Classic Horror Paperback Covers

[visible]

With all the editions of the classic horror novels comes different but unique cover art.  Below are a few of my favorites.  The Dracula is a special favorite done by the great poster illustrator, Paul Davis - see:  http://okdavis.com/   Davis did many Broadway posters and magazine covers in the 70's and 80's.  If you have a favorite paperback cover, please share. 

[Illoman]

Wow!  I used to own that Dracula!! I've owned several versions of Dracula over the years. The first one I owned was the Airmont Classics version. I bought it in grade school from the school book store, carried it around all the time but never read it! In fact, I never actually read Dracula or Frankenstein until I was in my 40's!!

That Frankenstein you posted has one of my favorite James Bama paintings.

[Mike Scott]

Love the Bama Frankenstein! He did a great J&H paperback, too.

[RICKH]

I have the Davis Dracula as well.  It was the first paperback book that I bought on my own.  I remember buying it in the 8th grade at Readmore in Paducah, KY.  I couldn't understand why he painted Dracula with the white hair and moustache until I read the book.  What a surprise! I only knew Lugosi and Lee's Dracula at that time.

[BaronLatos35]

Great memories with the Dracula book.

[visible]

I have the Davis Dracula as well.  It was the first paperback book that I bought on my own.  I remember buying it in the 8th grade at Readmore in Paducah, KY.  I couldn't understand why he painted Dracula with the white hair and moustache until I read the book.  What a surprise! I only knew Lugosi and Lee's Dracula at that time.

Right, same here.  I only knew Dracula from film.  Once you read Stoker, your concept of the Count changes.  After reading the novel,  I came to appreciate the creepy, menacing quality Davis captured.  I wish this was produced as a poster.  I guess I could scan the cover at a higher resolution and have something printed at Kinkos.  John

[Wich2]

We've discussed the Bamas before hereabouts; there's this, too -



- which if not Bama, is someone "doing Bama."

[Illoman]

It's not Bama, but someone who studied with him. His name escapes me right now, but he also did a Frankenstein cover as well. I'm sure someone on this board remembers his name.

[monsterphile]

Here's the Bama J&H book with 2 color variations:



Here's a Frankenstein offshoot book and The Phantom of the Opera.  Is this the Bama-esque Frank?



and finally a not-quite-Bela Dracula



Rob

[Illoman]

We've discussed the Bamas before hereabouts; there's this, too -



- which if not Bama, is someone "doing Bama."

It was Peter Caras. I just remembered his name. Here's an article about him:

http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2002-05-31/front_page/036.html

And no, that's not his Frankenstein.

[Illoman]

Sorry this pic is so bad, but it's the only one I could fine of the Peter Caras Frankenstein cover:



Evidently he did several covers for the Magnum Easy Eye series. He is credited with 1700 published illustrations!! He studied with James Bama and Norman Rockwell. He did the first few Avenger covers for Bantam.

[RICKH]

Mike, I knew I recognized the name from somewhere in the past.  I loved those Avenger covers.  My favorite is still the first one, Justice Inc.

[Illoman]

Mike, I knew I recognized the name from somewhere in the past.  I loved those Avenger covers.  My favorite is still the first one, Justice Inc.

Yeah, you can tell he apprenticed with James Bama on those covers: the monochromatic color scheme, attention to detail, etc... I think they're great!

[Sean]

Very cool.

[BaronLatos35]

and finally a not-quite-Bela Dracula



Rob

That was my first Dracula book. I love that cover, brings back great memories.