, currency, and even weapons in the World of the Unknown Z. Binton is Andomia’s significant other and is responsible for packaging and shipping the Energy Balls.
CHARACTERS: Andomia (left), Binton (right), and Bungle Balls
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Arrival of X01 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2020 – #12
X01 is from the planet Proxima b. X01 has been traveling through space and time to deliver technology to The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: X01
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Talk Show – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2021 – #13
A meeting is taking place in a region called Quad-6. Rooker to the left has agreed to meet with Vlad (The Sorcerer) to discuss rumors of a possible war between the two tribes. Rooker has brought a Snap Dog and a Z-Stinger for protection. Scrimms to the right of Vlad is Vlad’s protector.
CHARACTERS: Rooker, Snap Dog, Z-Stinger, Orb-7, and Scrimms
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Swarm to Protect – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2022 – #14
Capital Z is the basecamp and headquarters for The World of the Unknown Z. Z-Stingers are sworn in to protect the capital from their enemies and bring peace to the world.
CHARACTERS: Z-Stingers
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Flight Fight – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2022 – #15
A great war has begun in a region known as Kombosta. Two sides of “stingers” are fighting each other. One side is Rooker’s army of “stingers” (left). The other side is Vlad’s army of “stingers” (right). Both armies are fighting to control the Energy Balls which brings unity to The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: Z-Stingers, Z-Bombers, V-Stingers, and B-Stingers
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Balloon Ride – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2022 – #16
The group of Stingers are off and fighting their war to take control of the “Energy Balls.” Rooker has launched a secret weapon called Balloon Bombs to destroy Vlad’s Stingers called L-Stingers. L-Stingers also carry “Pop Rockets” in defense to win the famous war of The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: Z-Stingers, Z-Bombers, V-Stingers, B-Stingers, L-Stingers, and Balloon Bombs
______________________________________________________________________________________________
An Event at the South Pagi Sea – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2022 – #17
Stingers are fighting everywhere. There has been an invasion in The South Pagi Sea. The South Pagi Sea is a link and passageway to the Energy Ball complex located in The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: Z-Stingers, Z-Bombers, V-Stingers, B-Stingers, and L-Stingers
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Surprise Attack – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2023 – #18
There has been an attack (A surprise attack) on the Energy Ball Dome. Vlad has sent his number one L-Stinger to destroy the dome. Negotiations fell through between Rooker and Vlad. The Energy Ball Dome is in grave danger!
CHARACTERS: L-Stinger
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Glitter Bomb – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2023 – #19
The Energy Ball Dome has been destroyed. The glitter bomb will reshape the landscape and all life in The World of the Unknown Z.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Everyone’s Perfect – Acrylic, Enamel, and Silicone caulking on Board –
48″ h x 96″ w – 2004 – #20
This is a time of turmoil and confusion in The World of the Unknown Z. A ten year war has just ended and there is very little hope of restoring complete peace or sovereignty. However, the characters in this world are strong and have determined to survive and prosper despite their deformities. The characters in this panel reoccur from time to time and have their own stories to share. Their world is great, their bodies unique, and their souls are irreplaceable.
CHARACTERS: From left to right – ZAM, TEVA, Cosmo, Ginna, Oswald, Alex, Scrimms, Snap Dog, X01, and Rooker
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Atom and Eva – Acrylic on Canvas – 48″ h x 24″ w – 2012 – #21
Twin brother and sister Atom and Eva are responsible for taking care of mysterious creatures called Snap Dogs. Snap Dogs survive on Energy Balls and grow up to assist in defense in case of an attack. Atom, Eva, and Snap Dogs are basically good in trying to restore unity and peace in The World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: From left to right – Atom, Eva, and Baby Snap Dog
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Offering from King Chalchasto II – Acrylic on Canvas – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2012 – #22
King Chalchasto II is ruler of the kingdom of Arpi. A small battle broke out between the folks of Arpi and a tribe called Tenaba. The offering is an energy ball which is very valuable in providing energy and light throughout their world. Ambassador Pastonia is meeting with King Chalchasto II to agree on peace and to avoid any more conflicts and battles between the two tribes. Sillson is King Chalchasto’s significant other but is not yet Queen.
CHARACTERS: From left to right – Sillson, King Chalchasto II, and Ambassador Pastonia
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Zagamont’s Bar #1 – Acrylic on Canvas – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2012 – #23
Zagamon’t Bar is one of many places where people gather to celebrate and share stories with one another. Zagamont enjoys entertaining folks from all around in The World of the Unknown Z. Even a Snap Dog will occasionally sneak in to listen to music from the Zeke Brothers.
CHARACTERS: From left to right (#23) – Binton, Salecera, Austin, Mr. Zagamont, and Zeke Brother #1
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Zagamont’s Bar #2 – Acrylic on Canvas – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2012 – #24
CHARACTERS: From left to Right – Zeke Brother #2, Snap Dog, Chance, Urvil, Andomia, and Wallworth.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
A Stern Conversation – Acrylic and Silicone Caulking on Canvas – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2012 – #25
There is always trouble and danger in The World of the Unknown Z and there is always the “unexpected.” These folks are having an argument over politics and how to set new rules regarding the post war world. The economy has collapsed and politicians don’t agree on anything regarding the reconstruction of their world. Conversations can become heated and even deadly.
CHARACTERS: From left to right – Swann, Timble, Orlo, Snap Dog, and Zif
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Launching of the Flash Ghosts – Acrylic on Board – 41 1/2″ h x 58 3/4″ w – 2018 – #26
Largo is neither good or bad but is somewhat mischievous. Largo has stolen Energy Balls and has figured out a way to convert Energy Balls into Flash Ghosts. Largo likes to tease Snap Dogs and enjoys having duels with his counterpart Atom.
CHARACTERS: Largo and Flash Ghosts
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Attack of the Flash Ghosts – Acrylic on Board – 42″ h x 58 1/2″ w – 2018 – #27
Atom and his Snap Dogs are fighting the bothersome and annoying Flash Ghosts. Snap Dogs enjoy eating Flash Ghosts which gives Snap Dogs strength and power.
CHARACTERS: Atom, Snap Dogs, and Flash Ghosts
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Conversion – Acrylic on Board – 42″ h x 58 1/2″ w – 2018 – #28
A Sunset Escort – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2023 – #29
This is the ghost catcher named Dreb. Dreb is an expert in catching ghosts. This particular ghost is the ghost of Jacob. Jacob used to be a chemical engineer. Z-Stingers follow Dreb as Q-Bees drink from the Lithium pools.
CHARACTERS: Dreb, Z-Stingers and Q-Bees
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ghost in the Glass Box pt.1 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2021 – #30
This is one of many ghosts that were caught by ghost catchers. This ghost is Ramsey and was wandering around for years until it was captured and put into a glass box never to be opened again.
CHARACTERS: The Ghost of Ramsey
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ghost in the Glass Box pt.2 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2021 – #31
This is the ghost of Saul. Saul has been a lost soul for about 120 years. It was finally captured and trapped in the famous glass box.
CHARACTERS: The Ghost of Saul
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ghost in the Glass Box pt.3 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2022 – #32
This is the ghost of Zoe. Zoe used to transfer Energy Balls back and forth to the Capital Z. Zoe was caught nearly 120 years or so after the explosion and fall of the Energy Ball Kingdom.
CHARACTERS: The Ghost of Zoe
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ghost in the Glass Box pt.4 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2022 – #33
This is the ghost of Nate. Nate was captured in his sleep by the ghost catcher Zim. Nate is brothers with the ghost of Saul.
CHARACTERS: The Ghost of Nate
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ghost in the Glass Box pt.5 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2022 – #34
Let us welcome the ghost of Sal. Sal used to make glass coffins for the deceased. Ironically, Sal is sealed in his own glass box forever sealed until released.
CHARACTERS: The Ghost of Sal
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ghost in the Glass Box pt.6 – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2022 – #35
This is the ghost of Vivian. Vivian used to be a piano player in The World of the Unknown Z. Vivian was captured by a ghost catcher known as Dreb.
CHARACTERS: The Ghost of Vivian
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Three Volcanoes – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 60″ w – 2024 – #36
Star Flies circle around the three volcanoes in the world of Zebulon. Life is lingering but also fading. The end times are near in the land/World of the Unknown Z.
CHARACTERS: Star Flies
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Time Share – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 36″ w – 2024 – #37
It has been 1.3 million years since the existence of life in The World of the Unknown Z. All of the Energy Balls have evaporated into the fading atmosphere. Zebulon is quiet and the stars shower the skyline night.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Frozen Pink – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48″ w – 2024 – #38
Zebulon is a vast and cold world through an age and time. Lurking above the pink ice cliffs are two moons. The moon on the left is Yonda. The moon on the right is Chaldston. It is unclear if there is life on the two satellites.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Era of Last Light – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 48 w” – 2024 – #39
Several eras have passed through The World of the Unknown Z. An eerie and lifeless terrain barely exists. Colorful polar lights stream through the Zebulon atmosphere. New worlds await.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The End of Z – Acrylic on Board – 48″ h x 24″ w – 2024 – #40
Robert J Grachus Jr 