Universal Monster Legacy Series

[Kernie]

So, I'm getting back into things after having to take a longer-than-I-would-have-liked break, and while I'm readying a new wave of additions to my Comic Book Collection, I decided to take a stab at a Universal Legacy Collection that includes a cover for each of the classic monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolf-Man, etc.). Thanks to Chefjoe's recent Universal Monster collection for reminding me about my own desire to tackle these creatures!!

As far as the look of it, I'm kind of taking a cue from Irrob and others who often do spectacular stuff with very clean, minimalist designs (as opposed to my usual overly-rendered, heavily-textured style).

Here's what I have so far. I don't love it. I don't hate it. I'm trying to be a bit more elegant with these as they are such classic films and I want to give them the respect and class that they deserve. It's quite a challenge because it's very different from my usual way of doing things. Although I still caved in to my typical temptation of adding an ink splatter to the mix.

Honestly, feel free to tear it apart with comments and suggestions. I've just been messing around so far and it's hardly close to being anything I'd consider finished. I might not even end up going in this particular direction, so I'm really open to criticism on this one.

Anyway, I'll let what I have so far speak for itself...

[attachment=12367:uls_fran..._preview.jpg]

[chefjoe]

Ok Kernie, just don't beat my set up too bad,hehe! I Love the TT, but to be perfectly honest I need to see more, will this be spanning, or stand alone? Also if the Legacy Series will it include all the discs and films?

[Kernie]

My plan is to do a cover for each character and include all the films based on that character. So for Frankenstein, it would include Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Ghost of, House of, etc.

I probably won't have it span, I don't really do spanning spines in case somebody doesn't have one of the sets. So they'll be standalone covers but all within the same template. The green bar will also change depending on the character (red for Dracula, yellow for Mummy, and so forth...).

I'm also trying to keep to the original title treatments, or at least title treatments used on one of the original theatrical posters. So they'll change throughout the series as well.

Like I said, I'm not even sure if I'm going to stick with this design, so please feel free to tell me if it's not working.

Thanks for the input, cheffy!!

[donger]

I like it! I can imagine how this can develop into a wonderful set of covers. I dig the idea of different colours for each monster movie series. Not much to criticize yet as there's a long way to go but I look forward to the updates.

[Nightrider]

I like it so far, but wonder how a bit of a stormy night or bit of electric background might go? tried the splatter in red? I assume you have

[Kernie]

Saving red for Dracula. Frank will stay green. I'll try to work in some stormy night/lightning but I want to try to keep this sleek, if possible. But I'll probably end up reverting to what I do best and over-texture/render everything.

[felipe-11]

Doesn't look bad at all so far, but how about making the character's color the same as the banner (in this case, in stead of leaving Frank's face black and white, make him greenish and white), don't know I'm making myself clear..

[Kernie]

Proceeding kind of slowly with this one...

The back and spine needs some work, but I'm liking the front at the moment (I tried to incorporate felipe-11's suggestion and put a greenish gradient map over the monster and other elements). Some kind of quote will go on the black area next to the monster on the back. List of Frankenstein films will probably go on the back green strip. But I'm getting kind of stuck. Any suggestions?

I was kind of surprised by the lukewarm response to my last preview, so any help would be most appreciated!! Thanks!

[attachment=12456:uls_fran...view_002.jpg]

[chefjoe]

lukewarm response, huh? Shocking if you ask me, maybe it's the horror factor, doesn't matter people need to be more involved. nough said. I'm thinking why titles of other movies if you plan to expand to do covers for each? Also maybe some further texturing to the white (on back), but not much else I can say, you've seen mine, ha! my challenge to you is to keep them all based on white, hehe! I love the front, and wouldn't bother with it much more.

[Kernie]

I'm planning to do a cover for each character so I'm going to list the titles on the back, I won't be making a cover for each individual film. Kind of like how Universal did the legacy sets a few years ago, with every film of each character in one set. I know it seems weird considering I'm focusing on the first Frankenstein film with this cover, but I want to keep this collection kind of small and concise (since I have that other neverending collection still going and going).

It's a real challenge keeping it based on white, but I'm up to it!!

Thanks for the input, cheffy!! I appreciate your suggestions!!