The funny thing is I find issue one’s cover to be more impactful, because it was the first look I had at that cover design. I’m buying it because it’s so striking and the image leans into the mystery of it. I actually think polar bear backpack works well because it IS #2. It would be a super weird #1 cover to me, even though it is fun.
I'm very glad the first cover works for you! I remember seeing it originally, and being impressed with the design - and competent design can go a long way to sell a book too.
That said, outside of design aspect, it really just felt like "a comic" instead of "THE comic" to me. It was "a comic" that has the elements on the cover and the solicit, whereas I feel the polar bear is THE comic that has that element. "A comic" can still strike you, but THE comic is where I can get a handhold and really sell a book. If that makes sense.
Oh sure, I get what you’re saying. I was just saying as a reader (not as someone who analyzes this stuff), I wouldn’t buy the comic if issue #2 was the cover for #1, but I pre-ordered #1 because that was its cover. The polar bear thing is fun but it seems too random for a first issue to me as a reader.
That makes a lot of sense. And truly a lot of this comes down to different engagement styles. My customer base is having the opposite reaction, but that makes sense as I would have even subconsciously developed that type of audience based off of how I engage with these types of images too.
I think the good news here is, both covers seem to be selling the book!
I’m trying to keep a closer eye on books that are hitting FOC but could use a bit of a better spotlight. Hopefully it helps readers, retailers and creators.
The funny thing is I find issue one’s cover to be more impactful, because it was the first look I had at that cover design. I’m buying it because it’s so striking and the image leans into the mystery of it. I actually think polar bear backpack works well because it IS #2. It would be a super weird #1 cover to me, even though it is fun.
I'm very glad the first cover works for you! I remember seeing it originally, and being impressed with the design - and competent design can go a long way to sell a book too.
That said, outside of design aspect, it really just felt like "a comic" instead of "THE comic" to me. It was "a comic" that has the elements on the cover and the solicit, whereas I feel the polar bear is THE comic that has that element. "A comic" can still strike you, but THE comic is where I can get a handhold and really sell a book. If that makes sense.
Oh sure, I get what you’re saying. I was just saying as a reader (not as someone who analyzes this stuff), I wouldn’t buy the comic if issue #2 was the cover for #1, but I pre-ordered #1 because that was its cover. The polar bear thing is fun but it seems too random for a first issue to me as a reader.
That makes a lot of sense. And truly a lot of this comes down to different engagement styles. My customer base is having the opposite reaction, but that makes sense as I would have even subconsciously developed that type of audience based off of how I engage with these types of images too.
I think the good news here is, both covers seem to be selling the book!
So glad you posted before issue 1 FOC. Gave me time to add it to my pull list!
I’m trying to keep a closer eye on books that are hitting FOC but could use a bit of a better spotlight. Hopefully it helps readers, retailers and creators.