Dragon Magazine Annual

[Nikosandros]

Since it looks like the PHBs, MMs, and such are all coming at about the same time each year it would make sense that the Dragon Annuals will come out around August then for each year. Plus an easy book around Gen Con isn't a bad idea.

Well, the first PHB, DMG and MM came out at a different time (since it was new edition launch). There really isn't any good reason to be forced to put out 'serialized' books at the same time each year.

The second motivation sounds far more likely, though.

 

[MrMyth]

Yes, but it was their decision to put out such a book now, instead of later...

Sure, but as long as they released it as "Dragon Magazine Annual", they were only going to have the 2008 content to choose from. So their options would be to ignore the 2008 releases entirely, or to mix years together, or something else that wouldn't make for an especially great product. I think the yearly approach is a good one, and while it meant the first one was a little lackluster, it was hardly a disaster - and the ones to follow should have even more to offer.

 

[Crothian]

Here is a list of what they included in the Dragion Annual

Yeenoghu, Kobolds, Ashen Covenant, Mithrendain, Star Pact Warlocks, Bloodghost Syndicate, Intellegent items, arena combat, Gkladiators, Longest Night, Dhampyrs, Masters of Planes, Shadar-Kai, and Art of the Kill

There's a lot in the book and a good variety I think.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

"Best of Dragon" would have been a better title. Then they aren't particularly constrained to one year, and could even reprint good background articles from previous editions.

 

[Crothian]

I don't think they wanted none 4e stuff in here even if it was without rules.