While on the lookout for beautifully-packaged books, I came across Penguins’ Ink series, a tattoo-inspired line of book covers which debuted earlier this year. Out of the best tattoo artists and illustrators in the world, Penguin hired a different artist to design each cover. I personally love the idea of using untraditional methods to repackage new and old classics to attract new and different readers. They also make great collectors items – what you could call shelf candy – for fans of tattoo/graphic art. While I dig the concept, at first I wasn’t sure about how I felt about the finished product. The only book I’ve read in the series is Bridget Jones Diary, and the woman on that cover looks more like Gwyneth Paltrow’s character from The Royal Tenenbaums than Bridget.
The style is more fitting for the title and premise of Waiting for the Barbarians. I like the way the street illustrator feel and color scheme of From Russia with Love keeps the Ian Fleming cover vintage yet hip and modern. I’m seeing a part Angelina Jolie as Tomb Raider and Eva Green from Casino Royale Bondgirl.
Here’s the rest of the collection:
Maybe it’s because I studied Mayan art, but The Bone People cover has really grown on me. It’s the perfect style for the Mauri. What do you think of them all?
Hmm, I like this concept but not sure about the ones that are mostly black and white – I much prefer the ones in color. My favorite is probably the FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE one! The title in the smoke is nice.