The Graphic Novel
ENGL 375TT [@UMW]
Cover
The late, great X-Factor
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Well, here I am analyzing covers again for my favorite comics, but apparently this is what happens when I get bored. X-Factor is quite possibly one of the best books out right now and has gotten there under the careful guidance of Peter David as it's writer. Now, though, I'm not talking about writers, I'm talking lay-out. The first thing of importance that I notice here is the balancing of the M's on both Jamie Madrox and Layla Miller's cheek. These M's come from a future trip during the Messiah Complex and where give to the characters in basically mutant consentration camps. The parallel set up of these M's then are designed to hint at the most pivotal part of the inherent treachery. Here we have Layla with her hand on Doom's shoulder showing an inherent familiarity with him and Madrox, her one time, possible lover is on the ground with the rest of the team at least unconscious. Also, Layla's chewing of the bubblegum serves as both to show the reader that this is most likely Layla Miller as this level of ease has been a defining part of her character, and two to show her specifically at ease and in control of the situation around Doom.
What is with the Cover of Asterios Polyp?
What is with the cover of Asterios Polyp? I know we finished this book in class a while ago but the cover flap, or dust jacket, or whatever it is called, remains a constant annoyance in my life. I much prefer the book with the dust jacket removed so you can see the dual “before and after” Asterios engraved on the back and front covers. Without the dust jacket you can also see the line of symmetry dividing the book into its purple side and cardboard side further reflecting the theme of duality it the novel.
Cut uneven and about a half inch too short on the top and bottom, the dust jacket is just annoying and impractical. It constantly bugs me, it gave me a paper cut once, and frankly it’s called a dust jacket and it really doesn’t protect the book from dust because it is too short. So why did they make it that way?
