D&D 5E What Is the Iconic Artwork Of 5E?

[Sacrosanct]

Most D&D players started with 5E, so I seriously doubt they would think of TSR art before they think of 5E art.

google most iconic D&D art and this is every 5th picture or so. So obviously a lot of people still know it even if they never played AD&D or BECMI

 

[Parmandur]

google most iconic D&D art and this is every 5th picture or so. So obviously a lot of people still know it even if they never played AD&D or BECMI

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And that's a great image. But the 5E PHB, DMG, and MM covers get reused for articles about D&D all the time, because people recognize them. I think st this point, early 5E is aestheticly iconic for most people, moreso than TSR by and large.

 

[EzekielRaiden]

I always kinda liked the 5e halfling art. Fight me.

I would, but I believe in only picking on people my own size.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

She's come a long way since Temple of Elemental Evil.

Talk about a glow-up!

 

[Gradine]

Unironically love this shot of Halfling's from Volo's:

 

[dave2008]

google most iconic D&D art and this is every 5th picture or so. So obviously a lot of people still know it even if they never played AD&D or BECMI

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I hope the do an homage to this for the 2024 starter set. I would also like to see an homage to the original core covers too. Some OSR game did that fantastically recently.

 

[Evaniel]

section of piece from Lost Mines of Phandelver

This is probably the best example of what I mentioned earlier about my favorite 5e bits being the "quieter" moments. It's a great piece.

 

[Sacrosanct]

I hope the do an homage to this for the 2024 starter set. I would also like to see an homage to the original core covers too. Some OSR game did that fantastically recently.

Castles and Crusades?

 

[jmartkdr2]

This is probably the best example of what I mentioned earlier about my favorite 5e bits being the "quieter" moments. It's a great piece.

That's kinda the weird thing about 5e art - the vast majority is good, high-quality and artisitic. But somehow it doesn't stand out.

I think perhaps it's because the art direction is too specific - most of the art look very similar, and while having a consistent vibe is a good thing 5e's art seems to blend together. The Syndrome Effect or something.

Having said all that - there are a few picks in the PHB and MM that I do really like, such as the hobgoblin and the elf wizard (in the blue dress) at the start of the magic section.

 

[Sacrosanct]

One of my favorite illustrations was the concept art for the gnoll (that made it in). In fact, I like some of the concept art better than what ended up being in the books.