This isn't the final artwork, but I see that Simon and Schuster now has it posted on their website, so I don't see any reason to keep it under wraps any longer. The new cover features Burke the Machinist reflected in the eye of a black-hided sun-dragon. Hmmm... who could it be? And, yeah, that's a blunderbuss style shotgun he's get resting on his shoulder. The balance of power is about to shift in the human/dragon war... unless the dragons somehow manage to kill the first human to point a gun at them, steal the weapon, and have a clever biologian reverse engineer the technology. But what are the odds of THAT happening?
I'm a little surprised that Burke is looking up at the sky instead of at the dragon standing right in front of him. Then again, I do describe him as being nearsighted and needing glasses, and he's not wearing his glasses in this picture. Perhaps his eyes are even worse than I had imagined. (Just to be clear, I'm not griping about the missing glasses or the skyward peering pose. I think Burke looks terrific in this shot. Artist Michael Komarck has really captured the essense of Burke, who I regard as the true hope of mankind in the Dragon Age.)
Tomorrow: Galleys!
3 comments:
I think what I like most about the covers, besides their glossy eye-catching quality, is that you never do really get a good, crystal clear look at the beasties inhabiting this paticular realm. While they are described well enough in text, it leaves just enough to the imagination to make it enticing. This same device can be used in different ways (It's what made the Aliens so scary after all) but here I think it really does spur curiosity.
While the first book could have had a dueling Sun Dragon and Bitterwood in full view, I think it would be less enticing.
I also find the relection in the eye gives the Dragons a bit of an introspective quality right off the bat, setting up expectations right away.
I've been really lucky with the cover designs. I agree that it's better that my dragons remain a little mysterious on the covers. Since my dragons are a little different from traditional fantasy dragons, it's nice not to have my covers contradicting my descriptions of the various dragon races. Sometimes less is more.
Sorry this is late. I haven't checked in for awhile. I'm sooo pumped to see this cover and hear that very soon the book will hopefully drop. I've been waiting very impatiently!
Just an opinion of the reflection of Burke in the eye. It would almost be as if he is standing OVER the dragon. At least that's the angle that it looks like to me. And with gun in hand, it could also be assumed that he has just killed said dragon and now is looking around towards the sky to see if any other dangers are in site.
Now, if that goes along with the book, well I suppose, we will all find out soon enough!
Either way, great looking cover, even if it's not the final. I wish I had such wondeful talent.
Later!
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