General Cue Description-
“Dem Bones” is a theme cue modeled after a church outside of Prague. The church was built with the bones of thousands of people who died in the 14th century when the Black Death (bubonic plague) spread the across Europe. A search on Google for Kutna Hora will bring up many sites, here’s one with a cool video, it’s easy to see where Thomas Wayne got his inspiration.
The cue won best in show at the Gallery of American Cue Art in NYC, beating out cues from some of the world’s top makers. The cue has well over 100 skulls and in the butt section most are different, each also has separate inlays for eyes and nose. Ebony and Ivory make up this cue with inlays over inlays and the unique design of this cue make it a true work of art.
Here’s what the experts think-
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Dick AbbottThis cue is a monster because: The theme is absolutely unique and intriguing, as is the cuemaker and the cue’s owner. The amount of inlays in this cue number close to one thousand and the execution is exquisite. Love it or hate it, the cue is monster. |
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Fred AgnirThis cue is not only a MONSTER, it’s a masterpiece. The word “balance” takes on whole new meanings. Drawing inspiration from the Bone Church and executing the design to perfection is ingenious and ground-breaking. This piece pushes the technological envelop for the art of cuemaking. Visually, this cue is stunning at arms length as well as through a loop. Bravo, Mr. Wayne. |
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Deno Andrews“Dem Bones” in my opinion forever placed Thomas Wayne in the “legendary” category of cue makers. The skull towers on the butt sleeve perfectly pay homage to the skull stacks at the church. Wayne’s use of linear perspective and diminishing detail on the forearm amazingly create a depth-of-field rarely exhibited on a cue stick. He illustrates the diversity of bones at the church by inlaying different long bones to create the cue’s “points.” Add in hundreds of perfectly executed inlays and you have a MONSTER. |
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JimBoThis cue IS a Monster because it’s a great design that flows and an early example of a theme cue that nailed it’s subject to a T. A quick search of Kutna Hora will show how close this cue comes to the church. Also it has an award that proves it was the top cue at a prestigious show. It’s also a great example of multiple layered inlays, with perfect execution. I love the theme, but I may be biased I’m voting MONSTER!!! |
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Jim StadumIs this cue a monster? Of course it is. The concept is brilliant and I do not think any of the skulls are exactly alike so the designing and programming were immense. This cue proves that the only limitation to designing a pool cue is ones imagination and it is hard to beat Thomas Wayne’s creative and sometimes twisted imagination. Also, it is fitting that Jimbo is the owner of this cue as it is also a perfect match with his personality. |
CueZilla says-
CueZilla says congratulations to Thomas Wayne for the first unanimous Monster Cue!
This is a VERY tough one for me. For the last cue, I commented that in order for a cue to be a monster for me, I must like the design first and foremost. I’m not sure I like this cue as skulls and crossbones is not a design element I associate with cues unless it is in regard to one person. On the other hand, I love Ebony, and this cue has plenty of it. I can also appreciate all the work and thought that went into building this cue. I will say “Monster” on this cue given the design inspiration, execution of the design idea, and history of this cue.
a monster in, well executed, design originality, for sure!
can also see the inspiration of the very unique church.
I’ve been an admirer of cues for a very long time. I’ve never seemed to appreciate cues for the same reasons the ‘cue experts’ have. I know very well there is an artist aspect to all cue makers and appreciate the workmanship and creativity involved with the creation of such beautiful work.
I am always amazed at the skill and creative workmanship these cue makers deliver. To me this falls into the MONSTER category. Unfortunately, the SKULLS through me into thought of Jimbo and ruined the experience. Otherwise I would have rated it much higher.
Like others, the theme is not my style. But the inspiration and execution make it a MONSTER for me.
Its funny. Because when you take a first look at this, it could easily be confused for some cheap import that you get with 10,000 Marlboro miles or picked up for $29.95 at a Wal-Mart. But when you take a closer look and you realize that all of that white is ivory and all of those are actual inlay works and not some graphic design wrapped around a piece of fiberglass… regardless of your opinion of the theme, the design was executed near-perfectly!!! I mean, only Thomas Wayne could take a skull theme and create poitnwork out of it. And the inlay pattern of the skulls at the BASE of each point creates the illusion of depth. The whole cue is just an amazing display of craftsmanship and design. Definitely a MONSTER.
Again, where are the shafts for this monster cue? I’ve heard from many cue builders that the quality of their shafts is the life blood of their cues yet when a monster cue are evaluated we only see the design of the butt. If the words “monster cue” is only used to references the design and aesthetic of the cue then sure this cue by Thomas Wayne is a definite monster but really how does it play? If you have the greatest designed with diamond,gold and silver intricately inlays does it make the cue a monster? Sure but if the cue doesn’t performance well due the inlays and poor balance because of the inlays…is it still a “Monster Cue”?
I’ve seen some very artistic designed cues that are made in Asia that would rival some designs by today top builders but when I tried the cue…it definitely wouldn’t be a cue that I would used if my life was depended on it. Heck, I’ll be using my old faithful cue that made by Joel Weinstock in Tulsa, OK.
Regards,
Duc.
whata fantastic cue, like Deno said-in much nicer terms, the 3D effect is great. the balance of balck/white is nice too. Its a easy cue to look at, yet very complex when you really look at it closely(and thats hjust from a monitor) I imagine this is one of those cues that looks much better in real life, more-so-than most…..
What year what this cue made?
It is a monster for sure, for several reasons. the number of inlays, the time it took to build, the creativity, I like that each skull is a bit different than the next(i dont know if they are all unique). The femur bones as points are very cool. its over the top, but not over-done. I really cant find anything about this cue I dont like.
To me the cue is a Monster simply because Thomas Wayne does in inlay what others can’t do with decals.
Thomas always brings a twisted creativity to the table. If I had to pick on anything on this cue that seems out of place to me then it’s the rings. I would have liked to see the rings match creativity shown in the rest of the cue.
7 out of 10. Wicked cue, but the skulls need more. Not sure what, just needs more.
And the bones need to be random. Organic if you will. Them be BONES!!!! 
This cue must be classified as a “monster”.