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Wednesday, 10 February 2010
The Emperor's New Covers 3
I have already presented the new alternative mass-market covers for The Blade Itself and Before They are Hanged, to varying degrees of rabid excitement, approval, disinterest, outrage, and suicidal despair. I now present, at arm's length and with eyes slightly narrowed, like a person holding out a match to a joss-stick that might actually be made of a mixture of dynamite and poo, the third in the trilogy:
Click upon it to see it in all its awe-striking detail, if you dare. Art is once more by Chris McGrath, and design by Laura Brett. I love it, but for those of you who always imagined, for some reason, that Jezal dan Luthar should be bald, or wear black lipstick, or have antlers sprouting out of his head or some shit, you may express your outrage in the comments section. Come on! Let's see if we can break 100 this time around! I can take it!
Furthermore, and why we should be so nice to you ingrates is beyond me, I will be attempting, for the very first time, to bring some high-quality content to the readers of this blog by using it as a forum for interviewing the artist of these covers, Chris McGrath, over the next couple of weeks. So anyone who has a worthwhile question (and I don't mean, "in my dreams Jezal dan Luthar is blue like a fucking N'avi, why haven't you painted him that way?") can post that too, and I will decide, in my infinite wisdom, whether to bother him with it...
Labels: artwork
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So... we've had the dude from boyband Blue (Glokta) and now whats-his-name from Lost...
I thought Jezal was blu.. I mean, I thought he had black hair?
Mark C
I thought Jezal was blu.. I mean, I thought he had black hair?
Mark C
this comment posted by 
: 1:42 PM, February 10, 2010
: 1:42 PM, February 10, 2010
okay it's been a while since i read the books but for some reason (that were probably untarnished by actual physical descriptions of him) I thought of him having longer hair (it looks a bit more neat here than i thought it would be) - and also slightly less romance novel pretty features and something a bit more ruggedly handsome. My first thought was "didn't he have darker hair too?" but on second thought, no. just make this look less like a cover for a fabio novel and i'll be fine.
I also thought the scar was more pronounced but otherwise the image is a perfect representation of Jezal
this comment posted by : 2:02 PM, February 10, 2010
: 2:02 PM, February 10, 2010
The beard is to hide the scar. I pictured him younger, but he has a sort of entitled look about him that totally fits with what I see Jezal being. I always thought he was blonde, and let's remember, he's a pretty boy, takes his looks very seriously. He won't have bad hair.
Well apart from him looking a bit older than I pictured he gets my highly coveted STAMP OF APROVAL.
I also really like the whole cover design so high marks for this one!
I also really like the whole cover design so high marks for this one!
Looks pretty insipid and generic to me and doesn't convey at all the delicious cynicism of the book! Sorry Joe - sorry Gollancz, but this won't make it stand out from the crowd one little bit.
this comment posted by : 3:08 PM, February 10, 2010
: 3:08 PM, February 10, 2010
Collectively of the three new covers - if they were the first covers ever for the First Law Trilogy I'd "umm" and "aaa" and say that they're okay.
Since they're just additional variations, I can happily say that I actually really really like them. For what they are and for what they get across... they're nicely drawn and look fantastic.
I don't think they as accurately convey the essence of the First Law trilogy... but for me. I can easily see how they would draw an unsuspecting individual into buying your books and being hooked on the awesome.
All the thumbs up.
Since they're just additional variations, I can happily say that I actually really really like them. For what they are and for what they get across... they're nicely drawn and look fantastic.
I don't think they as accurately convey the essence of the First Law trilogy... but for me. I can easily see how they would draw an unsuspecting individual into buying your books and being hooked on the awesome.
All the thumbs up.
Like the other new covers, I like this one, too. Jezal reminds me a bit like a young Boromir in this cover.
Nice job!
Nice job!
I like the costume design.
I saw this Joe, and thought of you:http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/feb/10/worship-author-god-maitreya
It's only a matter of time.
- RP.
I saw this Joe, and thought of you:http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2010/feb/10/worship-author-god-maitreya
It's only a matter of time.
- RP.
this comment posted by : 3:46 PM, February 10, 2010
: 3:46 PM, February 10, 2010
Well he certainly looks an arrogant, spoiled little shit (I've only read Blade so far so if he mellows excuse me)so that cover sums him up quite well. Had a look back at the other's, Logen seems overdressed, or too well dressed should I say and Glokta even though I know he's only in his 30s I always picture him as looking old.
Prefer the parchment covers. Possibly a bit snobbish of me I guess.
Oh well. Least he isn't wearing a bloody hood.
Oh well. Least he isn't wearing a bloody hood.
Oh and is that the Maker's house in the background? I'd love to see a rendition of that monstrosity.
Looks like the sort of guy who used to appear on the front on my grans 'Mills and Boons' novels.
Although he used to show a little more of his chest...
Bryce
Although he used to show a little more of his chest...
Bryce
this comment posted by : 10:46 PM, February 10, 2010
: 10:46 PM, February 10, 2010
Questions for Chris McGrath
"What were the main artistic inspirations for the Covers?"
"Why the HELL did you leave out Jezal's scar?"
"What were the main artistic inspirations for the Covers?"
"Why the HELL did you leave out Jezal's scar?"
this comment posted by : 10:59 PM, February 10, 2010
: 10:59 PM, February 10, 2010
This is the best of the new covers I think. Although I don't like the other two, this is almost exacly how I pictured Jezal. Overall mood and colour scheme is cool too.
this comment posted by : 11:04 PM, February 10, 2010
: 11:04 PM, February 10, 2010
Y'know, I think I've just realized that i'm not really a fan of putting characters in the book on the cover. It should just be like a design like the old covers or something as simple as a symbol like ASOIAF.
It just kind of turns me off for some reason. Reminds me too much of a romance novel. I even had a few people mistake Gardens of the Moon for a romance novel, and this might be why.
Also, this isn't a complaint, but just an opinion.
It just kind of turns me off for some reason. Reminds me too much of a romance novel. I even had a few people mistake Gardens of the Moon for a romance novel, and this might be why.
Also, this isn't a complaint, but just an opinion.
this comment posted by : 11:18 PM, February 10, 2010
: 11:18 PM, February 10, 2010
I didn't realise he was meant to be so Scandinavian (although I suppose he wasn't, before).
No matter, he's still got the requisite wanttosmackhiminthefaceability! (Which is good, in this case...)
No matter, he's still got the requisite wanttosmackhiminthefaceability! (Which is good, in this case...)
Tis a shame when the boundary pushing hits the boundary. The First Law characters to me were always screwed up, whose outward scars were a further reflection their inner f*cked up states. This bunch of broody, scowly pretty boys couldn't be any further from the character depictions. Would have been better to steer a wide berth from depicting the players in my opinion.
this comment posted by : 12:11 AM, February 11, 2010
: 12:11 AM, February 11, 2010
I like it. F those naysayers, it's good. I also liked the Logen one, but the GLokta cover didn't really show just how ugly and crippled her was. Just looked like Jude Law with a cane.
Enough bitching from me. I have to pick these damn things up some day, might as well have the pretty covers on it.
Enough bitching from me. I have to pick these damn things up some day, might as well have the pretty covers on it.
Ultimately I am not sure who the covers are meant to appeal to. With their romance novel-esque depictions they will most likely turn off readers curious as to what this new dirty realist fantasy stuff is all about and trad fantasy readers are in for a big shock when they discover that the 'heroes' are all monsters. Check out Scott Lynch's, Lies of Locke Lamorre for covers that hit the right note.
this comment posted by : 5:00 AM, February 11, 2010
: 5:00 AM, February 11, 2010
Wow, it’s great. The expression of his face is superb. The Details of the clothes are impressive. I like the light and shadow playing with his features.
Lovely work.
Questions to the artists:
Have you painted in oil or acrylics?
Did you first develop the idea of the background and then Jezal?
Background question: Have you used some compounds (e. g. paste? or thick paint?), as it has an weathered look?
How big is the original painting?
And how do you feel when you see your great work in the bookstore?
Do you like the books of Joe Abercrombie?
And if not, are you afraid to end as floating corps at the docks?
Lovely work.
Questions to the artists:
Have you painted in oil or acrylics?
Did you first develop the idea of the background and then Jezal?
Background question: Have you used some compounds (e. g. paste? or thick paint?), as it has an weathered look?
How big is the original painting?
And how do you feel when you see your great work in the bookstore?
Do you like the books of Joe Abercrombie?
And if not, are you afraid to end as floating corps at the docks?
Okay, I've got a question for the artist....
When designing a cover, what guidance is given as to the character? Then is the artwork done on a personal interpretation, guidance from the publisher on 'what's selling at the moment', or on the author's view? Or a blend of all three, and who has the ultimate approval?
SwindonNick
When designing a cover, what guidance is given as to the character? Then is the artwork done on a personal interpretation, guidance from the publisher on 'what's selling at the moment', or on the author's view? Or a blend of all three, and who has the ultimate approval?
SwindonNick
this comment posted by : 10:33 AM, February 11, 2010
: 10:33 AM, February 11, 2010
I like the new cover, pretty good representation of Jezal, although like others I'd imagined the scar would be more visible. Probably the best of three new covers. I also liked the new BTAH, but wasn't very taken by TBI.
However, they aren't a patch on the original manuscript style covers. If TBI didn't have that original cover, it wouldn't have stood out so much in Waterstones when I was browsing for something new to read. I'm fairly sure I would have got around to reading your books anyway, but the style of the original covers definately caught my eye and intrigued me. The new covers are good, but really don't grab the attention in the same way.
However, they aren't a patch on the original manuscript style covers. If TBI didn't have that original cover, it wouldn't have stood out so much in Waterstones when I was browsing for something new to read. I'm fairly sure I would have got around to reading your books anyway, but the style of the original covers definately caught my eye and intrigued me. The new covers are good, but really don't grab the attention in the same way.
this comment posted by : 11:41 AM, February 11, 2010
: 11:41 AM, February 11, 2010
Wow, looks like Sean Bean and Orlando Bloom had a stuck-up, spoilt and prettyful lovechild. Perfect for Jezal, really. I approve.
this comment posted by : 2:16 PM, February 11, 2010
: 2:16 PM, February 11, 2010
I love it Joe! I think it's the best of the three. Awesome
The posters above me covered all the relevant arty questions, I think. But was a model used? Or some stock photograph? (if so, can we see them?)
Also, how hard is it to overrule the author at points where you, as an artist, clearly know best? (composition, technique etc)
Who's opinion is ultimately more important for you, the author's or the publisher's?
Will you do a BSC cover as well?
~Erik, NL
The posters above me covered all the relevant arty questions, I think. But was a model used? Or some stock photograph? (if so, can we see them?)
Also, how hard is it to overrule the author at points where you, as an artist, clearly know best? (composition, technique etc)
Who's opinion is ultimately more important for you, the author's or the publisher's?
Will you do a BSC cover as well?
~Erik, NL
this comment posted by : 3:53 PM, February 11, 2010
: 3:53 PM, February 11, 2010
Now thats better! This one I could actually buy. The other two, like I said before, just bad. This one doesnt look like a b-movie cover. Thumbs up for the third cover!
this comment posted by : 4:39 PM, February 11, 2010
: 4:39 PM, February 11, 2010
Brilliant! I think it is an accurate representation and it nourishes my dream of Sean Bean (a.k.a. Boromir and Edard Stark) playing this role in the inevitable movie adaptation.
this comment posted by : 9:36 PM, February 11, 2010
: 9:36 PM, February 11, 2010
my favorite of the three for sure. I'd buy it.
One issue though, Is that meant to be a crown in his left hand?
talk about your plot spoiler.
One issue though, Is that meant to be a crown in his left hand?
talk about your plot spoiler.
Yeah, yeah, not quite what I imagined but that's still a very nice cover and the best of the lot. Good stuff.
Joe-
I will pick all three up, because I really enjoy 'variants' and well, I have to replace the well worn original copies.
Something that I have noticed over time with other 'plain' covers that lack any direct connection to fantasy (swords,wizards,lizards) people at my parties are far more likely to look at these on my bookshelf and ask about them, but 'variants' like these new ones here(with direct connection to fantasy, swords, wizards, lizards, large breasted women makin the 'o' face while others look grim) people often shy away from taking interest in them or down right sneer at them. (unless of course they enjoy the genre)
Has anyone else had this happen to them?
P.S. the re-read of 'BSC' was well worth it. Thanks!
I will pick all three up, because I really enjoy 'variants' and well, I have to replace the well worn original copies.
Something that I have noticed over time with other 'plain' covers that lack any direct connection to fantasy (swords,wizards,lizards) people at my parties are far more likely to look at these on my bookshelf and ask about them, but 'variants' like these new ones here(with direct connection to fantasy, swords, wizards, lizards, large breasted women makin the 'o' face while others look grim) people often shy away from taking interest in them or down right sneer at them. (unless of course they enjoy the genre)
Has anyone else had this happen to them?
P.S. the re-read of 'BSC' was well worth it. Thanks!
I love the art!
It's a perfect representation of Jezal just as i think Glotka in the previous post and Logen from TBI cover are spot on.
My only gripe is that i've only got TBI with this cover, the others are the burnt pages ones (I'd much prefer the pretty pictures) and it bugs my completionist attitude to not have a whole set.
It's a perfect representation of Jezal just as i think Glotka in the previous post and Logen from TBI cover are spot on.
My only gripe is that i've only got TBI with this cover, the others are the burnt pages ones (I'd much prefer the pretty pictures) and it bugs my completionist attitude to not have a whole set.
this comment posted by : 10:36 PM, February 12, 2010
: 10:36 PM, February 12, 2010
That's pretty much how I had Jezal in my head. A huge improvement on the Glokta and Logen pictures. That was never going to be hard though, was it?
Not-Yup, thats an all too common occurence. I remember my english lit lecturer making a contemptous snort upon seeing the cover for DragonFlight by Anne Mcaffrey. I asked her 'Oh have you read it then?' I may as well asked her if she was a fully paid up member of the KKK judging by the look she gave me. It was as if I'd mortally offended her.
Rightly or wrongly many covers on fantasy books put people off. Even if they're interested they're too embarrased to be seen with them in public.
Rightly or wrongly many covers on fantasy books put people off. Even if they're interested they're too embarrased to be seen with them in public.
Chris-
That comment about being 'paid up' made me spit my drink out I was laughin so hard. But its true, and im not sure if i WANT fantasy to go mainstream......
That comment about being 'paid up' made me spit my drink out I was laughin so hard. But its true, and im not sure if i WANT fantasy to go mainstream......
How about,"Did you ever draw for Mills and Boons?"
Bryce
Bryce
this comment posted by : 9:23 AM, February 15, 2010
: 9:23 AM, February 15, 2010
Terrific, all three of them.
I like Jezal's mix of punctured arrogance, vulnerability . . . with the slightest hint at the latent sneer of cold-command.
I like Jezal's mix of punctured arrogance, vulnerability . . . with the slightest hint at the latent sneer of cold-command.
I have no issue with the painting whatsoever. I think it is actually spot on and the detailing is nicely considered.
My gripe is with the typography. I'm not one for comment-rantings but that isn't helping one bit; a real shame to have such a strong cover so detracted from by bright orange ham-lumps of letters WITH GRADIENTS. Gradients, please. Mea-ow.
My gripe is with the typography. I'm not one for comment-rantings but that isn't helping one bit; a real shame to have such a strong cover so detracted from by bright orange ham-lumps of letters WITH GRADIENTS. Gradients, please. Mea-ow.
WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG! JUST TO SHOW THE SHEER MADNESS OF IT ALL, I SAY WRONG! I HAVEN'T EVEN READ THE BOOK YET AND I KNOW IT'S WRONG!
(But in all seriousness, I think it looks excellent. Definitely looking forward to reading this.)
(But in all seriousness, I think it looks excellent. Definitely looking forward to reading this.)
Not how I imagined, but I don't care either. It's an awesome piece of artwork and certainly I don't think there is anything that contradicts anything mentioned in the book.
I'm actually considering buying the newer covers as well as the older ones, maybe because I love the books a whole lot, maybe because I'm a nutter, or maybe because I really do like both sets of covers THAT much. Maybe all three.
I'm actually considering buying the newer covers as well as the older ones, maybe because I love the books a whole lot, maybe because I'm a nutter, or maybe because I really do like both sets of covers THAT much. Maybe all three.
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: 7:05 PM, February 26, 2010
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this comment posted by : 6:23 AM, March 06, 2010
: 6:23 AM, March 06, 2010
ok so, as a painting/picture its great, and the Jezal is actually almost exactly as i pictured him. Gotta say though the others are far removed from my ideas (but hey thats a suprise?) I understand everyones got a different image of their heros. I love the original covers and i think these ones (as covers) are just so cringy-trashy-paperback style of all fantasies everywhere they say nothing of the genius of the author. I've seriously been looking for this type of book for ever, sometimes liking an author but finding theres just something missing, Joe's got it bang on, and it was the original covers that did it for me.
Question to the artist though:
Do you ever find that because (as you mentioned) everyone has a different mental image of characters, it could be an idea to, while still showing the body/physique of teh person, maybe hiding/obscuring their main contention-ed features? I know the face is your special bit, but jsut curious.
Thanks
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Question to the artist though:
Do you ever find that because (as you mentioned) everyone has a different mental image of characters, it could be an idea to, while still showing the body/physique of teh person, maybe hiding/obscuring their main contention-ed features? I know the face is your special bit, but jsut curious.
Thanks
this comment posted by : 12:21 AM, March 13, 2010
: 12:21 AM, March 13, 2010 << Home