Book cover research

In conducting research for the cover of my graphic novel, I found a few examples of classic sci-fi novels with cover illustrations that interested me and inspired elements that I want in the final cover design for my novel. Classic cover designs with more abstract imagery were appropriate research for my project because they align with the mythological storytelling and themes present in the narrative. This results in an interesting balance of old and new imagery to create something truly unique.

Danger Planet by Brett Stirling (1)

Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany (2)

The Rings of Saturn by Isaac Asimov (3)

Earth Abides by George R. Stewart (4)

After researching these covers, I began experimenting with composition and layout of elements that inspired me from each of these novels. An ever-present symbol that was the focal point for many classic science-fiction covers was the circle to represent a planetoid of some description. From this, I ensured that the circle would also be a focal point on the cover of my graphic novel.

While a few of these designs appeared to be too busy when compared to the image composition of the researched covers, I leaned towards developing the first concept of a city in front of the planetoid (which in this case would be either Earth or its sun). This made me realise that in order for this story to be accessible I needed to give the cover simplicity with easily read imagery, making for an interesting illustrated cover that can draw readers in and doesn't push them away with too many sci-fi elements. 

Other ideas I experimented with involved the helmet of one of the Mars military forces from my story being merged with a planet, taking direct visual inspiration from "The Rings of Saturn" by Isaac Asimov. This concept was not successful in achieving the same visual impact as the city idea and could potentially confuse the reader into believing this helmeted figure was the main character. Another idea was the alien city of Neos being shown as silhouettes in front of a setting sun, but this was again too confusing to grasp as a city and didn't provide enough visual information.


As the project progresses, I will continue to develop my chosen idea for the cover design for my finished graphic novel. I hope to provide a finished illustrated cover in time for the Degree Show, along with my printed novel. For future graphic novels in this series, I will further research into other forms of covers for inspiration to use for the rest of the covers. My aim is to see improvement in each developed cover as my level of research and idea development expands to produce a more refined and solidified visual representation of my story.


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(1) Sterling, B. (1945). Danger Planet. 1st ed. New York: Popular Library.

(2) Delany, S. (1977). Dhalgren. 1st ed. Boston, Mass.: Gregg.

(3) Asimov, I. (1989). The Rings of Saturn. 1st ed. Lightning.

(4) Stewart, G. (n.d.). Earth Abides. 1st ed.