Agent Red - Cover Contest

[Evil Avatar]

The last time I posted some fake covers that I made for my own stories a reader suggested that I should open it up as a contest.

Here is the official contest for the "Agent Red" cover. As part of Amazon.com's $25,000.00 writing contest (http://www.amazon.com/b?node=332264011), novelists are allowed to upload a cover image.

Here is the specifications:

Cover image (if available), which must be in .jpg format (at least 72 dpi and 500x468 pixels)

Agent Red is the name of the novel. Philip Hansen is the name of the author.

The story is a military themed zombie novel.

The winning entry (to be judged by an expert panel of EvAv.com staff members) will win a free video game of their choice. (Up to $130.00 value.)

International entries are allowed. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. <Insert other legal mumbo-jumbo.>

As a tip, my last two cover images came from a stock photo website called, www.istockphoto.com (http://www.istockphoto.com) They cost me about $1.00 each.

The image you use for the cover art must be 100% public domain (like from istockphoto.com if you purchase it) or your own artwork. No copyrighted images, please.

Please post your cover here in this thread. Other prizes may be awarded to the 2nd and 3rd place winners if I can come up with some really neat zombie-themed goodies.

Thanks!

-Evil

[H1PO]

Is Agent Red gonna be your own book? as in the whole thing by you?

[Gilius Thunderhead]

You caught me bored, so I threw a few hours into this.

It ain't too good, though--more for my practice at things like this than for your contest! ;)

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6835/agentredflatfd2.th.gif (http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6835/agentredflatfd2.gif)

I think it met up to your specs....

[Evil Avatar]

Is Agent Red gonna be your own book? as in the whole thing by you?

Yes. I am in the process of expanding the short story that was published in The Undead 2: Skin & Bones into a full novel.

All by me.

Agent Red
From the Frontline of the Zombie War

By Philip Hansen

After bombing the hive in grid 9, Echo Squad returns to the wreckage of the Ronald Regan to mount a rescue mission for missing pilot Lance "Penguin" Charlier.

While dealing with the loss of Mack and El Tee, Skinny, Masterson and Navarette must deal with FNG's, Roamers and the mysterious Judas who hounds their every move.

[pseudopseudo]

Yes. I am in the process of expanding the short story that was published in The Undead 2: Skin & Bones into a full novel.

All by me.

Agent Red
From the Frontline of the Zombie War

By Philip Hansen

After bombing the hive in grid 9, Echo Squad returns to the wreckage of the Ronald Regan to mount a rescue mission for missing pilot Lance "Penguin" Charlier.

While dealing with the loss of Mack and El Tee, Skinny, Masterson and Navarette must deal with FNG's, Roamers and the mysterious Judas who hounds their every move.

What is the Ronald Regan, exactly? What kind of vessel?

[jeffool]

I'd guess from the copy a helicopter. (I guess if penguins are bad ass enough, they can fly!) Also, Reagan? (I've not read it, so I may be offbase there.)

And thirdly, I had to read that second sentence twice to discern who was lost and who was dealing with it. Maybe "Skinny, Masterson, and Navarette deal with not only the loss of Mack and El Tee, but FNG's, etc."?

Man, we're some picky bitches.

[Sandman]

Cheap cover idea (since I'm not good with photoshop and meh at ms paint I'll just describe it) : Blow up the Evil Eye for the front cover only have the yellow of the eye bloodshot with the title and author name placed above and below the eye....for the back continue the cracked red and black theme around the border of the evil eye.

[Bad_Buddha]

Cheap cover idea (since I'm not good with photoshop and meh at ms paint I'll just describe it) : Blow up the Evil Eye for the front cover only have the yellow of the eye bloodshot with the title and author name placed above and below the eye....for the back continue the cracked red and black theme around the border of the evil eye.

Cool idea! The eye is red (Agent Red), it's attention grabbing, it would be cool to see the EvAv eye out in the mainstream and only we would know its true secrets! :cool:

[Mortis]

It it supposed to be the front, spine, and back like the one posted above or just a cover?

[Serapth]

There should be a character like Michael "Serapth" Asskicker.

Really, its a badass alias. Not telling you how to write your book or anything, but the Wachowski brothers ( er, sister? ) already riped it off, so feel free to use it. I guarantee you atleast one sale if you do!

As to the contest I may give it a shot. I am more an abstract guy though, so curious to see what comes out.


Quick questions...

1- what nationality is the army
2- modern day, future, past, what?
3- quick zombies ( 28 days ) or slow zombies ( everyone else ).

[Datul]

There should be a character like Michael "Serapth" Asskicker.

Really, its a badass alias. Not telling you how to write your book or anything, but the Wachowski brothers ( er, sister? ) already riped it off, so feel free to use it. I guarantee you atleast one sale if you do!

As to the contest I may give it a shot. I am more an abstract guy though, so curious to see what comes out.


Quick questions...

1- what nationality is the army
2- modern day, future, past, what?
3- quick zombies ( 28 days ) or slow zombies ( everyone else ).

While I could let Evil answer, I read the short in Undead 2 (and recommend it!) so here goes:

1 - US Military
2 - Modern, maybe a year or two future?
3 - Slow

[Serapth]

While I could let Evil answer, I read the short in Undead 2 (and recommend it!) so here goes:

1 - US Military
2 - Modern, maybe a year or two future?
3 - Slow

Cool thanks. For some reason I thought it might be Russia ( the whole Agent Red thing... ). Would have probrably been a better story though if it was set in Canada. Most things are better in Canada. :D

[CptTripps]

I'm gonna give this a whirl and actually put time into it. Reading it first would be awesome for inspiration though.

[Evil Avatar]

What is the Ronald Regan, exactly? What kind of vessel?

It is an aircraft carrier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Ronald_Reagan_%28CVN-76%29). It is the newest one, launched in 2003. The next one is the George W. Bush. I picked it because it carries the F/A-18E Super Hornet, which is the only US aircraft currently outfitted to deploy the Iraqi AR-210 chemical disbursement system.

[Atepsflame]

It is an aircraft carrier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Ronald_Reagan_%28CVN-76%29). It is the newest one, launched in 2003. The next one is the George W. Bush. I picked it because it carries the F/A-18E Super Hornet, which is the only US aircraft currently outfitted to deploy the Iraqi AR-210 chemical disbursement system.

Of course neither are going to be as cool as floating party boat that the U.S.S. Bill Clinton is going to be.

[Evil Avatar]

I'm gonna give this a whirl and actually put time into it. Reading it first would be awesome for inspiration though.

I do still have 3 copies for sale. (Unless that was a hint that you are one of the Canadians who will get their copies next week.)

[Evil Avatar]

It it supposed to be the front, spine, and back like the one posted above or just a cover?

I'm thinking for the contest they just want the front cover.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

So, I am all hyper and what not due to some NoDoz and was messing in Microsoft paint. Here is my idea. It is only the front portion though.

Edit: Updated cover on 2nd page!

[CptTripps]

Awesome, ha ha, it's like a bigfoot zombie.

[Albinobees]

when is the last day for submissions on this?

i guess it's probably asap seeing as how the manuscript needs to be turned in by Nov 5th or something around that.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Ok. Did a little bit of tweaking. Here is the final version. I like it!

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/jpc_theoneandonly/agentred6.jpg

[CptTripps]

Awwww, I liked affro zombie :(

So... 28 days till what specifically?

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Awwww, I liked affro zombie :(

So... 28 days till what specifically?

Oh. That is my official countdown until I am headed home!

[Vyzov]

Cool thanks. For some reason I thought it might be Russia ( the whole Agent Red thing... ). Would have probrably been a better story though if it was set in Canada. Most things are better in Canada. :D

QFT!

fuck you short message.

[PermutedPress]

Yes. I am in the process of expanding the short story that was published in The Undead 2: Skin & Bones into a full novel.

All by me.

Assuming you don't with the Amazon contest you will be submitting it to Permuted, right? :)

[Atepsflame]

Oh. That is my official countdown until I am headed home!

Back home 28 Days Later? Hm... Better bring a shotgun just incase everyone has become infected.

[Evil Avatar]

Assuming you don't win the Amazon contest you will be submitting it to Permuted, right? :)

Would you consider it in Hardcover? :D

[shunoshi]

I do still have 3 copies for sale. (Unless that was a hint that you are one of the Canadians who will get their copies next week.)

How much you charging for the "for sale" copies? Just curious, I may buy one.

[CptTripps]

Here is the first thing I saw personally (rough draft'ish). Don't know if it really "fits" though as I'm not sure how horror to go. Also, that is a strange graphic size/shape for a book cover.

http://www.cpttripps.com/pics/agent_red.jpg

[CptTripps]

Oh. That is my official countdown until I am headed home!

Oh damn, gratz on that! Seeing the little lady is probably sounding pretty good I imagine :)

[CptTripps]

Hey Evil, what is the deadline on this and how many entries can we do? I had a good Idea today and need to know if I must replace the old, or just add another.

[Mortis]

I used some of my existing art to save time as I am a bit busy with work at the moment. Doesn't really fit the theme of the book but it's something. ;) It's a bit bigger than the minimum size but it's the same ratio.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc311/Taerar/bookcovertn.jpg (http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc311/Taerar/bookcover.jpg)

[PathMaster]

How much you charging for the "for sale" copies? Just curious, I may buy one.

I am also interested.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Oh damn, gratz on that! Seeing the little lady is probably sounding pretty good I imagine :)

Oh yes. More than you can imagine. :D

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Hey Evil, how long will this contest last?

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Giving this thread a bump! I am suprised no one has been replying to this. I am waiting to see some of the ideas you guys can come up with. Plus, the prize is any game of your choice at a $130 value! How can you pass that up?

[Evil Avatar]

Hey Evil, how long will this contest last?

Until I enter the contest. :p

ie, November 1st.

I'm giving away the prize even if I don't enter the contest just to make sure that anyone who puts effort into this has a chance to get rewarded.

I'm looking into getting two "The Walking Dead" zombie busts (http://wizarduniverse.stores.yahoo.net/jun079011.html) to give away as the 2nd Place & 3rd Place prizes.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Is there a limit to the number of entries that can be submitted by one person?

[Evil Avatar]

I am also interested.

I have two copies left at $20.90 including shipping (http://philiphansen.net). If you missed it, these are copies of The Undead 2: Skin & Bones zombie anthology including the short story, Agent Red, that the novel is based on.

[Murtaug]

Alright, here is a quick one I made up. Nothing fancy, pretty plain, but I like clean looking covers.

http://uploads.evilavatarcomics.com/murtaug/arcover.jpg

[Evil Avatar]

Is there a limit to the number of entries that can be submitted by one person?

No. I do reserve the right to pick just one of the entries when it is time for the final judging just to make it fair.

(It would be kind of silly to have the same person win 1st, 2nd & 3rd prize.)

[resikel]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred.jpg

[resikel]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_front.jpg

[resikel]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_back.jpg

[Evil Avatar]

Those are cool, resikel. I would love to see a stack of my books somewhere like that.

[resikel]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_v2.jpg

[resikel]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_front_v2.jpg

[resikel]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_back_v2.jpg

[pseudopseudo]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_v2.jpg

I like that A LOT, man. It makes more sense to have the silhouette of the soldier on the front - makes the title of the book make more sense, in the context of the cover.

I was going to enter until I saw this... it's basically the angle I was going to tackle it from, done better than I would've been able to do. :)

If I come up with something different, I'll probably still enter. But from one graphic designer to another - that's fuckin' solid man. Very nicely done. :)

[Evil Avatar]

I like that A LOT, man. It makes more sense to have the silhouette of the soldier on the front - makes the title of the book make more sense, in the context of the cover.

I agree, having the soldier on the cover works really well.

I hope you will still enter, pseudo!

[Evil Avatar]

Just a quick update... what do the artists who have entered want as a prize? Is a video game of your choice a good idea or should I find some good zombie themed merchandise? Or something else?

(I see a lot of effort going into these and I want the reward to be worth the effort.)

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Dammit. I'm pretty much going to have to do another one. I like my zombie cover! :p

Resikel...that is pure awesome. Blew my shit out of the water.

[Clark352]

http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_v2.jpg


Very well done my man.

[pseudopseudo]

Well, now for something completely different.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/dewcifer/AgentRed-Rough.jpg

[Evil Avatar]

Well, now for something completely different.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/dewcifer/AgentRed-Rough.jpg

Great job on the text for the back cover. Your second sentance came off much better than mine and has a spooky feeling to it that I was missing.

[pseudopseudo]

Great job on the text for the back cover. Your second sentance came off much better than mine and has a spooky feeling to it that I was missing.

Heh... glad you noticed. It was a bitch figuring out how to word that. Also, I'm glad you're cool with it. Some authors aren't all that cool with editing their stuff to fit in a design. ;)

P.S. - Resikel... how'd you do the 3-D view? Mind doing that to mine? Please? :D

[Evil Avatar]

Heh... glad you noticed. It was a bitch figuring out how to word that. Also, I'm glad you're cool with it. Some authors aren't all that cool with editing their stuff to fit in a design. ;)

I'm always cool with suggestions that make things better. I was perfect for a while, and then I turned 20. (Teens always think they are perfect.)

[resikel]

P.S. - Resikel... how'd you do the 3-D view? Mind doing that to mine? Please? :D

PM me your email. I'll send you the .psd files + final .jpg files.

It's just a simple 25 point vertical skew one way and -25 point vertical skew the other way.

[pseudopseudo]

Thanks Resikel!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/dewcifer/pp_agentred_front.jpg

[pseudopseudo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/dewcifer/pp_agentred_back.jpg

[AboveAvgCharles]

Here's my cover mock-up. If you guys like the idea, I can create a full jacket once I've got a little time on my hands. I can't wait to read this book, honestly.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/AboveAvgCharles/AgentRedCover.jpg

[Mortis]

Here's my cover mock-up. If you guys like the idea, I can create a full jacket once I've got a little time on my hands. I can't wait to read this book, honestly.



Awesome, nice work.

[Bone]

When Evil goes multinational maybe he can use the runner-ups as alternate covers :)

Also... Resikel's is my favorite, but the others are really great. AboveAvgCharles's entry is decidely above average.

[AboveAvgCharles]

AboveAvgCharles's entry is decidely above average.
I see what you did there.

Thanks for the positive feedback, guys. I do have to give credit in part to Resikel for the white/red juxtaposition on the title text. I had that idea immediately upon reading the first post, and I just don't want to seem like I'm ripping him off. I really dig your cityscape, Resikel. Did you create that in Illustrator?

Has anyone noticed yet the homage to our very own Evil Eye?

[Evil Avatar]

When Evil goes multinational maybe he can use the runner-ups as alternate covers :)

Also... Resikel's is my favorite, but the others are really great. AboveAvgCharles's entry is decidely above average.

Keep it under your hat, but if the book was to be published from Permuted Press, I was thinking we might get the publisher to include the extra covers in the book as artwork or in the back of the book.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Nobody likes my cover. :(

Just kidding. You guys rock! Love the covers.

[AboveAvgCharles]

Nobody likes my cover. :(

Just kidding. You guys rock! Love the covers.
Hey, what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for with a fearsome zombie. Mission accomplished, if you ask me.

I slapped together a full jacket.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/AboveAvgCharles/AgentRedJacket.jpg

[Evil Avatar]

Nobody likes my cover. :(

Just kidding. You guys rock! Love the covers.

Is that the one with the sasquach zombie? I thought it had some potential there, but it was a bit on the "red" side and needed something to break it up a bit.

[AboveAvgCharles]

Hmmm... sasquatch zombies... I smell a new book here, Evil. Get writing!

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Is that the one with the sasquach zombie? I thought it had some potential there, but it was a bit on the "red" side and needed something to break it up a bit.

He's not a sasquatch! He is a yeti. Yetis are the snowbound variation of the sasquatch. Much, much more cooler than your average woodland dwelling sasquatch. (no pun intended)

[resikel]

I really dig your cityscape, Resikel. Did you create that in Illustrator?

Photoshop.

[pseudopseudo]

Is that the one with the sasquach zombie? I thought it had some potential there, but it was a bit on the "red" side and needed something to break it up a bit.

Heh... so you're saying you completely dislike mine as well?

Fair enough.

[Evil Avatar]

Heh... so you're saying you completely dislike mine as well?

Fair enough.

Didn't I already compliment you on your fine use of text? You did a great job of capturing the idea behind the story, with the soldier on the front and the zombie on the back. Very similar to one of my favorite book covers of all time.

[Evil Avatar]

Hmmm... sasquatch zombies... I smell a new book here, Evil. Get writing!

There is a Sasquach in the bonus story from Lost Tales of Ursa Major, but I don't see one anywhere in Agent Red. Heh.

[pseudopseudo]

Didn't I already compliment you on your fine use of text? You did a great job of capturing the idea behind the story, with the soldier on the front and the zombie on the back. Very similar to one of my favorite book covers of all time.

*LOL* Wow, I did come off sounding like a whiny bitch in my last post. I should've put a :D in there somewhere, as it wasn't meant nearly as serious as it came out.

Although, I do have an alternate version that I think'd be really cool, but I don't know how feasible it'd be. Basically, it's black where the red is, and I'd want all the cover to be glossy, with the exception of the near-silhouettes of the soldier and the zombie.

[Evil Avatar]

Hey, what it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for with a fearsome zombie. Mission accomplished, if you ask me.

I slapped together a full jacket.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/AboveAvgCharles/AgentRedJacket.jpg

Is it just me or when you see this do you say, "I would buy this."

[AboveAvgCharles]

Is it just me or when you see this do you say, "I would buy this."
That is the ultimate compliment to an aspiring graphic designer. Thank you, I'm glad you like the design. I'm taking a little time to refine a few elements now, which will hopefully strengthen the design overall.

I just had a thought, concerning the contest prize. Is Agent Red complete, or are you still writing? Because you could always go with the idea of writing a character based on the winner into the book as a cameo, if that doesn't compromise your artistic integrity.

Hell, I don't even care about any prizes here, actually. This is just fun, and the honor of having your cover chosen is really reward enough to the winner. I just want to restate that I love this idea, and would absolutely freak the fuck out if this was a recurring feature.

[AboveAvgCharles]

Photoshop.
Very nice. I'm continually impressed by your skills (or skillz, if you prefer). Are you gainfully employed as a graphic designer? Because if not, you should be.

[bapenguin]

Is it just me or when you see this do you say, "I would buy this."

That's pretty fucking badass right there.

I think you need a quote by me on the back.

"This book is badass." - bapenguin - Editor-in-Chief of EvilAvatar.com

[jeffool]

Is it just me or when you see this do you say, "I would buy this."It indeed says "If I'm seen with this book, people will not only think that I'm smart for reading, but cool for reading a book with a cover like this."

[PermutedPress]

Is it just me or when you see this do you say, "I would buy this."

That's really nice. Just a tip: I'm fairly certain you can't do barcodes in anything other than black on white. At least that's what our printer tells us. :)

[AboveAvgCharles]

That's really nice. Just a tip: I'm fairly certain you can't do barcodes in anything other than black on white. At least that's what our printer tells us. :)
Yeah, actually, I was just thinking about that. Shame, since stylistically I like white on black better. :p

[AboveAvgCharles]

Here's my latest revision.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/AboveAvgCharles/AgentRedCoverB.jpg

Notable differences are the addition of the Blackhawk to further cement the military theme, and a distressed texture overlay to add a little more grit, since I assume this is a story with a lot of grit. I'm probably having more fun with this project than I should. A rollicking good time for the whole family.

[resikel]

Very nice. I'm continually impressed by your skills (or skillz, if you prefer). Are you gainfully employed as a graphic designer? Because if not, you should be.

Ssshhhh...don't tell anyone but, my job title is IT Assistant. If you ever watched, The IT Crowd (A UK show), that's partly what I do.

"Have you try restarting your computer?"

The second season is laugh-out-right hilarious.

Anyways, gotta go...tow hours commute to work.

[Typical_Michael]

I say Special Edition double cover release.

It will sell.

(If I had to pick, I would go with AAC though...I get a zombie WWII sort of feel out of it, and I would but it promptly if I saw it on a shelf soft cover $12-$14.)

[AboveAvgCharles]

Ssshhhh...don't tell anyone but, my job title is IT Assistant. If you ever watched, The IT Crowd (A UK show), that's partly what I do.

"Have you try restarting your computer?"

The second season is laugh-out-right hilarious.

Anyways, gotta go...tow hours commute to work.
Quite possibly one of the most painfully under-appreciated jobs there is. I can't count the number of times you guys have gotten me out of a bind when my on-board cupholder won't let me play CD's.

[PermutedPress]

AboveAvgCharles: Make sure you save your layered PSDs for that cover! ;)

[AboveAvgCharles]

AboveAvgCharles: Make sure you save your layered PSDs for that cover! ;)
Always do, and then frantically try and clean up the atrocious layer hierarchy before I have to actually show them to someone. All those "Copy of Layer 10" simply won't do.

[Suave Peanut]

[cover full of win]

Wow, nice. That deserves at least seven thumbs up.

[CptTripps]

Ok, now I know what I'm up against. Time to step it up. *gives the "I'm watching you" finger point*

But really, every single one of these are exceptional. I gotta give some props to Motis also as nobody has. I think your graphic design is fantastic, to me it does not fit the theme but... it is very nice.

Props to all others also.

Game On!

[AboveAvgCharles]

Cover image (if available), which must be in .jpg format (at least 72 dpi and 500x468 pixels)
So, something that was nagging at me... I read this guideline to mean that the image had to be at least 500x468 in size as a minimum, rather than a limit. So as long as our design is at least that large, we're good to go.

Is that correct, or does the cover have to fall within 500x468 pixels?

[Evil Avatar]

So, something that was nagging at me... I read this guideline to mean that the image had to be at least 500x468 in size as a minimum, rather than a limit. So as long as our design is at least that large, we're good to go.

Is that correct, or does the cover have to fall within 500x468 pixels?

Let me check. I'm not sure what Amazon.com will require, but for the purpose of the in-house contest, what you have provided is just fine.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Well, all I have to work with is Microsoft Paint. I still want to participate though. It's fun! Here is my next idea. It is a little better. I used a picture from over here so no copyright issues or anything like that.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/jpc_theoneandonly/agentred-2.jpg

[n3rdXcore]

Wow the covers you guys have been making are insanely awesome. Everyone gets my praise.

[Clark352]

Son of a bitch.

Now I like wayaboveaveragecharles' better.

Unreal submissions. Seriously.

[Evil Avatar]

Wow the covers you guys have been making are insanely awesome. Everyone gets my praise.

Agreed. These are all just awesome.

[AboveAvgCharles]

Well, all I have to work with is Microsoft Paint. I still want to participate though. It's fun! Here is my next idea. It is a little better. I used a picture from over here so no copyright issues or anything like that.

snip
While a step up in execution, I sadly mourn the loss of Yeti Zombie. He will always have a special place in my heart.

That said, Humvee-mounted machine guns are awesome. Well played, sir.

[AboveAvgCharles]

In an effort to comment on all of the entries in the thread, here's a comprehensive list (so far)...

Thanasimos
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6835/agentredflatfd2.th.gif (http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6835/agentredflatfd2.gif)
Not bad at all. I like the use of color blocks, and the palette complements the style. Makes me think of a Tom Clancy cover for some reason, and that's not meant negatively if you're a Clancy hater. Props on going through the trouble to draw your own typeface, too. Dedication!

jpc_theoneandonly
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/jpc_theoneandonly/agentred6.jpg (http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/jpc_theoneandonly/agentred6.jpg)
What more can be said that hasn't already been said better by someone else? The Yeti Zombie pwns. Simple as that. (I just commented on your second submission in the previous post, so I'll omit it here.)

CptTripps
http://www.cpttripps.com/pics/agent_red.jpg
I really dig the simple posterized images and minimal color palette. The white gives a nice stark contrast to the darker colors. Fonts are good, and I like the red glowing eyes. Reminds me of that awesome scene in Star Trek: First Contact where the Borgs' (Borgs's? Borgses's?) targeting lasers are all shining in the dark. Cyber-zombies FTW.

Mortis
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc311/Taerar/bookcovertn.jpg (http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc311/Taerar/bookcover.jpg)
I gotta go with CptTripps that it doesn't really scream "zombies!", but I really like this piece of art. Some badass fonts are used, and some really nice layering too. This strikes me as something that would make a really badass album cover. That's twice I've used the word "badass" to describe your design, take note.

krin
http://uploads.evilavatarcomics.com/murtaug/arcover.jpg
Very simple, very elegant. I really like the black/white/red color scheme, and the simple silhouettes. That image of the zombie getting plugged in the head is really nice. I can just hear "BOOM! Headshot!" in my mind every time I look at your design, and that can only be a good thing.

resikel
http://www.tweestudio.com/images/agentred_v2.jpg
Awesome design, as always, resikel. I really like the clean lines and warm sky tones contrasting with the cold, dark cityscape. Very sharp design on the text, as well. The silhouette of the soldier is stoic, and perfectly sets the tone of the image. Overall, just a classy, sharp, professional-looking piece of design. Two thumbs up.

pseudopseudo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/dewcifer/AgentRed-Rough.jpg
Strikingly red. Great characterizations on the soldier and the zombie. Gives everything a kind of blood-drenched feel, which is appropriate. And I really like the way the (for the lack of a better term) raised stamp font pops out. Awesome use of contrast. Reminds me of those really sharply designed pocket books you'll find on the checkout counter at Borders (totally not meant to compare your design to a picture book of silly monkeys, saying I like the simplicity of it).

I really think it's great to see so many people participating, and with such a wide variety of artistic styles. This is gobs of fun, and everyone who submits an entry in this thread is a winner. Keep up the great work guys, I can't wait to see some more.

Oh, and sorry for the gargantuan post. I just wanted to cover everybody.

[CptTripps]

(Borgs's? Borgses's?)

I'm pretty sure it's Borgses's :)

[Bone]

Oh, and sorry for the gargantuan post. I just wanted to cover everybody.
Why didn't you include yours then? Yours has actually overcome Resikel's for my favorite submission. I think the broken gas mask with zombie eye is what did it- it's very specific, military and zombie imagery, and really powerful. As others said, that cover could make a book an impulse buy without knowing anything about it.

Resikel, the only improvement I could see making is to turn off the streetlamps, and maybe add some sort of chaos over the city- smoke plumes, or the like. Otherwise, it's still a brilliant piece.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

For some reason, I can't see (way)AboveAvgCharles' cover. :( Other than that, everyone of the submissions are great. I don't think there is any real loser and any would be great choice for a cover. Well, except my yeti zombie. But he pwns ass in his own right. :p

[CptTripps]

Oh be prepared, round two is underway. I'm gonna use more than MSPaint this time ;)

[AboveAvgCharles]

Why didn't you include yours then?
I dunno, commenting on my own submission seemed almost... masturbatory. So I refrained from "stroking myself", as it were.

For some reason, I can't see (way)AboveAvgCharles' cover. :(
Yeah, that's probably my fault. Try refreshing the page, or barring that, clear your temporary internet cache.

And you guys seriously need to stop calling me wayAboveAvgCharles. I'm going to get a fat head, and that would just ruin my figure.

[AboveAvgCharles]

So taking a nod from resikel's fantastic presentation, and combined with the fact that I'm sick as a dog with nothing to do, I tried my hand at making a 3D assembled view.

Unless you guys have any suggestions or critiques about the design, I promise I'll stop posting revisions and just leave the goddamned thing alone. Swear.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/AboveAvgCharles/AgentRedBookView.jpg

[harle]

There is really no need for revisions. The cover looks fantastic AboveAvgCharles. A new thread needs to be started, with a poll, so we can vote on the final cover!

[CptTripps]

Well, this thing is going till Nov 1st as far as Evil stated so I'm guessing there will be some more entries. He also stated that him a few select members are going to do the judging.

[AboveAvgCharles]

There is really no need for revisions.
I'm one of those people, especially when it comes to design work, who just can't stop fiddling with his shit. It becomes almost impossible for me to leave it alone. I shall endeavor to persevere, and maybe just sit on my hands for awhile.

[CptTripps]

I'm one of those people, especially when it comes to design work, who just can't stop fiddling with his shit. It becomes almost impossible for me to leave it alone. I shall endeavor to persevere, and maybe just sit on my hands for awhile.

Indeed, I recently finished recording a CD for my band. While waiting to get the money together to get them pressed I probably went through 4 more versions because I can always find something that needs tweaked. When they finally said "gotta ship it off tomorrow" i was so relieved to get it out of my hands.

[Evil Avatar]

I'm one of those people, especially when it comes to design work, who just can't stop fiddling with his shit. It becomes almost impossible for me to leave it alone. I shall endeavor to persevere, and maybe just sit on my hands for awhile.

Yea, do that sitting on your hands thing. I'm busy working here.

[Suave Peanut]

Unless you guys have any suggestions or critiques about the design, I promise I'll stop posting revisions and just leave the goddamned thing alone. Swear.

More blood?

[AboveAvgCharles]

I've considered that, but I have to wonder how much violent imagery is considered "too much" when it comes to book covers. I'm trying to work the design in a way that it could actually be used as a book cover in a major retailer's store. If the thing is liberally spattered in blood, would that be a turn off to publishers/retailers? (this is all hypothetical)

[Evil Avatar]

I've considered that, but I have to wonder how much violent imagery is considered "too much" when it comes to book covers. I'm trying to work the design in a way that it could actually be used as a book cover in a major retailer's store. If the thing is liberally spattered in blood, would that be a turn off to publishers/retailers? (this is all hypothetical)

I think you are good to go. I wouldn't change a thing. Now, I just need to finish the novel.



OT: I still have two copies of The Undead 2: Skin & Bones available (http://philiphansen.net) if anyone would like one. The are $20.90 including shipping.

[Wraith]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/wraithakamrak/agent_red03.jpg

A bit too much noise in the red there...

And here's a handless, all blue version, which probably doesn't fit with the title as well, but I just liked the look of it: Link (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/wraithakamrak/agent_red03b.jpg)

[AboveAvgCharles]

I like the overall design a lot, Wraith. Very creepy haunting nightscape. Nice simple text, doesn't distract you. I do agree with you on the red hand, it is quite a bit noisy. You could try doing something like a silhouette in the fog. Definitely keep the competing red/blue color scheme for several reasons; it has red, like Agent Red, it creates a nice dichotomy between upper and lower halves, and it's fucking menacing looking.

Good work, I like it. :)

EDIT: Something else I wanted to mention, but forgot to include the first time around, is that making stuff look like it's coming right at your face (the viewer) is difficult to do, and oftentimes comes off distracting and hard to interpret. I've tried and failed to achieve the effect many times. Lemme know if you find any tricks.

[Evil Avatar]

Ok, I'm discussing the winner with my co-conspirators.

[Clark352]

Ok, I'm discussing AboveAvgCharles with my co-conspirators.

Fixed that for you.

[Evil Avatar]

Fixed that for you.

Is it that obvious?

I treasure everyone who took time to make something and submit. There is nothing cooler than having a great community to draw on for fun projects like book covers and website artwork.

[AboveAvgCharles]

I treasure everyone who took time to make something and submit. There is nothing cooler than having a great community to draw on for fun projects like book covers and website artwork.
I wholeheartedly agree. Everyone here is a winner, regardless of whoever gets the cookie. I'd love to see some more community events like this. Fantastic ideas all around.

[Clark352]

I was blown away by the amount of talent displayed in this thread. Amazing stuff gents. You should all be proud.

Man, I need to be that good at ANYTHING.

[Evil Avatar]

After a brief period of gushing about how talented everyone who participated in the thread was, we have officially chosen the winner as...

AboveAvgCharles (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/member.php?u=3341)

Thank you again to everyone who entered, I hope I can draw on your talents again for future writing projects.

AboveAvgCharles, please send me a Private Message with your Contact Information and the video game you would like as your prize.

You can pick any available title (or soon-to-be available title if you feel like waiting) up to $130.00 value.

(Price picked so that Guitar Hero III or Rock Band isn't out of reach.)

Congrats from all the Evil Avatar.com Staffers and from publisher Permuted Press!

[fitbabits]

After a brief period of gushing about how talented everyone who participated in the thread was, we have officially chosen the winner as...

AboveAvgCharles (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/member.php?u=3341)

Thank you again to everyone who entered, I hope I can draw on your talents again for future writing projects.

AboveAvgCharles, please send me a Private Message with your Contact Information and the video game you would like as your prize.

You can pick any available title (or soon-to-be available title if you feel like waiting) up to $130.00 value.

(Price picked so that Guitar Hero III or Rock Band isn't out of reach.)

Congrats from all the Evil Avatar.com Staffers and from publisher Permuted Press!
Congrats, AAC!

Two words for your winning entry:

1. Awe
2. Some

[pseudopseudo]

Kudos, Charles!

[Clark352]

Hell yes!

Well done!

[AboveAvgCharles]

Thanks everyone. Especially to Evil Avatar, the Man and the Community. I would be lost without this place. Everyone here is totally awesome.

I'll sling a PM your way in the morning Evil, I gotta head to work at the moment. Thanks again for the awesome contest, I've really enjoyed seeing all the creativity it has inspired.

[Evil Avatar]

Ohhh... AboveAvgCharles picked a great game -- the limited edition of Mass Effect for the Xbox 360.

Great choice!

Once he gets back to me, I may have a second very cool announcement.

[n3rdXcore]

Legen...

(wait for it)

dary!

[AboveAvgCharles]

Mass Effect Limited Collector's Edition arrived in my sweaty little paws this morning. The word "excited" doesn't even come close to describing it. We've got family in town for Thanksgiving right now, so I'm going to have to restrain myself for a couple of days, but you'd better believe that real soon I'll be spending some quality time with this game sans pants.

Thanks again to Evil Avatar for providing an awesome community and feeding my gaming habit. Much love, yo.

[CptTripps]

Mass Effect Limited Collector's Edition arrived in my sweaty little paws this morning. The word "excited" doesn't even come close to describing it. We've got family in town for Thanksgiving right now, so I'm going to have to restrain myself for a couple of days, but you'd better believe that real soon I'll be spending some quality time with this game sans pants.

Thanks again to Evil Avatar for providing an awesome community and feeding my gaming habit. Much love, yo.

Congrats man! They picked the right man for the job. I hope something like this comes up again, as I now know what I'm up against :) I'm gonna call on you for some design work for my band, just without the free prize thing ;)

[AboveAvgCharles]

I'm gonna call on you for some design work for my band, just without the free prize thing ;)

Sounds like a plan. I'd be happy to do some stuff for your band. Drop me a line when you're interested.

I love this place.

[Evil Avatar]

Mass Effect Limited Collector's Edition arrived in my sweaty little paws this morning. The word "excited" doesn't even come close to describing it. We've got family in town for Thanksgiving right now, so I'm going to have to restrain myself for a couple of days, but you'd better believe that real soon I'll be spending some quality time with this game sans pants.

Thanks again to Evil Avatar for providing an awesome community and feeding my gaming habit. Much love, yo.

That is fantastic! I was at work on the 20th and I didn't see the message. Glad you got the game on launch day.

[cp#]

So taking a nod from resikel's fantastic presentation, and combined with the fact that I'm sick as a dog with nothing to do, I tried my hand at making a 3D assembled view.

Unless you guys have any suggestions or critiques about the design, I promise I'll stop posting revisions and just leave the goddamned thing alone. Swear.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/AboveAvgCharles/AgentRedBookView.jpg

Grats on the winning submission, there were some really great ones. I think you need to fix the helicopter blades though, they seem to be behind the building (unless that is intentional?)

[Evil Avatar]

Sounds like a plan. I'd be happy to do some stuff for your band. Drop me a line when you're interested.

I love this place.

I was just going to ask if you could do another quick job for me. :)

[Jetherik]

This is a great story! I was lucky enough to read a few of Evil's drafts and enjoyed each draft. Great pacing, great action, great characters!

[Evil Avatar]

This is a great story! I was lucky enough to read a few of Evil's drafts and enjoyed each draft. Great pacing, great action, great characters!

Thank you, thank you. In a few months it will be a full novel. I'm also thinking of hiring a professional editor to help me with the final draft.

[ElectricMonk]

I'd consider removing the 'war is hell' bit from the cover as well as that is just so cliched.