I *almost* bought an Avalanche Press book

[gariig]

As I made the Boris comment earlier, I personally don't like his art work(but my GF does so I have to look at the calendars). I do like AP's covers, but they are more appropriate as posters or wallpaper(which I would like to have) on my computer. I wouldn't want to be at work(I work on campus in a meanial job) and have someone walk up to me while reading one of their books and say I was looking at porn or have one of my coworkers get uncomfortable(I doubt it, but it's possible). I wish AP would put the risque art work in the interior and put a more wholesome picture on the cover. A little flesh never hurt, but their pictures go a little beyond "a little flesh".

Gariig

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I object to Avalanche's covers because the artwork really isn't very good, for the most part. The content of their books is actually pretty good.

 

[der_kluge]

Wow. Well, it's good to know that I'm not alone in my opinion about AP's books. I thought I was perhaps being too prudish on the matter, but I see that is not the case.

Alzrius, sorry, I have a hard time understanding a Japanese perspective. You come from a country that has young naked girls prancing around in a oil-slicked relay race, and young girls' panties for sale in vending machines.

Troll Lords - I believe the cover of a book is one that should evoke some kind of mood. "I need to go and masturbate" isn't the kind of mood that, for me, sells d20 books. I can think of numerous cover concepts that would sell a book like "The book of Familiars", which I am eagerly anticipating, and none of them include scantily clad women. I agree with Mouseferatu, on this issue. I still can't quite make out what that thing is she's riding, however.

Bamphalas, I couldn't agree more. Nothing would inspire me more with regard to a faerie book than something like Froud's art. The pictures elegantly capture the primality of fae to me. And yes, the faeries are naked. But, notice how the Froud picture doesn't have that "That'll be $100" look, and Hustler pose about her. I also can't envision any fae female having C-size cup breasts, either. Again, I don't think is *totally* about the image of a naked woman - it's all in the presentation. I love Froud's books, btw.

I'd really like to get AP's comment on all this. We deserve some kind of explanation.

 

[Troll Lord]

Eh?

Curtis,

Riding? LOL Okay, this pic came over at 1 dpi (no kidding) and 444 inches wide and 444 inches tall. So the image is apparently goofed. That is an orger that she and her giant cat familiar have slain.

Steve

 

[Sixchan]

I've been looking at the other stuff a little more, and I've realised the other thing that was bothering me.

If any one of those women on the covers ever got in a fight, they'd be dead in moments. Like that 'Doom of Odin' cover. What sort of Armour class is that going to give you? It covers no vital organs, and since that sword on her back doesn't appear to be in a scabbard, she'll cut her back like that. Her hair is far too long to be functional, since any sensible adventureress would cut it short(er) so it couldn't be pulled, or get in your face. The only two that don't look completely stupid to me are 'All for one & one for all', since the woman is a noble, and has suitable clothing, and 'Viking Age', where at least the armour is partially functional, though I would expect some arm cover in normal armour.

If they want to have this on the cover, I'd suggest Anime style stuff, where at least a woman who looks like that looks a lot more cool than sexy (mainly due to the Great-Great-Greatsword that she would be wielding).

And TL guys, I think the second one is way better. It's all about functionality. (is that a word?)

 

[jmucchiello]

For me, it wasn't the covers that put me off of AP. It was the centerfold in their Amazons products. I was flipping through it and liked some of the material, didn't like other material and then I hit the center staple and went "you've got to be kidding". Put it down and never picked up another AP book. I notice Amazons doesn't appear on their website. I guess it sold out. But not to me.

 

[Sagan Darkside]

I believe the centerfold was in the Mongoose Amazon book.

SD

 

[Darke]

Either the artist or the art director seem to have a one-track mind.

Why THEY? YOU do think like that as you have problems with the cover because of what YOU think.

If YOU look at a near naked or even naked woman and YOU then can only think about ONE thing, who's fault is that eh?



das Darke

 

[Bagpuss]

Don't get me wrong I'm all for pornography, it gives me something to do with my right hand when its not clicking a mouse. But porn is a private matter, best used alone or perhaps with a understand partner.

Roleplaying Gaming is a public thing shared with friends. Now unless I set up a roleplaying group at a swingers club I would not want an AP product at my game table. Its distracting and I need my right hand free to roll dice!

Besides if I set up a roleplaying group at a swingers club you can bet they would be disappointed when they discovered they didn't need to bring the latex nurses uniform. (Although probably not half as disappointed as I would be)

 

[der_kluge]

Don't get me wrong I'm all for pornography, it gives me something to do with my right hand when its not clicking a mouse.

That's tagline potential just waiting to happen!