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.

 

[Scott Christian]

Your prediction isn't even that unique. You basically described half the plot of Riders of the Purple Wage. Congratulations! You've caught up to 1960s Sci-Fi.

That's awesome. I am in good company then. Glad to know my mind is as sharp as Mr. Farmer.

 

[Sulicius]

"Better" is a very relative concept. The book covers aren't bad per se. The artist, Billy Christian, is really competent and know how to do a good composition. See the examples below:

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But the art direction is lacking. If someone can prompt a human artist who know how to create good art to make something bland and uninspiring, I doubt they would do any better using AI.

Wow! Where is that Storm Giant/Regisaur art from?

 

[Jolly Ruby]

Wow! Where is that Storm Giant/Regisaur art from?

I saw it in the Glory of the Giants promotional arts. I'm not sure if it's inside the book too since I don't have it.

 

[Parmandur]

I saw it in the Glory of the Giants promotional arts. I'm not sure if it's inside the book too since I don't have it.

It is inside Bigby's, yes.

 

[Sulicius]

Is it? Man I read the entire book last month and don’t remember.

 

[Parmandur]

Is it? Man I read the entire book last month and don’t remember.

It is for sure.

 

[GarrettKP]

The two alternate covers with the text.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

"Better" is a very relative concept.

There is more to it than that. There is technical quality and ranged of techniques, which is objectively measurable.

Those images you post are poorly composed, however they appear to be cropped from much larger works, so it might be the fault of whoever did the cropping.

The first one has terrible depth of field, especially with the giant, so it looks like the dinosaur is biting his arm - that is not good art. Aerial perspective could have been used to establish relative depth into the image. Shadows could also have been used - if the dinosaur has cast a shadow over the giant's fist it would have established their relative positions, as well as separated them by light level.

But the art direction is lacking. If someone can prompt a human artist who know how to create good art to make something bland and uninspiring,

If a human artist makes something bland and uninspiring, it is the fault of the artist, not the person giving them the commission.

I doubt they would do any better using AI.

AI can produce thousands of pieces of art in the time a human can produce one. It's just a matter of selecting the best.