Title: The Hate Merchant
Author: Niven Busch
Cover artist: Harry Schaare
Yours for: $11
Best things about this cover:
- "Hate for sale! Get your fresh hot hate here!"
- I like the drunk guy inciting the mob while doing an impression of Gene Kelly in 'Singin' in the Rain' — "What a glorious feeling, I'm h- ... Hey, look everybody. It's the giant floating head of Broderick Crawford! Get him!"
- That is the cock-teasiest cover picture I've seen in a long time. Look at her giving him the coy look and hiking up her skirt: "What? Oh, you want some of this ... this creamy, smooth thigh? Do you? Fat chance you stupid schlub! Call me when you get a real job!" "Why I oughta..." "Oh, your impotent rage is comical." Etc.
- Design fail: wraparound cover that doesn't. Why in the world do you put the blue frame down the left side when the painting actually *continues* around to the spine and back cover. It's called a 'wrap-around' for a reason, and you have totally blown the effect, jackasses.
Best things about this back cover:
- "Frank!"
- Thank god for the parenthetical "Ala." in the review; otherwise, how would we know which prestigious "Advertiser" was responsible for this blurbing gem?
- The mob action is much better on the back cover. More dynamic stick-wielders, more clearly suffering bodies.
Page 123~
Pros nodded. He reached for the bottle, but Splane moved it out of the way.
This is what happens when you let your 4-yr-old daughter name the characters in your book.
~RP
[Follow Rex Parker on Twitter]
