Prepare to be dazzled as we unveil the cover for the fourth Vampirates novel, Black Heart, published in the UK on 2nd March. As you can see, this marks an exciting new look for Vampirates, with fresh illustrations by top artist Kev Walker. Kev’s name and work may already be familiar to you from 2000AD, Judge Dredd and Magic: The Gathering. He’s also illustrated the covers for Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl books and the Young Bond graphic novel Silverfin by Charlie Higson.
The existing Vampirates titles will all be rejacketed in the new livery, starting with the new edition of Demons of the Ocean, available alongside Black Heart in March. The jackets are even more exciting in the flesh! There are cutouts where the skull’s eyes are which reveal a glimpse of the stunning artwork lurking beneath. The books will now have a double cover with a page of graphic-novel images, featuring colour illustrations of key characters and action sequences, underneath the cutout.
Justin says, “I love the new look for Vampirates and am especially excited by the inclusion of more illustrations in the graphic-novel style spread. I remain indebted to Bob Lea for all his wonderful artwork to date, but I think now is the perfect moment to refresh the look and feel of the books. It’s great to be working with Kev Walker and I’m loving his fresh interpretation of the Vampirates universe.”
We really want to know what YOU think of the new designs so take a look and then post a comment on the blog!