Welcome to the March 2014 Edition of Cover Story, the monthly feature showcasing genre cover art for works scheduled for publication within said month. I do judge books (and magazines, and comics, and…) by their covers, at least on the first pass. It was the art on science fiction book covers that drew me in as a young reader, and I believe it is important to promote the artists and designers, and the book companies that employ them, for the efforts made to keep alive the grand tradition of eye-catching genre cover art.

(Monthly Disclaimer: I am not an art critic and have no formal artistic training. “Eye-catching” means exactly what it says, these images caught my eye and drew my attention to the works they grace, compelling me to search out more information about the book. Opinions contrary to mine, and suggestions for works that I missed that caught your eye, are always welcome.)

This month’s featured image is by artist Matt Dixon. To see what publication sports this great image, come along with me.

Continue reading Cover Story, March 2014 →

Welcome to the February 2014 Edition of Cover Story, the new monthly feature showcasing genre cover art for works scheduled for publication within said month. I do judge books by their covers, at least on the first pass. It was the art on science fiction book covers that drew me in as a young reader, and I believe it is important to promote the artists and designers, and the book companies that employ them, for the efforts made to keep alive the grand tradition of eye-catching genre cover art.

(Monthly Disclaimer: I am not an art critic and have no formal artistic training. “Eye-catching” means exactly what it says, these images caught my eye and drew my attention to the works they grace, compelling me to search out more information about the book. Opinions contrary to mine, and suggestions for works that I missed that caught your eye, are always welcome.)

With those formalities out of the way, let’s get to the cover art, shall we?

Continue reading Cover Story, February 2014 →

(Image Credit)

I like science fiction and fantasy art, particularly as pertains to the art that graces the covers of books. Fantastic art is my window to the universe, both the real and the imagined. My house is full of books purchased because I wanted that art in my home. A journey down the paths of my memory would yield image after fantastical image of book covers by artists whose work sparked my imagination, generating a lasting emotional bond to those works.

One of the things I enjoy doing every year is to look back on those cover illustrations that grabbed my attention. I want to clearly point out that these are my favorites of the year, not necessary the best. I do not have a degree in art nor any formal training, I am simply a fan. Who am I to say what is best? The beauty of coming from the position of fan rather than expert is that I can share with you what I like, why it works for me, and what influences I see. The beauty of art in all its forms is the engagement that we can have with it on a personal level.

The choice of red for the main cover color is eye-catching. I’m a fan of the look of beauty and fashion of the 20’s and early 30’s and La Boca captures this nicely. I like the way the girl’s slightly upturned head, closed eyes and puckering lips hint of romance.

I’ve picked up this book in the store and it is surprising how the illusion of the layered image makes you think you are going to feel those layers on the cover. It is a fun effect.

These are the images that caught my eye, online or in the bookstore, and made me want to learn more about both the artist and the book. Several of these images caused that interesting phenomenon whereby money leaped out of my wallet, or bank account, into the hands of a bookseller.

Continue reading Favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Covers of 2013 →