This meme was started by Books by Proxy, whose fabulous idea was to compare UK and US book covers and decide which is we prefer. This meme is being nurtured by Lynn’s Book Blog and this week we are featuring covers depicting TENTACLES. I’ve selected Kraken by China Miéville.
This offering was produced by Del Rey in June 2010 and is more effective than I had initially assumed. The more I see it, the more I like the simplicity and pared back effectiveness. The underwater backdrop works well and the title font, where a couple of the letters trail away to form tentacles works surprisingly well. Unexpectedly, as I’ve been writing this post, this cover has become a contender.
Published in May 2011 by Pan Books, this cover looks really cool in thumbnail, but once I enlarged it, I found I liked it less. I do have a bit of a problem with a cover where the author’s name is so MUCH larger and punchier than the book title. It’s almost as if the publishers don’t think this book is much of a read – other than it was written by someone already well known. That said, I do like the pink/rose red colour against the black, which I think works well.
This edition, published by Macmillan in 2010 is definitely a contender. In fact, this so very nearly is my favourite. I LOVE the gorgeous suckered red tentacle rippling out of the black cover – it’s so effective and eye-catching. However, my grizzle about the previous cover stands – once again, we have the author’s name emblazoned across the top, while the title is almost afterthought. And I don’t like the chatter plonked right in the middle, either, as it clutters the striking visual effect.
This edition, published in October 2010 by Subterranean Press is my favourite. I love the blue/green/yellow colour scheme and the image of those writhing tentacles in ink-patterned water is both visually beautiful and arresting. I also love the treatment of the title and the author font, as well as the fact that there isn’t any other chatter or nonsense on the cover. This is my favourite.
This German edition, published by Bastei Lübbe in 2011 is another strong design. I love that red eye glaring out at us, as well as those creepy looking tentacles. This is another one that is so very nearly my favourite – and what impressed me is the treatment of the title font, which I think is quirky and effective. This selection made it difficult to choose this week, so what about you – which one do you prefer?
Brainfluff 
A very difficult decision! I think I’m torn between the Pan Books edition and the Subterranean Press edition. They are all superb though – very dramatic!
It is a tricky one, isn’t it? I was genuinely torn this week…
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This is such a tough choice… I love all of them except the Pan edition, which makes the story seem lighter for some reason. Great choice this week!
Thank you, Tammy:)) Apparently, there is quite a lot of wordplay and punning in this hefty read…
Interesting covers, Sarah! I like the first one best, with just the hint of tentacles and the real water that appears like a photo.
Yes, they are all strong contenders – and that first one is more effective than I’d first thought. Glad there is some love for this one, Becky:)
I was torn between the Subterranean and the German covers. Going with the German one! That red eye.
Thank you Laura – yes… that eye is really creepy! Every time I scroll down this post, it snags my attention.
I really like the first cover, I find it really draws me to it but I think my favourite is the same as yours. I love the shade of green and all the details.
Yes! Those greens and yellows work really well, don’t they?
My choices are between your favorite and the Macmillan 2010, they’re both eye catching and have their own strengths!
Yes – I do think this week it does come down to personal taste, as they all visually appealing.
Oooooooo, they’re all good.
Glad you like them all, Rae – I did, too. It was difficult to choose a favourite this week…
Having read the library’s blurb (for of course I requested this) I’m wondering why that second cover’s got that building topside and tentacles below. Because of the cults, scientists, and sorcerers after this creature? Is Man the real monster? Such a weird choice.
I agree with your favorite, though! the tangling of author and title with the tentacles adds a lovely bit of murky depth to the image.
Yes… I think this book is playing with the notion of the monster horror genre – apparently. It’s not one I’ve read. I hope you enjoy it!