WizKids to Release New Red Dragon Plaque, With More Manageable Head Size

WizKids is releasing a smaller dragon head plaque, this time featuring the 2024 version of the Red Dragon. Announced this week, the new 12-inch Red Dragon Plaque will feature the head of the 2024 Monster Manual version of the Red Dragon. Notably, the dragon plaque will only be about half the weight of previous dragon plaques released by the company, with the new plaque weighing about 7 pounds as opposed to the 14-16 pounds that old plaques weighed. Currently, there's no price point attached to the red dragon.

WizKids has released a series of trophy plaques, featuring dragons, mind flayers, and even an owlbear. Traditionally, the plaques have cost $474.99, with a hefty shipping fee to account for the large size of the box they were placed in.

You can check out the new dragon plaque below:

 

[Distracted DM]

New one looks cool. Old one was cool. My only "disappointment" would be how small it is.

The old one's dimensions: Measures 32-inches tall x 24-inches deep x 18-inches wide
The new one, we only have "12 inch" to go by. Presumably that's the largest measurement, so it's almost 1/3 the size? I guess it depends on the cost but at that point it seem so small as to not be worthwhile for display.

 

[Echohawk]

A dragon’s head on a plaque is supposed to represent an accomplishment, in this case someone’s ability to shell out $500; congratulations.

Now I feel vaguely disparaged for owning one . Also, I note that that's ~$500 plus shipping which, from experience, adds significantly to the cost of acquiring those trophies, especially internationally.

 

[arbados]

I think it's great they offered a more affordable one, but as Distracted DM mentioned you wonder whether it's worth a display piece. The best thing would have been to cut the cost on the original.

 

[doctorhook]

Now I feel vaguely disparaged for owning one . Also, I note that that's ~$500 plus shipping which, from experience, adds significantly to the cost of acquiring those trophies, especially internationally.

My apologies! It wasn’t meant as a particular shot at anyone for wanting it. I’m just cynical about expensive decorations and the proliferation of plastic accessories in this hobby over the past decade. The existence of items like this seems wasteful, considering that it’s just a decoration.

 

[MGibster]

Agreed, but whatever. It’s more plastic junk to sell and to convince fans that they must have it. Always consume! A dragon’s head on a plaque is supposed to represent an accomplishment, in this case someone’s ability to shell out $500; congratulations.

You can buy a life sized Drizzt from WizKids for $1,500. When fully assembled he stands at a mighty 5 feet 7 inches (170 mighty centimeters), comes with a removable hood/cloak, and his two magical swords. My FLGS in Little Rock has one that stands in the corner and keeps an eye on Magic tournaments. I did purchase the resin glow-in-the-dark Beholder WizKids makes because it was just too cute.

 

[AlViking]

Prior to 2000, D&D was pretty inconsistent about how their dragons looked. 3E brought new branding and very particular design for the most iconic creatures, and they mostly stuck to those designs. Lots of creatures were redesigned again in 4E, but the red dragon wasn’t because the design was solid.

Agreed, but whatever. It’s more plastic junk to sell and to convince fans that they must have it. Always consume! A dragon’s head on a plaque is supposed to represent an accomplishment, in this case someone’s ability to shell out $500; congratulations.

The only mount I wish I would have purchased came in two parts. One was the head of a stuffed cow, the other was the back end.

 

[dave2008]

Prior to 2000, D&D was pretty inconsistent about how their dragons looked. 3E brought new branding and very particular design for the most iconic creatures, and they mostly stuck to those designs. Lots of creatures were redesigned again in 4E, but the red dragon wasn’t because the design was solid.

The only one (of the 10 standard) of the dragons that get a redesign in 4e as the green dragon. It was then changed back in 5e. The red dragon actually did get little tweaks in 5e and then a few more in 5e24. We have yet to see how consistent they will be with these new changes. We know from recent books that they still use older art for some dragons (including the red).

Whatever the reasons, I am glad they made some changes. A see a lot of improvements, IMO, and I asked for this several years ago. So I am generally happy!

 

[dave2008]

I think it's great they offered a more affordable one, but as Distracted DM mentioned you wonder whether it's worth a display piece. The best thing would have been to cut the cost on the original.

No, the best thing would be to have the whole body - not just the head!

 

[jolt]

I think both look fine. I do think the red on the new one is a touch too bright, and the black elements make it look like Devil Dragon to me. Nothing wrong with that necessarily, but it seems off if it's supposed to be representative of a regular red dragon.

 

[Mistwell]

Prior to 2000, D&D was pretty inconsistent about how their dragons looked. 3E brought new branding and very particular design for the most iconic creatures, and they mostly stuck to those designs. Lots of creatures were redesigned again in 4E, but the red dragon wasn’t because the design was solid.

Agreed, but whatever. It’s more plastic junk to sell and to convince fans that they must have it. Always consume! A dragon’s head on a plaque is supposed to represent an accomplishment, in this case someone’s ability to shell out $500; congratulations.

I dunno I think they're cool, just the kind of cool décor I'd expect to find in a good game store.