I will make no apologies for my own preferences. I started role-playing in the era of Moldvay’s Basic Set, Cook’s Expert Set, and 1st edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (with the original covers). The illustrations that fire my imagination when I think of D&D — the illustrations that allow me to effortlessly slip the shackles of reality and enable me to be there — are those of Dave Trampier, Erol Otus, Jim Roslof, Darlene Pekul, and Russ Nicholson. Whereas later editions were increasingly dominated by commercial art and comic book art, the classic editions were populated with art that was original and even visionary. It was art that was as creative and liberating as the game it depicted. The artists I mentioned above were responsible for the look of D&D when it was at the pinnacle of its popularity. This is something worth considering.

If Wizards of the Coast really wants to recapture the true spirit of D&D, they would be well advised to choose their artists carefully from amongst those who have a personal interest in fantasy art, and not merely a financial one. This is an excellent opportunity to provide work for many artists who may be outside the mainstream, but who are exactly right for this frankly eccentric hobby. Another option would be to select illustrations from every edition to represent the D&D that encompasses all previous editions (with perhaps some new illustrations as well). And if neither of those options are acceptable, then I would plead for an edition with no illustrations rather than the soulless corporate hackwork that characterized the last two editions.

(It is worth mentioning that, according to EN World, “The Forgotten Realms will be supported from the start, and a video game art studio from China has been hired to fully detail the Realms.” If outsourcing the art to sweatshops in totalitarian nations is to be the strategy for D&D Next in general, then Wizards of the Coast doesn’t deserve custodianship of D&D. Human rights matter.)

* It is highly advisable that the original title be retained insofar as the edition is known officially as ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (with all capital letters as it was spelled and enforced by its original publisher, TSR). Changing the title (by dropping the word “Advanced,” for instance) creates confusion and doubt. The game was not then, nor is it now, referred to as Dungeons & Dragons, 1st edition or otherwise (and that reopens and exacerbates yet another can of carrion crawlers regarding the issue of edition numbering). If the title has been changed, gamers will ask, what else has been altered? This will diminish the appeal for those who are interested in a true reprint of the content. D&D Next may be just Dungeons & Dragons (or whatever they decide to call it), but AD&D is ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. If you respect the history of D&D, don’t try to rewrite that history. Most role-playing gamers have long memories.

Roslof was an artist and graphic designer known for his vivid cover art and illustrations for various Dungeons & Dragons and Advanced Dungeons & Dragons modules published by TSR, Inc., where he was employed for a time as Art Director.

Rest in peace, Mr. Roslof.

• Wikipedia entry: Jim Roslof
• Grognardia Tribute

In answer to James Maliszewski’s question in Grognardia, “When you think about Dungeons & Dragons, the cover of what product comes first to mind?” my answer is:

The Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set edited by Tom Moldvay, circa 1981, with cover art by Erol Otus.

Other images that initially spring to mind are the various books of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 1st Edition, especially the Monster Manual with the cover by David C. Sutherland, the Player’s Handbook with cover art by Dave Trampier, Deities & Demigods with cover art by Erol Otus, and, to a lesser extent, the Dungeon Master’s Guide with cover art by David C. Sutherland.

The internal illustrations that were most evocative of fantasy adventure to me were those of Dave Trampier, Erol Otus, Russ Nicholson (in the Fiend Folio), and Darlene.

I am a proud owner of a copy of her landmark fantasy card game, Jasmine: The Battle for the Mid-Realm, which I purchased from her at the first Gen Con I ever attended. (When I say, “purchased from her,” I really mean to say that I gave the money to my mother and watched as she purchased it for me, because I was an awkward lad of about 12 or 13 who was much too shy to approach the beautiful artist I so deeply admired. Aye, silly, but true. Such are the tales of adolescence.)

James Maliszewski had the enviable pleasure of interviewing Darlene in Grognardia, and Darlene herself has her own Web site, the aptly named Darlene the Artist.

Darlene, I wish you the best.

Russ Nicholson has always been one of my favorite role-playing game illustrators, and I wish him success.