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.

 

[Jadeite]

Not D&D and some might object to the choice of clothing, but this is still one of my favorite covers. Maybe because it was my first starter set, but I like its dynamic and composition.

Spoiler

 

[Remathilis]

Worst art I havee seen since dwarves baking. 5E2024 art is terrible. This shows nothing about Forgotten Realms. Just a goofy elven wizard laughing at you for paying money for this bad AI art.

The fact that most people will hate on actual art made by people claiming it's AI only convinces me that in five years when all art is AI, we will never tell the difference.

 

[Jahydin]

... even unicorn lady seems to have a connection to the background...

I think part of the reason is she shares the same color tones as the rest of the picture, just slightly darker. Gives the viewer the impression she's grounded in the world.

The red cape and saddle pad help put her into focus and also gives her a bit of differentiation, making things just a little more interesting.

Just my thoughts, realize how subjective it all is, haha.

 

[Jahydin]

Also, who’s this little guy behind the hook horror?

View attachment 412741

Haha, just another hook horror I think. Same eyeballs as the one in front. Also, you can see his hook-hand holding onto the stairs as well.

 

[QuentinGeorge]

Not D&D and some might object to the choice of clothing, but this is still one of my favorite covers. Maybe because it was my first starter set, but I like its dynamic and composition.

Spoiler

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View attachment 412827

The two pairs of people in this image both have identical faces!

Look at the man and the dwarf. And then look at the two women.

I guess the artist has a certain style they like.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

For me, the most distinguishing feature of the Forgotten Realms is everything is larger than life. Massive open spaces, towering citadels, enormous mountains, huge cities, frigid glaciers, over the top spell effects (mythals).

If I was designing a cover for a FR sourcebook I would focus on the landscape, the party reduced to tiny figures (just big enough to be recognisable as established characters) looking on in awe.

The Secret Level animation seemed to get this, HAT did not.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Why are they so happy

Those characters are established as very much enjoying fighting.

“Butt-kicking for goodness!”
-Minsc

 

[tombowings]

Would love to have a cover that looked more like a painting and less like CGI.

More Frank Frazetta, less BG3 by Pixar.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

The two pairs of people in this image both have identical faces!

Look at the man and the dwarf. And then look at the two women.

I guess the artist has a certain style they like.

The two females have similar bodies and mirrored poses too. I’m not sure how the artist has produced this image, some sort of stencilling? Do we know the date?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Would love to have a cover that looked more like a painting and less like CGI.

More Frank Frazetta, less BG3 by Pixar.

Whist I also prefer physical painting (not just "looks like") I'm pretty sure both BG3 and Pixar have made far more money than Frank Frazetta ever did.