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Mar '21last reply
Apr '21- 21
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Oooh this is a tricky one, because it is a beautiful illo, really nicely drawn, but it doesn't really grab attention as a cover.
I think the problem here is that there isn't enough drama or emotion to this cover. The changes I'd suggest would be:
- Remove that border. It's kind of.... acting as a barrier, making it feel small and contained and stopping the reader being pulled in.
- Add some more contrast. The stark white in the panels helps the subdued colours to still pop, but for the cover, the coloured background is too close in value to the foreground, so it doesn't have a strong visual impact.
- The font is very.... tasteful and subdued. It's not bad, but it's maybe a little too restrained for its own good. Try something a bit larger and consider a brighter colour, like having it all in the light gold colour or even white or beige. Maybe try some font options and look for something that balances matching the tone with catching the eye.
If you wanted to go to the effort of redrawing things (optional, more effort):
- Consider a background with more intensity and mystery, like say a long, spooky hallway, or something that sells "come and look into this mysterious house with me", rather than just a door.
- If you really wanted to add drama and didn't mind redrawing the illo, drawing the lady from a lower or higher angle would help add a bit more drama. Also having her look at the viewer would draw them in more than having her look over our left shoulder.
For inspiration, maybe have a look at covers by Self Made Hero. They publish subdued Graphic Novels, often literary adaptations with a similar vibe to your work.
Everything @darthmongoose said + values in the bottom right corner all feel similar and too bright given where that candle is (there could be a dramatic cast shadow). Contrast will help a cover stand out and you can make the candle the star of the show given your title.
But also damn it's beautiful.
I wouldn't call it boring. The colours are great as are the shaded areas and the mood you're trying to convey. However, there are some details I could suggest that might make it stand out more as a cover. Note that these are my opinion and you don't have to agree. My problem with the cover is that it looks too much like another panel from your comic. Covers need to be eye catching and have just a hint more detail that you won't find in the pages. Think the comics and graphic novels we buy most of the time.
- Number one, the light she's holding doesn't stand out a lot. You need to make the flame more obvious that it is a flame. Yes, it should be small since it is a candle, but I cannot tell what it is now. Also, add some light to the candle.
- The dark parts should be darker to make those few things that are lit up by the candle stand out more. In other words, the shading should be a bit darker.
I like your cover, especially because it has a glowing effect, and I'm a sucker for stuff that glows! But it if you want to take it to the next level, I would work on the details. Right now it does have the feel of a mock up in draft form. If this is actually a draft, then that's my own bad, and forgive me.
Right now I look at the candle first because it's the brightest part, and I don't see her eyes until I follow the flame. Eyes are big sellers on this platform, so a little bit of glint in there, more shading in the face, especially around the eyes, can create contrast. Lots of story telling is stored in the eyes, too, but at the moment they aren't very dynamic. I'm not sure of her expression.
There are also some things I can't recognize. I don't know what the object is behind her left arm. I'm not sure if that is a curtain behind her as well? I also can't tell if that's a candle or a lighter in her hand. Since it's our cool glowy source, and currently our center of focus, I would love to see it defined a little better.
it has a nice tone
maybe it should reflect the intensity of your story
make it darker if the story is dramatic or deep
maybe put some dark shade on her for dramatic purposes
keep up the good work buddy 
I like the presentation. My only critique is I can't get much of a hint of what the story is about by looking at the cover.
Lots of folks are pointing out color advice and all of that-- which is great! And some others lightly touched on this issue, but I think that your cover isn't properly conveying what your story is about?
Like, it STARTS TO, we know as readers and watchers of media that someone holding a candle in the dark = horror, mystery, etc. But, it seems here your comic is about... a scary doctor? Mysterious illnesses? (You may want to re-write your summary too! It's good that it's short, but it doesn't have a hook. Summaries are hard!)
I think something that showcases the type of trouble or atmosphere that your characters deal with would be good. Covers with characters interacting or reacting are supposed to be especially good!
Been thinking about this a lot with my own comic, as I'm always trying to improve the cover and thumbnail. It's really tough! But, all the advice I've seen and the covers that seem to work are ones that spoil the story JUST a little bit and are a teaser in their own right.
Like, it's so close, it's almost there! It just needs a bit more! I think if even just the expression was pushed into something a bit more like "scared" or "curious" or something more clear than just "blank" would be awesome! GOOD LUCK!
I’d agree with @darthmongoose on all points except the first one... I like the frame, it does give a different touch, with an old tales charm that goes with your style... But contrast, larger title font, and better use of background definitely (without overloading though)...
I don't really have time to go into specifics right now, sorry! I literally just got slammed with a huge bill yesterday so have to cut back my time on this forum for a hot second. I suggest asking someone else for help or simply just giving your current summary a second draft. Good luck! Your new cover is looking great so far.
It is significantly better. Now, the contrasts stand out more, the eyes are more expressive and her facial expression is perfect. It's great!
This actually looks pretty good!
To improve it though, you may want to look up popular comic/graphic novel/movie/book covers to get some ideas. They often follow similar formulas. I've been collecting some ones I like and studying them so I can make a better cover for my next comic.
9 days later
