Cover Art Rumblings
On the cover art front, it seems that the Agony Column has similar feelings as I do. I haven’t talked about The Name of the Wind cover art, but I essentially agree with the article – though I’d like to point out that there isn’t a sword on that cover, but a lute. Over at the Science Fiction Book Club they don’t seem to agree.
It’s nice to see that I’m not alone out there in my feelings about cover art.
8 comments:
I'd have to agree with you on both of these covers. I liked the first one in the sense that it had potential, but it was just too dark. I love the autumn leaves and the colors, but there wasn't enough differentiation in the tones to make the image coherent. I had to actually look at the book in the bookstore to see it clearly. The second book cover is illogical. I would think that heterosexual males make up the bulk of the fantasy readers out there...could be wrong...and this looks like a badly drawn romance cover for women. I don't get it.
No, I think it's safe to say that you're not the only one with a low opinion of genre cover art. I've certainly posted more than my share of thoughts on the issue... especially here and here. In fact, it's quite a sore point that I'll be talking about soon.
I would think that heterosexual males make up the bulk of the fantasy readers out there...could be wrong...
Yes, I'm afraid I'd have to say you're wrong. Fantasy has been, and still is, primarily dominated by women readers.
Yes, I'm afraid I'd have to say you're wrong. Fantasy has been, and still is, primarily dominated by women readers.
Well, even if that is so, that cover won't likely appeal to women any more than men.
Are you kidding? Disheveled, muscular, rock-star-esque half-naked guy gripping his "lute"? Most romantic fantasy novel readers I know will eat that cover up!
Heh!
On another note Ken, I'm curious to hear your reaction to this post I just made.
I'm digesting it now - there is both agreement and disagreement. I'll comment shortly.
They were good thoughts, Ken.
And thanks for posting about it on WOT. Maybe some of them will be enticed to either give some feedback on my blog (as I don't have an account on WOTMania), or even to submit.
That'd be cool.
No worries Gabe.
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