I'm close to publishing a new printing* of Rob Kuntz's Dark Druids module. For the cover, I originally envisioned using the "classic" 1e type cover, much like what the PPP modules (and my own CHP modules) use. But I've been unable to come up with a cover illustration idea that knocks my socks off (I have very particular standards), so I put the cover decision on the back burner. (There are *many* other illustration orders to work on in the mean time.) After a while, I started thinking about using a non-classic cover format; perhaps something more akin to what you might find on a 60's or 70's swords & sorcery anthology; or perhaps just something else entirely (I have a very specific idea which I'm quite fond of, but I don't want to reveal it just yet). Which brings me to my question...

How important would the classic cover be for a module like this? Would any of you be pushed away from a purchase if it had a non-classic cover style? Does it need to visually "match" the earlier PPP offerings?

I feel silly asking, because I will probably just go with my gut regardless of the feedback, but what the hell: Throw your opinions my way!

*This version of Dark Druids will be specifically for use with AD&D, with slightly more content than the 2006 PPP version. More details once it's closer to publication.

Badmike wrote in How important is the classic look for a new module cover?:Guy I honestly feel some people would buy the module simply for the "1E Old School Look".  I know when I see the classic style and formatting it gets my cold old heart pitter-pattering.   But in the end it's the content that really matters...

Mike B.

+1

Guy,

This one is hard for me to answer because I love your mods for the covers *and* the content.  In fact, my work tries to follow many of the standards you put together on your CH site.  

Whatever you make, I'll be buying for sure.

~throwi

I will triple chime in on the old-school module style. I say this as a guy who just delivered a box set from a kickstarter project. Hands down the biggest extra was the backer only retro-style module (which was my original goal for the whole thing but <shrug> my ambition grew).

This was even true when posting the cover/title page on social networks.

I think it sells to everyone even though the unit cost is higher to produce them.

Zach

I love 1e, but I say to heck with trade dress used by TSR 35 years ago. Do your own thing!

Your call of course, I'll be up for a copy regardless, but for interest I'll mention I'm much more likely to take a chance on a purchase from an unknown author/publisher if the item is produced in that iconic familiar layout.

Guy Fullerton wrote in How important is the classic look for a new module cover?:My decision isn't set in stone yet, but I'm likely to do something of a hybrid. If I had to make the decision today, the cover would strongly suggest (resemble) the classic style, but would do a couple things differently. Hopefully in a non-jarring way.

Perhaps you can have your cake and eat it too, Guy:  use the interior title page of the book to experiment with the version that you don't use for the front cover of the adventure?

And if you know someone that was previously a 1st Edition artist, and find one of them to do some cover art for you.

With that kind of name recognition, you'd end up selling a few more mod's...

If your piece is a "nostalgia" piece, then go with that "look & feel".

If it's not, then do whatever the "heck" you want ... as long as it doesn't need to come in a brown wrapper