503 - Penguin Book Cover - Other Options

I wanted to take just the main focus points of my previous illustrations and then apply them to a different cover style - one which has more of a typographical focus, then with experiments into this grid inspired layout (from the old maps)
This cover style has allowed me to start properly considering the actual guide-lined content which will have to be set on the cover aswell within my designs.
- includes the main blurb and a quoted review from the Sunday Express, etc, in order to meet penguin guidelines.

I knew I wanted the cover to feature a strong serif typeface, this being reflective of the traditional nature that comes with the old non-fiction novel. For the initial layout experiments I made use of a personal favourite 'Narziss Pro CY UltraBold' -  the thick, contrasting line weights and curving form provides a certain character and tone of voice which as previously published covers show is quite appropriate for In Cold Blood.
This was to be partnered with a sans serif to provide that contrast on the cover and provide legibility for the main chunks of text needed on book covers. I used 'Futura' here, as it fits the retro kind of old-style that comes with the quite old classic novel, also pairs well with the traditional feel that comes with the serif typeface.

I tried some varying layouts but all apply the same concept.
Below shows my experiments featuring both of the illustrations - the close up hands tied, aswell as the full body/chair design - will take both options to a crit session and see which feedback suggests is most effective for the title.

I applied a very dark background colour to highten the sincerity and pure horror of the real life story line within the book. It is more of a graphical layout, which I've found might only appeal to designers - as might feel to over-crowded and complicated for some people, especially when sat on a shelf amongst many other covers in a bookshop - this is something to consider and research into.

Beneath shows how I trialled a drop colour on the one text box. I wanted to see how I could make this colour compatible with the illustration used, increasing consistency across the spread. Here are the 4 different layouts (only moving the text boxes and type alignment on the back page about)...

A course-mate did suggest to me to try a coloured background on this cover aswell - due to the enhanced darkness - but this experiment beneath reflects why I like it dark, its different and portrays a certain eery edginess that most covers will not have..