As the highly anticipated revised 5th edition of Dungeons and Dragons approaches its September 17th, 2024 release date, fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. However, the most dedicated enthusiasts have an extra reason to rejoice – the opportunity to get their hands on the collectible alternate art covers before anyone else.
A Tranquil Tapestry
Polygon has exclusively unveiled the mesmerizing alternate art cover for the Player’s Handbook (2024), and it’s a sight to behold. Illustrated by the talented Wylie Beckert, the cover depicts a serene gathering of iconic D&D classes – the fighter, wizard, cleric, and rogue – sharing tea with a friendly gold dragon. This peaceful scene stands in stark contrast to the mainline Player’s Handbook’s bold, combat-focused cover by Tyler Jacobsen.
According to Josh Herman, Wizards of the Coast’s head of art, the alternate cover aims to capture the storytelling essence of D&D. “We liked the idea of making the alt cover something that has a sweeter, calmer version of that,” he explained. “Something that’s not so aggressive, with combat and fighting right away. That’s certainly a huge pillar of D&D, but sometimes a lot of what D&D is, is just storytelling.”
Artistic Mastery
Beckert’s artistry shines through in the intricate details of the cover. The sinewy curves of the protective dragon, adorned with a cheeky ampersand symbol at the end of its tail, showcase the artist’s prowess. A light source, centered on the dragon’s magical breath, also subtly references the very first Player’s Handbook, with art by David Trampier featuring a fire-lit golden idol with giant red gems for eyes.
Herman praised Beckert’s style, noting the softness of her textures and the motion in her composition. Fans may recognize her work from the alternate art cover of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, released in 2020.
Collector’s Delight
The alternate art covers extend beyond the Player’s Handbook, with special gold foil treatments planned for the Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024) and Monster Manual (2025) as well. These collectible editions, featuring a gold filigree border designed by Simen Meyer, offer a unique opportunity for D&D enthusiasts to own a piece of the game’s rich artistic heritage, commemorating its 50th anniversary.
Early Access for Dedicated Fans
While the revised Player’s Handbook (2024) officially launches on September 17th, brick-and-mortar shoppers can get their hands on the collectible alternate art cover as early as September 3rd. This early access provides dedicated fans with an advantage, allowing them to explore the enhanced mechanics before the wider release.
Herman expressed his excitement for local game stores to be the first to offer the alternate art covers, stating, “I genuinely love the idea that a local game store is the first place you can get your hands on something. And I especially love it that you can do it with the alt cover, too.”
The Player’s Handbook (2024) will be available for pre-order beginning June 18th, 2024, before arriving at local game shops on September 3rd, 2024. The Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024) is expected later in November 2024, with the Monster Manual (2025) arriving in February 2025.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the revised ruleset, the alternate art covers serve as a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Dungeons and Dragons, blending combat and storytelling in a harmonious visual representation of the game’s enduring appeal.
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