For Beginning Readers is an art series by artist DrFaustusAU that reimagines well-known horror properties as Dr. Seuss book covers.
An equal opportunist, DrFaustusAU gives horror movies (Silence of the Lambs, Evil Dead), video games (The Last of Us, Bioshock), and even Internet urban legends (Slender Man), the Dr. Seuss treatment. While DrFaustusAU draws only the covers in his For Beginning Readers series, one can't help but wish that they were part of an actual book series. Though perhaps it's for the best, after all some of these images would be pretty scary for an adult, let alone a child.
In addition to the great art, DrFaustusAU includes a brief passage with each of his covers, written in the style of Dr. Seuss. The effect is simultaneously hilarious and chilling.
Terrifying Book Makeovers
For Beginning Readers by DrFaustusAU is Not for Kids
Trend Themes
1. Horror Book Makeovers - There is an opportunity for book publishers to create a series of horror books targeted at adults with a new cover design aesthetic inspired by Dr. Seuss.
2. Pop Culture Mashups - There is an opportunity for artists to create artwork and merchandise that mashup popular culture icons or concepts with well-known children’s book styles/styles.
3. Adult Humor Book Series - There is an opportunity for humor writers to create a series of books targeted at adults that use the style and humor of children’s book authors like Dr. Seuss.
Industry Implications
1. Book Publishing - Book publishers can capitalize on a new trend in book design by creating a series of horror books for adults with a cover design that is inspired by children’s book styles.
2. Pop Culture Art - Artists can capitalize on a trend of reimagining popular culture icons in new ways by creating artwork that mashups well-known films, games or characters with the style of children’s book illustrations.
3. Humor & Satire - Humor writers can capitalize on the style and humor of children’s book authors by creating a series of books that are targeted at adults with adult humor.