Indeed they are. They are, indeed, my favourite covers of all the series.
I intended to write down this somewhere before but I figure here is as good a place as any, then, to discuss the covers of the AKB49 volumes.
The cover of volume 1 features, of course, the forever center of AKB, Maeda Atsuko, as is iconic of AKB48. Minoru in a skirt is also there to introduce his character and role in the series.
Volume 2 features Oshima Yuuko, the 2nd center of AKB48, feeling up Urakawa Minori. Yuuko is a known groper within the 48 groups, and it is not uncommon to be ambushed by her in the changing room.
On Volume 3 you see Watanabe Mayu dragging Minori through the streets of Akihabara. Mayuyu was famous for being a otaku before she joined AKB48, and was disappointed upon finding out that most of the other members weren't into anime.
Volume 4 is fan-favourite Takahashi Minami, apparently. Takahashi Minami, the Captain of team A and publicly-recognised leader of AKB48 back then, often takes cares of her members, such as the caring act shown here as covering Minori with a blanket as she naps unglamorously.
Volume 5 you see Minori on a photoshoot with Kashiwagi Yuki as it rains, apparently interrupting the photoshoot. Kashiwagi Yuki is a famous ame-onna (rain girl) who brings on rain, despite being a weather girl on Hiruobi. During the shooting of her first solo photobook, all 3 days were plagued with rain, making it very difficult to continue the shoots.
On Volume 6 we see Shinoda Mariko at a cafe, alluding to the extra chapter as Urakawa and her eats curry, her favourite food. There are several references here- Mariko is famous for her saying 'Curry is the only thing that won't betray you', and her behavior (ordering many different curries for Urakawa, forcing her to eat them by herself) is famous of her Sadist character, often giving muchaburi (unreasonable tasks) to other members as a form of practical joke. The title of the extra chapter, Onaka kara Mariko (Mariko from the stomach) is also alluding to the single she centers, Ue kara Mariko (Mariko from above).
On Volume 7 we see Itano Tomomi in one of her costumes as she performs on stage.
Volume 8 is Kojima Haruna, about to take a hot spring bath (alluding perhaps to her line of work in such areas due to her nice body).
Volume 9 is Sashihara Rino, on the beach in a swimsuit, as the book was published during the time Not Yet came out with their summer song Kaki Gori (Shaved Ice). You can see Minoru making Kakigori in the background.
Volume 10 is Miyazawa Sae, set in a jungle, referencing the extra chapter in that series as they traverse the jungle.
I can't yet post the rest of the pictures, due to having hit a limit I'll finish posting the rest once this post is replied, and finish the rest of the covers
If anyone would like to know more about AKB48, or has any questions regarding AKB49, feel free to ask away
Translator of AKB49 Renai Kinshi Jourei series
Also translator of various AKB48 videos
Edited by EraMemory, 02 February 2015 - 09:51 AM.