Michael Chabon’s upcoming collection of nonfiction essays, many focused on his work in “genre fiction” (the academic label for scifi/fantasy/mystery etc.), and the difficulty inherit in being a genre writer and getting taken seriously.
Saw this in person yesterday and, holding it in hand, my first impression was that it seemed kinda…. cheap? (Which is ironic, since it must cost a small fortune to produce.) Or maybe I was just having a curmudgeon-y day….
(I’m lovin’ the last 2 posts, by the way—the Corral and the Kidd. Both very refreshing.)
I must confess I’m not familiar with “belly bands” per se, but it seems an interesting concept. Taken as a flat cover, as pictured on this page, I have to say I really don’t dig the fonts, color, or illustration. But those pics on the other site modify my opinion. The layers make it look richer, and perhaps the colors are less dated seeming in person. Having said that, isn’t the 3-part dust jacket a nightmare to handle? I picture the pieces sliding off and becoming more hassle than their worth… but I’d have to see it in person to qualify that thought.
At first glance I wasn’t WAY impressed but the more I read and looked into it the more I fell in love. I printed the images out and they are inspiration on my wall.
Maps and Legends
Michael Chabon’s upcoming collection of nonfiction essays, many focused on his work in “genre fiction” (the academic label for scifi/fantasy/mystery etc.), and the difficulty inherit in being a genre writer and getting taken seriously.
The cover is actually three “belly bands,” with the central crest cut out. Sort of a “Puff the Magic Dragon” vibe. McSweeney’s, of course.
— , 2008-04-11 04:20:00 -0400
Diggin’ the color and those illustrations!
— Jason Gabbert , 2008-04-11 06:06:00 -0400
I love it. Wish the moon was smaller though. Or maybe bigger.
— wolfnotes , 2008-04-11 06:30:00 -0400
Saw this in person yesterday and, holding it in hand, my first impression was that it seemed kinda…. cheap? (Which is ironic, since it must cost a small fortune to produce.) Or maybe I was just having a curmudgeon-y day….
(I’m lovin’ the last 2 posts, by the way—the Corral and the Kidd. Both very refreshing.)
— , 2008-04-11 06:51:00 -0400
Boing Boing has a write up on this cover with some more detailed photos of the belly bands.
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/04/12/jordan-cranes-amazin.html
— , 2008-04-12 05:24:00 -0400
Actually, Boing Boing just reblogged it from here (the source link from Eric, fwis):
http://www.designrelated.com/inspiration/view/Karen/entry/2047
— , 2008-04-12 07:03:00 -0400
wow. completely awesome. love it.
— zach , 2008-04-12 09:20:00 -0400
Bookslut that I am, I’m absolutely buying this when I find it.
Usually I hate belly bands and dust jackets, but this is such a sweet idea.
— Mr eel , 2008-04-12 13:09:00 -0400
wonderful in it/s production/manufacturing.Proof that there is more to design than good 4 color reproduction….
— ian shimkoviak , 2008-04-14 03:20:00 -0400
Has that feeling and attention to detail of “Crack at the Edge of the World” designed by Roberto de Vicq .
— ian shimkoviak , 2008-04-14 03:27:00 -0400
I must confess I’m not familiar with “belly bands” per se, but it seems an interesting concept. Taken as a flat cover, as pictured on this page, I have to say I really don’t dig the fonts, color, or illustration. But those pics on the other site modify my opinion. The layers make it look richer, and perhaps the colors are less dated seeming in person. Having said that, isn’t the 3-part dust jacket a nightmare to handle? I picture the pieces sliding off and becoming more hassle than their worth… but I’d have to see it in person to qualify that thought.
— C-Dog , 2008-04-14 09:22:00 -0400
*they’re
— C-Dog , 2008-04-14 09:37:00 -0400
At first glance I wasn’t WAY impressed but the more I read and looked into it the more I fell in love. I printed the images out and they are inspiration on my wall.
Belly Bands are awesome (in this case)!!!
— Arthur , 2008-04-25 01:22:00 -0400
I like it…reminds me of the artworks on the cd covers of some postrock indie and heawy rock bands…pretty nice illustration…
— , 2008-07-09 08:37:00 -0400