Coolest D&D Illustration Ever [Archive] - Wizards Community

Coolest D&D Illustration Ever [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
DemonDragonJ
08-06-05, 08:59 PM Throughout all of the D&D books that I have read, I have seen a myriad of awe-inpsiring illustrations. I would like to ask everyone what their favorite illustrations are, and see how long a thread I can start.

I have several choices for my favorite illustration, and I shall describe each one in detail here.

Asmodeus and Mephistopheles from the Book of Vile Darkness; they are both so evil looking!

Zaphkiel from the Book of Exalted Deeds; he is very angelic in appearance.

Morwel and Faerinaal from the Book of Exalted Deeds; Morwel is so sexy!

Finally, my number one favorite D&D illustration of all is...

The epic blackguard from the Epic Level Handbook; that picture is just so awesome! It practically radiates evil!

If anyone else wishes to express their opinion on what they believe to be the coolest D&D illustration ever, you are welcome to do so.

Famous last words (said to a pit fiend): "Your mother was a night hag!" :D
Seeker95
08-06-05, 09:21 PM Emerikol the Chaotic in 1e AD&D.
Elven Doritos
08-06-05, 11:22 PM Last page of the DMG 2: Mialee prismatic sprays the Tarrasque while Lidda is climbing the beast and while Tordek is hacking at his foot. Meanwhile, Jozen flies up and throws the Wand of Orcus into the beast's huge gullet. Art done by Wayne Reynolds.

Also, the picture of Hades in the 3rd Edition of Deities & Demigods. Again, a Reynolds piece.

To round off the list, there is always the beautiful cover art on the Draconomicon. I belive that one is by Lockwood, but I don't have my copy handy.
Puritan13
08-07-05, 12:04 AM Yeah, that pic of the Iconics taking on a Tarrasque is very good. But so is every other peice of Wayne Reynolds art. He has a site found here (http://www.waynereynolds.com/) where you can see some of his other art.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/cd_gallery/82296.jpg
Is one of my favorites.
Knucklehead
08-07-05, 12:05 AM Jozan is holding on to the bugger's nose. It is a great pic.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/dmg2_gallery/90120.jpg
weasel fierce
08-07-05, 12:08 AM The class picture of the cleric in the D&D Basic (red) book, Mentzer edition.
Attila
08-07-05, 12:55 AM The cover art on the AD&D (1e) PHB and the picture on pg 108 of the AD&D PHB (adventurers on staircase w/ magic mouth)
Manyfist
08-07-05, 01:16 AM http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/bovd_gallery/88161_620_24.jpg
I like this Pic.
Someone
08-07-05, 01:45 AM Not exactly sure where it was from, but one of the ol' Dragonlance pics- the one with the castle built on top of a flying mountain.
-Shade-
08-07-05, 02:17 AM I like some of the old school art from 2nd edition. Especially from Spelljammers.

The new art is great. I'm a new school player myself. But when I look through my roommate's old 2nd ed books, I can't help but like the old art. It's more realistic, more as if it is trying to transport me to that brave new world. The new stuff is ok... but too comic bookish. Bring back the old school artists, I say.

For the best examples, i'd look at the 2nd Edition "Monsterous Compendium". It has Ravenloft, Spelljammers, Forgotten Realms, and other art. It just looks so beautiful and not the least comic bookish. I love it!

There is one merit in the new art though. It does have more excitement and action.

Oh, and I like the Nymph from v3.5's Monster Manual. It just simmers with sensuality. I was blown away when I first saw it. It teased, it toyed, it just... worked! Also helps that i'm a heterosexual male. :D
Azzy
08-07-05, 02:44 AM The class picture of the cleric in the D&D Basic (red) book, Mentzer edition.

I've always thought that Elmore's B&Ws were always his bests.That one, the (what I'm assuming) the paladin fighting the avenger, and the elven keepers guarding the Tree of Life (both from the D&D Companion set) were amonst some of my favourites.
Molu Kai
08-07-05, 02:45 AM My favourite picture from 3.5 is the aasimar in Races of Destiny.
Manyfist
08-07-05, 02:47 AM All of eberron art is really well done. I like the Style of coloring and illustrastions of Eberron's Pics. I don't like much of non 3.0 Art I find them well, mostly ugly. Amatureish, most of it any how.
The Livewire
08-07-05, 04:21 AM Not exactly sure where it was from, but one of the ol' Dragonlance pics- the one with the castle built on top of a flying mountain.

I love that one. Especially with the Tardis.
Nuntius128
08-07-05, 04:35 AM http://www.waynereynolds.com/PaizoGallery1A/4.jpg

Whoa, buddy, that's pretty cool.

http://www.waynereynolds.com/Misc1A/8.jpg

This is one of those pictures that really helps me visualise the size difference of monsters to PCs. Very nice.
DM_Eoin
08-07-05, 08:54 PM The best illustration in and D&D book is by far the invisible stalker in the 2e Monster's Manual... look it up if you don't believe me. :)
Martryn
08-07-05, 10:34 PM Wayne Reynold's rendition of the 3.0 ogre mage. Makes me want to play one.
Gnome_Dragon_Disciple
08-07-05, 10:54 PM I'll second the motion for much of Eberron's art, but I'd say that the Thrown Weapon master from Complete Warrior just oozes the feel of the class... A character with obscene dexterity, supreme confidence in her weapons, an armory of darts, shuriken, daggers, etc., and a look that says "Wanna game of darts?"
LordHumungus
08-08-05, 03:07 AM My favorite wasn't as beautifully done as some of the others mentioned. In the 2nd ed. DM's guide(The newer version with the black cover)There's an adventurer walking down a hall, unwinding a ball of twine as he goes. Several paces behind him is a Troll with an awesome Hook Nose, gathering the twine back up. Just a classic moment there.
Aliquid
08-08-05, 10:20 AM I've always thought that Elmore's B&Ws were always his bests.100% agree

There was also some good stuff in the 1E Monster Manual.
babysamurai
08-08-05, 10:55 AM The picture of Elric by Jeff Dees in the 1st edition Deities & Demigods.
Escef
08-08-05, 12:29 PM My favorite wasn't as beautifully done as some of the others mentioned. In the 2nd ed. DM's guide(The newer version with the black cover)There's an adventurer walking down a hall, unwinding a ball of twine as he goes. Several paces behind him is a Troll with an awesome Hook Nose, gathering the twine back up. Just a classic moment there.

That's an homage to a similar peice in the 1e... PHB? Or was it the 1e DMG? One of the two, anyway.
Cole Deschain
08-08-05, 12:43 PM For B&W, I like Gnollslayer. (No, I don't have a link. That would involve work.)

Favorite color illustration? Probably the cover of Children of the Night: The Created. Creepy, creepy Azenwrath.
Kothardarastrix
08-08-05, 01:09 PM I agree with the Draconomicon, Mephistopheles, and the epic blackguard. I'd also like to say that the 3.5 DMG picture of the Blackguard is good and definitely not as dreadful as the one from 3.0.
DemonDragonJ
08-08-05, 03:15 PM Wow, look at all this awesome feedback I received! This is so cool!

Thanks for the feedback, everybody.

Funniest I scenario have witnessed:

Enemy NPC fighter: I have a +5 greatsword, a suit of +5 full plate, and a +5 ring of protection; what do you do?
PC wizard: I cast finger of death!
Enemy fighter: Aw, crap!
CedricBrooks
08-08-05, 05:45 PM Gotta say, this one is my all time fave, not a book I have though.

http://www.diterlizzi.com/art/games/planescape/ps-catlord.html
GreyLord
08-08-05, 06:16 PM That's an homage to a similar peice in the 1e... PHB? Or was it the 1e DMG? One of the two, anyway.

Is that the one on page 102 PHB if memory serves correct?
Amaril
08-08-05, 06:41 PM [[Please don't post pics from the Book of Vile Darkness except on the mature boards. -- WizO the Hutt]]

http://www.horhaus.com/weblogs/archives/kalmangallery/roguecover.jpg
http://www.horhaus.com/weblogs/archives/kalmangallery/griffonrider.jpg
Wildonion
08-08-05, 06:56 PM I love the look of this pic from Complete Adventurer of the Vigilante

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/cx_gallery/86369.jpg

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DemonDragonJ 08-06-05, 08:59 PM	Throughout all of the D&D books that I have read, I have seen a myriad of awe-inpsiring illustrations. I would like to ask everyone what their favorite illustrations are, and see how long a thread I can start. I have several choices for my favorite illustration, and I shall describe each one in detail here. Asmodeus and Mephistopheles from the Book of Vile Darkness; they are both so evil looking! Zaphkiel from the Book of Exalted Deeds; he is very angelic in appearance. Morwel and Faerinaal from the Book of Exalted Deeds; Morwel is so sexy! Finally, my number one favorite D&D illustration of all is... The epic blackguard from the Epic Level Handbook; that picture is just so awesome! It practically radiates evil! If anyone else wishes to express their opinion on what they believe to be the coolest D&D illustration ever, you are welcome to do so. Famous last words (said to a pit fiend): "Your mother was a night hag!" :D
Seeker95 08-06-05, 09:21 PM	Emerikol the Chaotic in 1e AD&D.
Elven Doritos 08-06-05, 11:22 PM	Last page of the DMG 2: Mialee prismatic sprays the Tarrasque while Lidda is climbing the beast and while Tordek is hacking at his foot. Meanwhile, Jozen flies up and throws the Wand of Orcus into the beast's huge gullet. Art done by Wayne Reynolds. Also, the picture of Hades in the 3rd Edition of Deities & Demigods. Again, a Reynolds piece. To round off the list, there is always the beautiful cover art on the Draconomicon. I belive that one is by Lockwood, but I don't have my copy handy.
Puritan13 08-07-05, 12:04 AM	Yeah, that pic of the Iconics taking on a Tarrasque is very good. But so is every other peice of Wayne Reynolds art. He has a site found here (http://www.waynereynolds.com/) where you can see some of his other art. http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/cd_gallery/82296.jpg Is one of my favorites.
Knucklehead 08-07-05, 12:05 AM	Jozan is holding on to the bugger's nose. It is a great pic. http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/dmg2_gallery/90120.jpg
weasel fierce 08-07-05, 12:08 AM	The class picture of the cleric in the D&D Basic (red) book, Mentzer edition.
Attila 08-07-05, 12:55 AM	The cover art on the AD&D (1e) PHB and the picture on pg 108 of the AD&D PHB (adventurers on staircase w/ magic mouth)
Manyfist 08-07-05, 01:16 AM	http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/bovd_gallery/88161_620_24.jpg I like this Pic.
Someone 08-07-05, 01:45 AM	Not exactly sure where it was from, but one of the ol' Dragonlance pics- the one with the castle built on top of a flying mountain.
-Shade- 08-07-05, 02:17 AM	I like some of the old school art from 2nd edition. Especially from Spelljammers. The new art is great. I'm a new school player myself. But when I look through my roommate's old 2nd ed books, I can't help but like the old art. It's more realistic, more as if it is trying to transport me to that brave new world. The new stuff is ok... but too comic bookish. Bring back the old school artists, I say. For the best examples, i'd look at the 2nd Edition "Monsterous Compendium". It has Ravenloft, Spelljammers, Forgotten Realms, and other art. It just looks so beautiful and not the least comic bookish. I love it! There is one merit in the new art though. It does have more excitement and action. Oh, and I like the Nymph from v3.5's Monster Manual. It just simmers with sensuality. I was blown away when I first saw it. It teased, it toyed, it just... worked! Also helps that i'm a heterosexual male. :D
Azzy 08-07-05, 02:44 AM	The class picture of the cleric in the D&D Basic (red) book, Mentzer edition. I've always thought that Elmore's B&Ws were always his bests.That one, the (what I'm assuming) the paladin fighting the avenger, and the elven keepers guarding the Tree of Life (both from the D&D Companion set) were amonst some of my favourites.
Molu Kai 08-07-05, 02:45 AM	My favourite picture from 3.5 is the aasimar in Races of Destiny.
Manyfist 08-07-05, 02:47 AM	All of eberron art is really well done. I like the Style of coloring and illustrastions of Eberron's Pics. I don't like much of non 3.0 Art I find them well, mostly ugly. Amatureish, most of it any how.
The Livewire 08-07-05, 04:21 AM	Not exactly sure where it was from, but one of the ol' Dragonlance pics- the one with the castle built on top of a flying mountain. I love that one. Especially with the Tardis.
Nuntius128 08-07-05, 04:35 AM	http://www.waynereynolds.com/PaizoGallery1A/4.jpg Whoa, buddy, that's pretty cool. http://www.waynereynolds.com/Misc1A/8.jpg This is one of those pictures that really helps me visualise the size difference of monsters to PCs. Very nice.
DM_Eoin 08-07-05, 08:54 PM	The best illustration in and D&D book is by far the invisible stalker in the 2e Monster's Manual... look it up if you don't believe me. :)
Martryn 08-07-05, 10:34 PM	Wayne Reynold's rendition of the 3.0 ogre mage. Makes me want to play one.
Gnome_Dragon_Disciple 08-07-05, 10:54 PM	I'll second the motion for much of Eberron's art, but I'd say that the Thrown Weapon master from Complete Warrior just oozes the feel of the class... A character with obscene dexterity, supreme confidence in her weapons, an armory of darts, shuriken, daggers, etc., and a look that says "Wanna game of darts?"
LordHumungus 08-08-05, 03:07 AM	My favorite wasn't as beautifully done as some of the others mentioned. In the 2nd ed. DM's guide(The newer version with the black cover)There's an adventurer walking down a hall, unwinding a ball of twine as he goes. Several paces behind him is a Troll with an awesome Hook Nose, gathering the twine back up. Just a classic moment there.
Aliquid 08-08-05, 10:20 AM	I've always thought that Elmore's B&Ws were always his bests.100% agree There was also some good stuff in the 1E Monster Manual.
babysamurai 08-08-05, 10:55 AM	The picture of Elric by Jeff Dees in the 1st edition Deities & Demigods.
Escef 08-08-05, 12:29 PM	My favorite wasn't as beautifully done as some of the others mentioned. In the 2nd ed. DM's guide(The newer version with the black cover)There's an adventurer walking down a hall, unwinding a ball of twine as he goes. Several paces behind him is a Troll with an awesome Hook Nose, gathering the twine back up. Just a classic moment there. That's an homage to a similar peice in the 1e... PHB? Or was it the 1e DMG? One of the two, anyway.
Cole Deschain 08-08-05, 12:43 PM	For B&W, I like Gnollslayer. (No, I don't have a link. That would involve work.) Favorite color illustration? Probably the cover of Children of the Night: The Created. Creepy, creepy Azenwrath.
Kothardarastrix 08-08-05, 01:09 PM	I agree with the Draconomicon, Mephistopheles, and the epic blackguard. I'd also like to say that the 3.5 DMG picture of the Blackguard is good and definitely not as dreadful as the one from 3.0.
DemonDragonJ 08-08-05, 03:15 PM	Wow, look at all this awesome feedback I received! This is so cool! Thanks for the feedback, everybody. Funniest I scenario have witnessed: Enemy NPC fighter: I have a +5 greatsword, a suit of +5 full plate, and a +5 ring of protection; what do you do? PC wizard: I cast finger of death! Enemy fighter: Aw, crap!
CedricBrooks 08-08-05, 05:45 PM	Gotta say, this one is my all time fave, not a book I have though. http://www.diterlizzi.com/art/games/planescape/ps-catlord.html
GreyLord 08-08-05, 06:16 PM	That's an homage to a similar peice in the 1e... PHB? Or was it the 1e DMG? One of the two, anyway. Is that the one on page 102 PHB if memory serves correct?
Amaril 08-08-05, 06:41 PM	[[Please don't post pics from the Book of Vile Darkness except on the mature boards. -- WizO the Hutt]] http://www.horhaus.com/weblogs/archives/kalmangallery/roguecover.jpg http://www.horhaus.com/weblogs/archives/kalmangallery/griffonrider.jpg
Wildonion 08-08-05, 06:56 PM	I love the look of this pic from Complete Adventurer of the Vigilante http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/cx_gallery/86369.jpg