You may have (or maybe not) gathered from some of my other posts here that I enjoy the Spice and Wolf series of Anime. In fact I am looking forward to the English release of the Light Novel here in the States. However, I came across a story where Yen Press has opted for a different cover other than its original Japanese release. According to the article, Yen seems to think that the orignal cover would not appeal to American audiences.
English Release Cover for Light Novel
Hmmm, I don’t get the logic there… Who did you poll on that survey? I look at this cover and think, what the?!?! I see this and do not associate it with the original series. Guys, sorry but what is that supposed to be on the cover? What’s with the teeth?
Not knowing that this is the same series with a different cover on it, I would most likely pick it up, look at the cover and then put it right back on the shelf.
I understand that Yen Press is printing dust covers with a different image on it for online retailers to optionally offer. The brick-n-mortar stores will carry the English Release cover version.
Dust Cover for Light Novel
So perhaps someone who has not read or is not all that familiar with the Spice and Wolf series can explain why the original cover would not appeal? I’m assuming that a poll was taken somewhere to come up with the decision to go with an alternate cover for English speaking (American) audiences?
I’m gonna guess here that the majority of those purchasing the Light Novel will already be familiar with the series and Holo (Horo) herself. I can think of a couple other Light Novel series that sells with the original characters on front, Chibi Vampire and Blood+.
I hope that future releases have the original cover or something along the same lines. Not like the one shown above.
Source: Sankaku Complex
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