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6 Times a Black Library Book Cover Made a Novel Even Better

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It goes without saying that Black Library’s books tell unmissable stories set across the worlds of Warhammer – but it’s easy to overlook that they’re also visually stunning. From lavish limited editions to paperbacks, they all have one thing in common – amazing artwork that showcases the glory of Warhammer and says something about the story. Let’s take a look at some of the finest examples.

The Master of Mankind

Art by Neil Roberts

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It doesn’t get much more iconic than the Emperor Himself, and Neil Roberts’ art for the Horus Heresy novel The Master of Mankind showcases him at his most heroic, surrounded by his Custodian Guard. This cover promises a closer look at the Emperor than we’ve ever seen before, as well as lots of action with His auramite-clad bodyguards, and boy does Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s story deliver on both counts.

Gloomspite

Art by François Coutu

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The grots of the Mortal Realms are no joke – they’re terrifying killers who lurk beneath the realms and hatch sinister plots by the light of the Bad Moon. The cover of Gloomspite, crafted by François Coutu, captures this darkness perfectly. You know you’re in for something deeply disturbing when you crack open the pages of this book, and every time you have to sit it down because Andy Clark’s vivid descriptions are making you feel just a little bit sick, you see this gloriously hideous depiction all over again.

Pariah and Penitent

Art by Lorenzo Mastroianni

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Most Black Library covers depict recognisable characters or units from the tabletop, usually in action – so the very different tone to Lorenzo Mastroianni’s Pariah and Penitent covers immediately alerts you that these books are something a bit different and special. The focus on a single figure, bearing some familiar Imperial trappings, but in new combinations, is fascinating and mysterious, and makes you want to dive into Dan Abnett’s tales and unlock their secrets.

Archaon: Everchosen

Art by Raymond Swanland

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A very different use of a single figure, Raymond Swanland’s cover for Archaon: Everchosen narrows the focus to the iconic helm, armour and sword of the Chaos gods’ foremost champion in the world-that-was. There’s no face here to convey emotion, simply a dark and moody look at the warrior who will bring an end to all – which is exactly what Rob Sanders’ novel brings the reader.

The Reverie

Art by Anato Finnstark

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Warhammer Horror covers tend to be more stylised than those from the traditional Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar series, and The Reverie is no exception. There are no heroes to cling to in this art, no sense of hope or salvation from the darkness that awaits. Instead, there is simply a chilling image that raises all sorts of questions and hints at the book’s setting through the use of leaves and vines. It’s as dark as Peter Fehervari’s story – and just as intriguing.

Bloodlines

Art by Amir Zand

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The newest imprint from Black Library, Warhammer Crime is already using art to establish its own particular identity. Amir Zand’s cover for Bloodlines, the first novel in the range, written by Chris Wraight, is designed to get across the sheer, dizzying vastness of Varangantua, the megacity in which the story is set. The character placement gives you the idea that inside, you’ll get a tale of one man against the world, setting up one of the core elements of classic crime narratives.

This is just a small taster of the incredible variety of art styles that adorn Black Library covers. Have a browse through the hundreds of ebooks available on blacklibrary.com and see what catches your eye – and tell us which are your favourites, and why, on the Black Library Facebook page.

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