Okay, I can see the horrendous choice in fonts and the color used for them, but I fail to see the aspect ratio problem with the image. The images in all of the books of the series work well. I am far from a trained eye in graphics, but sometimes slightly distorted aspect ratios on images can make them creepier (good for horror, bad for children’s books).
I agree with the fonts though, the author needs to stick will a readable font and tone down the font garishness.
Gut? Guy? (Somebody needs to implement a commenting system that allows edit after posting, hint.)
The cover jpeg is 500×800; skew it in a paint program to 800×800 and lo! the hands and arms are normal proportions. When doing art for a book cover (commonly in 5×8 or 6×9 sizes), why is it too much to ask that it be in proper aspect, rather than done on a square canvas and squished? Why? FCOL, why? [sob]
Bruce
9 years ago
This could’ve been a decent cover if the same font (and maybe color) which was used for byline was applied to the rest of the cover.
Waffles
9 years ago
Helpful Tip: Don’t steal the name of one of the biggest cult zombie franchises and put it on your cover. It is a bad idea.
Could get scary. Titles can’t be copyrighted but they can be trademarked (seen any unauthorized “Star Trek” or “Star Wars” lately?) Award Pictures was enjoined from using “Evil Dead” in any “motion picture, television program, video game, play, book or any other form of entertainment … through any media” so Campbell, Raimi and Tapert do protect their creation.
The image is creepy and nicely done from the colors to the scarecrow’s face. The fonts and over-bright colors sink it. Some people just don’t get that subtle is perfectly fine.
Kris
9 years ago
Shouldn’t it be “A collection of short horror stories”?
Horror story is a genre; short story is a literary form.
“short horror stories” v “horror short stories”?
The phrase “horror short stories” is technically correct, but I agree: “short horror stories” flows easier. This cover just so close. Please, folks, ask second and third opinions before going public. Don’t wait to appear on LBC.
![cover[1]](https://lousybookcovers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cover170-500x800.jpg)
Okay, I can see the horrendous choice in fonts and the color used for them, but I fail to see the aspect ratio problem with the image. The images in all of the books of the series work well. I am far from a trained eye in graphics, but sometimes slightly distorted aspect ratios on images can make them creepier (good for horror, bad for children’s books).
I agree with the fonts though, the author needs to stick will a readable font and tone down the font garishness.
The scarecrow gut looks like he has very stubby arms and hands. Thus…
Gut? Guy? (Somebody needs to implement a commenting system that allows edit after posting, hint.)
The cover jpeg is 500×800; skew it in a paint program to 800×800 and lo! the hands and arms are normal proportions. When doing art for a book cover (commonly in 5×8 or 6×9 sizes), why is it too much to ask that it be in proper aspect, rather than done on a square canvas and squished? Why? FCOL, why? [sob]
This could’ve been a decent cover if the same font (and maybe color) which was used for byline was applied to the rest of the cover.
Helpful Tip: Don’t steal the name of one of the biggest cult zombie franchises and put it on your cover. It is a bad idea.
Bruce Campbell has been notified.
But has Bruce Campbell’s chin been notified?
His Chin doesn’t have Twitter yet unfortunately. 🙁
Could get scary. Titles can’t be copyrighted but they can be trademarked (seen any unauthorized “Star Trek” or “Star Wars” lately?) Award Pictures was enjoined from using “Evil Dead” in any “motion picture, television program, video game, play, book or any other form of entertainment … through any media” so Campbell, Raimi and Tapert do protect their creation.
The image is creepy and nicely done from the colors to the scarecrow’s face. The fonts and over-bright colors sink it. Some people just don’t get that subtle is perfectly fine.
Shouldn’t it be “A collection of short horror stories”?
Horror story is a genre; short story is a literary form.
“short horror stories” v “horror short stories”?
The phrase “horror short stories” is technically correct, but I agree: “short horror stories” flows easier. This cover just so close. Please, folks, ask second and third opinions before going public. Don’t wait to appear on LBC.
I like the art, and I could even have lived with the font used for the Author’s name. This cover coulda been awesome, really. What a damn shame!
Agreed.
I liked this till I got to the font and colors, so dam close!
the sad thing is the main image is not that bad. I have seen a lot worse than this.