When I look at a novel’s cover, it’s really hard to not compare it to other covers that I’ve seen before. Or Argentinian Socialist imagery, for that matter.
Regardless of its familiar El Che color scheme and look, Lish McBride’s Hold Me Closer, Necromancer proves to me yet again that I’m slowly warming up to faces on covers.
After staring at Necromancer’s cover for awhile, I’m puzzled by what exactly it is about it that I love so much. Is it that weird title? How “Necromancer” is in caps? The raven? The blurb? That heavy-lidded slacker pose? (Come on, you can’t tell me his pose does not scream slacker) Perhaps its the dirty rusted edging.
It’s obvious that this novel’s protagonist, Sam, is the necromancer. The edging gives this novel’s face a portrait look – a profile of an unassuming guy who runs around raising the dead. And while I mentioned that he most likely looks like the slacker type, he also looks a bit hitman-ish. I blame the vector profile. I also think I’ve been groomed to feel like red + black + people = a tinge of badassery.
Hm. I wonder why this is.
I also got a peek at the ARC cover that circulated before its finished design. While I did dig the 1930′s Frankenstein feel, it’s just not quite as eye-grabbing as its much more contemporary cousin.
It’s covers like these that give me hope for different, slightly off-kilter paranormal YA covers. It’s a refreshing change from the extreme closeup of the sullen brunette in a dramatic, come-hither pose.
It doesn’t hurt having a quote from Sherman Alexie for your cover either. I like the stencil-style of the more recent design. In terms of the whole “face on the cover” thing, it’s nice that this one still leave a little bit to the imagination.
Agreed. And I still haven’t gotten to read Alexie’s stuff, it’s on my TBR list fa sho.
I love the look on Sam’s face. He’s daring me to read, love and laugh with him over his necromancer-ship. Can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Me too! Its interesting that you happened to comment — Edges is coming up soon. It’s on the hit list for Cover Love.
Red and black (almost) always scream style, and in my opinion a raven (like the SA quote) doesn’t hurt either. Just the word necromancer snags my attention, so if I saw this at the bookstore, I would be seriously challenged NOT to pick it up, read a few pages, and buy it. I was partial to the original cover, but the new one has grown on me. Can’t wait.
What is it about red and black, honestly? They’re loud, void, stark colors by themselves, but when you put them together — instant eye candy. I’ll definitely be picking this one up when it’s released. (Nerd alert: I’m really interested in seeing the print texture of the hardcover)
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