D&D 5E (2024) Here's The Covers of BOTH of November's Forgotten Realms Books

We've known for some time that in November, WotC will be releasing not one but two Forgotten Realms books--one aimed at players, the other at Dungeon Masters. Thanks to Game Informer, we now have a look at the covers of Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerun and Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun. The article showcases more art, and is well worth checking out--and for those who want more, the print magazine has a full feature previewing the books.

 

[MNblockhead]

Non-rhetorical question for anyone who doesn't like these covers: What would you prefer to be on the cover of a Forgotten Realms product?

I'm genuinely curious.

For me it is just personal taste over the style of art. Not the characters or what they are doing. The art just doesn't appeal to me, but I'm too uneducated about art to explain why. I like both highly realistic painting and highly abstract, this just lands in the uncanny valley between the two for me. Not that a "bad" cover will keep me from buying a book if I don't like the cover, but I will be waiting to see if they release these with alternative covers.

That's about all I have to contribute to this debate. Unless we are arguing over wizards wearing eye glasses, I don't have much to say. ;-)

 

[MNblockhead]

I wonder what the alt cover Volo's and Xanathars are going for nowadays...

Not enough for me to sell my copy of Volo's.

 

[MNblockhead]

I like Karlach, too, and I get that they're trying to ride the BG3 train, but she's objectively less iconic a Forgotten Realms character than anyone else on either cover. At least they didn't try to squeeze out any more mileage from Drizzt...

Not to the very many of the new generations of fans whose introduction to the FG was Baldur's Gate 3.

 

[dave2008]

Really? I thought those were the best the covers and graphic design have ever looked (and I'm not even that into 3e). They were a neat unifying design element and you could read them in public without normies going "What the hell is that?"

I mean everyone is different, but I am surprised someone wouldn't ask "What the hell is that?"

For me I really disliked the faux book covers. I also didn't care for the inside trade dress, again faux book look, or stat block presentation either:

There is really nothing a like about these book designs, I find them hard to read and don't care for mock book look.

 

[pukunui]

I mean everyone is different, but I am surprised someone wouldn't ask "What the hell is that?"

View attachment 412227


For me I really disliked the faux book covers. I also didn't care for the inside trade dress, again faux book look, or stat block presentation either:
View attachment 412228

There is really nothing a like about these book designs, I find them hard to read and don't care for mock book look.

In contrast, I do like the mock book look … but I’ll never go back to playing 3.5e ever again. I do not like the mechanics!

 

[wizard71]

Wow these covers look cheap and AI workups.WOTC’s artwork has really fallen off.

 

[Zaukrie]

Wow these covers look cheap and AI workups.WOTC’s has really fallen off.

Why is it people think art they didn't like is AI?

 

[wizard71]

Why is it people think art they didn't like is AI?

Because it had no feeling to it. Old D&D art had the sense of mystery, danger and adventure. The character in the DM guide for the realms has a goofy grin as if to say”Wow, sucker,. You actually bought this?” Karlack next to Minsk next to Jarlaxle next to a wizard doesn’t fire up my imagination. It looks like a bunch of influencers posing for a photo while trying to convince you to buy the book. No background of any substance. I will buy it on Beyond for the subclasses but if I were a brand new player who knew nothing of the Realms I don’t see either of these books inspiring me to pick it up. It looks like art for minor children. Antiseptic, bland and uninspiring.

 

[Zaukrie]

Because it had no feeling to it. Old D&D art had the sense of mystery, danger and adventure. The character in the DM guide for the realms has a goofy grin as if to say”Wow, sucker,. You actually bought this?” Karlack next to Minsk next to Jarlaxle next to a wizard doesn’t fire up my imagination. It looks like a bunch of influencers posing for a photo while trying to convince you to buy the book. No background of any substance. I will buy it on Beyond for the subclasses but if I were a brand new player who knew nothing of the Realms I don’t see either of these books inspiring me to pick it up. It looks like art for minor children. Antiseptic, bland and uninspiring.

Which doesn't make it AI. Just art you don't like.

 

[ECMO3]

Wow these covers look cheap and AI workups.WOTC’s artwork has really fallen off.

I am pretty confident it is not AI. AI art would be a lot better, have more flavor and be deeper. I am not saying AI art is the best, but it is generally better than what is on the cover and better than a lot of the art used by TSR and WOTC over the years.